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Everyone in thier time at FIRST has heard one of the vets say "I miss Florida" and they have no idea why. I mean, what is so good about it? I think that this picture sums it up fairly well. I honestly miss Florida, it turned the FIRST nationals into something amazing.
Discussion
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29-06-2010 18:51
Tyler Olds
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
Wow! This really brings back the memories! I would love to have a blow-up picture of this. Florida was a ton of fun, I miss the overall environment. As a mentor now, I know I would feel a lot more secure with my students in Flordia, than some of the other venues that we have been in.
Vote for Florida 2014!
29-06-2010 18:53
Koko Ed
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by robostangs548
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My first year in FIRST.
To be honest I'm one of the FIRST vets who do not miss Florida.
I like having your own field to participate in instead of having to go to Curie for one match and Galileo for the next and GOD HELP YOU if you had to go outside for a match on Einstein during the peak of the day. You were lucky if you didn't get heat stroke.
Going to Disney was very nice after the competition was over but I was left with very little impression about FIRST from the event and more about Disney itself.
I know it's a weird thing to say but leaving Disney was a good thing for FIRST to do.
29-06-2010 18:59
Tyler Olds
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by Koko Ed
2002.
My first year in FIRST. To be honest I'm one of the FIRST vets who do not miss Florida. I like having your own field to participate in instead of having to go to Curie for one match and Galileo for the next and GOD HELP YOU if you had to go outside for a match on Einstein during the peak of the day. You were lucky if you didn't get heat stroke. |
Moving from Epcot was needed, but there are still things I miss from that venue........
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29-06-2010 19:04
Cory
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by Koko Ed
2002.
My first year in FIRST. To be honest I'm one of the FIRST vets who do not miss Florida. I like having your own field to participate in instead of having to go to Curie for one match and Galileo for the next and GOD HELP YOU if you had to go outside for a match on Einstein during the peak of the day. You were lucky if you didn't get heat stroke. Going to Disney was very nice after the competition was over but I was left with very little impression about FIRST from the event and more about Disney itself. I know it's a weird thing to say but leaving Disney was a good thing for FIRST to do. |
29-06-2010 20:34
R.C.
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
Amazing Pic. Does anyone have a larger or Higher Quality Pic of this?
Thanks,
-RC
29-06-2010 21:16
Brandon Holley
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
Talk about a throwback!
There was definitely a magical appeal to having the champs at Disney. However, they feel much more professional now, and I think the venue has a lot to do with it.
Thanks for posting it!
-Brando
29-06-2010 22:12
ChrisH
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by Brandon Holley
Talk about a throwback!
There was definitely a magical appeal to having the champs at Disney. However, they feel much more professional now, and I think the venue has a lot to do with it. Thanks for posting it! -Brando |
The logistics for the Championship were quite challenging and they always did that well.I agree that the move away from Disney has been a good thing overall. While the Disney organization did a good job and are quite technically competent in what they do, they do not have the image of serious business. I think it was the year before last that ASME had their big convention at Disney. But if you didn't know that the resort was a Disney property you would not have been able to figure it out from the ASME literature. There was a reason for that. Similarly another professional organization I was associated with had their lowest turnout in years when they held their big conference in Reno, NV.
30-06-2010 07:19
GaryVoshol
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
My wife accompanied my daughter to Disney when her team was invited to the pilot for the FLL World Festival in 2002. The competition conditions were poor. Part of that may have been because it was a pilot and they were learning what to do. I wasn't there so I don't know all the specifics. But I think they told me that presentations were made to judges in walkways with FRC teams taking their robots to/from the pits.
The next year at Houston conditions improved. There were rooms set aside for judging. But the main "stage" was in an area of the Astrodome, and FRC announcements intruded.
We were a part of FLL in Atlanta every year except this year, either competing or as judges/referees. The facilities there were much improved, except for one year when judging booths were set up in the pit area and noise again was a factor.
Since leaving Disney, the Championship has increased from 20 FLL teams to over 80, FVC/FTC was added, and the FRC competition expanded teams. While Disney was a great atmosphere for an event, with lots to do when the competition ended, it simply did not have the capacity to expand with FIRST.
30-06-2010 10:10
JaneYoung
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I think sometimes in the English language we get words right. Growing pains is one phrase that I just love. When a program grows like the FIRST programs have - together and separately - it is a challenge to everyone involved, including the event planners and how they are going to make it work.
I wasn't involved in FIRST during the Disney days, but 2 of our mentors were and when they share memories, their faces light up just like this photo. That is what memories of FIRST should be like and hopefully always will be. As programs develop and mature, they smooth out and find their way/their path/their niche. And they become models for others to pattern themselves after. That's a sign of great success.
This photo is a celebration and a wonderful reflection of FIRST's historical beginnings. It's awesome.
Jane
30-06-2010 11:04
nlknauss
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I can't help but smile when I see this picture 
It brings back many fond memories of high school, running into teams around the theme parks and exclaiming "heyyyy", and of course the moments pictured above.
Awesome picture!
Nate
30-06-2010 11:50
Chief Pride
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
Next years championships clearly need more fireworks.
30-06-2010 12:32
Libby K
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I DEFINITELY remember this! Championships at Epcot was definitely one of my favorite childhood memories. While I don't have the perspective of a team member, mentor, or coach (logistics-wise, like Ed's post)... I can say that it was truly a magical experience for me.
I'm not sure if I miss being a little kid, or the Championship itself, but I can say for sure, I do miss Florida.
I say that purely because in that photo, (I'm sure I'm somewhere in the crowd) I would have been about 11. I could run around the FIRST 'complex' by myself, without worries. The Disney park was a different story, but within our own little FIRST bubble, I was safe to run around and hang out with teams, and explore. I certainly hope nobody lets their 11-year-old run free in Atlanta or St. Louis...
The experience in Epcot, for me, was something I looked forward to every year. What kid DOESN'T want to go to Disney every spring?!!?!
I know I feel the same excitement for the Championship, but there was just something about Disney that made it extra special for me.
Thanks for sharing the photo. 
PS: Again, please understand that I wasn't old enough to be on a team, so I have no idea what that was like. Thanks in advance for not jumping down my throat for not being team-practical or considering how the actual event ran.
30-06-2010 13:53
robodude03
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by Libby K
I know I feel the same excitement for the Championship, but there was just something about Disney that made it extra special for me.
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All I can say now is that I have been positively influenced by both the experience of being a FIRST member and also taken in by the Disney "magic". I now work for Disney and hope to continue my involvement with both of these organizations for many years to come.
Thanks for the picture!
30-06-2010 13:55
Jared Russell
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by robodude03
I have to say that I feel the same. I was a freshman during this photo and it was my first time to the Walt Disney World resort. Couple that with the excitement of the FIRST competition and let me say that it truly was a wonderful experience.
All I can say now is that I have been positively influenced by both the experience of being a FIRST member and also taken in by the Disney "magic". I now work for Disney and hope to continue my involvement with both of these organizations for many years to come. Thanks for the picture! |
30-06-2010 22:32
dag0620
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I honestly wish the Champs moved back to EPCOT. The Spirit of FIRST and the spirit of EPCOT go hand in hand. To be in that place competing in Robotics would be really awesome.
(Plus I'm a Disney Freek so having my two favorite things together (FIRST and Disney World) would be awesome!)
04-07-2010 15:11
joeweber
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
We were a different team back then but it was a great memory. The trouble was when most of the team would leave for site seeing and leave us under manned in the pits or in the evening a few mentors would go to pleasure island and party when they should be watching the students. We enjoyed the intimacy of the games and other teams you could hang with. It was great for the Friday party to go into Epcott after everyone else left and have food, music and some of the rides were only open for FIRST teams. I remember after not making it into the finals we would climb on our robot and race other teams up and down the tent isle. At one time we could go out side and watch a rocket from NASA launch. What great memories but I think it was good to move on to different venues.
05-07-2010 00:22
wendymom
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
If you miss Florida you can always come to the Florida Regional!!!
05-07-2010 21:51
Koko Ed
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by wendymom
If you miss Florida you can always come to the Florida Regional!!!
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07-07-2010 08:15
Al Skierkiewicz
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I remember the Florida days with many fond memories. If you stayed on property, the transportation was free, didn't like the meal choices, run into the park. If you had a long wait for the next match, go on a ride. More people came in "off the street" to see what was going on. What about stopping competition to go out and witness a Nasa launch. I also remember the Vice President of Disney/Epcot stating "as long as you want to come, we will make a place for you!"
07-07-2010 11:17
Bill Beatty
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
For the most part WDW is a fantastic place for the FRC. Where else can you host 15,000 high school students with very little concern for their safety? There is a huge selection of lodging and the Disney transportation is superb. There are many things to do and see, and many teams came a day or two early to enjoy them.
There are two major problems with WDW. The high cost to the teams and FIRST and the out-of-doors venue for the competition. I would think that both of these are solvable. The competition could be moved into a stadium in Orlando. The Disney transportation system would have no problem moving the 20,000 folks each day. The packages could have options that did not include the four day hopper pass which pushed the lodging costs even higher. Also teams could have the option of staying in off Disney lodging to reduce costs even further.
Here's hoping that the problems are solved and that the FRC will someday return to WDW.
Mr. Bill
07-07-2010 13:21
dag0620
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by Bill Beatty
For the most part WDW is a fantastic place for the FRC. Where else can you host 15,000 high school students with very little concern for their safety? There is a huge selection of lodging and the Disney transportation is superb. There are many things to do and see, and many teams came a day or two early to enjoy them.
There are two major problems with WDW. The high cost to the teams and FIRST and the out-of-doors venue for the competition. I would think that both of these are solvable. The competition could be moved into a stadium in Orlando. The Disney transportation system would have no problem moving the 20,000 folks each day. The packages could have options that did not include the four day hopper pass which pushed the lodging costs even higher. Also teams could have the option of staying in off Disney lodging to reduce costs even further. Here's hoping that the problems are solved and that the FRC will someday return to WDW. Mr. Bill |
As it is they don't provide service to the Military Resort, and thats On Disney property (between the 2 golf courses). In terms off holding the even in EPCOt, yeah its a stretch. But with Wide World of Sports, and the many convention centers throughout the property, it could be done.
As both a Disney Fanatic, and a FIRST member, since I wansn't there, someone want to fill me in on how lodging (hotels Disney put you up in, my moneys on Carribbean beach ) park passes etc. This is more then anything the little DF in me wanting to know
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07-07-2010 16:46
Brandon Holley
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by dag0620
As both a Disney Fanatic, and a FIRST member, since I wansn't there, someone want to fill me in on how lodging (hotels Disney put you up in, my moneys on Carribbean beach ) park passes etc. This is more then anything the little DF in me wanting to know . |
-Brando
14-07-2010 21:17
TD912
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
Wow, I wish I could have went to the championships back then... I never saw a FIRST event with fireworks, lasers, and fog machines!
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Originally Posted by R.C.
Amazing Pic. Does anyone have a larger or Higher Quality Pic of this?
Thanks, -RC |
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img...61fae04f_l.jpg
19-07-2010 08:53
Wetzel
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
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Originally Posted by Brandon Holley
If I am remembering correctly...You paid to be in one of the Walt Disney Resorts. I do not know which ones were specifically available, but I do know that I stayed in the rainforest/jungle themed version. Included in your cost was a park hopper pass for every day you stayed at the resort and I believe there was some meals included as well. I don't remember the exact cost of the trip, but I do remember it being well above $600 for me to attend (including airfare not including spending money). It was certainly an experience of a lifetime, but I imagine many teams may have an issue constantly meeting that price requirement.
-Brando |
, and had a coach bus shuttle us to the park. Wetzel
19-07-2010 16:07
ks_mumupsi
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
ahhh..... epcot... nice pic, this was my first year in FIRST as well....
Fun times. I miss EPCOT!!!
A lot of us do say we miss EPCOT, I am going to wonder a few years from now once Atlanta has become a distant past, how many will be willing to say the same.
I am not sure I will reach a point to say that, Atlanta was fun, but Disney...
20-07-2010 08:17
OZ_341
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I've been avoiding a post because I've repeated myself in so many similar threads. I really think that there is no place on the planet better suited for FIRST than Disney.
The amazing atmosphere, the experience handling large crowds, the walk in traffic from the general public, and the access to media outlets.
FIRST and its members represent a very large collection of very smart people. Any problems could be solved if the right people were dedicated to do so.
20-07-2010 09:59
kjolana1124
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
I personally would love to see it back in Disney.
Then again, I'm a Disney nut who plans to major in computer science or engineering so she can work as an imagineer and wants to do the Disney College program in college for at least two semesters and has known she wanted to be an imagineer since she was in the 6th grade
(side story, I never thought I'd be able to do it until I did FIRST, it was just a side dream).
So I might be a little biased
20-07-2010 13:45
Al Skierkiewicz
Re: pic: Who remembers this?
Kelsey,
Good luck with your plans. I am sure that anyone would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you.
There is the unspoken problem with a return to Disney. Convincing them that they won't lose money and that there is some incentive for families of robot teams to attend as well. You will still have issues with teams west of the Mississippi and international folks. Don't forget that Disney had to build us a stadium and stages when we were less than five hundred FRC teams world wide. Now as we approach 2000 FRC teams we have added FLL and FTC world competitions as well. That's a lot of people to handle, house, transport and book. Don't forget that there will be other families just trying to vacation at the same time as you guys in funny T shirts with faces all painted up. You guys are just plain scary!
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