The Science of Roller Coasters Assembly | Disney Youth Education Series

Accept a thrilling design challenge—fit for a future Imagineer—and discover the physics and magical storytelling required to create a Disney roller coaster.

Program Overview

In this field study, students participate in an interactive, assembling experience that inspires them to achieve their dreams in the sciences and beyond.

Led by energetic and entertaining facilitators, students learn the mechanical physics concepts that underlie roller coaster design. They draw basic roller coaster tracks of their own, which they periodically embellish during the class as new concepts are introduced. While exploring the history of Disney roller coasters—from the Matterhorn, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad through the 21st century Incredicoaster—they examine the mechanisms and physics concepts that Imagineers used to pioneer work with linear induction motors, illustrating the importance of electromagnetism, inertia and g-forces in coaster design.

Key Learning Points

After completing The Science of Roller Coasters Assembly, participants will be able to:

• Define “speed,” “velocity,” “acceleration,” “inertia,” “force,” “gravity” and “friction.”
• Design a roller coaster track and describe how it uses mechanical physics.
• State and illustrate the Law of Conservation of Energy.
• Compare and contrast different propulsion systems for roller coasters.
• State Newton’s First Law of Motion.
• Articulate factors that may influence the attraction design process.
• Describe how roller coaster design has evolved over time.
• Discuss various careers associated with the study of physics.

Location: Disneyland® Resort
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Program Grade Range: Grades 6-12

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 specially priced group Theme Park Tickets. Ask your Disney Youth Representative about adding additional programs during your visit to maximize your experience.
   Assembly events take place in a theater- style setting and require additional production fees. Please contact your Disney Youth Representative for additional pricing.
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 Disney Youth Education Series Additional Guest tickets include admission only and do 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. We understand that your group is unique and may require additional help. Please contact us at (321) 939-7560.

*A minimum of 75 students is required and a maximum of 2 adults must attend the program per every 10 to 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.