Disney fans will find speakers, demonstrations from theme parks at Orlando Science Center’s Otronicon

Otronicon, the annual four-day Orlando Science Center event celebrating technology, starts today. Disney fans will find plenty to inspire them, including an interactive exhibit presented by Walt Disney World that takes participants behind the scenes of some of the resort’s most popular attractions.

Now in its eleventh year, Otronicon has grown from a conference for video gamers to one that encompasses the many forms of technology that we use in our everyday lives. This year, an emphasis has been placed on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. Many, if not most, of the exhibitors are local companies with a vested interest in the development of STEM programs and jobs in Orlando. They support the concept of “made in Orlando, played in Orlando.”

To that end, two professionals from Walt Disney World will be speaking on Sunday, giving listeners insight into their fields. At 2 p.m., Elaine Schomburg-Lafleur, a project manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will be a panelist discussing “Women in Tech.” Schomburg-Lafleur has been with Disney since 2003 and is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers. At 3 p.m., Michael Tschanz, director of Technology and Analysis (a department within Design and Engineering) will present “Using Simulations to Develop Creative Storytelling.” Tschanz leads a team of more than 70 cast members who develop detailed mathematical and physics models for transportation, ride and animatronic systems.

Disney’s Imagineers also demonstrate “Storytelling through Technology” each day throughout the event. The exhibit promises to take visitors on a journey “through technology and time” that highlights “technologies used to bring the animated figures and visual effects featured at some of Walt Disney World’s most iconic attractions and shows to life.” Participants also can explore a “color and play” station, where they can add color to favorite Disney characters and then see them come to life through the use of augmented reality technologies.

Video games still make up a large part of the event, too. Families can take part in daily competitions hosted by Powder Keg Games; visit the Japanese Video Game Room sponsored by Florida Anime Experience; and even experience an Hour of Code (programming) each day. Otronicon 2016 also features state-of-the-art medical and military simulators from Florida Hospital for Children and Lockheed Martin, respectively.

Admission to Otronicon is $19 per day for adults and $13 per day for children ages 3 to 11. Admission to Otronicon is free for Science Center members. Hours for Otronicon are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 15 (today) and Jan. 16 (Saturday); and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 17 (Sunday) and Jan. 18 (Monday).

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