If you've been following this series, you already know what an amazing learning experience a trip to Disney World can be. From history to science, there are awesome educational opportunities lurking around every corner.
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As a homeschool family, my gang makes an extra effort to seek out each and every available chance to learn while in the parks. It is my hope that I can pass this knowledge on to you and give your Disney vacation an educational spin you probably never would've expected.
Let's discuss Animal Kingdom, shall we? Considering that it’s a park filled with animals, you can bet there are tons of amazing opportunities to explore and information to be gathered about the world. Here are our favorites:
Wilderness Explorers
The Wilderness Explorers program at Animal Kingdom allows young park visitors to join an Up-inspired scouts program and to earn badges just like Russell. The badges are stickers which are placed in a Wilderness Explorers handbook. They are earned by visiting stations throughout the park, which are run by knowledgeable cast members. At each station, kids learn about animals and nature, as well as basic survival skills.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Hop on a train and ride over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This oft-forgotten part of the park is great for teaching kids how to treat wildlife. The area includes a petting zoo and an indoor museum area with plenty of staff members close at hand to answer questions. There are even some exotic animals out in the museum for guests to pet. Animal Trails
Animals can be found in all corners of Animal Kingdom. That said, there are three animal trails that you won't want to miss. These include Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Discovery Island Trails. All three are filled with interesting creatures of all sizes, so be sure to bring a camera.Kali River Rapids
The trick to making Kali River Rapids into a learning experience is to pay attention in the queue. While this line tends to be hot, it is also chock-full of interesting pieces of Asian culture. Additionally, the queue tells a story with an eco-friendly message that all kids should hear.Performers in Africa and Asia
If you’d like your kids to get a taste of foreign cultures, try finding some of the performers in the African and Asian sections of this park. Both have numerous artists who bring the music, dance, and storytelling traditions of another part of the world to life.Kilimanjaro Safaris
Not enough animals on the trails? Try finding the Kilimanjaro Safaris. On this ride, guests board a jeep that drives through various habitats and often very near some African animals. This is a great attraction for introducing basic facts about habitats and for sparking curiosity about African wildlife.Dinosaur
Admittedly, the Dinosaur ride is intense. I do not recommend it for sensory-sensitive children or for very young kids. That said, the queue is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the world of dinos. This ride is what started my son’s passion for everything prehistoric, a flame that is still going strong two years later.Flights of Wonder
This astounding show allows guests to view some of the most incredible birds on earth and learn about their habits, habitats, and more. The performance is both entertaining and educational, making it a must-see for people of all ages.It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Put on some “bug-eye” glasses and see things through the eyes of a bug. This is an intense 4-D experience starring Flik from A Bug’s Life. It gives viewers a peek into the world of some of the earth’s tiniest creatures and helps guests understand why bugs do the things they do.As you can see, it would be difficult to spend a day in Animal Kingdom without learning something new. Why not take full advantage of this knowledge-rich park during your next visit and sneak in a bit of Disneyschooling?
More Disneyschooling ideas
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