The Universe of Energy at Walt Disney World is covered with solar panels

Can a vacation be fun as well as educational?  Absolutely!  Even at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The Universe of Energy at the Epcot theme park at the Magic Kingdom is more than just a fun ride.  Guests to the attraction get to learn about fossil fuel sources and alternative energy resources – even research and development – through an entertaining and humorous presentation, starring Ellen De Generes and Bill Nye the Science Guy.

The entire roof of the pavilion building is covered in solar panels that generate energy to power the ride indoors.  (as an aside, considering the location of the park in sunny Florida, one may wonder why other theme parks in Orlando do not rely more on solar energy)!

Sunny Florida skies are perfect for generating solar energy

The solar-powered amusement ride at the Universe of Energy includes “moving theatre” cars that can hold 100 visitors at a time.  You’ll go on a 35-minute journey through time – the history of energy, if you will.  “Ellen’s Energy Adventure” starts with the star dreaming of winning Jeopardy.  But Ellen’s dream soon finds her playing against Albert Einstein and Dr. Judy Peterson (played by Jamie Lee Curtis)… and all the questions are about energy! Bill Nye the Science guy comes to the rescue, teaching Ellen (and you!) all about energy, from the beginning of the Universe.

The ride is hilarious, educational and most of all, solar-powered!  What a great adventure for family fun… with a little learning on the side!