Disney Environmentality Part II - Green Show?

Yesterday we focused on the Walt Disney Company as a whole, but today I want to focus on the parks. How is Disney “Greening” the story? There are many attractions that have a environmental spin in the parks.

Animal Kingdom is practically a commercial for conservation. Responsible animal breeding programs and exchanges with other zoos are in place. Animal Kingdom and The Seas are both members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participate in Species Survival Plans. In 2007, there were 41 animals born as part of these Species Survival Plans. The message in the attractions, I think is consistent with the one behind the scenes without smothering guests with the message. “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” highlights the role that insects play in the ecosystem. “Rafiki’s Planet Watch” has several animal encounters and a trail with ideas for helping conservation efforts. “Conservation Station” also has several interactive exhibits and games that educate about conservation. Not to mention the mascot of “Environmentality” himself, Jiminy Cricket. “Kali River Rapids” educates about illegal logging practices and “Kilimanjaro Safari” tells a story of illegal poaching along with the spectacular scenery. Every cast member seems to be ready to educate you about animals and their role in our world. Although I have no data on this I suspect that this park has the least waste and the most recycling of all the Disney Parks because of several things put in place to protect the animals. Specifically, no plastic straws are used in the park. Instead, guests are given paper straws which will break down in landfills. Also, lids are not used on cups and there are no balloons. There are also no fireworks in this park in deference to the animals. Animals are not kept on stage all day and are subject to strict schedules to reduce stress on them.



Epcot, in my opinion, is second in line as the park with the greatest environmental focus. Future World is the place with the Epcot has the most attractions with an environmental component. At Innoventions East: “Don't Waste It!”, sponsored by Waste Management, Inc. teaches about recycling. “Environmentality Corner” highlights Disney’s Environmental efforts and the “House of Innoventions” has a few components that are about energy conservation. “Ellen’s Energy Adventure” highlights several green energy alternatives including wind and hydropower. “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” highlights conservation particularly at beaches and with sea turtle and manatee rescue. The Land houses my favorite environmental areas because it is a wonderful example of how ideas can be implemented. You can ride Living with the Land where you are taken through the gardens. You see plants being grown hydroponically, integrated pest management at work and innovative irrigation methods. Disney’s composting program is also demonstrated. When you are done you can eat at the Garden Grill and taste foods that were grown on property. If you are looking for a quicker meal you can grab a bite at Sunshine Seasons, arguably the best counter service on property, and see how organic healthy foods can still be fun. Finally, guests can watch “Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable” staring the characters from the Lion King. Guests who want a bit of a closer look they can take the Behind the Seeds Tour.


In the Magic Kingdom the message is more subtle, the Jungle Cruise Boats run on natural gas and Mickey is at a country fair (and presumably a locavore given his giant garden). Guests are encouraged to put trash in “PUSH” the audio animatronic trash can. Futuristic transportation is highlighted in the Monorail System (too bad they are so expensive to build) and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. The Hollywood studios doesn’t have much but Wall-E is quite an eye opener and I presume we are going to see more of that little guy in this park.




In Disneyland, the new Finding Nemo Submarine Attraction subs are powered by magnetic coils and the paint in the “coral reef” is actually recycled glass sprayed on with an organic epoxy. All of the Disneyland trains all run on biodiesel. Some people say that they can smell french fries from the trains.

In the parks, Disney has one of the most efficient mass transportation systems in the world. Love it or hate it it moves a lot of people efficiently and if they are not in individual cars they are producing fewer carbon gases. Disney’s Magical Express, while keeping guests on property, also reduces the number of cars on the roads. Disney is also experimenting with using alternative fuels to run it’s buses and boats. I also saw a few electric vehicles (think a sort of golf cart with a dome roof) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on property when I was there in December.

These are wonderful ways of not only demonstrating conservation and Environmentality in the parks and the resorts but also “walking the walk”. I love it that the attractions contain a nod to environmentalism but you don’t feel like you are being hit over the head with the message. But what if they were to specifically design a, let’s call it a “save the planet” kind of attraction?
If I were an Imagineer, I would love to see how average American family or kid can go more green. Perhaps a house of the future exhibit like at Innoventions but with a green focus? It could go beyond the usual: recycle, use compact florescent bulbs and buy energy star (all of which are great except we have all heard these ideas a million times). Maybe suggest ways of reducing your home’s carbon footprint, composting and using less electricity. Wouldn’t it be great to see some focus on Disney’s great composting project that they are partnering with Compost USA on? They are creating Class AA non-smelling compost with food waste at Disney World? (link) I always feel bad about the food waste I see when I am there (the portions are huge! and a story for another day).

Maybe a Kitchen Cabaret style show (I miss that one) but surrounding a kid who is worried about the planet with things that kids can do to help.

My favorite ideas is to design an “E Ticket” attraction around that same worried little kid and how he can interactively save the planet perhaps with the help of Wall-E? They would have to include a sequence flying through space for sure. A roller coaster/dark ride with a trash zapper? Hmmmm...

Do you have any ideas for an attraction based on Saving the Planet? Let me know in the comments section.

Part III tomorrow...My Top 10 Ideas for Greening the Parks.