Bananas are the world ’ s most popular fruit — and also in danger of extinction . Fortunately , researchers like the ones who work here in EPCOT ’ s labs might help us avoid that fate .
GROWING WITH THE FLOW Once passengers blink the darkness out of their eyes , they ’ ll see they ’ re surrounded by living examples of the process of agricultural innovation they ’ ve just learned so much about . The ride winds through a variety of different sections , starting with a tropical greenhouse growing both familiar crops , like bananas and vanilla beans , and more exotic choices , like dragonfruit and jackfruit .
After visiting the tropics , riders are whisked into the Aquacell , where they learn about aquaculture — otherwise known as fish farming . Here , the boats pass by shimmering cylinders and tubes filled with tilapia , catfish , and sturgeon under the futuristic-looking glow of lights specifically tuned for the health and wellbeing of the fish .
PHOTO BY MIKE BILLICK
forces have shaped the landscape over time . For example , did you know that the prolific growth of the grasslands is in part due to the hooves of the buffalo that roam those fields ? As they moved across the countryside , grazing , they were also grinding nutrients down into the soil over time .
After these dioramas , the attraction shifts to focus on the lives of American farmers , transporting riders to a simpler time of vast tilled hillsides guarded by scarecrows and stately homes with big wraparound porches . Film and narration offer more context before riders emerge into the bright glow of daylight to explore the Production and Research Center . And that ’ s where the real show begins .
The ride then continues into the temperate greenhouse — formerly a desert greenhouse — which is populated by larger crops , including giant pumpkins ( some of which are Mickey-shaped ), winter melons , pomelos , and even a unique breed of enormous lemons . And when we say “ enormous ,” we mean it . Although they ’ re called Nine-Pound Lemons , some of the largest weigh more than 15 pounds !
Next up is the string greenhouse , where the researchers show off innovative approaches to farming that can increase the efficiency and sustainability of plant growth . For example , the nutrient film system helps recycle both nutrients and water so we can grow the same amount of food with fewer resources , and vertical growth saves space and makes it easier to inspect plants . ( Plus , how cool is it to see