Walt Disney World

August 30 - September 6, 2008

UPDATES: See updates in red below.

Disney Youth Educational Programs

Disney offers many educational programs for student groups. I've chosen the nine programs listed below for our 2008 trip. The date and time of each program is listed with each program, if available. Several programs are close to having the minimum registration required and dates/times will be provided as soon as they are confirmed.

Please read through the descriptions and choose a program for each student (K-12) in your party. One educational program is included in the cost of your group ticket. You may register for additional programs for an extra $22.50 per student, per program.

There is a minimum requirement of 10 students for each program, so I may have to cancel a program if we don't have enough students enrolled. If your student registers for only one program, please choose another program as their second choice in case we don't have enough registrations for their first choice. If your student registers for more than one program, please list them in order of preference (extra program fees will be refunded if we don't have enough registrations for their extra programs).

Note grade-level requirements before choosing programs; they are enforced by Disney. See each description for the length of each program – each program is a one-day program (programs are not conducted over several days).

Younger Children

How Things Move - CONFIRMED (Grades K4 & K5 through 2nd grade, held on Monday, September 1, at 8:15 am in Magic Kingdom)

The children in this 2.5-hour program will learn how physics works in the design process of theme park attractions. They'll learn about the science of motion, and will construct a ride model of their own design. They'll also study the properties of magnetism and its use in transportation. (Children ages 7 and under must be chaperoned by one parent during this program.) Find out more about this program here.

Older Children

The American Story - CONFIRMED (Grades 2-12, held on Tuesday, September 2, at 7:15 am in Magic Kingdom)

This 3-hour program explores America's history; the conflicts and resolutions during several presidential administrations, our oral traditions as communicated from one generation to the next, and how the Gold Rush spurred westward expansion. Find out more about this program here.

Disney's Wild by Nature - CONFIRMED (Grades 2-9, held on Tuesday, September 2, at 8:30 am in Animal Kingdom)

During this 3-hour program, students will participate in an interactive survival game. They will study animal survival behaviors, collect and analyze data, adaptations, ecosystems, and conservation. Find out more about this program here. [NOTE: I hope to confirm an extra class for this program on Thursday at 1:00 pm due to the high number of registrations and to accommodate late arrivals to Disney. Please note on your registration if you would prefer the Thursday class.]

Disney's World of Physics: Energy and Waves - CONFIRMED (Grades 3-12, held on Monday, September 1, at 9:00 am in Magic Kingdom)

In this 3-hour program, students explore the physics concepts of light, sound, and magnetism. They'll study electromagnetism and projection, and how physics can be used to create special effects. Find out more about this program here. [NOTE: I hope to confirm an extra class for this program on Thursday at 11:30 am due to the high number of registrations and to accommodate late arrivals to Disney. Please note on your registration if you would prefer the Thursday class.]

Everyday Chemistry (Grades 4-9, held in Epcot)

In this 3-hour program, students will learn how Chemistry is all around us. They'll learn about elements, photosynthesis, fossil fuels, polymers, plastic, solar energy, and transportation. Find out more about this program here.

Showbiz Magic at La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil - CONFIRMED (Grades 6-12, held on Thursday, September 4, at 8:00 am at the Cirque du Soleil theater in Downtown Disney)

Students in this 2-hour program will explore inside the Cirque du Soleil theater and learn the skills, knowledge, and diversity that go into each performance. They'll also visit backstage areas of the theater to learn about the people and training behind the show. Find out more about this program here. (Out of all the Disney programs we've attended, this one has been our favorite.) IMPORTANT NOTE: Students must attend a La Nouba performance before they can participate in this program. Our discounted price for the show is $45 per person (children under 3 attend free), and we must attend as a group. I plan to reserve the Wednesday, September 3rd, 9:00 pm show. The educational program will not be immediately after the show -- it will be held on Thursday morning. Please don't register your student for this program if you're not able to attend the show.

High School Programs

Making Waves with a Marine Career (Grades 9-12, held in Epcot)

This 2-hour behind-the-scenes program will increase students' knowledge of careers in Marine Science and highlight the skills needed for these careers. Students will learn about dolphin training, marine research, the chemistry involved in marine life management, the role of aquarists and marine veterinarians, and marine conservation. Find out more about this program here.

Keepers of the Kingdom (Grades 10-12, held in Animal Kingdom)

This 3-hour program will inspire students to protect and preserve wildlife and wild places. Students will get an insider's look at Animal Kingdom's animal care and conservation efforts. They'll learn more about zoos and zoo science, endangered species, animal nutrition, and careers in the field. I've discussed this program with Disney staff and it sounds like it will be a very interesting behind-the-scenes look at the animals in Animal Kingdom -- how they're cared for, their behavior, their habitats, and the reasons behind how things are done at the Kingdom. Find out more about this program here.

Disney’s Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track (Grades 9-12, held in Epcot)

Students in this 3-hour program will learn about how communication and training impact leadership and entrepreneurial skills. They'll get an inside look at the role of service and quality standards within the Walt Disney World Resort, and will have an opportunity to discuss leadership with a Walt Disney World leader. Disney will let us choose a leader with a background that is of specific interest to us (park security, culinary arts, engineers, etc). Find out more about this program here.

Once you've decided which programs you want, it's time to complete our registration form.

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