EHS Disney Imagineering

Our Last Day at Disney World

noreply@blogger.com (EHS: Disney Imagineering) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 06:33:00 +0000

The week came to an end quickly. Saturday morning was our last day at Disney World. We packed and checked out of the hotel. Our next adventure was to the Polynesian Village for breakfast at Ohana’s. Ohana means family and that is what we were all week. We laughed together, we learned together, and we played together. The character breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, and Mickey Mouse included all you can eat Mickey waffles, eggs, ham, sausage, fruit, fried potatoes, passion fruit juice, and coffee. No one walked away hungry. Afterwards, we did a little shopping for souvenirs and snacks, and then boarded the monorail and bus back to the resort to wait for the Magical Express bus to take us to the Orlando Airport. Everyone was tired, but happy. Magic bands were packed away, pictures shared, and memories would be forever. It was a trip that won't be forgotten.

Friday's Disney Class--Science of Imagineering

noreply@blogger.com (EHS: Disney Imagineering) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 06:27:00 +0000

The Study of Disney Imagineering: Gravity was Friday morning’s class and held at Hollywood Studios. After reviewing Newton’s laws and gravity and its effects through videos and hands on demonstrations and learning about the history behind the Tower of Terror ride, we went to Tower of Terror. Due to mechanical issues, we changed plans and rode Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. While racing down the freeways of Los Angeles to the music of Aerosmith in a stretch limo, we experienced a zero to 57 miles per hour takeoff and a variety of inversions and large G-force on the ride. Before heading back to Tower of Terror, we participated in a variety of demonstrations involving gravity, free fall, forces, kinetic and potential energy, speed, velocity, acceleration, and momentum. Before we entered the Tower of Terror elevator we had the opportunity to look around the hotel and get wrapped up in the story from Rod Serling’s The Twlilight Zone television series where guests have mysteriously disappeared from the elevator. The ride drops and lifts through randomized sequences and features wind, lightning, ghostly riders to add to the magic and storyline. The “drop ride” attraction was certainly not for the faint of heart—and was enjoyed by all. Afterwards everyone scattered in a variety of different directions, trying to make the most of the last day in the various parks—riding their favorite ride one last time or standing in line for hours at some of the most popular rides. Dinner was at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore.

Thursday Class at Magic Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (EHS: Disney Imagineering) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 06:02:00 +0000

Thursday morning landed us back at the Magic Kingdom for the Energy and Waves Physics Lab. We reviewed the basics of light waves, reflection, refraction, UV light, and shadows. We learned how Disney imagineers used scrim material to hide objects and mechanical devices they don’t want the guests to see during a ride. We headed to the Haunted Mansion where we were asked to watch for the effects of light, shadows, UV light effects, and scrim. The cobwebs, darkness, and creepy music added to the fun of the ride. Afterwards we discussed what we had seen and were given the opportunity to go under the famous dancing ballroom in the Haunted Mansion for a behind the scenes look at the techniques used to create the effects. It was a great example of reflection and refraction of light. We completed an activity in groups so we understood how those effects were used to create the dancing images and movement. We talked about how sound waves and acoustics create some of the Disney magic in the parks as well as in shows and rides. Our next activity was at Mickey’s PhilharMagic. With the help of 3-D glasses we watch Donald Duck take Mickey’s conductor’s baton snd sorcerer’s hat to create “magic” that actually has Donald become part of the dining hall in Beauty and the Beast, with Ariel in her grotto under the sea, with Simba in the savanna, with Aladdin in Agrabah, and with Peter Pan in London. The music was awesome. We were sprayed with water snd felt like the wind was blowing in our face as we were flying. Donald and various characters from each of the music pieces appeared to come right up to our faces in 3 dimension. The voices of Goofy, Mickey, and Donald came from various parts of the theater. After the class we were free to explore the parks. We met up at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort for a character dinner with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck.

First Day of Disney Classes

noreply@blogger.com (EHS: Disney Imagineering) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 05:55:00 +0000

Today was the first of our Disney classes—Physics of Motion. We got off to an early start, arriving at the Magic Kingdom at 7:15 am. Proceeding down Main Street we started in Tomorrowland. We talked about Newton’s Laws, gravity, speed, velocity, and acceleration and proceeded to Space Mountain. There we got to ride first with the lights on, and then rode again with the lights off. What an awesome experience—and such a difference in the atmosphere and sensations of the ride. Afterwards, we discussed these differences and how that affected our perceptions. As we were leaving, the line for Space Mountain was very long—70-minute wait—and From there we walked to Buzz Lightyear. Prior to the ride our discussion focused on audio-animatronics and the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic devices. We were asked to look for devices that were pneumatic, devices that were hydraulic, and devices that utilized both types while we enjoyed earning points from shooting lasers at targets. It was hard trying to do all of that! Off to the other side of Magic Kingdom to Adventureland and the Big Thunder Railroad. We came back to the discussion on Newton’s laws and gravity as well as hill height, energy conversion, and forces. Afterwards we had the option to ride the railroad, but instead chose to grab lunch and head to Animal Kingdom for our afternoon class.

Wednesday afternoon’s class on Careers in the Zoological Sciences began in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. We were introduced to the Tree of Life and learned that a chimpanzee had recently been added to the tree. Jane Goodall had noticed that there was not a chimpanzee carved on the tree—quite an oversight! We learned the importance of bridges in Disney World—each is used as a sign that the theme is changing. We experienced the sights and sounds of Africa from the huts to the music and food unique to that area. Our first stop was the Kilamanjaro safari. On this safari ride we were given the task by our guide of checking off as many of the animals listed on the card he gave us. Our goal was to find a minimum of 50% of the animals to pass the visibility check. We learned how important visibility was to keep people coming back to the attraction. Making slight changes to the animal’s habitat—cutting shrubbery, changing the food location, more or less light or heating and cooling are some of the techniques used to improve visibility. We saw the new baby rhino born a few days before our arrival and the baby elephant Stella on our adventure. From there we took the train on Rafiki’s Trail to Conservation Station. Here we saw the Disney facilities for the care and preservation of the animals, including a surgery center. Behind the scenes we saw the other male elephant receiving enrichment activities and learned how Disney uses hidden enclosures and barriers in the park. We learned how Disney Through interactive activities we were shown how animals are tested for endocrine imbalances. We were able to visit the animal food kitchen where all the food is prepared. Specific enrichments are added to different animals’ food as needed—tumeric, cinnamon, baby food, peanut butter, honey to name a few. Even food dyes and edible glitter may be added to help in the testing of the poo. Many of the animals have a special trainer who is responsible for their care and has a special bond with the animal. We even met a sheep who bowed to us and waved goodbye to us—all on a cick from the trainer, kind words, and a reward. Collectively we decided that Disney trainers use a lot of treats as rewards. We ended the class by watching a de-scented deaf skunk respond to a trainer’s commands.

The Big Day has arrived--we are leaving for Disney World

noreply@blogger.com (EHS: Disney Imagineering) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 05:51:00 +0000

The big day has finally arrived, although we were having some serious doubts about our trip on Monday--a huge ice storm was bearing down on Houston, closing schools and making travel treacherous. Would we still be able to go? Would all of our previous week's trip preparation be for naught? Lots of prayers were said for the weather to cooperate long enough for us to safely get to Hobby Airport and depart for Orlando on Tuesday. It worked--despite the 37 degree weather, we arrived at Hobby before 6 am, checked in at the Southwest ticket counter, passed through security, and boarded the plane to Orlando--with a few Dunkin' Donuts to tide us over until lunch. No delays and on-time departure--two and a half hours later we landed in Orlando. Magic Bands in hand, we were whisked off by Disney's Magical Express to the All-Star Movies Resort, checked in, and headed off to Mickey Land, aka Walt Disney World. The weather was a sunny 64 degrees. The decisions were difficult--where to go eat, what park do we want to go visit first with our park hopper passes, what rides to we want to experience once we get there. Some went to Magic Kingdom, some went to Epcot. Test Track seemed to be the ride of choice. All ended back at the hotel this evening tired, but happy (in spite of a few minor issues with dining plans and fast passes). Wednesday is our first imagineering class. It will be a very early start to the day. So now it is time for bed. Sweet dreams. The magic is just beginning....

Disney Imagineers Trip Overview

noreply@blogger.com (EHS: Disney Imagineering) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 02:34:00 +0000

Ever wonder how Disney Imagineers create those multi-sensory experiences and thrills within the Disney Park attractions? To find out, join us for a fun-filled and educational trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. While enjoying the parks and rides, we will also learn about energy and waves, properties of motion, the science of Disney Imagineering, sustainable practices in wildlife conservation, and leadership through Disney’s Youth Education Series. Using hand-on activities, we will learn the science behind how the rides work and how to create the sensations, special effects, and magic used throughout the Disney World park attractions.