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Ive been to FIRST championships at EPCOT twice - there is an aspect to EPCOT that is not obvious, and it really has nothing to do with the competition itself.
For the robotics competition, you get the most FIRST impact at your 1st regional - that is where you find out what your bot can do - that is where you meet the other teams for the FIRST time and see what they have done - the regionals are ALL about FIRST.
The Championship at EPCOT is more like an award for the students and adults on the team - it is an EXTRAVAGENT gesture on behalf of your sponsors to send you to WDW.
you cant overlook the impact this has on students - esp kids who have never been to WDW before - most students work very hard to be on the team - EPCOT is a huge reward for their efforts.
Not to mention teams that come from other countries to the Championship - WDW is a huge incentive to be on the team for them.
I have to say some of the best times Ive had with students and other adults on FIRST teams was at WDW- and it was not at the competitions itself. Hanging out in the parks, catching a meal somewhere when you can unwind for a bit
Sitting by the pool at the Sports Complex on Saturday night with a fellow engineer, talking about the need for more teams in our home town, what it would take to form new teams, could the 2 of us start a new team on our own?
and then going back home and working on those things.
There is something about being at WDW that you cant put your finger on, and you cant put a price tag on - but once you have experienced it you really miss it when its gone.
I hope its not gone for good.
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