On our last trip to Future World in Epcot we had visited the Innoventions pavilion and were fascinated by the Segway PT demonstrations that were being held there.
For those of you blissfully unaware of what I am talking about, the Segway PTcan be best described as an electric two-wheeled self balancing transportation device reminiscent of an upright scooter where the rider stands on a horizontal platform between the wheels and movement is achieved by changes in body movement. The PT, by the way, stands for Personal Transporter.
On that previous visit we waited in line for around thirty minutes so that we could try one out for ourselves, albeit for just a fleeting minute or so. But we did get to understand a little about the complexities of a device capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour.
I won’t bore you with all the technical stuff in this article but suffice to say that micro-processors and gyroscopes detect up to one hundred body movements per second and keep the Segway in perfect balance at all times. Forward propulsion is achieved by placing pressure onto the platform from the toes and reverse motion by applying pressure with the heels. Changes in direction are achieved by shifting body weight either to the right or left.
We were so impressed with this brief introduction that we booked the Around the World Epcot Tour through the Disney web pages and at $85 per person it really was money well spent.
All tours take place between 8. 00am and 9. 30am at start with an hour’s training at the Innoventions Segway Centre. Here you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the device and become competent in its operation. The trainers take you through all the safety elements and will introduce you to slalom courses inclines and declines, all in a controlled environment. Once satisfactory confidence levels have been achieved the group, up to a maximum of ten, is allowed out into the park and across to the World Showcase.
This really is great fun. Your guides take you through many of the countries and tests your new-found skills by weaving in and out of doorways and tight spaces, dealing with rough terrain and even negotiating ‘Hampton Court Maze’ in the United Kingdome pavilion. There is also time for a photo opportunity.
This tour is absolutely brilliant and highly recommended. Everyone 16 years and over should give it a go, you will not be disappointed.
For those of you blissfully unaware of what I am talking about, the Segway PTcan be best described as an electric two-wheeled self balancing transportation device reminiscent of an upright scooter where the rider stands on a horizontal platform between the wheels and movement is achieved by changes in body movement. The PT, by the way, stands for Personal Transporter.
On that previous visit we waited in line for around thirty minutes so that we could try one out for ourselves, albeit for just a fleeting minute or so. But we did get to understand a little about the complexities of a device capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour.
I won’t bore you with all the technical stuff in this article but suffice to say that micro-processors and gyroscopes detect up to one hundred body movements per second and keep the Segway in perfect balance at all times. Forward propulsion is achieved by placing pressure onto the platform from the toes and reverse motion by applying pressure with the heels. Changes in direction are achieved by shifting body weight either to the right or left.
We were so impressed with this brief introduction that we booked the Around the World Epcot Tour through the Disney web pages and at $85 per person it really was money well spent.
All tours take place between 8. 00am and 9. 30am at start with an hour’s training at the Innoventions Segway Centre. Here you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the device and become competent in its operation. The trainers take you through all the safety elements and will introduce you to slalom courses inclines and declines, all in a controlled environment. Once satisfactory confidence levels have been achieved the group, up to a maximum of ten, is allowed out into the park and across to the World Showcase.
This really is great fun. Your guides take you through many of the countries and tests your new-found skills by weaving in and out of doorways and tight spaces, dealing with rough terrain and even negotiating ‘Hampton Court Maze’ in the United Kingdome pavilion. There is also time for a photo opportunity.
This tour is absolutely brilliant and highly recommended. Everyone 16 years and over should give it a go, you will not be disappointed.