From the Shoebox - World of Motion / GM Pamphlet (1985)

Today I'd like to share something I pulled out of my of my shoebox 'o Disney ephemera:

This was a free pamphlet I picked up at EPCOT Center's World of Motion pavilion. According the the copyright, I must have picked it up sometime around 1985.

Appealing as the cover page is, what I really dig are the images inside:

You know, as much as I miss the wonderful "World of Motion" AA attraction...

I think I have more distinct memories of two of the shows from the "Transcenter" post-show area: "Bird and the Robot", and "The Water Engine":

And now, a word from our pavilion sponsor, GM:

Oh, and are you wondering about the "free offer inside"? Well, the answer lies on the back page, which includes a postage-paid card via which you could request your "GM Family Vacation Guidebook" (Only one guidebook per household. Offer limited to licensed drivers):

Until next time,

- Chris

Back to the Future

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if Tomorrowland still tried to inspire us the way Walt Disney described back in 1955:

"A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man's achievements.... A step into the future with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals, the atomic age, the challenge of outer space and the hope for a peaceful and unified world."

For example, what if we had an Tomrrowland Speedway (or Autopia) that was home to a fleet of electric vehicles with wireless recharging built into the track?

Disneyland uses a form of this technology today in their submarines.  Nissan is reportedly thinking along these lines already:

"Nissan has reportedly developed a wireless charging system that uses technology similar to that found in electric toothbrushes, called inductive charging... The company even has hopes of embedding these devices in roadways one day so the cars could charge on the fly as they drive by."

The 1955 WED vision for Tomorrowland had it's share of challenges, and delivered an uneven guest experience.  But for all it's shortcomings ("Hey, kids!  Let's check out the Hall of Aluminum Fame!"), it did give the world some iconic and inspirational experiences (I still remember sinking in to my seat at WDW's "Flight to the Moon").

What if the company which bear's Walt Disney's name decided to show a new generation of guests a World of Tomorrow that is perhaps just a dream away?

Just sayin'

Until next time,

- Chris