Friday, February 10, 2012

Day 2 - Magic Kingdom 2/15/12










After a quick but good breakfast our bus took us straight to Magic Kingdom where we were met by the Disney Y.E.S. program Educators. We divided into smaller groups of 12-14 each and began our educational program in the park. On the Monorail ride over to the park our educators Christopher and Ryan discussed inertia and Newton’s’ 1st law of motion with us, as well as the Scientific Method (O HERC).

Entering the park was a breeze at 7:30 in the morning with only a few other visitors present. We had a group picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle before going to “Space Mountain” to learn and personally experience potential and kinetic force and understand the physics of motion. Riding the roller coaster with the lights on was a totally different experience from riding with the lights off and our group’s hypothesis and other observations varied between the two times. It was so much fun!!!!

At “Splash Mountain” we all got a little bit wet when we experienced the 11 minute ride. We learned how to use indirect measuring by using a perfect square and a few other tools and used our math and graphing skills to figure out the height of the mountain. While we were working our problems some of the Country Bear Jamboree characters came by and later Matt and Spencer joined in some Hokie-Pokie dancing and line dancing.

Animatronics was our next topic. The ride the “Pirates of Caribbean” had many great examples of pneumatic (2 movements) and hydraulic (more than 2 movements and much smoother) movements of the characters.

The “Haunted Mansion” was our final ride before lunch. After lunch some of the group wanted to ride “Splash Mountain” for a second time, while others rested or shopped a little. On our way over to Tomorrow Land for the Buzz Light Year ride, we stopped to watch the tail end of the parade in front of the castle. Check out the picture of Mrs. Nicholas (so very focused) and Mr. Hutton as they aimed at their targets. Among the adults, Kristin - our program leader - won big time with 441,400 points, Mr. Hutton had 128,900, Mrs. Rhodes 128,800 and Mrs. Nicholas despite that awesome aim only scored 31,300.

NEXT we headed over to Hollywood studios where a much deserved and anticipated free time began. “Tower of Terror”, “The Rocking Rollercoaster”. “Star Tours”, stunt shows, shopping and more were enjoyed by everyone. Some, like Timmy rode the “tower of Terror” 7 times. Others, like Luke, Megan and Justin relaxed by the pond and visited with the ducks.

Our evening ended with the spectacular light and fireworks show “Fantasmic”.

Safely back at the hotel, lights out at 10pm so we all will be rested for another super day tomorrow.

P.S. Due to no down time at all, Mr. Hutton did not get a chance to take a nap today.
Better luck tomorrow.

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