It’s that time of year again! Back to routines, schedules, early mornings, and evening activities. The smell of freshly sharpened pencils and pb&js. We’re back to school! I love the crisp mornings and the rumble of the school bus, and the promise of new possibilities with a whole new year. What I don’t love? Having to wait until spring break for our next family vacation.
Some of the best times to go to Walt Disney World are when the kids have school. The crowds are lower, it’s typically not as hot as the summer months, and there are so many magical experiences for festivals and holidays! But can you really justify taking the kids out of school for a Disney vacation? Yes! How? The “educational trip” excuse.
Most schools will excuse a certain number of absent days for an educational trip. In our school district, we get up to ten educational trip days, but they have to be requested and approved in advance. Luckily, Disney sprinkles as much learning as they do pixie dust on each magical vacation. Here are some ideas to highlight on your next educational trip request:
Nature
Your child will be immersed in nature in Epcot’s The Land (Soarin’!), The Sea (Turtle Talk with Crush is a favorite!), and soon in Moana’s Journey of Water.
During Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, there are even more opportunities to observe and learn about nature like Bambi’s Butterfly House, and gorgeous topiaries throughout the park.
In Animal Kingdom, there are 300 species of animals, 400 species of plants, and countless cast members who love to share their knowledge with curious kiddos.
Engineering and STEM
Space travel, building a race car at Test Track, various modes of transportation throughout the property, not to mention experiencing incredible engineering (and Imagineering) on cutting edge rides like Guardians of the Galaxy and Tron. Oh! And fireworks! Your child’s STEM teacher will be pleased.
History
Though controversial as a must-do attraction, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a great place to start if you’re into history and learning about how advances in technology have changed our daily lives. It is also a living piece of history in itself as it’s one of the only things Walt himself touched and created for Walt Disney World! Dive deeper into American history (and get some more A/C) in the Hall of Presidents.
In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will find another respite from the heat and a self-guided tour through 100 years of Disney at Walt Disney Presents. Catch a 15-minute documentary, “Walt Disney - One Man’s Dream” while you’re there.
World Cultures
This is one of the most immersive educational opportunities at Walt Disney World. In Epcot’s World Showcase, experience cultures from 11 different nations through the food, music, architecture, and storytelling. In Animal Kingdom, dive deeper into Africa and Asia and soak up the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors.
Literature and the Arts!
If Disney does anything right, it’s telling a great story. Your family will be walking through living, breathing stories the entire time you are on Disney World property. Open your eyes and ears to experience cast members’ costumes, music in different park areas and resorts that sets the mood, details on each attraction that pull you into the story of the ride from the second you step in line. Enjoy a Broadway-level taste of Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios, or kids can help Belle tell her story at Enchanted Tales with Belle. And don’t forget the parades, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, Fantasmic, and fireworks shows!
In February, your whole family can enjoy Epcot’s Festival of the Arts - seeing many different mediums of visual, performing, and culinary art. Kids are invited to make their own art as well! At Animal Kingdom, take a train ride to Discovery Island and learn how to draw a beloved Disney character.
Social Emotional Learning
Do not underestimate the SEL opportunities your kids will find at Disney. Waiting in lines will test their patience, meeting characters and cast members will help them conquer shyness, opportunities to try new foods and experiences will help them feel brave! If you want to encourage kindness and generosity, add a little pixie dust to someone else’s day by giving out stickers or little toys to other kids at the parks. Opportunities here are endless.
Outlining just a few of these educational opportunities will get your school’s approval faster than you can say “I understood the assignment.”
Have you taken your kids out of school for a trip? Share your favorite “educational trip” tips in the comments!
Your Bibbidi Bobbidi Bestie!
-Becky
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