See Florida the PSA way! - Photographic Society of America International Conference of Photography

PSA Journal, March, 1998 by Carole L. Hagaman

TOUR #1 MONDAY, AUGUST 31 EPCOT

Only six miles from our hotel is the #1 attraction in Orlando--EPCOT. Did you know "EPCOT" is short for "Experimental Community of Tomorrow"? We'll hop on comfortable buses that will whisk us away for an early start at this center of the future.

First, we'll photograph the regular park area as it is bursting with new discoveries! If you've seen EPCOT before, you have to see it again, as it is always changing. Although it is impossible to "see it all" in a day, we're going to try! You can see into the future through "Innoventions" highlighting major new products such as a car that never needs gas; a computer that talks to you; a fiber optic sidewalk, or the talking drinking fountain.

Maybe you'll want to dive into "Living Seas," the world's largest salt water aquarium and unusual coral reef, home of more than 5000 creatures of the deep blue! Stay as long as you want; photograph sharks, manta rays, dolphins and parrot fish. Or go to the "Wonders of Life" pavilion for a fide through a "human body." All of this will certainly keep us busy and provide us with remarkable photo possibilities!

We all know having this much fun can be a little tiring, so here's the plus just for PSAers on this tour: Kodak has invited us to their very own private lounge. This gives us a place to relax a bit during a hectic day. Between the hours of 9 to 5 they will not only provide a haven from all outside activities, but will also treat us to refreshing cold drinks, coffee or tea. To make it even nicer, they're giving us priority seating at their own presention in the adjacent Kodak pavilion.

The "World Showcase" section opens to the public at 11 a.m., and we want to be ready at the entrance to TRAVEL! Although some of us have had the opportunity to visit a foreign country or two, here you'll see 11 "countries" in one day--not only the United Kingdom but France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Morocco, Japan, China, Mexico and Canada (the site of our 1999 conference). As you enter each country, you'll feel a special ethnic spirit, as Disney spent years creating this spectacular "walk-around-the-world," which by itself is bigger than any other Disney theme park. Remarkable attention to detail is seen from the tallest building to the smallest flower. You'll also discover unique souvenirs and gifts from all over the world.

This World Showcase will provide you unlimited photo opportunities with spectacular colors and images of international architecture, clothing, homelife and food. If you are tired and want to call it a day, we'll have one "early" bus ready in the late afternoon to return you to the conference hotel. But most of you will want to stay for dinner at one of the many ethnic restaurants (Eating here always adds an international accent because the hosts have traveled from their native lands just to serve you.)--and to see, at approximately 9 p.m., the grand finale of the evening, "Illuminations." Millions -of lights, darting lasers, dancing fountains, and scintillating music come together to create the most remarkable light show. Bring lots of film! This is truly a "must see."

On Tuesday, September 1, you will have a choice of two tours, Tour #2 or Tour #3.

TOUR #2 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

About an hour out of Orlando the dream and commitment of space exploration is alive. We'll see this space center as never before by visiting the brand new Apollo/Saturn V Center. The centerpiece of this 100,000 square foot attraction is the actual refurbished 363 foot tall Saturn V moon rocket, one of only three moon rockets in existence. You'll see special effects that recreate the atmosphere of the original "firing room" as it existed during the Apollo era and the fateful moments of the lunar landing of Apollo 11 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history in 1969. We'll also see the shuttle assembly building, actual launch pads, and rocket museums. In addition, a breathtaking film will be shown on a five-story IMAX screen!

In January of 1998, the space center created an extended tour experience with the addition of two new attractions, the LC 39 Observation Gantry and the International Space Center Station. You'll be in the middle of the action at the Launch Complex 39. The observation deck provides an unobstructed 360 degree panoramic view of the complex which includes launch pads, the massive Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Control Center and the Crawlerway. You'll learn how a space shuttle is prepared for its next flight and how engineers accomplish the amazing task of transporting the space shuttle from the landing site to refurbishment facilities, to preparation facilities and then to the launch pad. The center attraction is an automated launch pad that recreates, through models, videos, and special effects, the final countdown.

The International Space Center Station is the largest and most ambitious space program since the Apollo moon landings. Here you'll learn the purpose and importance of a space station, how it will be constructed, and what benefits it will contribute to mankind. These new attractions are part of the second phase of multimillion dollar improvements to the Space Center tour and you'll be a part of it. Remember your long lenses for this trip!