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Conference koolit::disney

Title:The Disneyphile's Disney File
Notice:This Conference can show you The World
Moderator:DONVAN::SCOPA.zko.dec.com::manana::eppes
Created:Thu Feb 23 1989
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:536
Total number of notes:19961

284.0. "Wonders of the World" by FDCV14::YOUNG (Steve Young MK01-2/G37 DTN 264-4335) Tue Oct 22 1991 13:06

Hi,

I haven't seen any discussion in here about the Wonders of the World program 
offered for 10-15 year-olds.

Does anyone have more information or experiences to relate.

Thanks

Steve
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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284.1Educational Programs at WDWAKOCOA::KNIPSTEINWed Jan 22 1992 18:2417
    We are beginning to plan a short side-trip (3 days) to WDW after
    attending a convention in Atlanta in September.  It will mean taking
    the kids out of school, but hey, they never stay home sick.
    
    Anyway, I remember reading somewhere about educational programs that
    are offered at WDW.  There was one in particular that we want get our
    son into; it's a one day program where you spend a day with Disney
    animators learning how they animate and actually learning to draw
    Disney characters as well as creating your own.  I remember the cost as
    being $70, but don't have any other info.  Is anyone out there familiar
    with the program, have any experience with it or have information on
    who to contact about it?
    
    Many thanks in advance for the info, which I know will be forthcoming
    from some knowledgable noter.
    
    Steve 
284.2It's GreatSALEM::PAGLIARULO_GReality is a cosmic hunchThu Jan 23 1992 11:1417
    	Five years ago we sent our kids to one of these programs.  I don't 
    remember it being specifically with the animators but the end of the day 
    did consist of sitting with a group of Disney animators, seeing how they 
    drew some of the characters and then learning how to do it themselves.  
    My daughter still does a real good Goofy.  Other parts of the day were 
    involved in seeing some other backstage art related activities, like how 
    the sets for the rides are created, mold making activites, the tunnels 
    between the different areas, how the animatronics are done and
    maintained etc.  Makes you jealous that it's only for kids.
    When they got back they couldn't wait to tell us the 'secret' of the
    topiary bushes that you see around the park.
    
    	Anyway, I highly recommend it.  The kids loved it and it really
    made the trip special for them.  They got to see things that no one
    else did.  And, my wife and I got a day to ourselves!
    
    George
284.3my kids liked them in 89WDWLD::KARAMThu Jan 23 1992 15:4125
    My kids, 12 and 10 at the time, took these programs when we were
    there in Nov, 89.  The following is from my trip report and describes
    all that I recall about the program.  The kids really enjoyed it
    and got some workbooks out of it.  My wife and I had a little free
    time for a nice leasurely lunch, swim and do laundry.
    
    Thursday  the  kids  took  their  behind the  scenes  courses Sarah 
    took the Entertainment one.  It started at 10:30 and ended at 5:05.  
    They were taken to the Indiana Jones stunt show and taken backstage
    after the show.  The crew and cast was too busy to talk to the kids, 
    they were having many problems with the Mayan  Temple  stage, it 
    wouldn't  separate and the  trap doors were sticking!  They talked 
    a bit to the  director of the  show.  The  group had lunch at the
    Diamond Horse Shoe  Review and were able to talk to the actors
    backstage after the show.  They  were  given a  tour of some of the 
    tunnels  under the  Magic Kingdom.  Michael took the Nature course.  
    It lasted from 9 to 3:40.  The only things he  mentioned  about it  
    were  that he  saw  5  gators in the  wild,  3 backstage at Discovery 
    Island,  they saw a Bald Eagle soaring above them, they encountered  
    some  people  illegally  fishing who  wouldn't  leave until  the
    security  people  arrived.  Also, he  liked the  spareribs he had
    for lunch at Pioneer Hall.
     
                                                         
    peter
284.4We're signed up for SeptAKOCOA::KNIPSTEINTue Jul 28 1992 16:387
    Just booked my son, age 11, for the "Art Magic: Bringing Illusion to
    Life" program during our upcoming visit in September.  Looks like a
    terrific program and he is very excited about it.  I'll enter his
    report when we return.  (I have the seminar brochure from WDW if anyone
    is interested in more info on any of the programs)
    
    Steve
284.5CLASSES AT WDWAIMHI::OBRIEN_JYabba Dabba DOOThu Dec 03 1992 14:2363
  I have a copy of the article I took this from.  The article was in the 
  Nov. 8 Nashua Telegraph written by Sally Bashalany.
  
  Barbara Blake, supervisor of the Wonders of Walt Disney World learning 
  program.
  
  For Further info:  Children's Program 407-345-5860
                     Adult program, contact Seminar Productions 
                     @ 407-824-4855 - no fees were listed.
  
  Each class costs $75 -- Age limit: 10 to 15
  
  Classes focus on being behind the scenes in Disney World, with students 
  interacting with animators, performers and other "cast members," or 
  employees of the company.  "the entire resort becomes the classroom."
  
  Currently, three programs are offered:
  
  -  "Exploring Nature: A True-Life Adventure" brings students into the 
     conservation area at Discovery Island zoological park.  The care of 
     and responsibility for animals is discussed, recycling is studied at 
     the Nursery and Tree Farm.
  
  -  "Art Magic: Bringing Illusion to Life" attracts future artists, 
     particularly those who have a desire to draw animation.
  
     A visit to the animation studios, watching animators at work and 
     discussing the various techniques used.  Students get a chance to 
     hand color an animation "cel," the transparent material from which 
     cartoons are ultimately shot.
  
     A visit to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot Centers covers the use of 
     color, perspective and themes that an artist considers when creating 
     attractions at the parks.
  
  -  "Show Biz Magic: The Walt Disney World of Entertainment" begins with 
     a look at exactly all it takes to put on a show.  Students start 
     with production support services, which include costuming and 
     make-up, and end the day by taking in a show.  They tour the
     underground tunnel system under the MK.
  
     One emphasis on the Show Biz class is self-esteem.
  
  Classes are conducted by cast members.
  
  The program is not a babysitting service.
  
  
  Adults also have an opportunity to return to the classroom:
  
  For businesspeople, the The Disney Approach Business and Management 
  Seminars focuses on people management, quality service and leadership 
  -- Disney style.
  
  For teachers during school vacations, seminars on positive marketing 
  for the school and communication the Disney way in the classroom are 
  offered.
  
  Convention groups are also offered specially designed programs work 
  into the meeting agenda.
  
  
     
284.7seminars for childrenMKOTS3::BEALSFri Jun 18 1993 15:5214
    Less than a year to go.... This notesfile has been excellent in
    planning. What great ideas we've gotten so far...
    
    Question on a topic that I can not find elsewhere in this file...
    
    I have heard about a program for children where they have "educational"
    seminars for a half day or full day. Topics are in cartooning,
    animation, etc. Does anyone have any information on these? When are
    they offered, what ages? Are they worthwhile? Any first-hand
    experiences?
    
    Thanks for any information.
    
    Susan
284.8See 284.*PUKKA::YOUNGSteve Young DDD/M16 DTN 264-4335Fri Jun 18 1993 17:366
Susan,

See the responses in note 284. This is where I asked for the same info. I will 
also put in my kids' personal experiance there.

Steve
284.6My (late) experiences with this programPUKKA::YOUNGSteve Young DDD/M16 DTN 264-4335Fri Jun 18 1993 17:3754
Just saw Susan Beals note asking about these programs (347.0) and looked
back here to see the information that I entered after my kids went 
through this program last spring. Much to my surprise I found nothing. So I 
figured it must be in my trip report. Lokked there and found I said I would 
enter info here. So it must be time for me to enter my info now. It's only been 
14 months. That's not tooooo late.

We had enrolled my kids (Adam 14 and Beth 11) to attend the Wonders of the 
World program "Show Biz Magic: The Walt Disney World of Entertainment"
on April 28, 1992. The cost was $75.00 each. This includes the tour guide, 
their entrance to the park/parks while in the tour group, lunch, a souvenir
work book that explains some of the work that goes into producing shows. They 
enjoyed the program, but from their description I was a little disappointed. 
Although I think they got more out of it than I have been able to get out of 
them. It was like pulling teeth to get them to tell me what they saw and did.

The program ran from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We had to have the kids over to the 
entrance of MGM at 9:00. There was a woman from the program there taking names,
etc. and the tour guide showed up about 9:15. They immediately left to go to 
the MK where they pretty much spent the rest of the day (Why we met at MGM I'm 
not sure). I'm not sure of the exact sequence of events, but will try to list
those things they told me about.

Things they saw and did as part of the tour:

	1. Went to the building where the "Spectro Magic Parade" is stored and
	   repaired. Came back with all kinds of statistics about number of 
           lights, weight of the costumes, what the charaters on top of the
	   spinning balls in the parade are called, etc.

	2. Went to where the topiaries are grown and cared for and spoke with
	   the person that cares for them while they are growing. Again all 
	   kinds of info about how long they take to grow, how often they need 
	   to be replaced, an interesting fact about the caretaker, etc.

	3. Went into the Utilidors under the MK, but really didn't have much 
	   to say about it. Did see the wardrobe department for a few minutes.

	4. Had lunch at the Diamond Horseshoe Review and saw the show.

	5. Talked backstage with the cast members from the Diamond Horseshoe 
	   Review. Learned that all of the women in all of the shows wear wigs
	   for consistency's sake.

	6. Watched the afternoon parade.

	7. Went on the "Carousel of Progress" ride.

These last two seemed to be "fillers" and were just to take up time. Especially
the way my kids described them. 

All in all, they seemed to have enjoyed themselves and my wife and I enjoyed the
time alone in Epcot. So was it worth it? Yes. Would we do it again? Probably 
not.
284.8yMSBCS::PAGLIARULO_GReality is a cosmic hunchTue Jul 06 1993 15:5919
284.9from a flier I received in the mailSTUDIO::ARNOLDGail M. ArnoldFri Jul 22 1994 16:2990
Disney University Seminars presents Behind-the-Scenes Learning Adventures
just for 10- to 15-year olds!

There are four programs each $79, which includes:

	- lunch
	- clearance to on-stage and backstage locations during the program
	- all of your "classroom" materials
	- a course book highlighting the day
	- a personalized graduation certificate

All programs last six hours.  Classes leave from the entrance of the
Disney-MGM Studios at 9:30am and return at 3:30pm.  The programs are:

"Passport: A Secret Mission to Other Lands" (debuts October 1994, Wed & Fri)
   Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to become a player in an
   international game of mystery and intrigue! Collect clues to a puzzling
   case as you travel to exotic countries, meet international Cast Members,
   study unique architecture, and decode ancient hieroglyphics!  Don't 
   worry about air sickness - your adventure take place right here at the
   Walt Disney World Resort.

   Say What? - Learn how to communicate in other languages!

   I See Something You Don't See - Search for hidden "Mickeys" in the
   attractions!

   "Orient" Yourself - Experience the cultures of other nations!

   Time Travel - Journey through 3,000 years of history!

   How Did They Do That? - Uncover secrets "behind" world-famous structures!

"Wildlife Adventure: Exploring the Environment" (Tue & Thur)
   Take a "nature safari" to the untamed wilds of the Walt Disney World
   Conservation Area and search for alligators, egrets, eagles, and other
   "wonder"ful creatures! Study and discuss important environmental issues
   such as ecosystems, recycling, and conservation.  This may be your only 
   chance to see some of these incredible animals in their natural environment!

   See Ya Later Alligator - Watch out for the "Termigator!"
 
   Everything Old is New Again - Reduce, reuse, and recycle before it's 
   to late!

   This Class is a Zoo - Get up close and personal with nature!

   What Was That? - Learn animal identification techniques sure to amaze
   your friends!

   Here Today, Gone Tomorrow? - What can you do to save the earth and
   it's wildlife?

"Art Magic: Bringing Illusion to Life" (Mondays through Fridays)
   Walk onto the production floor at Disney Animation-Florida and
   mingle among actual Disney artists!  Learn the incredible technical
   magic that goes into producing feature films like Aladdin and The
   Lion King.  It's all part of the fun that leaves you with a new
   appreciation for the "magic" artists create in Disney Theme Parks
   and movies.

   Disney Animation-Florida - Experience it firsthand!

   Animated Feature - Wow! It takes a lot of people to make just one!

   "MICKEY MOUSE cel" - You paint it! You keep it! Get your folks to
    frame it!

   Color, Texture, and Architecture - Things aren't always what they seem!

   Disney Characters - Learn the inside scoop on how to draw them!

"Show Biz Magic: The Walt Disney World of Entertainment" (Mon through Thur)
   See what goes on behind the scenes of a live performance at the Walt 
   Disney World Resort!  Experience "Entertainment Magic" and see what it 
   takes to put on the most wonderful shows imaginable.  If you've ever
   dreamed of seeing your name in lights or thought about pursuing a
   career in entertainment, this class has your name written all over it!

   Keys to Success - Walt Disney's words of wisdom!

   Backstage Support - Lights, Costumes, & Make-up!

   Practice, Practice, Practice - Talent is only part of hitting the big time!

   The MAGIC KINGDOM "Utilidor" - Visit the tunnel system and see where the
   magic starts!

   Can We Talk? - Find out how Disney performers landed their roles!
    
284.10you too, can take the tourHYLNDR::BADGERCan DO!Tue Dec 05 1995 10:3420
    I just signed my two kids up for show biz magic while we are there.
    
    I off hand asked if there was an adult equivant.  They said yes, a 
    7 hour version.  But it was filled up until Jan 17th [I return on the
    12th].  I asked about a wait list and they don't make one as they said
    that noone ever cancells.
    
    Had We known about the adult one, we'd have made reservations last
    year.  So, here is your fair warning, if you want to take 'the' tour,
    make your reservations NOW. 
    
    The number to call is 407-354-1855.
    
    I guess they don't have to advertise this one.  It goes to prove, if
    you want something you don't see, ask.  But, ask in time.
    
    
    We now have our reason for returning next year ;-)
    17 days to depart date......
    ed