14Apr
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“I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.” – Walt Disney Growing up, I was the kid who enjoyed school. I even grew up to be a high school math teacher. Timed multiplication worksheets and memorizing state capitals didn’t bother me but it did seem meaningless to some of my classmates – they just didn’t see the point. And, looking back, I can’t say I blame them. After all, it’s hard to see how knowing Montpelier is the capital of Vermont will help you write software code for the coolest real-time game engine or design the next skyscraper. That first year teaching I had trouble understanding why sixteen year olds didn’t find factoring to solve an algebraic equation or effectively using the Pythagorean Theorem as satisfying or interesting as I did; maybe because I was trying to educate my students more than entertain them. After all, you can make sines and cosines only so interesting but I certainly was more successful as I brought more hands-on, dare I say fun math activities into my classroom. Walt was on to something. As a teacher, I also had to contend with the coolness factor. Unfortunately, not all aspects of pop culture celebrate learning or excellence in school. And that’s a darn shame because knowledge gives you the tools to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. Walt Disney World as a Classroom To me, the best classroom is one that combines book learning with the philosophy that experience is the best teacher; the collaboration of the two contributes to real understanding. What better classroom than Walt Disney World? I was thrilled to stumble upon the The Disney Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.). Y.E.S. makes learning relevant by integrating National Education Standards and real world applications in accredited educational programs. How cool is that? Specially trained Disney Cast Members facilitate these 2-3.5 hour programs which bring students backstage at some of their favorite attractions all in the name of learning and fun. Students will see first-hand how theories and principles in different disciplines are deftly leveraged by Imagineers to create attractions that both entertain and educate Walt Disney World guests, just as Walt Disney had hoped. Some students may be relieved to know that there is no actual “classroom.” Instead, knowledgeable and engaging facilitators will find a quiet spot within the park to explain the program’s core concepts. Then, it’s off to the rides! Something for Everyone Science and technology are an essential part of many Walt Disney World attractions but bits and bytes alone can’t create the magic and fantasy that is so intrinsically Walt Disney World. The arts and the Disney culture are as much responsible for the success of the Happiest Place on Earth as the natural and physical sciences. This is good news for students and their teachers; the Disney Y.E.S. is comprehensive and offers nineteen programs in four different areas, Arts and Humanities, Leadership and Careers, Natural Sciences, and Physical Sciences. In short, there is something for everyone. Programs are geared to a specific age range and are available for students from grades K through 12 although the choices are more limited for children in the primary grades. Here’s a sampling of the offerings. Disney’s Wild by Nature “Walk on the wild side and explore the fascinating and surprising world of animal behavior! Through data collection, animal observations, select attractions and hands-on activities, students learn how animal research is helping.” Disney’s World of Physics: Energy and Waves “Experience the Magic Kingdom® Park through the mind of a Theme Park scientist! This interactive adventure studies select attractions to showcase the physics concepts of optics, acoustics, and magnetism in a real world context. Special hands-on examinations bring this program to life with a unique Disney touch.” Magic Behind the Show: Improv & Teamwork “Think on your feet. During this entertainment adventure, students participate in improvisational activities, practice and develop performance and team-building techniques, and come to know one another as members of a creative team. Using their new knowledge, they perform a unique improvisational production.” Disney’s Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track “Go to the head of the class. Your students – tomorrow’s business leaders – investigate proven management strategies employed within The Walt Disney Company, see how effective leadership produces innovation, and identify tactics they can adapt to help promote their own personal and professional success. This program offers practical training for students who aim to be productive leaders in their communities and careers.” So, How does it Work? If you’re part of a youth group of ten or more, you’re in. Reservations must be made at least six weeks in advance and up to a full year prior to your group’s preferred date. Each program requires a theme park admission ticket but Disney comes to the rescue by offering significantly discounted ticket packages that include admission to one Y.E.S. program. Additional programs may be added for $26 each. Unfortunately, existing annual passes and other Disney tickets will not be eligible for entry – tickets must be purchased through the Y.E.S. program. Help…
Continue reading here: Say Y.E.S. to a Disney Education
Tags: Amazon, beach, careers, collaboration, Disney, flight, guide, kitchen, pop-culture, week in review
08Apr
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Okay, I know you’re out there, the guy who doesn’t like Disney World. Maybe you found this place because someone’s dragging you to the World and you’re trying to figure out how to get out of it. I do feel for you. No really. And I feel bad for the person who’s taking you as well. While it can be amusing to watch your annoying brother-in-law squirm in the hot Florida sun as hundreds of sticky little kids swarm by violating his precious personal space ( and oh by the way, why can’t I get a decent cup of coffee around here? !), no one wants to spend their vacation with someone who is, dare I say it, Grumpy. I’ll admit that it’s possible you have some valid reasons for your antipathy towards the happiest place on earth beyond the fact that you’re a miserable killjoy (I kid. Really). Maybe you went and had a terrible time. It was hot and crowded. You spent a lot of money. The kids whined a lot and the grandparents gave them way too much sugar. You swore you’d never set foot on Disney property again and now here you are, going again. So what are you going to do about it? Well, there’s a lot you can do. First, get rid of the idea that Disney World is for kids. There’s literally something for everyone. Second, do something that you want to do. Here are a few ideas to make your torturous journey, um, I mean vacation, a little happier for everyone: 1. Try to go when it’s the least crowded. If that’s not possible, use a touring plan. They really do work. 2. You’re being a good sport, right? Reward yourself with a game of golf or even a bit of fishing right on Disney property. You can also rent little small watercraft (like double jet-skis, only slower) in front of the Polynesian Resort at at the Boardwalk. 3. Have a spa day. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Spa is often cited as one of the best spas in the Southeast; the Grand Floridian also has a spa. The spa at the Ritz-Carlton, a few miles off Disney property, is expensive but worth every penny. 4. Hire a sitter or take the in-laws up on their offer to watch the kids and have a night out with your spouse. After a few days, you probably need a break from the kids as much as they’ll need one from you. California Grill is an obvious choice for a great meal on Disney property, but if you want quiet and fewer kids, try Citricos in the Grand Floridian or Artist’s Point at the Wilderness Lodge. If you really want some grown-up time, try Victoria’s and Alberts. Not only is it blissfully child-free, it’s also consistently named one of the best restaurants in Florida. 5. Be a hero and be the one who takes the little ones back to the room for the mid-day break. No one needs to know that you’re getting a nap too. Show up with the refreshed tot just in time for dinner. 6. Go off by yourself. If you’re staying on Disney property, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours at night and leave your spouse and the kids back in the room (no need for a sitter) while you explore on your own. Disney parks are safe and especially beautiful at night and often considerably less crowded. Drink around the world in Epcot–and take the bus back to your resort. Switch off with your wife the next night. You’ll be surprised how much fun time the parks can be without stragglers and obligations to others in your party. Go see the Christmas lights at the Wilderness Lodge or head on over the The Boardwalk and people watch; if you’re there long enough, a wedding might even break out. 7. Take a day off from the theme parks. You’re right in the middle of everything in Central Florida. Head over to the coast and hit the beach or go to the Kennedy Space Center. You get extra points for injecting an educational experience into your kids’ vacation. 8. Don’t try to do everything. The world won’t end if you can’t get a Fastpass for Soarin’ or if your youngest is really afraid of Mickey and won’t let you get a picture. Don’t be the guy in front of Mickey’s Philharmagic yelling at your three-year old because he wouldn’t eat his Figaro Fries. Why was that guy yelling? Chances are he’s a nice guy, but he’s stressed out and hot and …
Go here to read the rest: Disney off the Beaten Path: Disney for People Who Hate Disney World.
Tags: artist, beach, dis, Facebook, people, POP, Restaurants, Thor, time, Transportation, Travel, wife
01Apr
AI, Blog, CD, cm, Contemporary Resort, Dining, dis, Disney, Disney Characters, Disney World, Easter, f2, mickey mouse, Resorts, Restaurants, Swan, TS, Uncategorized, up, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, WDW
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Easter Sunday is almost here, but there’s still time to book a brunch at one of the Disney restaurants. Among resorts offering something special: For casual, Captain’s Grille Easter Brunch at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. For fun with Mickey Mouse, Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Easter Brunch at Disney’s Contemporary Resort . For healthful dishes, The Wave of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. For Disney characters, Garden Grove Easter Dinner at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort . For a road trip, Shutters Restaurant Easter Day at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort . Prices range from $15-$35.99 for brunch and $36-$59.99 for dinner and include tax but not gratuity. Reservations are recommended. Call 407-WDW-DINE.
Excerpt from:
Easter at Disney Restaurants
Tags: beach, beach-club, beach-resort, contemporary, Contemporary Resort, Easter, easter-at-disney, garden-grove, Restaurants, Walt Disney
