If I had only one day to spend in Walt Disney World and I could pick only one park, I would pick EPCOT. More specifically, I would pick the World Showcase portion of EPCOT. It is absolutely my favorite place in all of Walt Disney World! As you walk around the 11 pavilions, the sights, the sounds, and the detailed architecture make you feel as if you are visiting all of the different countries. If you are a parent, the educational opportunities are limitless.
On our first family trip last spring, my boys were only in kindergarten and more interested in the fun Agent P missions that learning about the different countries as we walked around. I never thought to expose them to the various countries before our trip or after. I’m going to approach our next trip a little differently!
I decided to hit the internet looking for educational resources for all 11 countries to share with you, so you can prepare your children for World Showcase. It was easy to find educational resources for a few of the countries (United States, Japan, Mexico, China), but most of the countries were not so easy.
Over the next few Wednesdays, I’m going to share what I found, starting today with the good old USA.
The American Pavilion
Photo courtesy of Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
The American Pavilion is the heart of World Showcase in every way. The colonial style architecture, the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps, the Voices of Liberty, and the American Adventure all help to create an atmosphere that fills you with a patriotic spirit! For more information on the American Pavilion, be sure to check out the great overview from Magical Mouse Schoolhouse.
This is the one country in World Showcase that your children probably already understand. But here are a few fun ways to help your child get to know the USA a little better and to develop their own patriotic spirit.
Crafts and Printables About America
4th of July & American Revolution Round Up from 3 Dinosaurs
3 Dinosaurs shares a collection of hands-on activities, sensory bins, and educational printable packs all about the Fourth of July and the Revolutionary War. (If you haven’t checked out her printables yet, you really should. They are fabulous and they are FREE!)
12 Flag Crafts from Crystal & Co.
Crystal & Co. has 12 adorable American flag crafts for children of all ages. There is something fun here for everyone!
15 Patriotic Crafts for Kids from Artsy Momma
Artsy Momma rounded up a great collection of patriotic themed crafts for kids, including a Statue of Liberty crown and torch, and Uncle Sam, and an American eagle. There are so many fun activities you can choose!
Books About America
There are tons of great books about the United States, it’s history, and it’s symbolism. Here are a few I thought would go well with the American Pavilion. (I have included affiliate links for your convenience. Please see my Disclosure page for further information.)
America Is… by Louise Borden
What lessons do you think your children could learn from Epcot’s American Pavilion?
Those crafts look so neat! I have always thought Disney is educational. There are things I learned in school that I already knew and remembered because of visiting Disney.
There is so much you can learn at Walt Disney World, but World Showcase is my favorite!
these are great ideas, Cindy. I haven’t been to Disney World since I was 12, and Epcot center wasn’t even open yet! I’m taking notes in cases we ever get a chance to take the family. Thanks for collecting them all in one place 🙂
You would love EPCOT! It’s fun and educational. 🙂
This series is a fantastic idea! I can’t wait to read more! Definitely pinning now!
Thanks! I think I’ve found some good ideas to go along with a few of the countries.