Cranium Command | Disney World

Cranium Command was a former attraction located in the Wonders of Life pavilion at EPCOT. The attraction was designed as an interactive comedy show that provided guests with an entertaining and educational experience about the human body.

Cranium Command opened in 1989 and was housed in a large theater-style setting. The premise of the attraction was centered around the idea that the human body is controlled by a team of tiny characters representing different bodily functions, emotions, and personality traits. The main character, Buzzy, was a small, animated character who represented the brain of a 12-year-old boy.

During the show, guests would watch an entertaining and humorous animated film that depicted the inner workings of the human body and the challenges faced by Buzzy and his team as they tried to navigate through everyday life situations. The film featured a star-studded voice cast, including the likes of George Wendt, Dana Carvey, and Charles Grodin.

The show aimed to educate guests about the importance of various bodily functions and how they work together to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. It blended humor and educational content to engage audiences of all ages.

After the show, guests would exit through a post-show area called the “Making of Me,” which provided additional information about human reproduction and development. This section included informative displays and exhibits about the human life cycle and the miracle of birth.

Sadly, Cranium Command closed its doors in 2007, and the Wonders of Life pavilion has since undergone several transformations. The space is currently used for seasonal events and festivals, and some portions have been repurposed for other attractions.

Fun Facts

1. Advanced Animatronics and Technology: When it opened in 1989 as part of the Wonders of Life pavilion, “Cranium Command” featured some of the most advanced animatronics and theater effects of its time. It utilized audio-animatronic figures, theater-wide audio, and synchronized lighting effects to create an immersive experience that was groundbreaking for Disney theme parks.

2. Unique Collaboration of Talent: The attraction boasted contributions from a range of notable talents in entertainment. The cast included Charles Grodin as the left brain, Jon Lovitz as the right brain, Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon from Saturday Night Live’s “Hans and Franz” as the heart, and George Wendt from Cheers as the stomach. This ensemble added a unique flair to the educational content, blending humor with science.

3. Conceptual Origins: “Cranium Command” was inspired by a short film called “Brainstorm,” created by Disney for the Transportation Pavilion at EPCOT’s World’s Fair. The positive reception of this film about the complexities of the human brain and its decision-making processes led to the development of a more elaborate attraction focused on how the brain controls the body.

4. Educational Underpinnings: The attraction was designed not only to entertain but also to educate visitors about the human body’s complexities in an accessible way. It was part of the Wonders of Life pavilion, which aimed to teach guests about health, wellness, and the human body through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, setting it apart from other theme park attractions that focused solely on entertainment.