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A Cast Member showing young adults Disney portraits encased in a glass display
This program requires registration before ticket package purchase.

Get an inside look at how Disney animators create full-length animated features. Learn the history of the artform, develop storytelling skills and practice techniques used to bring some of the most beloved characters of all time to life.

For groups of 10 or more.

  • Disneyland Resort, California
  • Year-Round

Program Overview

Learn about the complex components that work together to bring favorite Disney characters and stories to the big screen. In this 3-hour program, students will study Disney's role in the history and processes used to create early animated features, as well as the innovative animation techniques used to bring the visions of modern storytellers to life. Students in grades 3-12 will explore their own storytelling skills by planning and designing a storyboard and creating a kineograph.

Key Learning Points

During this interactive field study, students will:

  • Articulate various elements of Walt Disney's animation pipeline
  • Describe Walt Disney's contributions to the field of animation
  • Understand the history and progression of animation from handdrawn to computer
  • Draw a Disney character using simple geometric shapes
  • Demonstrate storyboarding
  • Create a kineograph
  • Create a thaumatrope
  • Articulate the physical process of the theory of persistence of vision
  • Calculate the number of frames needed in a 60-minute animated film
All programs subject to availability. Program content, times, attractions and locations subject to change due to inclement weather, availability or group dynamics. Students must meet minimum age/grade requirements.

National Core Standards

Disney Youth Education Series fulfill many of the National Core Standards. Review the standards explored through this experience.

Program Length: 3 hours
Program Grade Range: Grades 3-12

Below are 5 easy steps for planning your Disney Youth Education Series visit at Disneyland® Resort.

  1. Select the program(s) that best suits your group.
  2. Choose the dates you intend to visit. While we will work diligently to accommodate your request, we ask that you identify an alternate program date in case programming is not available on your preferred date. Disney Youth Education Series programs are available 7 days a week, with the exception of certain blockout dates.
  3. Submit a Program Request Form at least 6 weeks in advance of your travel dates.
  4. Upon receipt of a booking confirmation from the Disney Youth Programs team, you may purchase your value-priced group Theme Park Tickets, which include your first Disney Youth Education Series program. Ask your Disney Youth Representative about adding additional programs during your visit to maximize your experience.
  5. Be sure to request information on food and beverage options from your Disney Youth Representative. Information on convenient Disney on-site group hotel accommodations or Good Neighbor hotel accommodations is available by calling 714-520-5004.

Additional Guests

Additional Guests are the perfect way to share the wonder and magic of your Disneyland Resort visit. Students, friends and family can each enjoy their own special kind of Disney fun with the same great value-priced Disney Youth Education Series ticket packages!* The number of Group Leaders and additional Guests (i.e. chaperones, parents, siblings, etc.) may not exceed the number of students.

Please note: The Disney Youth Education Series Additional Guest ticket package does not include participation in the Disney Youth Education Series program.

Additional Information

Disney Youth Representatives can guide you in choosing the programs that best suit your group, plan your food and beverage options and book your Disney Resort accommodations at special group rates.

*A minimum of 10 students is required and a maximum of one (1) adult may attend the program per ever five (5) students. A minimum of 1 adult per 15 students must attend the program.

Theme park admission is required and all participants must purchase a Disney Youth Education Series ticket package to attend any Disney Youth Education Series program. Use of an admission ticket is required for entrance into the park on the date of your program. Tickets are valid for 7 days prior to your arrival date and after departure date. Annual Passes, complimentary admission and regular front-gate admission cannot be applied to the cost of a program.

All programs subject to availability. Program content, times, attractions and locations subject to change due to inclement weather, availability or group dynamics. Students must meet minimum age/grade requirements.

Questions

Disney Youth Representatives can guide you in choosing the programs that best suit your group. We understand that your group is unique and may require additional help. Please visit our Contact Us section of the site for Frequently Asked Questions and contact information for a Disney Youth Representative.

*A minimum of 10 students is required and a maximum of two (2) adults must attend the program per every ten (10) – nineteen (19) students. The number of chaperones participating in the program may not exceed the number of students.

All programs subject to availability. Program content, times, attractions and locations subject to change due to inclement weather, availability or group dynamics. Students must meet minimum age/grade requirements.

Materials

Use the downloadable materials below to share the objective and key learning points of this program with other teachers, administrators, and parents. Also, refer to these materials for support in writing grant applications.

Download the Supplemental Materials sheet

Engage in these activities with your students either before or after your trip to the Disney theme parks.

All programs subject to availability. Program content, times, attractions and locations subject to change due to inclement weather, availability or group dynamics. Students must meet minimum age/grade requirements.