Thursday morning landed us back at the Magic Kingdom for the
Energy and Waves Physics Lab.
We reviewed
the basics of light waves, reflection, refraction, UV light, and shadows. We
learned how Disney imagineers used scrim material to hide objects and
mechanical devices they don’t want the guests to see during a ride. We headed
to the Haunted Mansion where we were asked to watch for the effects of light,
shadows, UV light effects, and scrim.
The
cobwebs, darkness, and creepy music added to the fun of the ride.
Afterwards we discussed what we had seen and
were given the opportunity to go under the famous dancing ballroom in the
Haunted Mansion for a behind the scenes look at the techniques used to create
the effects.
It was a great example of
reflection and refraction of light.
We
completed an activity in groups so we understood how those effects were used to
create the dancing images and movement.
We
talked about how sound waves and acoustics create some of the Disney magic in
the parks as well as in shows and rides. Our next activity was at Mickey’s
PhilharMagic.
With the help of 3-D
glasses we watch Donald Duck take Mickey’s conductor’s baton snd sorcerer’s hat
to create “magic” that actually has Donald
become part of the dining hall in Beauty and
the Beast, with Ariel in her grotto under the sea, with Simba in the savanna,
with Aladdin in Agrabah, and with Peter Pan in London. The music was awesome. We
were sprayed with water snd felt like the wind was blowing in our face as we
were flying. Donald and various characters from each of the music pieces appeared
to come right up to our faces in 3 dimension. The voices of Goofy, Mickey, and
Donald came from various parts of the theater.
After the class we were free to explore the
parks.
We met up at Chef Mickey’s in the
Contemporary Resort for a character dinner with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse,
Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck.
