What learning opportunities are available in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs?
Disney Springs, a lively entertainment, shopping, and dining district at Walt Disney World Resort, is often seen as a place to unwind after a day at the parks. However, for homeschooling families, Disney Springs offers a variety of unique learning opportunities that can be seamlessly integrated into your educational curriculum. From exploring the arts and sciences to understanding the history and business behind the area, Disney Springs provides an enriching environment where learning can happen organically. Let’s delve into the educational experiences that await you and your family at Disney Springs.
1. Art and Design Education
Disney Springs is a hub of creativity, where the art of design, architecture, and performance come to life. This makes it an ideal place to explore the world of art and design in a hands-on, engaging way.
The Art of Disney: This gallery-style store is a treasure trove for any budding artist. It features artwork from Disney movies, theme parks, and classic Disney characters. Students can learn about different art styles, including traditional animation, digital art, and fine art. The store often hosts artists who demonstrate their techniques, providing a live learning experience where children can ask questions and observe professional artists at work.
LEGO Store: The LEGO Store at Disney Springs is more than just a retail space; it’s a creative playground where children can engage in hands-on learning. Building with LEGO bricks encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The store features giant LEGO sculptures, which can inspire discussions on design, architecture, and engineering. Additionally, the monthly LEGO Mini Build events offer a structured activity where children can learn to follow instructions and improve their fine motor skills.
Disney Springs Architecture: The overall design of Disney Springs reflects a blend of modern and vintage styles, with an emphasis on creating an immersive environment. A walk through the district can be an educational experience in itself, allowing students to study the different architectural styles, the use of space, and how design influences the atmosphere of an area. Discussions can include topics like urban planning, landscape architecture, and the importance of aesthetic appeal in public spaces.
2. Culinary Arts and Cultural Studies
Disney Springs is home to a diverse array of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. This provides a unique opportunity for students to explore the culinary arts and learn about different cultures through food.
Cooking Demonstrations and Workshops: Many restaurants at Disney Springs offer cooking demonstrations and workshops where children can learn about different cooking techniques, ingredients, and recipes. For example, The Boathouse often showcases seafood preparation, while Raglan Road Irish Pub offers insights into traditional Irish dishes. These experiences can be tied into lessons on nutrition, food science, and cultural studies.
Cultural Exploration Through Cuisine: Dining at the various restaurants in Disney Springs can be an educational journey around the world. Whether it’s tasting authentic Mexican dishes at Frontera Cocina or indulging in Italian cuisine at Terralina Crafted Italian, students can learn about the history and culture behind each type of food. Parents can enhance this experience by discussing the origins of the dishes, the ingredients used, and how food reflects the culture and geography of a region.
Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company: These sweet shops are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth—they offer a chance to explore the science behind candy-making. Watching the candy-making process can lead to discussions on the chemistry involved in creating sweets, including concepts like temperature control, crystallization, and the properties of different ingredients.
3. Music and Performing Arts
Disney Springs regularly hosts live performances, making it a great place to introduce students to the world of music and performing arts.
Waterview Park and Market Stage Performances: These stages feature live music performances from a variety of genres, from jazz to pop to classical. Watching a live performance allows students to learn about different musical instruments, styles, and the elements that make up a performance. Discussions can cover the history of music, the cultural significance of different music styles, and the technical aspects of live sound and stage management.
Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life: This spectacular show blends the art of circus performance with the storytelling magic of Disney animation. Watching Drawn to Life can be a deeply educational experience, offering insights into the disciplines of acrobatics, choreography, set design, and animation. After the show, discussions can focus on the collaboration between different art forms, the physics behind acrobatics, and the history of Cirque du Soleil as a global entertainment phenomenon.
4. Science and Technology
While Disney Springs is known for its entertainment and shopping, there are also opportunities to explore science and technology in engaging ways.
The Coca-Cola Store: This multi-level store offers an immersive experience that goes beyond just buying soda. The rooftop beverage bar, for example, allows guests to sample different Coca-Cola products from around the world, providing a lesson in global marketing and product development. Additionally, students can learn about the history of Coca-Cola, the chemistry behind carbonated beverages, and the technology used in beverage production and packaging.
AMC Dine-In Theatres: Watching a movie at AMC Dine-In Theatres can be more than just entertainment—it’s a chance to learn about the science of filmmaking. Parents can discuss the technology used in modern cinema, such as digital projection, sound engineering, and 3D effects. Additionally, the experience can lead to discussions on the elements of storytelling, character development, and the impact of film on culture and society.
Disney Springs Water Features: The various fountains and water features throughout Disney Springs can serve as real-life examples of fluid dynamics and engineering. Students can explore how these water features are designed, the technology behind water pumps and filtration, and the environmental considerations involved in maintaining these installations.
5. Business and Marketing Education
Disney Springs is a bustling commercial district, making it an ideal setting to teach students about business and marketing principles.
Retail Marketing Strategies: Walking through Disney Springs, students can observe different marketing strategies employed by the various stores, from window displays to in-store promotions. Parents can use this as an opportunity to discuss concepts like branding, consumer psychology, and the role of advertising in driving sales.
Restaurant Business Models: The diverse range of dining options at Disney Springs offers a chance to explore different business models within the restaurant industry. Students can learn about the economics of running a restaurant, the importance of customer service, and the strategies used to attract and retain customers.
Disney Springs’ Development and Growth: The history and development of Disney Springs itself can be an educational topic. Discussing how Disney Springs evolved from the original Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village to its current incarnation can provide lessons in business planning, urban development, and the importance of adaptability in business.
Conclusion
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort is much more than just a shopping and dining destination—it’s a dynamic educational environment where students can explore a wide range of subjects, from the arts and sciences to business and cultural studies. By approaching your visit with an educational mindset, you can transform a casual day at Disney Springs into a rich learning experience that complements your homeschooling curriculum. Whether you’re watching a live performance, exploring the art of candy-making, or discussing the principles of retail marketing, there are countless opportunities to engage your children in meaningful, hands-on learning. So, next time you visit Disney Springs, remember that every shop, restaurant, and performance offers a chance to learn and grow.
