Thursday Class at Magic Kingdom

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.