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New Disney Roller Coaster Makes You Do Math?

by Devra Nov 12th 2009 at 4:36PM

You've finally made it down to Walt Disney World and you're psyched. Now you're headed into EPCOT's newest attraction - Sum of All Thrills. After waiting on line for ever, you're ready to get on the ride – but first...watch this little film about the importance of math and science.

Huh?

That's right. Math and science. It's all part of a joint effort by Disney and technology conglomerate Raytheon to show teens how useful math and science can be in life out of school. Especially if you want to grow up and design cool roller coasters.

Similar to the virtual reality ride CyberSpace Mountain at Disney Quest in Orlando, "Sum of All Thrills" is where speed-freaks and thrill-seekers can go to design their own coasters and other thrill rides – then, hop on and ride 'em! Well, virtually, anyway. It opened to the public on October 14th and it's already a HUGE hit.

First, guests enter the Briefing Room for some "Highly Sensitive Information" (This is where you hear about math and science being important. And it is, so pay attention, or your coaster will fail).


Next, it's design time. You design any vehicle you want, and the ride you want to take it on. You can choose a tamer, less wild ride like a bobsled; or the fiercest ride they have, like a jet plane. You design everything on a high-tech, touch-screen computer then it all gets saved on a special magnetized card. That card is then swiped by a Disney ride operator.

Once your upload is complete, you are assigned to your simulator: the KUKA RoboSim 4-D. Picture a huge robotic arm with a giant claw at the end. That's where you sit – right inside the claw, with your feet dangling out. The KUKA RoboSim 4-D then reads the info on your card, lifts you up, and takes you on your own personalized ride.

 

Kristen Stewart
 
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