Disney's World of Physics: Energy and Waves, Walt Disney World® Resort
Experience the Magic Kingdom® Park through an exploration of the science of light and sound. This interactive adventure studies select attractions to showcase the physics concepts of optics and acoustics, and their application in a real-world context.
The world is a mysterious and fascinating place, full of energy that is continually changing form and moving from place to place. At select Magic Kingdom® Park attractions, students investigate light and sound waves, two forms of energy that are so ubiquitous we often take them for granted. Special hands-on examinations bring this program to life with a unique Disney touch. Students discover that understanding the science of light and sound leads to acoustical and optical applications that improve the way we live, work and even entertain ourselves.
Click here to watch a video overview of this program.Click here to download the printer-friendly Program Description.
Click here to download the printer-friendly National Standards.
Click here to download Supplemental Educational Materials
Meeting Location
Floral Mickey located inside the turnstiles at the front of the train station of the Magic Kingdom® Park.
Program Length
3 hours
- Students step behind the scenes at The Haunted Mansion.
- Trained and knowledgeable Disney Youth Education Series Cast Members facilitate this high-quality and educationally sound program, while never forgetting that fun is a vital part of learning.
- Students discover that energy has many forms and that it moves in waves.
The Science of Sound
Stitch's Great Escape! sets the stage for an introduction into an exploration of sound energy.
- Students discover that sound travels in a compression wave.
- Learn that the medium in which sound travels affects the efficiency of the sound wave.
- Students learn that the frequency of a sound wave affects what is heard.
- Gain knowledge of the various factors that affect the speed of sound.
- Students recognize that sound is a huge part of the world around them and that it has the power to generate interest, inspire and excite humankind.
Did You See That?
Every day the earth is bathed with energy from the sun. The energy produced by it is of great interest to scientists who daily strive to understand it, manipulate it and put it to work for humankind.
- Students discover that light is a complicated phenomenon.
- Examine the wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Learn the parts of a wave and discover that the length of a light wave determines its use.
- Explore how light can be refracted and absorbed, as well as manipulated, to create illusions and other effects.
- The mystery of The Haunted Mansion ballroom scene is unlocked as students discover the optical illusion behind the magic!
Putting Waves To Work
With the help of Mickey's PhilharMagic, students experience how the attraction immerses Guests into the story through the application of the science of light and sound energy.
- Students come to realize that the brain stores memories and emotions that are associated with specific sounds.
- Learn that through the knowledge of acoustics, sound can be produced, manipulated and controlled.
- Students also discover that through the knowledge of optics, light can be manipulated and controlled.
