Opportunity City'' at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot

brisem

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Don't know if this was already posted:

Disney Online and the Kauffman Foundation Present ``Opportunity City'' at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. and KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- New INNOVENTIONS Exhibit Brings Hot Shot Business Game to Life, Combining Interactive Entertainment with Entrepreneurial Education

Disney Online, part of The Walt Disney Internet Group and creator of the number one kids' entertainment and family community sites online, and the entrepreneurship experts at the Kauffman Foundation today announced the opening of the new Opportunity City exhibit at INNOVENTIONS East pavilion at Epcot(R) at the Walt Disney World(R) Resort. Featuring interactive, state-of-the-art activity stations, the exhibit brings to life the fun and challenge of learning about entrepreneurship that kids have enjoyed for the past eighteen months through the highly successful Disney-Kauffman "Hot Shot Business" Internet simulation game (www.hotshotbusiness.com).

"Kids have a natural desire for the independence and control that come with owning a business and being their own boss," said Carl J. Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. "In fact, research tells us that more than 41 percent of kids ages nine to twelve say they would like to start their own business. Exposing them early to entrepreneurship as a choice and reinforcing the value small businesses bring to our economy is crucial. The hands-on features of the new INNOVENTIONS exhibit go even further in helping teach the concepts and skills that will prepare the entrepreneurs of tomorrow."

The Opportunity City exhibit consists of several activity stations, including state-of-the-art interactive kiosks. At each station, guests play a series of games where they must think and act quickly while learning what it takes to run a successful business.

"The Opportunity City exhibit gives kids the chance to run a virtual business and learn first hand just how fun and challenging entrepreneurship can be," said Ken Goldstein, executive vice president and managing director, Disney Online. "The exhibit is housed within the innovative and entertaining facilities unique to Disney, and kids will feel right at home in this exciting environment."

The Opportunity City exhibit includes:

-- Nine kiosks with a special version of the "Hot Shot Business" computer game, highlighting the nuts and bolts of running a business.

-- "Family Business Rally," in which the basic principles of marketing, supply and demand, and cooperation converge in a uniquely fast-paced and fun environment. In the game, a group of three guests is positioned around the outside of a "virtual town." The three players each take on a role to run the business: buyer, seller and advertiser. The team must then work together to sell the most products within a limited time.

-- The "Opportunity Challenge" video game -- a fast-paced game that teaches the concepts of market opportunity recognition, and supply and demand.

-- A video "D-Mail" station (Disney video e-mail) called "Creating the Buzz," which highlights key marketing skills by allowing visitors to film a commercial for their new business and e-mail the video home.

-- A presentation called "Everyday Entrepreneurs," which mixes animated segments, stories and images inspired by real-life child entrepreneurs, and business information in an uplifting and empowering setting. This piece validates entrepreneurship as a career goal while remaining entertaining and fun for young guests. It engenders the feeling that, "If they can do it, so can I!"

"It's exciting to bring `Hot Shot Business' to life with this exhibit and have the opportunity to inspire the children visiting INNOVENTIONS," said Craig Armstrong, project director, Kauffman Foundation. "The creative team did a great job translating our educational messages into a format that resonates with kids."
 

disgolfer

New Member
The concept of this sounds great.

I have said this before on these boards though; Epcot needs to return to the days of when it was a showcase for the future. Having an exhibit like this is very good, but I already run a business and my child is too young to understand. I think that the primary focus of Epcot should be on what new inventions and ideas are on the horizon, not how to send email and run a business in today's world.
 

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