Did you know that Florida has more types of mosquitoes than any other state? Yet, when you visit Walt Disney World, you barely see any! How do they manage that? Well, the people who designed Disney World had a clever plan to keep these pesky insects away.
Disney World is built on a swamp, which mosquitoes love because of the still water. The first step was to drain the swamps and create drier land for building. But since it was impossible to get rid of all the water, they made sure any remaining water was always flowing. Even small ponds are designed to keep water moving, often turning them into fountains. Buildings are also designed to let rainwater flow off quickly, preventing any pools of still water.
Plants play a role too. There are no water lilies in Disney World because mosquitoes are attracted to them. Additionally, Disney sprays a natural liquid garlic solution twice a day to keep mosquitoes away. They use special traps that attract mosquitoes with carbon dioxide, making it easier to target them.
To ensure safety, Disney has chickens hidden around the park. These chickens help staff check if mosquitoes carry any diseases. Disney also uses “smellitizers” to spread scents that match the surroundings, enhancing the magical experience. That delicious cookie smell might not be real cookies!
Disney World has a network of tunnels called “utilidors” that allow staff to move around without being seen. These tunnels have rehearsal rooms, cafeterias, and storage areas. This system helps maintain the magic by keeping behind-the-scenes activities hidden from guests.
Disney uses a special color called “Go Away Green” to paint things they don’t want you to notice. This helps them blend into the background. You’ll also never see two of the same characters at once, as they have schedules to ensure only one appears at a time.
The buildings in Disney World use “forced perspective” to look taller than they are. The first floor is built to scale, but the upper floors are smaller. This trick makes castles and houses appear grander. Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys throughout the park, like the one on Splash Mountain!
Disney World has exclusive clubs like Club 33, which only members can access. Walt Disney had a vision for Epcot to be a futuristic city with no cars, climate control, and innovative technology. While not fully realized, some of these ideas inspired the park’s design.
The Magic Kingdom is actually built on the second floor, above the utility corridors. The incline is so gradual that you probably won’t notice it. To get there, you can take a ferry or monorail across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Disney World is full of hidden secrets and clever designs that make it a magical place to visit. From keeping mosquitoes away to creating an immersive experience, every detail is carefully planned to ensure guests have an unforgettable time!
Design your own theme park model using materials like cardboard, paper, and markers. Think about how you would keep mosquitoes away. Use what you learned about Disney’s methods, such as draining water and choosing the right plants. Present your model to the class and explain your mosquito control strategies.
Research different plants that repel mosquitoes and create a poster or digital presentation. Include images and descriptions of each plant, and explain why they are effective. Share your findings with the class and discuss how these plants could be used in everyday environments.
Conduct an experiment to test the effectiveness of camouflage. Use different shades of green to paint objects and place them in various settings. Observe which shades blend in best with the environment. Document your results and present them to the class, explaining how Disney uses this technique.
Create a scavenger hunt in your school or local park by hiding “Hidden Mickeys” (small Mickey Mouse shapes) in various locations. Write clues or riddles to guide your classmates to each location. This activity will help you understand how Disney incorporates hidden details to enhance the guest experience.
Using art supplies, create a scene that uses forced perspective to make objects appear larger or smaller than they are. Experiment with different angles and distances to achieve the desired effect. Share your scene with the class and explain how forced perspective is used in Disney World’s architecture.
Mosquitoes – Small flying insects that are known for biting and can carry diseases. – Mosquitoes are often found near water sources because they lay their eggs in standing water.
Swamps – Wetlands with trees and standing water, often home to diverse wildlife. – Swamps are important ecosystems that help filter water and provide habitat for many species.
Water – A transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, essential for all known forms of life. – Water is crucial for the survival of plants and animals, and it covers about 71% of Earth’s surface.
Plants – Living organisms that typically grow in soil and use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis. – Plants play a vital role in the environment by producing oxygen and providing food for other organisms.
Garlic – A plant of the onion family, known for its strong smell and taste, often used in cooking and traditional medicine. – Garlic has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system.
Carbon – A chemical element that is the basis of all known life on Earth, found in all organic compounds. – Carbon is a key component of greenhouse gases, which affect Earth’s climate.
Diseases – Disorders or illnesses that affect the health of organisms, often caused by pathogens like bacteria and viruses. – Scientists work to understand how diseases spread in order to develop effective treatments and prevent outbreaks.
Tunnels – Underground passages that can be natural or man-made, often used for transportation or mining. – Engineers design tunnels to safely transport vehicles and people through mountains or under bodies of water.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in technology have led to the development of renewable energy sources, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Magic – A term sometimes used to describe phenomena that seem mysterious or inexplicable, often used metaphorically in science to describe amazing discoveries. – The process of photosynthesis can seem like magic, as plants convert sunlight into energy.
