Avoid the Summer Slide at Walt Disney World® Resort

The final bell has rung and summer has arrived!  While everyone is excited and ready to experience the magic and attractions at Walt Disney World, you may be worried about making sure your children do not take a ride on the “summer slide”

Here are some of our favorite ways to keep your child’s mind engaged while still experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World.

The Muppets Present …Great Moments in History

The Town Crier calls and the crowds begin to gather outside of The Hall of Presidents. You look up and see Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and The Great Gonzo appear in the windows of the colonial facade to bring America’s stories to life as only they can. Your favorite Muppets put their own spin on history from the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.   While not 100% historically accurate (Try Finding “Queen Georgette” in your history books), it still provides a glimpse into American History with a touch of laughter for guests of all ages.

The Hall of Presidents

For a more accurate look into American History, step inside the Hall of Presidents. Take a step back in time and see the story of the nation’s founding. Learn about the formation of our Constitution, listen to the words of John F. Kennedy and watch as Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address.

As the curtains rise, audio-animatronic replicas of all 44 Presidents of the United States are revealed. Hear speeches delivered by George Washington and the current President of the United States, Donald Trump. Wondering why there are only 44, and not 45 figures onstage? Because Grover Cleveland served 2 non-consecutive terms as both the 22nd and 24th president. (See, we are learning already!)

Wilderness Explorers

Adventure is out there! With Follow in the footsteps of Russell from the Disney/Pixar film “Up” as you earn adventure badges around the park. Each badge station has a task (or a few tasks) to complete to earn an official Wilderness Explorers Badge for your handbook. When the task is complete, the Troop Leader then places the badge into your booklet as a fun keepsake. Each task earns a different badges, and is a great incentive for your kids to collect them all! Self-guided activities range from animal observation to learning important wilderness skills. Wilderness Explorer Troop Leaders are available at every station and can help even the youngest Junior Rangers in earning badges.

Caring for Giants & Up Close with Rhinos

Get ready to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a wild way! Get a closer look at the beautiful African elephants or the mighty but gentle white rhinoceros during these unique 60-minute experiences. You’ll meet with dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness for these majestic animals. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the animals’ behavior, biology and the challenges that threaten their population. This 60-minute adventures are perfect for ages 4 and up and would be the highlight of any summer vacation (you’ll forget the summer slide completely).

Behind the Seeds

Are you a big fan of the “Living with the Land” attraction at Epcot? Have you ever wondered just how all of the innovative growing methods work? Explore the future of agriculture and get up-close and personal with the inner workings and critters of The Land Pavilion during the Behind the Seeds Tour. Behold the giant fruits, vegetables and unusual crops from around the world while you discover the latest plant-growing techniques during this tour through the 4 greenhouses that make up The Land Pavilion. You even get the chance to visit the fish farm and see what it’s like during feeding time. This tour is perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening,  natural sciences or simply some backstage magic at Walt Disney World.

Epcot’s World Showcase

Travel through 11 countries and experience their history, culture and food. From the streets of Paris, to the majestic waterfalls of Canada, the World Showcase at Epcot allows guests of all ages to be fully immersed in the sights and sounds from around the world.  Visit the KidCot stations to collect a passport stamp or take in a viewing of one of the many short films such as “Reflections of China” or “Oh Canada to learn more. Did you know that the cast members in each pavilion is from their respective country? This is a great opportunity to learn a few words of a new language or learn about their life back home.

We could go on and on about the many learning opportunities available at the Walt Disney World Resort. From Spaceship Earth to Kilimanjaro Safari, there are so many experiences, it can be easy to keep your child’s gears in motion and off of the “summer slide”