When most people think about Disney World, educational activities are the furthest things from their minds. However, this popular Orlando vacation spot is one of those magical places where learning is fun!
Kids, and parents too, will likely be surprised at how much their Disney World visit teaches them. It’s no accident that these parks are educational. Walt Disney was a proponent of expanding our knowledge of science, culture and the world. No wonder there are so many amazing things to learn at Disney World.
Of the four theme parks, perhaps the most educational is EPCOT. It’s divided into two sections, Future World and the World Showcase. Future World is a journey into science and technology. With a visit here, you’ll blast off into space and explore the world beneath the ocean. Kids will love learning about the wild creatures that inhabit the coral reefs and trying all the interactive exhibits at Innoventions.
In EPCOT’s World Showcase, kids can learn about the history and culture of 11 diverse nations. Enhancing the experience are the Kidcot Fun Stops. In each pavilion, kids can draw, color and explore more information about each country. It’s fun for them, and parents appreciate the opportunity to sit down and relax for a few minutes.
Over at the Animal Kingdom park, there’s even more learning to find. Take your kids to Discovery Island upon entering the park. Once there, they’ll be inducted into the Wilderness Explorers, which is based on the move Up!. Your kids will follow along with Russell and Dug the dog as they complete many self-guided activities that involve everything from observing wildlife to honing nature skills. Kids can even earn badges as they complete activities, and these make for memorable and inexpensive souvenirs.
While at Animal Kingdom, be sure to take your kids back to the Conservation Station where they can learn more about how Disney cares for their wild charges. There’s also Rafiki’s Planet Watch with its collection of interactive exhibits that are all aimed at preserving animals and their environment. This attraction just might make your child a conservationist.
The learning continues at Magic Kingdom, especially in the Hall of Presidents. This massive theater experience seats 700 guests at a time. Each of the U.S. presidents is captured as an animatronic figure that moves and speaks, revealing bits of American history and the struggles through which the nation has endured. No one can resist the allure of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address or the magic of Kennedy’s speeches.
Consider giving your child their own pocket money for the trip. Detail for them the different ways that it could be used and emphasize awareness of how much they have spent and how much they have remaining. This encourages financial planning and a better understanding of the value of a dollar.
On the topic of budgets, consider staying at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) timeshare resale to save up to 50% off your hotel. DVC timeshares are units within Disney resorts that are available for sale and rent by owner. Disney resorts are more like an extension to the park because they each have their own fun themes to explore. If you choose to buy into the Disney Vacation Club, remember that you can sell DVC points online later if you’d like.
There are countless ways to learn during Disney World adventures. Use these ideas on your next trip, and your whole family is bound to have a fun and educational time.
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What fun! EPCOT has always been my favorite of the theme parks! Great post and photos.
Thanks so much Pat! I grew up near Disneyland but I think Epcot is great and wish there was one in S. Cal too!
Disney also has education programs for schools and groups. My son’s middle school has an annual 8th grade trip to participate in this. It’s not cheap, but nothing at Disney is. I was really glad I was able to send my son on the 8th grade trip. It was a great way to end 9+ years at the same school and really cemented his friendships.
The comment field won’t let me include the link but go to DisneyYouth dot com and look at programs.
Hi Dee,
I used to go to Disneyland for school field trips. My school was about 15 minutes away. We used to go on the boring and education rides though so it’s not as fun as it sounds: Mr. Lincoln Speaks (which is now all the presidents), this ride that is now gone where you traveled inside the human body, Tiki Hut, Bear Jamboree Show, and It’s A Small World.
Here’s the link you mentioned: https://www.disneyyouth.com/
Yes, Mia!! I have been saying this for years about Disneyland and people look at me like I’m crazy. Like Dee said (above) there are also phenomenal educational classes at most of the parks. I’ve been taking my kids to Disneyland for eleven years now (we’re annual passholders because we live in Los Angeles.) There’s so much to learn in the parks! My favorite is the animation building at California Adventure.
Xoxo,
Erika
Urthmama.com
Hi Erika,
The animation building sounds cool! That didn’t exist when I was a kid and we went to Disneyland annually as part of our school field trips. My elementary school is 15 minutes from Disneyland.
Erika is right – I think things have changed a lot from when you were a kid. Some of the topics are about leadership, managing your personal brand, animal behavior, sustainability, teamwork, the evolution of technology, etc.
Good point Dee!
These are great suggestions. My kids have learned so much on Disney trips. We even watch the Science of Disney Imagineering movies before our trips to review the science behind the rides and how they work. I think the best time my boys had was when they went all around all the kids spots at EPCOT and got to see their names written in each language.
Hi Mother of 3,
I did not know about the Science of Disney Imagineering movies! They sound GREAT!!!! I love the names in different languages. It’s an activity that is part of our Multicultural Children’s Book Day Empathy Classroom Kit. We use an app for that.
I always loved visiting Disney World with my parents. When they opened EPCOT that was amazing!
Hi Xyra,
I only went to Epcot for the first time about 10 years ago. I grew up near Disneyland which didn’t have one. My college friend from Florida would always say that Disneyworld is better than Disneyland because of Epcot. I have to say that I agree!
EPCOT was definitely my favorite part of Disney World when I went as a teen! Thanks for the tips, too.
Hi MaryAnne,
Epcot really celebrates different cultures. I love that!