Want to add a little learning to your Walt Disney World vacation? It’s easier than you might think! The Disney theme parks are famously known for their “edutainment” – a perfect blend of education and entertainment. From hands-on exhibits to cultural experiences and science in action, there are so many fun ways to sneak in some learning when visiting the parks. Here are thirteen ideas sure to be a hit with your little learners!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Walt Disney Presents
This attraction may easily slip off most guests’ radars since it’s not a headliner, but I genuinely believe it’s a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed! For Disney fans old and new, Walt Disney Presents is an incredible way to get a glimpse into the pivotal moments that shaped Walt Disney’s life and career.
The experience begins with a self-guided tour through a gallery filled with historic photographs, movie props, theme park models, and other rare memorabilia. It all leads up to Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a heartwarming 15-minute film featuring footage and audio of Walt himself, sharing insight into the journey he took to bring his dreams to life. It’s an inspiring and nostalgic tribute to the man behind the magic!
Before you leave, ask a Cast Member at the entrance for the Disney Historian quiz. As you wander the exhibit, you’ll find all the information you need to successfully tackle the quiz. Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, check your answers with a Cast Member. If they’re all correct, you’ll earn a special souvenir certificate recognizing you as an honorary Disney Historian! It’s a great way to make the experience even more interactive and memorable for kids and adults alike.
MAGIC KINGDOM
Hall of Presidents
The Hall of Presidents is a moving tribute to the leaders of the United States of America and a celebration of the values, hopes, and aspirations that helped shape the nation. During this 25-minute show, you’ll learn about the formation of the United States Constitution, the American Revolution, and other key moments in the country’s history.
Through an impressive blend of storytelling and cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics, history truly comes to life as you listen to the powerful words of iconic figures like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and John F. Kennedy. The show concludes with every U.S. president coming forward on stage, followed by a rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The attraction is a really memorable way for kids (and adults!) to connect with American history.
Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a huge family favorite in our household! Created for the 1964–65 World’s Fair and debuting at Magic Kingdom in 1975, this entertaining show doubles as a history lesson in the evolution of technology. Guests follow an American family as they experience four generations of progress, from the early 1900s to present day. From turn-of-the-century hand-cranked washing machines and all of the newly invented electrical appliances in the 1920s to the convenience of automatic dishwashers in the 40s and virtual reality games in the 21st century, you’ll get to see how these technological innovations have impacted their daily lives.
Carousel of Progress is a fun and engaging way for kids to learn how much the world has changed over the past century and provides a great opportunity for conversations about the role of technology in shaping the future. And you can never go wrong with an afternoon spent listening to the show’s theme song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”!
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Wilderness Explorers
Kids of all ages will love channeling their inner Russell, from the hit Disney/Pixar film Up, as they work toward becoming official Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. This self-paced scavenger hunt-style activity will have children exploring all corners of Animal Kingdom while learning valuable nature-based lessons like animal observation and the importance of conservation.
To get started, pick up a free handbook from one of the marked locations in the park. This booklet includes a map showing every Wilderness Explorers station. As you tour the park, visit the stations at your leisure, and earn an adventure badge for your handbook for each activity you complete.
Whether your kids complete just a few activities or aim for them all, the Wilderness Explorers program turns a day at Animal Kingdom into an enjoyable learning adventure – no classroom required!
Kilimanjaro Safaris and Animal Trails
Kilimanjaro Safaris is easily one of the most memorable learning experiences at Disney World. On this open-air ride, you’ll tour the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, a savanna designed to mimic the African plains. Safari guides help you spot wildlife like elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and rhinos, all while sharing interesting facts about the animals and their behaviors. Did you know a group of hippos is called a bloat? Or that the horns of Watusi-Ankole cattle can weigh up to 15 pounds each? You’ll learn that, and more, during this incredible attraction!
Afterward, take time to explore the park’s self-guided animal trails, like Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia or Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa. These walking paths offer close-up views of species like tigers, Komodo dragons, meerkats, and gorillas, and Cast Members are often nearby to share additional information about the animals and their habitats.
Feathered Friends in Flight
Have you ever wondered about the methods and techniques used to teach animals specific behaviors? At the Feathered Friends in Flight! show inside Anandapur Theater, you’ll have all your burning questions answered! During this half-hour show, animal behavior specialists share their training techniques while introducing guests to some of the park’s free-flying birds. You’ll get to watch several species of birds demonstrate their talents, from picking up and recycling trash onstage to untying a Cast Member’s shoes – and some may even sing a song or two! It is every bit as fascinating as it is informative, and so heartwarming to watch the bond between the trainers and the animals!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a wonderful hidden gem at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, tucked away behind the headliner attractions. This peaceful area offers a variety of engaging exhibits and activities centered around wildlife care and conservation. It is sure to keep kids entertained and make a visit well worth your time!
To get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you’ll take the Wildlife Express Train, which is located at the Harambe Station in Africa. The train ride offers a relaxing break for tired feet and a behind-the-scenes look at some of Animal Kingdom’s backstage animal care areas. Once you arrive, it’s time to let the kids explore!
Inside Conservation Station, families can peek at veterinarians treating animals in exam rooms, watch nutrition experts prepare meals for the resident animals, discover neat facts about animal habitats around the world, and view a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Animal experts are also available to answer questions and share insight with guests.
And, how about participating in an art class while on vacation? At The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, you can do just that! Here, you’ll have the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake as Disney animators guide you through the step-by-step process of sketching favorite Disney characters. The classes are laid back and are a nice chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park. Sessions are held regularly throughout the day, with each session running about 30 minutes. And best of all, the characters presented at the lessons change from class to class – so you can attend as often as you want and come home with an entire collection of artwork from your vacation!
Just outside of Conservation Station is a spot the whole family will love – Affection Section. Here, kids have the opportunity to learn more about animal care while spending quality time with a variety of adorable furry friends. They’ll make so many lasting memories while interacting, petting, and brushing some of the friendly animals that call Animal Kingdom their home.
EPCOT
Spaceship Earth
How about a little bit of time travel on vacation? On Spaceship Earth, you get to do just that while journeying through some of the most important moments in the history of communication – from cave wall paintings to the printing press to the invention of computers. Tucked inside EPCOT’s iconic sphere landmark, this slow-moving attraction is like a moving history lesson, showing how each pivotal moment helped shape the communications technology for our world today. For some added fun, kids will love the interactive finale where they can imagine and design the kind of future they hope to see.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is one of the newest additions to EPCOT, and it is the perfect place for kids to cool off, especially after a long, hot afternoon in the Florida sun. They can explore this interactive walk-through attraction at their own pace while splashing around and playing in various water features. At several stations along the way, they’ll learn about the cycle of water and discover how it moves through the environment, from rain and rivers to oceans and clouds. It’s a great way to sneak in a little science while on vacation!
ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs
Even before Nemo, Anna & Elsa, Remy, and Moana made their way to EPCOT, there was Figment. This lovable (and often mischievous) purple dragon has become the park’s unofficial mascot over the years, capturing the hearts of parkgoers with his playful spirit. Figment is the very embodiment of imagination, and you’ll find him leading the way at the Imagination Pavilion on his namesake attraction, Journey into Imagination with Figment. After exiting Journey into Imagination with Figment, the fun continues at ImageWorks – The “What If” Labs. This colorful, hands-on area is full of interactive exhibits and creative play areas for children to learn more about the five senses.
SeaBase Aquarium
The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion in the World Nature section of EPCOT is home to two family-friendly attractions and an impressive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium. Inside, families can view and learn about the more than 2,000 sea creatures that call this tank home, including sea turtles, sand sharks, and sting rays.
To keep kids actively engaged while exploring, don’t miss the “Finding Dory’s Friends Fin-Tastic Scavenger Hunt.” After exiting The Seas With Nemo & Friends attraction, pick up one of the complimentary sticker booklets and use it for a self-guided adventure of solving clues and learning additional fun facts about marine life.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends is also part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), a group of organizations working together to protect Florida manatees. As a participant in this program, SeaBase Aquarium serves as a care facility for manatees that have been orphaned or hurt and require rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. Guests can get a firsthand look at the care these gentle giants receive during their stay at EPCOT – and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a feeding session!
The Land Pavilion
Also located in World Nature at EPCOT, you’ll find additional opportunities for “edutainment” at the Land Pavilion. Start your visit with “Awesome Planet”, a 10-minute film that showcases the beauty and diversity of planet Earth while offering a gentle reminder of the effects of climate change and encouragement to be proactive in protecting the environment.
After a viewing of “Awesome Planet”, continue to Living with the Land – a popular EPCOT attraction that is as enjoyable as it is informative. Get an inside look at the Land Pavilion’s working fish farm and greenhouses on this relaxing boat ride, while learning about sustainability, cutting-edge agriculture techniques like hydroponics and aquaponics, and the future of farming. (Be sure to also keep an eye out for Mickey-shaped fruits and vegetables along the way!)
World Showcase Pavilions
One of the most unique learning experiences in all of Disney World isn’t tied to a single attraction or show – it’s an entire section of a park. The World Showcase neighborhood at EPCOT celebrates the culture, history, and traditions of 11 different countries, with a beautifully themed pavilion dedicated to each one. As you make your way around the 1.2-mile promenade, you’ll discover Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States of America, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Time spent wandering through World Showcase offers kids and adults alike a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn more about each of these nations in a truly immersive way.
Each pavilion is expertly designed to help guests feel as though they’ve stepped into the heart of each featured country. From the architecture and landscaping to authentic music and cultural exhibits, you’ll learn about the traditions and everyday life of each nation. Families can explore replica landmarks, like the Kutubiyya Mosque in Morocco or the Gol Stave Church in Norway, and sample traditional cuisine, such as crêpes in France or bangers and mash in the UK. And one of the best parts of all? The Cast Members! Most are from the countries they represent, and they are always happy to share stories, answer questions, and help bring their culture to life.
To make your visit even more fun for children, take some time for the Kidcot Fun Stops inside each pavilion. These interactive stations are a great way for kids to engage and enhance their learning as they spend time in each country. At each stop, they’ll receive a free souvenir activity card filled with fun facts about the country. It’s a wonderful way to keep kids curious and involved as you explore the World Showcase together – and by the end of the day, they’ll have collected a mini passport full of memories from their time at EPCOT!
At Disney World, the magic isn’t just in the rides – it’s in the moments of wonder, discovery, and connection that happen along the way. Whether you’re traveling with curious kids or simply hoping to add a little more meaning to their time away from school, there’s no shortage of fun and engaging ways to learn at Disney World.
So the next time you plan a Disney adventure, don’t be afraid to mix in a little “edutainment” along the way. You might be surprised by just how much your family remembers long after the vacation ends!
