E30 Event Update

With less than three weeks until EPCOT turns “the Big Three O,” the Horizons Resurrected demonstration event is quickly approaching! As the final preparations are being made, I wanted to update everyone on the developments since the event was announced, and to provide some helpful information about the event itself.

FAQ

What event?
To celebrate EPCOT’s 30th anniversary, the latest version of the Horizons: Resurrected “virtual recreation” will be coming to Walt Disney World and “brought to life” using FLIRT (“Feels Like I’m Really There”) – cutting edge and immersive simulation technology that I’ve been developing for my company, The SuperGroup.

Will the recreation of Horizons be complete?
No. I want to make sure that I manage everyone’s expectations in this regard. Although the recreation will represent significant advancements from the latest simulation available online, it will not be a complete and perfect recreation of the entire Horizons attraction. As much as I’d like for it to be, remember: this project is a hobby of mine, and I am but one man. Finishing every detail will require hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of work in the future.

How will the in-person demonstration differ from what’s available online?
Utilizing FLIRT, guests will be immersed into the Horizons recreation in a way not possible through the web site. Simply put, this will be far closer to actually riding the attraction.

When will this happen?
Demonstrations will be taking place on Friday September 28th, Saturday September 29th, with Monday October 1st. Demonstrations will not occur on Sunday September 30th, as I’ll be attending the D23 Epcot Anniversary Celebration.

Where will demonstrations take place?
Inside the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – right on the monorail line.

I want to go! How can I attend?
Having received numerous requests since the event was first announced, the event is already at capacity. That is to say that, unfortunately, we are no longer taking new appointment requests. You may send an RSVP to ChrisWallaceTSG@gmail.com, and Jessie will send you a request for information to be placed on the Wait List.

I sent in a request awhile ago and provided my available time slots. What now?
Jessie and I are doing our very best to go through each request and set up a schedule that accommodates as many people as possible – it is a challenge to say the least. That being said, there may simply not be enough time available to accommodate everyone. If that’s the case, requests that were sent in earlier will be given priority. I apologize in advance to anyone we’re not able to fit in.

How much is admission?
There is no cost to attend.

What can I expect during the demonstration?

Upon arriving at the Contemporary’s convention center, you’ll be met by a member of the event team and escorted to the event space. Inside, there will be a small lobby where participants can wait for their turn to “ride.” One at a time, each person will be shown to the rear of the meeting space where he or she will be seated in front of a large curved projection screen and given specialized glasses to wear during the experience. These glasses not only enable the stereoscopic 3D effect (a-la “captain EO”), but also act as a head-tracking sensor. During the experience, riders will be automatically guided through the Horizons entrance queue, and after boarding a vehicle, will ride through the entire attraction – although every scene will not be complete.

As part of a documentary being made about the event, you will be asked to participate in a brief on-camera interview and asked about your feelings toward Horizons, as well as your overall impression of the recreation experience. Participating in the interview is not mandatory.

I can’t attend! When will the latest simulation be posted to the website?
The updated simulation will go live to the public on the evening of October 1st – the anniversary itself.