See science come to life in Florida
Your group will enjoy being at the hub of the largest concentration of exciting entertainment attractions in the world in Orlando, in the Sunshine State of Florida. A hub for space exploration and home to the must-see NASA Kennedy Space Centre, Orlando is also host to many other excursions at Universal Studios and Disney World that will inspire and educate your students.
Edutainment will keep students engaged and will enhance their STEM experience through educational workshops.
Trip Highlights
Disney Imagination Campus Workshops at the Disney Parks
Hands-on scientific activities at the Orlando Science Center
Space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center
WonderWorks Orlando with Magic Dinner Show
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Orlando – Flight time 9.5 hours approx
2 Airport transfer to your accommodation
3 Evening meal at local restaurant
1 Breakfast at your hotel
2 Disney’s Epcot or Magic Kingdom with Imagination Campus Workshop
3 Evening meal at local restaurant
1 Breakfast at your hotel
2 Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios with Imagination Campus Workshop
3 Evening meal at local restaurant
1 Breakfast at your hotel
2 Florida Airboat Adventure
3 WonderWorks Orlando Amusement Park
4 Outta Control Magic Dinner Show at WonderWorks
1 Breakfast at your hotel
2 Kennedy Space Centre with optional workshop
3 Evening meal at local restaurant
1 Breakfast at your hotel
2 Orlando Science Center
3 Outlet Mall Shopping
4 Transfer to Orlando Airport
5 Overnight flight to the UK
1 Arrive back to the UK
Recommended excursions
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park
The original theme park of the Walt Disney World Resort, Magic Kingdom, is home to the iconic Cinderella Castle, beloved Disney characters and classic attractions across seven themed lands. Enjoy thrilling rides, spectacular parades, live entertainment and unforgettable nighttime fireworks, alongside a huge choice of shops and restaurants.
Includes a minimum 2-day park pass and an exclusive Imagination Campus Workshop.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines thrilling attractions with incredible wildlife encounters. Explore lush landscapes home to elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers and hundreds of other species, while discovering the park’s strong focus on conservation.
Includes a minimum 2-day park pass and an exclusive Imagination Campus Workshop.
Epcot Centre
EPCOT celebrates innovation, culture and discovery through a unique mix of attractions and global experiences. Travel the world in a single day as you explore 11 country pavilions, then discover cutting-edge technology, space exploration and ocean conservation through immersive rides and exhibits. Highlights include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Soarin’ Around the World, Test Track and Spaceship Earth.
Includes a minimum 2-day park pass and an exclusive Imagination Campus Workshop.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the magic of film, television and immersive storytelling. Explore cinematic worlds inspired by Star Wars, Toy Story and more, alongside thrilling attractions, live shows and spectacular entertainment. Highlights include Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Includes a minimum 2-day park pass and an exclusive Imagination Campus Workshop.
Imagination Campus Workshop
Students can explore the science, technology and innovation behind the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort. Through immersive workshops such as Physics of Disney Parks and Technology of Disney Parks, students discover how principles of motion, engineering and cutting-edge technology are used to create world-renowned attractions and guest experiences. Led by Disney professionals, these hands-on sessions encourage problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking, offering a unique insight into real-world STEM applications while inspiring future career pathways.
Kennedy Space Center
Step into the world of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where students can discover the past, present and future of space travel. Highlights include: The Deep Space Launch Complex, Space Shuttle Atlantis and the thrilling Shuttle Launch Experience, as well as the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour with access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Students can also explore the Journey to Mars exhibit, watch inspiring IMAX space films and experience a range of interactive presentations, simulators and exhibits throughout the day.
Tip: Upgrade your experience to include a chat with an Astronaut or an Astronaut Training Experience.
Universal Studios, Orlando
Universal Studios Florida puts you at the heart of your favourite films and TV shows through immersive lands, cutting-edge attractions and spectacular entertainment. Experience epic adventures inspired by Harry Potter, Transformers, Minions and more, alongside thrilling rides, live shows and behind-the-scenes movie magic.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
One of Orlando’s premier theme parks, Universal Islands of Adventure combines immersive storytelling with unforgettable attractions. Journey through worlds inspired by Harry Potter, Marvel, Jurassic Park and Dr Seuss, with thrilling rides, spectacular entertainment and epic adventures throughout the park.
Universal Orlando Resort Youth Programmes
Bring STEM learning to life at Universal Orlando through interactive workshops that explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics behind world-class attractions and experiences. Students can explore topics such as ride engineering, physics, robotics, special effects, animation, storytelling and innovation, gaining a deeper understanding of how STEM principles are applied throughout the themed entertainment industry.
Orlando Science Centre
Discover four floors of hands-on learning at Orlando Science Center, one of Florida’s leading interactive science museums. Students can explore a wide range of engaging exhibits, including Life, an immersive nature and conservation experience featuring live animals and habitats indigenous to Florida; Kinetic Zone, where engineering and physics come to life through interactive challenges; DinoDigs, showcasing dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric creatures; and Our Planet, Our Solar System, which explores Earth and space sciences.
WonderWorks
Located on International Drive and open late in the evening WonderWorks combines education and entertainment with over 100 hands on exhibits. Explore six Wonder Zones: the Extreme Weather zone, the Physical Challenge zone, the Space Discovery zone, the Wonder Art gallery, Light and Sound zone and an Imagination lab.
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks is a dinner show with comedy improvisation, magic and audience participation. The dinner show includes unlimited pizza plus salad, drinks and dessert.
Outlet Mall
End your trip on a high with a visit to one of Orlando’s favourite shopping spots. From bargain hunting at the outlets to exploring the extensive stores at The Florida Mall or stocking up on treats and souvenirs at Walmart, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, enjoy some free time, and take home a reminder of your Orlando adventure.
Florida Airboat Adventure
Experience the wild side of Florida with a 60-minute airboat adventure through the beautiful Everglades ecosystem, discovering alligators, endangered wildlife and diverse aquatic habitats in their natural environment. Led by experienced, licensed captains, this exciting excursion combines adventure with learning, offering a wonderful insight into the history, ecology, and conservation of one of the world’s most unique landscapes. With stunning scenery and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, an airboat tour is the perfect way to explore Florida’s natural wonders and gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable ecosystem.
Learning outcomes
KS3 curriculum links (Science, Design and Technology and Maths)
- Space physics: see the Saturn V rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Journey to Mars exhibit at Kennedy Space Center, and see the solar system gallery at the Orlando Science Center.
- Motion and forces: explore speed, forces and motion on the rides in the Physics of Disney Parks and Universal ride-engineering workshops.
- Ecosystems: See a living ecosystem and its food webs on an airboat tour of the Everglades, and get a peek into Disney’s conservation work at Animal Kingdom.
- Energy, light and sound: visit hands-on exhibits at WonderWorks and the Kinetic Zone at the Orlando Science Center.
- Design and technology: investigate new and emerging technologies and meet the engineers behind them in the Disney and Universal workshops.
- Maths, compound units: apply speed = distance ÷ time to rides and rocket launches.
- Maths, standard form: compare distances in space, from the Moon to Mars.
GCSE curriculum links (Combined Sciences, Physics, Maths and Design and Technology)
- Space physics: learn about the solar system, orbits and satellites – all brought to life by Kennedy Space Center.
- Forces and motion: study velocity, acceleration and the forces acting on riders through real attractions at the Disney and Universal workshops.
- Biodiversity and human impact: understand the benefits and challenges of protecting biodiversity in the Everglades, and positive and negative human interactions with ecosystems.
- Evolution: see fossil evidence in the DinoDigs gallery at the Orlando Science Center.
- Working scientifically: everyday and technological applications of science and careers in STEM explained by working engineers.
- Maths: kinematic problems involving distance, velocity and acceleration and areas under velocity-time graphs, applied to rides and launches.
- Design and technology: understand mechanical devices and types of movement (linear, rotary, reciprocating and oscillating) in ride engineering.
- Engineering (AQA): learn about aerodynamics (lift, drag and thrust) at Kennedy Space Center, and mechanical and electrical systems in ride engineering.
A Level curriculum links (Physics and Maths)
- Motion in a circle: understand centripetal force on loops, turns and spinning rides at Disney and Universal.
- Gravitational fields: discover gravitational force, orbits and the energy needed to reach space with a visit to Kennedy Space Center.
- Working scientifically: see how scientific knowledge and technology develop over time through the lens of space exploration – understanding the changes from Apollo to Mars.
- Maths, mechanics: explore kinematics graphs, constant acceleration, projectiles and Newton’s laws applied to both rides at theme parks and rocket launches.
Typical accommodation
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando ***
Why groups like it:
- Well located for access to main attractions
- Large comfortable 3* hotel
- Rooms with two large double beds
Facilities:
- Private bathrooms in all rooms
- Air conditioning, hairdryer, TV, safe and mini-fridge in all rooms
- Free Wifi, on-site shop, arcade room, swimming pool (unsupervised)
“
Thanks to all the team at Travelbound, Bryony especially, for a fantastically organised visit to the US. We had a wonderful visit, superbly organised, action-packed days and super fun evenings. It was all we could have hoped for.
Norwich High School for Girls
“
Fantastic trip to Washington DC organised with Travelbound. They were responsive to our requests and were accommodating to the various requirements we had. The app was particularly useful and meant that it was easy to show bookings at restaurants and excursion. Overall, it was a well planned trip.
Surbiton High School
“
A wonderful trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York, students made memories that will last a lifetime. The trip went perfectly.
Abbey Grange C of E Academy
“
Our trip to Washington and New York was a great experience for everyone, and Travelbound did everything possible to accommodate us with a lot of flexibility and communication!
Shoreham Academy
Ready to start planning?
If you have any questions or would like to start planning your science school trip, contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.
