In Park Educational Stuff

[Peaches1111_00]

We have a trip planned for Thanksgiving week of this year. My little cousins were scheduled to be out of school for that entire week. Because of the hurricanes, they've been out for the past 2 weeks. Rumor has it that they may have 1-3 makeup days during the Thanksgiving holiday. Their mom has said that they are still going since everything is already paid for and we can't move the dates. We're thinking of finding some educational stuff in the parks to make up for a few missed days. What can you think of that's educational in each park?

MK - Presidents was my thought but it's going to be down when we go so I have no idea.
Epcot - Learn something from each country in World Showcase and take a picture with a cast member from that country.
DHS - Again, I got nothing.
AK - Find out what some of the animals eat and take pictures on the safari.

 

[blestmom]

For my own kids, I wrote up a Word document that lists "Educational Ideas at Walt Disney World." It lists different ideas for each park, as well as some general ideas. It's about 6 pages long.

It is a 'work-in-progress' but I'd be happy to send you a copy if you'd like...just send me a PM!

Hope you and your cousins have a great trip.

 

[vicki_c]

MK - Carousel of Progress
AK - not sure if they still have the Kidcot stops - I think they do - they had them staffed with CMs that would talk about different animal things.
DHS - can't think of anything here - hmmm ... Tower of Terror as a lesson on gravity?
Epcot - there's a lot there - check out the exhibit of Americana type items inside the American pavilion, too in addition to what you posted. Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, lots of things in Innoventions.

 

[Peaches1111_00]

blestmom, I'll PM you. That will definately be a good read to find out what we can do!

vicki, I didn't even think of CoP. That's a good one! And ToT is a no for all of us. We're all chicken butts (me for sure) and none of us are planning to go on ToT. I'm also avoiding RnR. My cousins are 8 and 10 I believe. The older one will get on anything you stick him on. The younger 1 is a little more unsure of some rides. But they both LOVE BTMRR.

 

[Lavender_Blue]

Be sure to visit the Kids' Discovery Clubs at Disney's Animal Kingdom! Those areas are designed to provide kids with an educational and fun experience. The cast members tht run those are also found, sometimes, in front of the animal exhibits in the oasis and in Asia in front of the siamangs and gibbons, and in Dinoland in front of the crocodile and dinosaur Sue. It's very easy to get your fill of animal info if you know where to go and who to ask. ;p And if you find me there, I'll be sure to help you with whatever I can.

As for MK - I'd use that as a fun day. There really isn't anything educational there. What I MIGHT suggest (although it might be a bit much) is getting some short-but-sweet books about The Swiss Family Robinson and so when you visit the treehouse, you can have the children point out anything that they recognize from the story (although, I have no idea if there is anything there that's from the book).

Epcot - Don't miss the storytime at Japan. It's interactive, meaning that the lady calls children from the audience to take part in the story she tells. Some of the shows at the World Show case, too, are worth seeing so they can learn about the entertainment of other cultures - some of which is very dated and traditonal. In China they have guzheng players. The guzheng is a type of "Chinese zither." The character for "gu" means "ancient." So it is an old instrument that dates back to the Waring States Period (when China was once broken up into different kingdoms that fought each other for dominance). This would date the existance of the instrument as some time from the 5th Century BC to 221 BC. Also, in Mexio, you could catch the dancers. They do a very cool and traditional dance that you might be able to ask about. Be sure to check the list of schedules when you go to get your park map of the different events at the different countries to see. Also, I do know that if you eat at Le Cellier the waiters are often more than happy to talk about their country. I don't know if the same is true about other restaurants - I've haven't eaten at all of them. But you can try.

DHS - There's really nothing to do here that's educational. It's a theme park with a theme of the movies and movie making. =P

 

[MomofKatie]

DHS- One Man's Dream is an excellent attraction that tells the Walt Disney story- a kid could do a report about it. Kids can also learn about how stunts are performed when watching the Lights Motors Action stunt show and the Indy stunt show.

AK- LOTS of great animal information here- there are kids' stations (like Kidcot in Epcot) throughout AK where kids learn about animals. There are also CMs that are along the animal trails that give out great information about the animals there. Rafiki's Planet Watch also has really good, kid-oriented information about conservation and creating habitats for animals in their own backyards. there is a fascinationg vet clinic area set up inside Conservation Station where (usually in the mornings) you can see actual vet procedures being performed on wild animals.

EP- learn all about each country in the World Showcase. Talk to CMs and learn how to say "Hello" in each language, or find out about life in the countries by talking to the CMs. Future World also has lots of really great hands-on exhibits in the different pavilions and Innoventions.

MK- Well... there is enough educational stuff in the rest of WDW to satisfy teachers, isn't there??

 

[ChelleinNC]

Here are a few ideas for DHS:

One Man's Dream--

Located on Mickey Avenue, this unique attraction provides a rare opportunity to learn more about the man behind the mouse. Guests are welcome to tour the displays at their leisure. The tour culminates with a film that features footage that was specially prepared for this attraction.

I know my DD has done several book reports over the years on Walt

Magic of Disney Animatio--

brief introduction to the animation process is over, you'll go into the next section where there's a selection of interactive displays that you're welcome to "play" with.

Sounds Dangerous--

The premise is that a TV pilot is being tested. Drew Carey plays the role of Detective Foster who is working undercover. Suddenly, the theater goes dark, and we're talking pitch black. By use of Binaural sound, the action continues with some pretty funny moments.

What's "Binaural Sound" you ask? It's when each earpiece can operate independent of the other. In other words, you have no idea what sound you'll hear next, or which ear you'll hear it in. It really is interesting how your brain is tricked by the combination of darkness and sound.

Might be a stretch, but there is a science component to it.

Journey into Narnia, Prince Caspian-- behind the scenes footage of the movie, costumes & props from the movie. Could tie this into a book report

For more ideas for all the parks check here each park will have the attractions listed with descriptions.

--don't forget Universe of Energy & Mission Space at Epcot. Also a weather/hurricane exhibit at Innoventions.

 

[Lavender_Blue]

"Sounds Dangerous" is down. I don't know if it'll be up by the time OP has her vacation.

 

[Peaches1111_00]

Why did I never think of doing a report on Walt when I was in school? I would have loved doing the research on him. I doubt anyone would have ever thought of doing one on him either.

The hurricane exhibit would be very fitting considering the reason why the school schedule was changed was hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We planned on visiting this anyway, but since I stayed for both I think I've had my fill of wind, rain, and flying debris. Ugh.

 

[loopner67]

Think along the lines of subjects....

Math - You can so money problems, look for shapes (cylinders, cones, cubes, rectangular prisms, spheres, etc... We found TONS of shapes during the Lights, Motors, Action Show in DHS), addition, subtraction, time (EX - it's noon and our fast passes are for 1:15, how much time before we can go back?).

Reading - There's so many things they can read during the trip. Have them try to decipher the maps for each park.

History - Hall of Presidents, American Adventure and all of the information they could get from the different countries in EPCOT.

Science - Animals Animals Animals in AK. Ocean & animals info at Living Seas. Dinosaurs - Ellen's Universe of Energy is chalk full of science stuff about fossil fuels, etc...

Writing - Print out Journal pages on themouseforless and have them write each day about what they did, saw, their favorite things, etc...

Geography - Discuss where they live in comparison to WDW. Discuss states you might drive or fly through to get there. Discuss where each of the EPCOT countries are located in the world.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Why did I never think of doing a report on Walt when I was in school? I would have loved doing the research on him. I doubt anyone would have ever thought of doing one on him either.

The hurricane exhibit would be very fitting considering the reason why the school schedule was changed was hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We planned on visiting this anyway, but since I stayed for both I think I've had my fill of wind, rain, and flying debris. Ugh.

I was hesitant to mention the hurricane exhibit because of that but felt like others may get something out of it.

 

[disneyplanningdad]

DHS-Animation studios, and Sounds Dangerous are fairly informative.

Don't forget that the Living Seas is an aquarium. take the time to read the exhibits. There is a lot of information there. Most people just run through wondering if they have time before their FP for Soarin'. Same thing for AK Many peaople do Kilamanjaro Safaris but the Pangani and Maharajah treks are chock full of educatrion not to mention the conservation Station .

 

[solfan68]

DHS - can't think of anything here - hmmm ... Tower of Terror as a lesson on gravity?

And how abour R-n-R as a lesson in centrifugal force, and I'm sure there's got to be some sort of 3-d lesson tied into Muppets or TSMM ???

 

[Peaches1111_00]

I was hesitant to mention the hurricane exhibit because of that but felt like others may get something out of it.

It wouldn't bother me but the younger cousin is sometimes scared of storms because of the thunder. They didn't stay for Gustav. Maybe if we put his earphones on (we're bringing them for the fireworks anyway) and keep reassuring him that it's fake, he'll be a little better with it. I'm curious to see it because I've heard how realistic it seems. It's still fresh in my mind so we'll see how real it feels.