Hurricane attraction - StormStruck

[cleocat30]

Anyone have any updates about the new attraction at Epcot (StormStruck)? Last I read it was supposed to open in late august, but I haven't heard anything. We'll be there from August 14-22 so I was hoping it would be open by then.

Thanks.
Lisa

[mikayla73]

This is the first I have heard about this. So I did a google search and found this website. http://www.stormstruck.com/

It basically says it's coming summer of 2008, but that's it. I did find several other sites posting that it was coming but not exactly when.

I think it would be a great site. I love storms (although not the destruction/damage) and I would love to check it out!

[Pumpkinboy]

OK, so the press release on the site tells us this is opening in "Late Summer 2008". I expect that end of August or maybe September would qualify as late summer, so I would hope it might be ready when we arrive in less than 4 weeks. I'll be looking for it. :magnify:

Here is the text from the press release (Bolding in 2nd paragraph is mine tho):
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – (February 6, 2008) – The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. – FLASH®, Bermuda-based RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. and its U.S. affiliate WeatherPredict Consulting Inc., Simpson Strong-Tie and State Farm today announced plans for an interactive weather experience entitled StormStruck: The Tale of Two Homes™ at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista.

Scheduled to open in late summer 2008, StormStruck™ will share with visitors from around the world what it might feel like to experience severe weather such as a hurricane. After guests have experienced “the storm,” they have the opportunity to learn about cutting edge scientific research relating to weather and the latest recommendations for protecting homes and families against those risks in a fun, interactive setting.

“This groundbreaking exhibit represents a milestone in the disaster safety movement. It will save lives and homes by combining fun with education,” said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH CEO and President. “It is thrilling to see our five-year vision become reality, and it is only possible because of the commitment of our partners including RenaissanceRe, WeatherPredict Consulting Inc., Simpson Strong-Tie, and State Farm.”

The exhibit focus is based on consumer research conducted by FLASH where homeowners identified their need and desire for information about actionable, affordable and achievable disaster safety techniques.

Neill A. Currie, Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe, said, “RenaissanceRe and WeatherPredict are committed to disaster safety research and development that foster safer, more resilient communities. We are delighted to join forces with our partners in the StormStruck™ experience to share important information about loss mitigation to INNOVENTIONS visitors in such an imaginative and entertaining way."

“This is a tremendous opportunity to educate and inform the public on ways to protect their property, their families and their communities through a fun and exciting experience”, said Rod Matthews, underwriting vice president for State Farm. “We are very excited to be a part of this exhibit and are looking forward to working closely with all of the sponsors on very important safety issues”.

“Educating homeowners about the simple steps they can take to create a safer and stronger home is what this attraction is all about and we’re proud to be a part of an effort that can help reduce damage to homes all across America,” said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie.

The INNOVENTIONS attraction, located in the heart of Epcot®, is more than100,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive exhibits where visitors from around the globe can celebrate, inspiration and the innovations that improve their lives and expand their horizons. The weather-related experience will be located in INNOVENTIONS East, one of two buildings in the pavilion at Epcot®.

[DSNY FN]

I hope it is open in Oct when we arrive it sounds like it would be an awesome attraction.

[B'rer Karen]

On today's miceage page, Kevin Yee is doing a review of Stormstruck. It apparently opened last week but is only in soft openings and may not be considered fully opening for another 2-3 weeks.

[Simba's Mom]

Anyone have any updates about the new attraction at Epcot (StormStruck)? Last I read it was supposed to open in late august, but I haven't heard anything. We'll be there from August 14-22 so I was hoping it would be open by then.

Thanks.
Lisa

Am I the only one who's a grouch about this? As one who just went through a devastating hurricane, I can't see making an attraction out of it. Gee, what does it feel like to be without electricity, safe water, or septic for days after a hurricane? To have the roof blown off your house? How does it feel to wade thru knee deep water to reach the National Guard truck who's here to rescue you? Sorry, too recent for me, but I just can't see why anyone would actually consider this entertaining. Very sore nerve, I guess. Maybe someone else who's been through a hurricane like this might agree.

[spiceycat]

think it is like the tornados that US/IOA does.

not even close to a real one.

[B'rer Karen]

Am I the only one who's a grouch about this? As one who just went through a devastating hurricane, I can't see making an attraction out of it. Gee, what does it feel like to be without electricity, safe water, or septic for days after a hurricane? To have the roof blown off your house? How does it feel to wade thru knee deep water to reach the National Guard truck who's here to rescue you? Sorry, too recent for me, but I just can't see why anyone would actually consider this entertaining. Very sore nerve, I guess. Maybe someone else who's been through a hurricane like this might agree.


I can understand your feelings, but this isn't really entertaining, per se. It's really more educational. At least that's the gist I get in reading about it. It's about hurricane preparedness and what you can do to prepare your house for the storm. They may try to do it in an entertaining way so that people will actually check the exhibit out but it's not like it is meant to be some fun thrill ride.

[mikayla73]

I can understand your feelings, but this isn't really entertaining, per se. It's really more educational. At least that's the gist I get in reading about it. It's about hurricane preparedness and what you can do to prepare your house for the storm. They may try to do it in an entertaining way so that people will actually check the exhibit out but it's not like it is meant to be some fun thrill ride.

Yeap - that's what I got out of it too. I read there was a comparison - a house that was ready and a house that wasn't. It's also info about the technology and research that is going on regarding storms. It's supposed to help educate to reduce damage and make homes safer and stronger.

[Tammy]

I am terrified of tornado's as I live in plano texas and experiencing
a tornado in my lifetime is a very real possibility. I do, however, enjoy the tornado thrill attraction over at universal studios. I think if the innovations storm exhibit is not somewhat exciting they will not attract many visitors. Most of us know the safest place in our house for a tornado and if a hurricane is coming you better get the heck out of dodge. I am quite sure however that if I had been devasted by a tornado I would not be inclined to go through the tornado atttraction at UStudios anymore than those that have been affected by a hurricane will want to stop to learn more about how to protect yourself from one. I am curious to see what this is going to be all about!

[Ransom]

Am I the only one who's a grouch about this? As one who just went through a devastating hurricane, I can't see making an attraction out of it. Gee, what does it feel like to be without electricity, safe water, or septic for days after a hurricane? To have the roof blown off your house? How does it feel to wade thru knee deep water to reach the National Guard truck who's here to rescue you? Sorry, too recent for me, but I just can't see why anyone would actually consider this entertaining. Very sore nerve, I guess. Maybe someone else who's been through a hurricane like this might agree.

I completely understand that. What you're saying makes total sense to me. Who wants to relive awful memories?

I grew up in California. I lived through many earthquakes. So what do they have at Universal in both California and Florida? A simulated earthquake. Purely for thrills!

And isn't there a tornado attraction there, too?

I try to take it all with a grain of salt. But then, I've never had my house destroyed.

At least the hurricane attraction at Epcot is educational. Its purpose is to show people how important it is to improve building codes and then use those codes for all construction. Something we native Californians can appreciate. The reason so few people are injured in earthquakes in California is because the building code was updated long ago, and everyone spent a lot of money retrofitting buildings. It was a huge expense and a burden on everyone, but the result speaks for itself. So I support educational efforts in regard to building codes and natural disasters. If implemented, they'll save many lives and much grief.

[Pumpkinboy]

snip...At least the hurricane attraction at Epcot is educational. Its purpose is to show people how important it is to improve building codes and then use those codes for all construction. Something we native Californians can appreciate. The reason so few people are injured in earthquakes in California is because the building code was updated long ago, and everyone spent a lot of money retrofitting buildings. It was a huge expense and a burden on everyone, but the result speaks for itself. So I support educational efforts in regard to building codes and natural disasters. If implemented, they'll save many lives and much grief.I am similarly under the impression that this is educational, and not meant to be entertainment. The goal is to emphasize safe building practices so that more homes can withstand the effects of hurricanes, a worthy goal. And given the large number of Floridians coming to WDW regularly, it's hard to imagine a better forum for this subject matter. If the exhibit convinces residents in hurricane prone areas to upgrade their preparedness and that saves lives, then I think it is worth it.

With Simba's Mom having been thru Dolly in the Rio Grande Valley recently, I understand that the subject may be a bit raw (had some dear friends evacuated from South Padre Island who feel similarly). But I don't think the exhibit is meant to entertain so much as raise awareness, from what I read in the press releases.