Is Disney Educational? Of Course It Is!
A couple years ago, there was a discussion about taking your child out of school for a trip to a
Disney theme park. Many people—mainly teachers—were complaining that parents take their children out of school as a learning experience, and that it didn’t seem like a valid excuse. Then one mom actually said that Disney was not a learning experience. I have to 110 percent disagree with Disney World not being a learning environment.
Let’s see, what can a child learn about at Disney World.
• American history (Hall of Presidents)
• World cultures and traditions (Epcot Center and other places)
• Animals, and their natural habitats (Animal Kingdom)
• Waiting turns (you know how long those lines are!!!)
• Science (Epcot Center)
• Future technology
• Economics (using and spending their own money)
• Map reading and navigation (Disney maps are very child-friendly)
• Math (waiting times, money, etc…)
• Reading (signs, ride names, etc…)
• Marine biology (Disney Oceans)
And that is just to name a few…
Disney also offers performing arts opportunities and hosts competitions, festivals, and workshops through the Disney Youth Program.
Epcot is exploding with science and social studies lessons. Animal Kingdom is a zoo, (and schools schedule field trips to zoos all of the time). For older kids, there’s lots to talk about at Hollywood Studios with the history of filmmaking. You could even start a conversation about the relationship between the economy and entertainment. Not to mention the man himself, Mr. Walter Elias Disney was huge on education.
And yes, the Magic Kingdom is recess, but even there kids can explore the Hall of Presidents and the Carousel of Progress. (And yes, we do take our children to all of those things.)
There are so many learning experiences at Disney, and the park itself is rich with history and stories. I can’t see how you couldn’t learn something at Disney. If you ever get ridiculed for taking your child out of school for a Disney vacation, use this in rebuttal.
Mom of 4. Author, blogger and social media manager.
