Educational Attractions at Walt Disney World
Here is a list of attractions at the Disney Theme Parks for use by homeschoolers, teachers, anyone taking their children out of school for a trip to Disneyworld, lifetime learners, parents and grandparents.
Magic Kingdom
• Hall of Presidents ~ See all of the nation’s presidents in this Audio-animitronic presentation of America’s history.
• Liberty Square Riverboat ~ An authentically detailed, steam-powered paddle wheeler. Perfect for those interested in the history of transportation or studying Mark Twain’s literature. (Summer 2006 – Closed for refurbishment.)
• Swiss Family Treehouse ~ may be a fun “visual aid” for anyone reading this book in Literature.
• Carousel of Progress ~ (open only seasonally). This attraction looks at the homes of four generations of the same family from the days before electricity to present day. It shows how times have changed do to inventions and innovations.
• Peter Pan’s Flight ~ an excellent example of the use of proportion and scale in making models.
MGM Studios:
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular ~ Learn about stuntmen, special affects, and what it takes to make an action movie look real.
• Magic of Disney Animation ~ Learn about the background work that goes into the development of a Disney animated character. Great for the artist in your family.
• Tower of Terror ~ Wanna see gravity in action? This is the place!
• Backlot Tour ~ This attraction teaches how movie producers use prospective to create the fantastic scenes we see on movies.
• Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream ~ An interactive gallery that won’t hold most kids’ interest for too long. Disney’s life is a great example of the rewards that come with hard work and persistence.
Epcot – Future World
Spaceship Earth ~ This gentle 16-minute ride takes you through the history of human communication. scene highlights include: the New Kingdom of Egypt where the papyrus was invented, 9th century BC Phoenicians invent the alphabet, Renaissance in Italy, the Sistine Chapel Ceiling, Ancient Greece, Dark Ages and Destruction of Rome, the Age of Enlightenment, and the invention of the printing press.
The Living Seas ~
1. The centerpiece of this attraction is the world's largest saltwater aquarium tank, which is 203 feet in diameter and 27 feet deep. Within the tank is a complete man-made coral reef inhabited by sharks, tropical fish, rays and dolphins, all exotic and colorful forms of life that normally colonize Caribbean reefs.
2. Turtle Talk with Crush. This theater experience features a 3D computer animated version of “Crush”, the surfer-dude sea turtle from “Finding Nemo”. The screen looks like a window into the ocean. The show lasts about 20 minutes and is interactive, meaning that “Crush” answers questions from the audience about sea turtles. This New attraction is getting rave reviews!
3. Nemo and Friends! -- A Great Barrier Reef display that includes Stingray and Jellyfish viewing habitats.
4. Life Support Systems Exhibit & Undersea Robotics ~ A model of a futuristic undersea research facility. You can climb into an open backed diver’s suit and try to use your hands. This exhibit features robotic submersibles, and communication systems used by oceanographic institutes.
5. Manatee exhibit ~ See rescued manatees that are being rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. Some think that the mermaid legends came from sailors seeing these animals…. “yo ho ho and a bottle of rum” may have been a factor in this misidentification!
The Land
1. Living with the Land ~ Visit the Tropics Greenhouse, the Aquacell, the Temperate Greenhouse, the Creative House, and the Production greenhouse – each unique indoor plant growing areas - on this calm 14-minute boat ride.
2. The Circle of Life ~ Scenes from this wide-screen movie about the environment were filmed in 30 countries.
3. Soarin’ Over California ~ This attraction sends guests sweeping over California for an unforgettable view of the rich landscape and topography, including the Redwood forests, Napa Valley, Yosemite, and more.
Imagination! Pavilion
1. Journey into Imagination ~ Optical illusions and special affects teach that what you “hear, see and smell” may not be as it appears.
2. Imageworks – The Kodak “What If” Labs ~ Interactive labs let you conduct an orchestra, use stepping stones that create sounds, and look into a special body distorting mirror…among other activites.
Innoventions Pavilion ~ This tends to be popular with teens although many exhibits are geared for families. Email a photo postcard of yourself to family and friends. Make a 30-second video to send home. Other exhibits include forest trivia,
Segway Human Transporter demonstration, a plastic production exhibit, electricity test lab, a fire safety interactive game house and more.
Mission: SPACE ~ This space attraction features the combined efforts of NASA advisors, astronauts, scientists, and Walt Disney Imagineers. Guests get a very intense and very realistic simulation of lift off and the experience of weightlessness in outer space, although a “no G-force” option has just been introduced. The entrance features inspirational quotes from well-known astronauts and astronomers like Galileo and Kalpana Chawla, who died in the Space shuttle Columbia accident. There is an actual Lunar Rover on loan from the Smithsonian. After the ride, guests can explore the interactive “Advanced Training Lab”.
Universe of Energy Pavillion ~ Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Bill Nye the Science Guy helps Ellen DeGeneres beat her college rival at Jeopardy by teaching her all about the sources of energy and present-day energy needs and concerns. The attraction goes through a really amazing Audio-animatronic Dinosaur diorama.
Test Track ~ this fun attraction lets you be the “crash dummy” in a “test vehicle”. The queue area displays things like electromagnetic chambers, air bag testing, and impact-resistance.
Epcot – World Showcase
Each pavilion gives a glimpse into the architecture, culture and history of that country. Dining and snack opportunities abound for those seeking a taste of the world. Take time to visit with the cast members here on one year internships from the country represented.
You can purchase an Epcot Passport (approximately $11)for your child, so that they can take the passport into each country and get it stamped. This is also a great deal of fun and the child will get interesting facts about each country as they tour the 11 present around the "World Showcase Promenade". Cast members will also stamp a notebook or autograph book if you do not wish to purchase a passport.
Each country has performances at various times throughout the day. Check out
http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm for current show times. Schedules are also available at the park. The drummers of Japan and the Chinese acrobats always come especially highly recommended.
Each of the World Showcase countries has a special "KIDCOT" area that provides an opportunity for younger children to add to a free craft and to interact with a native of the country you are visiting. These generally close around 3pm.
Mexico ~ “El Rio del Tiempo” is a 6-minute boat ride offering an upbeat look at Mexican history and culture with an “It’s A Small World” feel. There is also an “Art of Mexico” museum style exhibit.
Norway ~ See a Viking village and Norwegian myths from your seat in a Viking boat on “The Maelstrom” – a somewhat intense ride. There is a wide-screen movie that gives an overview of Norway and its people. The Stave Church replica is worth a visit. There are 28 similar churches still existing in Norway. These 600 year old buildings are the oldest wooden structures in the world today.
China ~ The Circle-Vision “Wonders of China: Land of Beauty, Land of Time” gives a spectacular look at the Great Wall, the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, the Yangtze River and the tropical rain forests of Hainan Island. There is also an exhibit of Chinese artifacts on display.
United Kingdom, Germany, & Italy ~ These do not feature films or moving exhibits but do have performances throughout the day. Germany has a model train that interests kids and train enthusiasts alike. The UK pavilion has a short hedge maze that excites young children.
The American Adventure ~ Audio-Animatronic Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain introduce guests to the Pilgrims and the Mayflower; the Boston Tea Party; the writing of the Declaration of Independence; Valley Forge and the Revolutionary War; slavery and the Civil War; the suffering of the Native Americans; the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition; the founding of Yosemite National Park; World Wars I & II; and other images from recent history. There is also a wonderful film montage of famous Americans. 30 minutes. There are three musical groups that appear most days (check current schedule) in this pavilion: The Voices of Liberty are an a cappella group that sing patriotic songs. American Vybe performs more contemporary styles including spirituals, gospel, and jazz. The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps performs patriotic songs from colonial times.
Japan ~ The Bijutsu-kan Gallery has continuously changing cultural exhibits. Be sure to check out the Japanese drummers (called Matsuriza) and the Japanese candy artist (Miyuki) demonstrations (check schedule).
Morocco ~ The “Gallery of Arts and History” displays the science, music, and technology of Morocco. The group “Mo Rockin’” is worth watch for any young violinist.
France ~ “Impressions de France” film is a French travelogue set to classical music. Scenes include: Normandy, Loire Valley, Cognac, Cannes, Paris, and more.
Canada ~ “O Canada” is a 17-minute Circle-Vision film with breathtaking views of Canadian people, places, and events. “Off Kilter” is a Celtic rock band complete with bagpipes that makes most visitors’ “must see” list, although it probably isn’t educational.
Animal Kingdom
This whole park offers something educational at every turn. The Cast Members here are among the best and can answer questions about the attractions, plants and animals.
Kids’ Discovery Club ~ For 4 – 8 year old children. Get the free souvenir logbook and then check out the informal, creative activity stations are set up along walkways in six theme areas. Cast members supervise a different activity at each station and stamp the logbook.
Animal Encounters ~ Throughout the day, cast members in Safari garb holding a bird, reptile, or small mammal give short talks.
Goodwill Ambassadors ~ Asian and/or African cast members are available to share about their country and its wildlife. They are found in Harambe and along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in Africa or in Anandapur and along the Maharaja Jungle Trek in Asia.
The Oasis ~ Lush paths feature tropical plants, ponds, waterfalls, exotic birds and animals. Cast Members are available to answer questions.
Africa ~ The “Kilimanjaro Safari” is a fun and informative look at African animals. See naked mole rates, okapi, meercats, gorillas and more on the “Pangani Forest Exploration Trail”.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch features a train ride out to the Conservation Station where you’ll learn about the environment, conservation, & animal well-being. Veterinarian procedures can sometimes be observed. There is also an animal petting area.
Asia ~ “Kali River Rapids” is a short but fun raft ride that touches on some of the dangers of destroying the rainforests. See tigers, bats, the Komodo Dragon, and more on the “Maharajah Jungle Trek”. The “Flights of Wonder” is a 25-minute show featuring more than 20 species of free flying exotic birds performed several times a day.
Discovery Island ~ The very fun Animated 3D “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” gives the bug world a chance to earn some much earned respect as they share there contributions to our world.
DinoLand USA ~ “Dinosaur” gives a very exciting tour of a jungle full of vegetarian and carnivorous dinosaurs. “The Boneyard” playground gives younger kids the opportunity to play archeologist.
Here's a good article on visiting Epcot with younger kids:
http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/article-epcot-with-young-children.html
