Walt Disney World is a fantastic vacation destination for families with children. Walt Disney World is filled with fun rides, shows, and great places to eat. But, Walt Disney’s passion for education and learning has also made Walt Disney World a fun place for educational experiences. There are plenty of opportunities for your children to learn while on vacation at Walt Disney World. Here are just a few!
Living With The Land – EPCOT
Nestled into The Land pavilion at EPCOT is a small boat ride that has become a classic Disney attraction. Living With The Land is an educational ride through Epcot’s own greenhouse and gardens where many fruits and vegetables are grown, as well as fish that are farmed for consumption throughout the parks. The boat ride runs alongside an audio commentary that educates riders on farming, agriculture, and the history of how man is “living with the land”.
World Showcase – EPCOT
Also at EPCOT is the World Showcase. World Showcase features 11 pavilions of various nations across the globe. Each pavilion features buildings and architecture in the style of the country featured. Guests can shop for souvenirs authentic to the featured country, and dine on delicious cultural dishes as well. The entirety of World Showcase is packed with education. Some countries have attractions in which you can learn even more about the culture, such as the film “Canada” within the Canada pavilion. You might be surprised at what you can learn when you explore EPCOT’s World Showcase!
Hall of Presidents – Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney loved American history, so it seems fitting that one of his must-have attractions for Walt Disney World was an educational showcase of American presidents. The Hall of Presidents is an audio-animatronic show which features every United States president; all appear onstage as animatronic figures. Some presidents will give snippets of a famous speech. This attraction is updated to feature every new president that is elected, with the current president giving a speech at the end that was written and recited just for the attraction.
Walt Disney Presents – Hollywood Studios
Inside of Hollywood Studios is a walkthrough gallery detailing Walt Disney’s life and work. This experience is not only educational on Walt Disney himself, but also extremely educational on animation in general. Guests can explore galleries filled with old concept art, original sketches, and even take a look at how some classic Disney films were animated and filmed. The gallery ends with a short 15 minute film on Walt Disney’s life entitled “One Man’s Dream”. This is a great educational experience for the whole family, and especially for those who are interested in animation.
The Animation Experience – Animal Kingdom
Feeling inspired by Walt Disney Presents? Head over to Animal Kingdom and learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters with The Animation Experience. Located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, The Animation Experience is a 25-minute long class in which instructors will walk you through the steps of sketching a Disney character. Each class features a new character, so you never know who you’ll be drawing!
Conservation Station – Animal Kingdom
Do you have a future zoologist in your family? Head over to Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom! This building is an actual working veterinary office and science center for Cast Members working at Animal Kingdom. Check out the surgery room, and you might even be able to view an operation. Watch Cast Members prepare food, check out the reptile house, and catch a glimpse at what Disney scientists are working on!
Have you ever experienced any of these educational attractions at Walt Disney World? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo: Emily Murray