4. We miss Sega, Apple, and Bill Nye the Science Guy, too

The Epcot ’94 version of Innoventions focused heavily on virtual reality, games, and a highly approachable vision of science education. Anchored by such big names as Sega, Apple, and Bill Nye the Science Guy, it was a sort of science wonderland with a strong appeal for all ages. Many of these concepts lasted until the Millennium Celebration, when the complex was heavily updated with a more kid-centric theme.

Innoventions has continued to evolve, and many guests think it is not for the better. If you’re unhappy with the Innoventions of today, please know that many of us miss the same things you do.

5. Tech”knowledge”ists didn’t really know it all

For a long time, Innoventions had two types of cast members. Some were assigned to specific sponsors, becoming subject matter experts in that company’s products. Others comprised a roving team known as tech”knowledge”ists. As a member of that team, it was my job to become a jack-of-all-trades, able to answer guest questions about anything in either building. Of course, if a guest wanted detailed technical information, we could refer him to someone who worked with that specific product. Even more specific information was available from the sponsor reps, who actually worked for the company whose products were on display.

The idea was great in theory, but not so good in its execution. The problem is that guests had no idea how to tell the three groups of people apart. With so many different exhibits and sponsors, and new products coming in every week, it was impossible for tech”knowledge”ists to keep up. We ended up spending more time passing guests off to exhibit specialists than we did actually answering their questions—unless, of course, the question was “Where’s the bathroom,” or “How do I get to Spaceship Earth.”

This led to an ongoing joke that we heard constantly from the exhibit specialists:

What’s the difference between a tech”knowledge”ist and an information sign?

One gives you accurate, helpful, specific information. The other wears a blue lab coat.

It was sad but true, and eventually Walt Disney World came to the same conclusion, phasing out tech”knowledge”ists. It was a fun job, but definitely not what the people who designed the position had in mind.