Epcot - Wonders of Life
This pavilion was closed January 1, 2007.
Wonders of Life
The Wonders of Life pavilion is a sparkling gold geodesic dome. The 72' DNA molecule out front acts as a landmark for the pavilion.
Accompany a novice brain pilot as he pulls the physiological team together in a 12 year old boy in "Cranium Command". The thrills at the Wonders of Life are provided by the simulator ride, "Body Wars".
Body Wars:
In
Body Wars, visitors are shrunk to the size of a single
cell and taken on a microscopic journey through a body
in the Wonders of Life's thrill ride, Body Wars. If the
premise sounds familiar, it is because this ride was fashioned
after the 1966 sci-fi film, "Fantastic Voyage".
As you're seated (and securely buckled) in the 44 seat
theatre, you are taken on a rescue mission to retrieve
a scientist already in the body studying the effects of
a splinter. As various mishaps occur, visitors are taken
on a very bumpy simulator ride, in addition to learning
about the human immune system. The combination of visual
effects and the simulator ride can make even the strongest
stomach feel queasy. TIP: Don't go on this ride too soon
after eating. This 5 minute ride is popular with all age
groups but especially teens and is a major attraction
so long lines are the norm. There is a height restriction
of 40" in effect here and parents may choose the
"switch off" option. There is a warning that
visitors who have back or neck problems, and pregnant
women should not ride this. Guests using ECVs must be
able to transfer to a wheelchair.
TIP: Don't go on this ride too soon after eating. This 5- minute ride is popular with all age groups but especially teens and is a major attraction so long lines are the norm. There is a height restriction of 40" in effect here and parents may choose the "switch off" option. There is a warning that visitors who have back or neck problems, and pregnant women should not ride this. Guests using ECVs must be able to transfer to a wheelchair.
FUN FACT:The pilot of the “aircraft” is played by actor Tim Matheson, and the female scientist who is swimming outside the aircraft at the beginning of the film is played by actress Elizabeth Shue.
HIDDEN MICKEYS:Check the mural above Body Wars.
The Making of Me:
A funny, poignant look at the facts of life is presented
in a 14 minute long show at "The Making of Me."
This film is a tastefully done introduction to the stages
of pregnancy from conception to delivery and is light
and humorous. Martin Short stars as a man curious about
his "beginnings" and goes back in time to watch
his parents meet, date, fall in love, marry, conceive
and give birth. While touching, it does include some graphic
shots such as an actual delivery. Parents need to decide
for themselves whether it will be suitable for younger
children. Shown every 15 minutes, the theatre is small
so it may appear that there is a long wait. This attraction
is wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices
are available from Guest Services for guests who are hearing
impaired. For deaf guests, reflective captioning is available,
ask a Cast Member at the entrance for assistance.
In
Cranium Command, visitors get to accompany Buzzy, a novice
brain pilot as he barely makes it through basic training
and is unfortunately assigned to an adolescent boy. The
pre-show is an animated film that introduces "General"
Knowledge as he trains recruits to be brain pilots. Following
the pre-show, you move into a 200 seat theatre where the
Audio-Animatronic Buzzy stumbles through his first day on
the job working with other organs played by popular actors
and comedians. Hans and Franz from Saturday Night Live (Dana
Carvey and Kevin Nealon) work the heart, Jon Lovitz is the
emotional right side of the brain, Charles Grodin the logical
left side of the brain, George Wendt the stomach and Bobcat
Goldthwait as the adrenal gland. We see the film through
the eyes of this 12 year old boy as he meets a cute, new
girl at school, defends her against bullies, is sent to
the principal's office and then finally, his first kiss!
This very popular attraction is entertaining to guests of
all ages. The show is 17 minutes long and a new show begins
every 18 minutes. Cranium Command is wheelchair accessible.
For hearing impaired guests, assistive listening devices
are available from Guest Services. Reflective captioning
is offered to deaf guests, ask a Cast Member at the entrance
for assistance. 
