Know Before You Go

Thursday June 10, 2021

Friday June 11, 2021

Saturday June 12, 2021

(Specific locations/rooms for events are still being determined and will be posted ASAP)

All competition sites will feature double-doors which allow easy transportation of sets, props, etc. All teams will be competing on commercial carpeting EXCEPT for Problem 1, which will be on a hard-surfaced floor. 

As a reminder, we do not have shuttles this year because the entire event is within a single facility. The OCCC is a very large facility so visitors should plan accordingly for the time needed to travel between locations and events.

World Finals Site Map

Shipment & Storage

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Odyssey of the Mind World Finals will unfortunately not have dedicated prop and set storage/work space this year. Typically teams have their props and sets shipped to the hosting university and all items are stored in a common space where teams may assemble or otherwise work on their materials. To avoid having numerous teams working in close proximity, we must forgo this space for 2021 World Finals.

Teams are encouraged to inquire with their chosen hotel if they need to find storage or work space. It may also be effective for teams from the same associations to pool resources for transportation or in discussing these space needs with the hotel, if they are staying at the same location.

Disposal

Dumpsters will be available for prop/set disposal, after teams have completed their performances. We know that many teams enjoy the tradition of “enthusiastically” disposing of their props and sets, but this year only adults are permitted to physically dispose of items at the dumpsters. The facility will provide carts for adults from teams to transport materials for disposal and the teams may “enthusiastically” (but safely!) break down those materials so that they fit on the carts.

During the event, a variety of dining kiosks will be open to visitors, within the Orange County Convention Center. Visitors should plan for breakfast outside of the convention center. At the moment we cannot guarantee that breakfast options will be available. The kiosks will offer a variety of dietary options and styles at affordable price points. Visitors are also free to leave the convention center to seek alternative options as they see fit.

Odyssey of the Mind coaches and volunteers work hard to facilitate creative thinking – but that’s not the hardest part. All year they have to keep their creative ideas to themselves while the teams have all the fun! This competition is their chance to express themselves, solve a problem, and have fun doing so. And the best part – teams and parents can participate with the coach as well.

We welcome all coaches and officials! If you missed the sign up deadline, you are still able to join. Arrive with your solution at West Hall B3 before 8pm.

Covid Shots

The Problem

Coaches are hitting back at Covid during this year’s World Finals. Your problem is to design, build, and operate a device that propels two tennis balls at a covid cell-shaped target. All participants will work together to destroy this nuisance target with their creativity!

Limitations

1. Coaches can work individually or with team members/parents as a single entrant.

2. The Device:

• must be designed, built, and operated by the coach and/or team members.
• must be original; however, it may include commercially produced parts. The propulsion system that propels the tennis balls is not allowed to be a commercially produced item made for launching balls.
• must use only direct or indirect human power. For example, it is not allowed to use electric and must comply with the general rules of the Program Guide.
• must be safe in its design. If it is judged to pose potential harm to anyone or the competition site, it will be prohibited. See the 2020-21 Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide.
• must fit through a standard doorway. No part of the device may touch the target, it can only be hit by tennis balls.
• will launch two standard tennis balls, one at a time.
• will be judged on creativity (including: how it propels the balls, overall design, use of materials, etc.

3. The Tennis Balls:

• cannot be altered in any way. The only exception is writing the team’s name on it for retrieving the balls.
• must be propelled in a safe manner.

4. The Target:

• will be placed no less than 10’ away and no more than 25’ away.
• will be provided by the Tournament Director.
• will remain in one place until it is knocked down by the devices.

The Competition

• If needed, entries will be assigned a number when registering at the competition site.
• When your number is announced, you must take your solution to one of the Shot Spots marked by a taped X on the floor.
• A judge will blow a whistle to indicate that it’s time to launch the balls at the target.
• Contestants will work simultaneously to try and destroy the target as judges score the creativity of the devices.
• Nothing can be thrown or launched into the audience.

Awards

• Awards for the most creative device will be given for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place as determined by the judges.
• Overall Style will also be awarded to the entry that has the most creative/popular appearance.

Download the problem here (.pdf).

Join OMER and Dr. Sam for a special graduation ceremony the evening of June 11 at 7 p.m.

Open to graduating high school and college seniors. Spectators welcome! The ceremony will take place in West Hall B4 

Graduates please arrive at West Hall B4 at 6:30 for lineup.

Days Inn Convention Center
9990 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-8700

Room Type: 2 Double Beds
Rate: $70.00 plus 12.5% tax per night, per room
Reservations: 407-352-8700 and ask for the Florida Odyssey for the Mind block* to make reservations by May 10, 2021.
Rates from June 11-13, 2021

*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)

Hampton Inn by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
8900 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
407-354-4447

Room Type: 2 Queen Bed Standard Rooms
Rate: $99.00
Booking Code: FLD or ask for Florida Odyssey Group Rate*
Reservations: Online using above booking code 877-620-8006 or 407-354-4447 Option 1

*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando IDrive Theme Parks
11545 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821

Room Type: 1 King Bed
Rate: $99
Reservations: Online using this link

Room Type: 2 Queen Beds
Rate: $99
Reservations: Online using this link

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando I-Drive 360
8250 Jamaican Ct
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-8250

Room Type: 2 Double Bed Suites
Rate: $109.00
Special: Complimentary Self-Parking when using code FLD or link below
Booking Code: FLD or ask for Florida Odyssey Rate*
Reservations: Online using above booking code or 800-871-5831 or 407-345-8250 Option 1

*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)

Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
8745 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-2232

Room Type: King Bed Suites with Sofa Sleeper
Rate: $109.00
Booking Code: FLD or ask for Florida Odyssey Group Rate*
Reservations: Online using above booking code OR 800-809-9726 or 407-248-2232 Option 1

*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)

Hyatt Place Orlando I-Drive/Convention Center
8741 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-4720

Room Type: 2 Double Beds and a Sofa Sleeper
Rate: $109.00
Special: Complimentary parking and breakfast
Reservations: www.hyattplaceorlandoconventioncenter.com using Group Code: G-FOMA or via phone, mention FL Odyssey of the Mind Association*

JUST ADDED 4/19

Room Type: High Floor 2 Double Beds with Microwave
Rate: $114
Reservations: www.hyattplaceorlandoconventioncenter.com using Group Code: G-FOMA or via phone, mention FL Odyssey of the Mind Association*

*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)

TRYP by Wyndham Orlando
11539 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
(407) 315-7500

Room Type: 2 Queen Beds
Rate: $109
Reservations: Online using this link

Room Type: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Bunk Bed, Family Room
Rate: $139
Reservations: Online using this link

Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
6461 Westwood Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32821

Room Type: 1 – 4 per room
Rate: $119
Reservations: Online using this link or by telephone call the hotel at 407-351-4091 and ask for reservations with the group code: OOTM21

The Element Orlando
8278 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2225

Room Type: 2 Queen Beds
Rate: $125.00 plus tax
Special: Complimentary parking, WiFi, and Breakfast
Reservations: Online OR  Call (407) 352-2225 and mention Florida Odyssey of the Mind* by May 10, 2021.
Rates from June 10 – 13, 2021

*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)