Disney’s Daily Deal

By Lindsey Campbell, Captains of Industry

Hi Captains Readers,

First of all, I apologize if you felt like I dropped you like a bad habit last week. However, I can assure you that my absence was not in vain. I traveled thousands of miles, braved stifling temperatures, hair-curling humidity, and angry mobs of hot, angry and (very) sweaty people just to bring all of you the latest and greatest green news from one of the most treacherous places…er…happiest places on earth, Walt Disney World! So if you were thinking I ditched the Daily Deal for some “vacation,” you’re forgiven. Now on to a special edition of the Deal brought to you by my research at the Disney World theme parks.

Do you know how many rides, shows, and attractions there are in Disney that focus on teaching people about energy and conservation? Tons! In fact, I began to notice Disney’s tendency to walk on the green side as soon as I checked into my room and a talking cricket told me how I could conserve water during my stay.

1. Disney’s Environmentality Challenge Starring Jiminy Cricket

Jiminy Cricket, the only bug that looks great in a top hat, currently serves as Walt Disney World’s spokes-insect for conservation and the environment. In fact, in my hotel bathroom, Jiminy asked me to hang up my used towels rather than opt for new ones so the hotel wouldn’t waste water and detergent. So like Pinocchio, I let my conscience be my guide and saved Disney six days worth of water and laundry for room 3965. I also noticed Pinocchio’s buddy at the parks asking guests to recycle their bottles rather than throw them into the trash. But in case they didn’t, there’s always…

2. The Magic Kingdom Vacuum Trash System

The Magic Kingdom, Disney World’s most popular theme park, has the largest vacuum trash set-ups in the world. How does a trash vacuum system work? Well, all the trash bins around the park actually empty into a vacuum system below the ground, and what you throw away is sucked into a central area where recyclables and trash items are sorted. As a bonus, if you accidentally throw away something important, the trash sorters will deliver your camera, hat, or small child back to the Lost and Found Center for you to pick up when you’re ready.

3. Ellen’s Energy Adventure

Ellen DeGeneres doesn’t have a clue about alternative energy. Which is good for her ride-goers, because a lot of people don’t understand alternatives to fossil fuels either. The Energy Adventure not only explains how fossil fuels came to be, but how they’re running out quickly. In fact, Bill Nye the Science Guy explains to riders that we only have enough oil to keep the world moving for the next 50-100 years. And Bill Nye doesn’t lie. He’s a science guy. But on the bright side, a combination of energy alternatives like wind, solar and nuclear power could be the answer to the world’s energy crisis. Not only is this educational ride cool because dinosaurs pop out of nowhere and try to eat Ellen, but the message is important for every citizen of the world to recognize.

It just goes to show that even Disney World, the last place you expect to be educated, has a thing or two to share about the environment. So if the 42.8 million visitors that come to Disney every year learn just a little about the importance of protecting the environment, maybe this planet’s got a fighting chance.

Well, now that I’ve successfully informed you of all of the “data” I collected from that grueling “business” trip, you can expect your regularly scheduled Daily Deal from now on.

Until tomorrow,

Captain Lindsey