A Visit to Epcot's Base21

Base21 is the Siemens run meeting area, banquet facility and employee relaxation station located beneath Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. It was opened this past summer and we could not wait to visit it on our last trip. To start the visit process out, I logged on to the Base21 web site before we left from work. Through the web site I was able to schedule my visit. I then received an email back with a pin number needed to enter Base21. Flash ahead a month and with this pin packed we made our way over to Base21 on our third day in the parks. The entrance to Base 21 is on the right side of SE as you walk into the park. As you pass where the stand-by line maze was, the entrance is on your left. It actually shares one of the main entrances to the SE Post show. As soon as we walked in the door we turned left instead of continuing into the post-show and we went through a door into a small room. There was a small computer screen and a key-pad set into the center of the wall and a locked door to the right. I entered our pin and I guess it was correct in that the door opened up to a small entryway with a Elevator and a stairway inside. We took the elevator up and were greeted as we got off by the receptionist who asked us to sign in. As I was signing in, we were all looking around. This was a very cool area. There was an information kiosk with a lot of Siemens technology on display. There was a video screen and an announcement boards listing park events for that day. We were then greeted by Jim, one of the Siemens reps. He filled us in on all that Base21 can do. He then showed us a Computer datapad that had a floor plan of Base21 on the screen. He touched a color and then the floor in our area, after a couple of seconds turned to that color. He was demonstrating the quick wireless communication with the Datapad and the mainframe that runs Base21 and Spaceship Earth. The kids loved this and for the next 10 minutes changed the floor in the visitor center all colors of the rainbow. This area also had coffee and soft drinks available. The only part of the visit that was a bust is that when you are finished you are led through a VIP doorway to get onto Spaceship Earth with no line. As the ride was down for re-habbing, we did not get to do this. After a drink or two and some inside information about the changes that were to occur in Spaceship Earth, we said goodbye to Jim and made our way downstairs to the Post-show exhibit. It is a room kind of like the Innoventions rooms that had a huge rotating Earth Globe in the center of it. Around this were some demo games. This first was a driving game that demonstrated the different kinds of driving technology that Siemens is developing. From radar windshields to see through fog and laser wipers to cut through ice to a driving system that would take over for you in case your car goes out of control. The second was a 3D Medical procedure device. With the help of the 3D glasses and some computer control handles, you would put together virtual parts of the virtual human anatomy as they passed by on a conveyor belt. All very cool. There are rumors of a third attraction for in here also we did not see it, but I have read a couple posts that talk about it being a city management program.
Base21 was a fun visit and we will be sure to stop by again next time we go.

Base21 Part 3

We received another email the other day with a video of the floor plan for Base21. The Video is grainy but you can see what is planned. I can't wait to check it out, but I wonder how Disney can give up so much space to a Sponsor. Sure, Siemens is paying for it, but couldn't that space be used for the public? You might need to click twice on the video in the below post.

Just as an FYI, Project Tomorrow has been open for a couple of weeks. This is the exit area after Spaceship Earth. I have read various reviews so far nothing terrible, nothing great. You can check out pictures of Project Tomorrow at the WDWMagic forums. Also, Ricky from Inside the Magic has Video from there also. Enjoy.

Base21 Part 2

The Siemens Disney Alliance group has released their second sneak peek of the new Base21 within Spaceship Earth at Epcot this past weekend. This had some more detail and describes how Base21 is to be used.
There are three levels of service that will be offered at BASE21. The first level of use for this hidden area is for Siemens Meetings. If you are a Siemens Employee and are bringing Siemens Reps. down to Orlando, you will be able to schedule Base21 for your meeting. Based on the Artist’s pictures, there will be every Audio/Visual aid at your disposal to make your meeting a success. The Second Level of use for Base21 will be for Siemens Customer relations. There will be space available for various catered events. Gotta Schmooze and Booze the customer. The Third level of use and the most important to me, is the lounge for the Siemens employees and family. Here is the quote from the email announcement:

“Visitors will have the opportunity to take a break from their theme park activities, interact with high-tech exhibits and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Plus all visitors will have back door access to the Spaceship Earth attraction”

Sounds like this could be a place to go for the mid-day break for the kids, instead of the Hotel. I also would like to find out more about the ‘Back Door Access’. Does that mean we get to see behind the scenes or is there a back entrance to the ride queue? I hope both. We’ll see. Look for some pictures to be posted soon. I will keep digging for info, and I look forward to taking a first hand look at this in December.

Base21

Base21

I work at Siemens. For the past year we have seen many articles explaining the new partnership between us and The Walt Disney Company. It’s been very interesting. When we were down in December, it was cool seeing the Siemens logo in Spaceship Earth and on the bottom of the Illuminations big television ball. And two weeks ago we had all heard the announcement of the major renovations planned for Spaceship Earth. Well today we received an email that announces the new BASE21. I had always heard that there was a special room or area within spaceship earth for employees of the company that sponsor the attraction. The Cast Member in Dec. gave me the ‘I don’t know’ answer when I asked her about this room.
Here is the announcement:
“Base21 Siemens VIP Center, will soon open its doors to all Siemens employees and their guests! Be among the first to peek inside and discover the newest US location where the Siemens global story will be shared with employees, customers and partners--located right in the middle of the world's most popular vacation destination, the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Whether you're seeking a relaxing visit in the Base21 Visitor Lounge or planning an event or meeting with a customer, Base21 is an exclusive Siemens venue inside the Epcot theme park.”
A video came with the email, here are some stills that I cut from the video. The first part was mainly a Siemens commercial. I captured the important parts. They also said to look out for next Thursday for another announcement. Hopefully we’ll see more of the plans for BASE21 or Spaceship Earth.