Can the most magical place on earth also be one of the greatest places to learn? I think so. Creating your own experience in Walt Disney World is an important aspect of coming to the parks. I believe with the right preparation any parent can make Walt Disney World an educational experience. The tools are there, and all you as a parent have to do is use these tools to make your vacation a learning experience.
If you choose to ride Space Mountain with your children 10 times in a row, then you are going to have a hard time making the argument that your vacation was a scholastic experience, but here are 5 ways to make Walt Disney World educational:
1) Watch The Hall Of Presidents
In college I was a political science major, and to this day I still get goose bumps when I watch the Hall of Presidents. While it does gloss over a lot of history, the Hall of Presidents does make for a good summary of the history of the American presidents. For children who are just starting to get interested in politics and the American presidents, this is a great educational opportunity.
2) Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is one of the best history lessons of the American experience I can think of. In 20 minutes this show tells the story of the American family, and how technology improved living throughout the 20th century. This show can help create a spark for young minds to become interested in science and technology.
3) Living with the Land
Agriculture and science go hand in hand. Teaching your children about how food is grown and harvested could spark an interest in subjects such as biology, economics, environmentalism, genetic engineering, and so much more! In many ways this attraction encompasses what learning should be about. Much of the attraction teaches the guests that the cast members are learning everyday how to make their growing and harvesting methods more environmentally friendly.
4) Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Between the Conservation Station, Habitat Habit!, and Affection Section there are plenty of informative wildlife experiences for your child at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here they can learn about conservatism, environmentalism, biology, and so much more. Many of these experiences are hands on creating a learning environment that a classroom cannot replicate.
5) Spaceship Earth
This omnimover attraction is a great lesson on the history of communication. Starting with our distant past and bringing guests into the future this attraction will teach your children that we have come a long way in the methods we use to communicate. Along the way there are references to the cavemen writing on the walls of caves, the ancient Egyptians, the rise and fall of Rome, the moon landing, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates inventive beginnings, and so much more!
Stephen "Steve" Porter started going to the parks with his family in 1996. Since then he hasn't looked back! Steve was a cast member participating in the Disney College Program in 2013. Most recently he graduated from Penn State University!
