This is the second edition to my 5-part series on inspired lessons from Walt Disney World. Over five weeks, I will highlight 1 attraction or place in each of the parks where we can create learning opportunities that are fun. Since it is summer break when I write this, you might be vacationing at the parks and can use some of these ideas with the family. Or, you can design classroom lessons and environments for the new school year using these magical and inspirational ideas.
In creating my list of TOP PLACES IN WDW FOR EDUCATIONAL FUN, I found a pattern in my ideas which was using our senses. Each week, the attraction will have a connection to either HEARING, SEEING, TASING, TOUCHING, OR SMELLING
EPCOT
Using Our Sense of Smell in Soarin' Around the World
It is so difficult to pick one attraction to highlight for an educational opportunity at EPCOT. After all, Walt Disney’s concept for this park was structured around education, design thinking, and innovation. Did you know that the name of this park is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow?
Trivia
For EPCOT, I choose Soarin’ Around the World. Grab your device while standing in line because the time will go by fast as you enter a friendly trivia competition–The Soarin’ Challenge–with other guests. There are large screens on the wall that ask questions on geography, cuisine, languages, and more.
Smellitzers
I love the attraction because you get a sense of flying over beautiful parts of earth like the Eiffel Tower in France and Sydney Harbor in Australia (to name a few). For many people, this might be the only way for them to visit these iconic places. They used to and might still release scents to add another dimension to the experience. For example, a guest might smell the ocean breeze while going over Fiji or take in the floral essence around the Taj Mahal. Take time after the ride to talk about the smellitzers; yes, it’s a thing!
Visit the Phd Princess to see the patent and understand the science behind the magic.
If kids are with me, I try to find some developmentally appropriate questions to get them thinking. Plus, it’s fun to hear what they think. For young kids, you can ask kids what city they live in and then ask them what smell they would release on Soarin’ Around the World for their hometown. Have each person explain why they would pick a particular smell. For example, I am in Atlanta. I would probably want the smellitzer to release either Coca-Cola or peach.
Classroom Hack
I always wondered why our amazing Imagineers didn’t include the trivia of Soarin’ Challenge throughout the World Showcase, since we have the fabulous country pavilions. I guess Kidcot Fun Stops do incorporate the learning of the various countries because kids and adults can pick up a memorable memento to add to a passport with facts and activities which feature the culture and traditions of each country.
I would think that the passport idea would be a fun thing to do for World Language, History or Social Studies teachers. Or even better, maybe in Physical Education, you can make an around the world game using basketball.
My schools in the district hold a Culture Night which includes facts and food about countries from around the world. Imagine if the students created a passport similar to EPCOT’s Kidcot Fun Stops where participants can collect a card or stamp as they “travel” around the world at the school event.
Lastly, I would not be thorough if I didn’t add that there are some amazing Disney inspired candles and air fresheners out there. It might be nice to add some enticing smells to your classroom this new school year. Just make sure not to keep open flames going in a public-school building. We don’t want to recreate Rome burning (really Alexandria).
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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