ORLANDO, FLORIDA

LOCATION GUIDE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Exceptional Tours Expertly Delivered

Our location guide offers you information on the range of visits available in Florida. All visits are selected with your subject and the curriculum in mind, along with the most popular choices for sightseeing, culture and leisure in the area.

The information in your location guide has been provided by our partners in Orlando who have expert on the ground knowledge of the area, combined with advice from education professionals so that the visits and information recommended are the most relevant to meet your learning objectives.

Making Life Easier for You

This location guide is not a catalogue of opening times. Our Tour Experts will design your itinerary with opening times and location in mind so that you can really maximise your time on tour.

Our location guides are designed to give you the information that you really need, including what are the highlights of the visit, location, suitability and educational resources. We’ll give you top tips like when is the best time to go, dress code and extra local knowledge.

Peace of Mind

So that you don’t need to carry additional money around with you we will state in your initial quote letter, which visits are included within your inclusive tour price and if there is anything that can’t be pre-paid we will advise you of the entrance fees so that you know how much money to take along.

You also have the added reassurance that, WST is a member of the STF and our featured visits are all covered as part of our externally verified Safety Management System.

STUDY VISITS

KENNEDY SPACE CENTRE Engaging education programs at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex bring space exploration to life. Students can explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center, home of the massive 365 foot-long Saturn V rocket, tour NASA areas and to interact with shows and exhibits. Students also meet astronauts, watch larger-than-life 3D IMAX® films, come face-to-face with Space Shuttle Atlantis℠, strap into the Shuttle Launch Experience® and explore historic rockets. Standard Admission includes: Space Shuttle Atlantis℠, Meet and Astronaut, Shuttle Launch Experience, IMAX® space films, all exhibits and shows and the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. Website: Kennedy Space Center Education

ADDITIONAL EXTRAS AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER: Lunch with an Astronaut: We can arrange for your group to spend up close time with an Astronaut and have a private buffet meal. Hear from a veteran NASA astronaut about what it’s really like to launch, live and work in space. He or she speaks and shows a personalized presentation, then takes individual questions. Be sure to bring your camera! More Info: lunch-with-an-astronaut - official web page

KSC Up-Close Launch Control Center Tour: Go behind the scenes and into NASA’s Launch Control Center and tour Firing Room 4, the room from which the last 21 space shuttle missions were launched, including Atlantis’ final flight, STS-135. Throughout the tour, your guide will point out historical landmarks and give you real time updates on what’s happening at Kennedy Space Center. You’ll also be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 500 species of birds and animals. Tour Length: 2-21/2 hours, More Info: KSC Center Tour

ATX (Astronaut Training Experience: Immerse yourself in the exciting world of today’s astronauts with realistic astronaut training. You will hear first-hand from a veteran NASA astronaut, experience a space shuttle mission simulation and perform hands-on space exploration activities. This intense, exciting half-day of hands-on training is the closest most people ever get to going into orbit. Your ATX training includes operating a full-scale shuttle mock-up and taking the helm in mission control. The entire program was designed with the help of NASA astronauts, so you know it’s as real as it gets! Due to the special nature of the ATX program, space is limited. More Info: Astronaut Training

Other additional possibilities at Kennedy Space Center include;  The KSC Up Close Explore Tour  Up Close Cape Canaveral: Then & Now Tour  Space Explorer Adventure

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTRE The Science Center combines educational activity, fun and knowledge all under one roof in four floors of exciting exhibits, workshops and engaging live programmes. EXHIBITS: You will be given approximately 30 minutes in each scheduled exhibit area which changes throughout the year but includes a wide range of scientific hands-on, inquiry-based discovery. During your visit, volunteers and staff will be placed throughout the building to support you and your students. As well as the Exhibits groups can then choose to either take part in a Discovery Lab Workshop OR view a live show. DISCOVERY LAB WORKSHOPS (KS 4-5): The center provides exciting hands-on workshops for groups. Here are the ones we think will suit your students’ studies the most.  Forensic Science: This lab is designed to intrigue and interest your students in the field of forensic science. Discover how techniques such as chromatography, blood typing and facial composite computer software have changed the world of crime solving. See how forensic scientists use biology, physics and chemistry in the field of criminology.  Advanced ChemLab: Be enchanted by how temperature affects reaction rates and use inquiry-based learning to separate substances. Use the SPARK Science Learning System and PASCO probeware technology to analyse rise and fall in temperature of chemical changes. Test reactions and burn compounds to identify unknown substances.  Advanced BioLab: Explore how the levels of CO2 in a plant terrarium will change during photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Discover the different ways stimulants and depressants will affect physiological activity in the body. Find which organelles an animal cell and a plant cell have in common with wet-mount and methylene blue-stained cheek and onion cells. LIVE SHOWS: Live Shows are performed by trained Science Educators, demonstrating experiments and interacting with the audience. The show changes through the year. A Live Show can be substituted for a Discovery Lab Workshop.

DISNEY YOUTH EDUCATION SERIES -SCIENCE –IN THE DISNEY PARKS Disney Youth Education Series programmes take place in the information- rich setting of the Disney Parks in Florida to give students – and teachers, a hands-on, educational adventure. This collection of guided sessions, available in Applied Sciences & more, is accredited, standards-based and designed to reinforce your classroom lessons. Practice teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as your group participates in one-of-a- kind moments that use the magic of Disney to make learning even more impactful. One compulsory session of your choice is included in your YES programme –which can include one or multiple days entry to the 4 Disney Parks (others sessions can be added for an additional fee) * THE YES PROGRAMME OFFERS THE BEST VALUE ON PARK ENTRY FOR SCHOOL GROUPS* 3 Hour sessions to choose from include…. Energy and Waves Physics Lab – at the ® Park, 9:30 am and 11 am ( KS3-5) Embark on an interactive adventure where you'll explore the physics of light and sound through select attractions at Magic Kingdom® Park and examine the wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will discover how energy is transmitted by light and sound waves, and how these waves affect the Disney Guest experience and their day-to- day lives. They'll also discover how light and sound can be manipulated.

Properties of Motion Physics Lab – at the Magic Kingdom® Park, 7:15 am (KS3-5) Experience physics in practical application as we demonstrate force, motion and gravity on some of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom® Park. Students will gain an understanding of inertia, centripetal force and other properties of motion in real world applications of theme park attractions.

The of Technology - at , 7:45am (KS3-5) Explore the attractions of Future World at Epcot® to develop an understanding of how human needs and wants drive the development and acceleration of technology. Students discover the progressive nature of technology as they explore factors that influence and impact its development and acceptance.

The Science of Disney Imagineering: Gravity - at Studios, 8:00 am (KS3) Discover how Imagineering uses the powers of science to develop our world-famous theme parks and attractions. Students will explore how gravity and Newton's laws of motion are fundamental to creating exhilarating theme park experiences.

Everyday Chemistry – at EPCOT (KS4-5) Gain a greater understanding of modern chemistry and its practical application through observations and hands-on experiments within Epcot®. In Everyday Chemistry, the science of chemistry is demystified as participants discover that everything they hear, see, smell, taste and touch involves chemistry and chemicals. They come to understand that chemistry is the science of change and it's the job of chemists to predict and explain how matter interacts to form new substances—substances that we come in contact with every day.

Website: Disney YES Programme - further detail on all sessions

THE DISNEY PARKS We highly recommend park entry using the YES programme detailed above for both the best educational and best value experiences MAGIC KINGDOM PARK (9am-10pm) Fairytale dreams come true for children of all ages at Magic Kingdom park. Delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney Characters across 6 whimsical lands. See fantasy become a reality as you explore Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. areas. Website: Magic Kingdom EPCOT CENTRE (9am-9pm) Explore exciting attractions, enchanting international , award- winning fireworks and seasonal special events. Celebrating the human spirit, Epcot has 2 distinct realms: Future World, which features technological innovations, and World Showcase, which shares with Guests the culture and cuisine of 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. Website: Epcot DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS (9am-8:30pm) Movie magic comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, awash in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Step into the action with attractions based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows, and delight in exciting entertainment that puts you center stage. With the vibrancy of a bustling movie set, this park features 8 sections: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, Streets of America, Commissary Lane, Pixar Place, Mickey Avenue and Animation Courtyard areas. Website: Hollywood Studios

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK (9am-6pm) Encounter exotic animals and exciting adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, one of the largest animal theme parks in the world. Home to more than 2,000 animals across 300 species, the park reflects Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation and is committed to animal care, education and research. Explore 6 enthralling lands: Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand, U.S.A. areas. Website: Animal Kingdom

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT ® Resort is more than a theme park. It's an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks unlike anything else in Orlando. We highly recommend park entry with an educational programme for both the best educational and best value visit!

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA® THEME PARK Universal Studios Florida® is a real working motion picture and television studio that enables guests to jump right into the action of their favourite films and TV shows 'on-set' of a variety of fully dressed backlot locations. Inside the gates of Universal Studios and you'll find yourself in the middle of a real working film and television production studio; and Production Central is where Hollywood meets Orlando, and the business of making movies meets the excitement of living them. Enjoy this and the exciting zones of New York, , Hollywood and the World Expo. Not forgetting the thrills and magical experiences in The of ™ - Diagon Alley™ and a trip on the Hogwarts™ Express! Website: Universal

UNIVERSAL'S ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE® THEME PARK Take an unforgettable journey as the world's most cutting edge rides, shows and interactive attractions bring your favourite stories, myths, cartoons, comic books and children's tales to life Enjoy all the zones including; ® , Toon Lagoon®, ®, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade™, The Lost Continent® and Seuss Landing™ Website: Islands of Adventure

UNIVERSAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES We highly recommend park entry with an educational programme for both the best educational and best value visit! Culinary Arts – students are taught basic food prep principles, culinary techniques and more in a fun, interactive setting. Ride Design – Enjoy a presentation and question & answer session with a member of the Universal Creative Team. Marketing & Sales – Students learn about advertising, group sales, branding, marketing and promotions. Our Weather – Learn from WESH2 meteorologist Amy Sweezy about weather and its impact on theme park guests.

BOGGY CREEK BOAT RIDES Witness territory that remains unaltered by man in the wilderness of the Everglades. Let experienced Master Captains take you into the breathtaking beauty of natural wonders, including wetlands, cypress trees, and wildlife. Ride with a certified U.S. Coast Guard Captain and see Florida Alligators, turtles, birds and more in their natural environment. This safe, exciting and educational airboat ride is filled with surprises and fascination. Each airboat tour is a unique experience and never the same. You will enjoy whisking across the surface of the water at speeds up to 45 mph while shooting between walls of tall grass. Website: Boggy Creek

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS See over 500 animals representing nearly 200 species (that doesn't even include the insects) in this small but very pleasant zoo set amongst the lush botanical gardens. Groups can participate in special animal education presentations such as zoo keeper chats. Website: Florida Zoo

EVENING ACTIVITIES Stay Later in the Parks As the theme parks open late there’s no reason why you can’t stay longer into the evening! We can arrange dinner vouchers to use on site, before transferring you back to your accommodation.

Disney Springs Downtown Disney has been renamed and consists of several different neighbourhoods, featuring more than 150 stores, restaurants and entertainment experiences. The neighbourhoods are named Town Center, The Landing, West Side, and Marketplace and each has a distinct feel. You can take the free Disney shuttle services here after visiting your Disney park for the day and we can arrange your coach pick up from here to take you to your hotel. Universal City Walk Located right by the exits of the two Universal Orlando Resort Parks, you could tag a visit onto the end of your park day before transferring back to your accommodation. At Universal CityWalk® you’ll find a unique collection of shops and boutiques offering everything from the coolest clothing on the street to skateboards that will have you tearing up the sidewalk. With night lit mini golf and a host of restaurants to choose from too, this is a great place to spend an evening.

Hotel Swimming Pools or Gymnasiums Our hotels are happy for groups to make use of their facilities if supervised.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING EXPERIENCES Orlando International Premium Outlets What better way to spend your last few hours before flying home! We recommend either the Vineland Ave or the International Drive Premium Outlets. They are huge with a vast array of the big name brands and food outlets too. They can be visited easily en-route to the airport on your last day. They open at 10am.

Florida Mall A more upmarket shopping experience again with a wide range of shops and eating options. It opens at 10am and is only 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

EATING OPTIONS

We are able to pre-book and pay for your evening meals at a wide choice of restaurants. There are options within walking distance of our key accommodations, including Pizza Restaurants and an ‘All-You-Can-Eat- Buffet’ where the food choices are endless.

Within the Disney and Universal Parks we can also provide meal vouchers that can be used at a range of selected eateries within the parks on the day for lunch or evening meals.

There is also the option to have pre-loaded Disney Dining Card to an amount of your choice to be used within the Disney Parks only.

Universal City Walk has a host of restaurants where again we can pre- arrange for you such as Hard Rock Café, Bubba Gump Shrimp.