STEM in Orlando: A Three-Day Itinerary for Middle School Students

Day 1: Immersive Science and Innovation

Morning at the MAD SCIENCE
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Middle schoolers can become little scientists at Mad Science of Central Florida with middle school workshops available upon request. Students will be immersed in the intrigues of science, chemistry, weather, energy and other core curriculum science workshops. Hands-on learning opportunities are paired with professional lesson plans, expert instructors and unique scientific equipment for exceptional STEM experiences.

LUNCH: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
The Wheelhouse Market Food Hall: The Wheelhouse Market, located in ICON Park just steps from the museum, is a perfect spot for student groups to break for lunch. Authentic cuisine inspired by international flavors includes pizza and pasta, tacos, burgers, sweets and more. There is ample space for large parties in a modern cafeteria-like setting.

Shake Shack: Conveniently located in ICON Park along I-Drive, groups can gather for delicious burgers, custard and other American favorites in a diner setting for a casual or quick and affordable lunch.

Afternoon at the MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS ORLANDO
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2 hours)

Orlando is bustling with student-friendly and one-of-a-kind experiences. A prime example is the Museum of Illusions Orlando, which offers middle school students an engaging exploration of optical illusions and the science behind perception. Through interactive exhibits like the Vortex Tunnel and Reverse Room, students can gain a hands-on understanding of visual deception, depth perception, and how the brain processes visual information, fostering critical thinking and scientific curiosity.

Evening and Dinner at WONDERWORKS

Spend the evening exploring WonderWorks’ curious exhibits before enjoying a lively dinner performance at The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. This is WonderWorks Orlando’s longest-running dinner show full of interactive fun, nonstop laughter and one-of-a-kind, family-friendly entertainment. Groups can enjoy unlimited fresh pizza, salad, desserts, and beverages during the show, which runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

ALTERNATIVE DINNER OPTION:
Senor Frog’s Orlando: This vibrant Mexican-American restaurant wows guests with its colorful décor and ample space for large groups. The affordable menu offers various dishes, from fresh Mexican to American classics like BBQ, burgers and salads.

Day 1: Distances and Travel Times

Museum of Illusions to Mad Science

• Distance: 14 miles/22.5 km
• Vehicle: 14 miles/22.5 km
• Travel time: approximately 25-30 minutes (traffic-dependent) via Florida’s Turnpike

Museum of Illusions to The Wheelhouse Market and Shake Shack

• Distance: 0.2 miles/0.32 km
• Walking: 4 minutes on International Drive

Mad Science to WonderWorks

• Distance: 14.6 miles/
• Vehicle: 14.6 miles/
• Travel time: approximately 23 minutes (traffic-dependent) via Florida’s Turnpike

Day 2: Engaging Imagination and Scientific Exploration

Afternoon at DISNEY IMAGINATION CAMPUS
200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Recommended Duration: 2 to 3 hours

The Disney Imagination Campus provides spectacular STEM experiences for students with workshops that inspire creative and critical thinking through hands-on learning. Students will also test their communication skills while exploring their curiosity as they interact with Disney Imagineering professionals. Groups can explore Imagination-Powered Learning workshops and enrichment programs focusing on science and technology, including the Physics of Disney and the Technology of Disney Parks.

LUNCH OPTIONS

Youth Meal Certificate: A list of participating Disney restaurants offers various dining options. 2024_Youth_LunchDinner
World Premiere Food Court: Located at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, this participating restaurant serves delicious pizza, pasta, and grilled fare in a theater-themed dining atmosphere near the Disney Imagination Campus.

Mrs. Potato Restaurant: Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, this popular and affordable eatery offers numerous options that will appease middle school students and adult group members with plenty of space.

Evening at ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando

Recommended Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Middle school students will be instantly engaged at the Orlando Science Center. This award-winning science museum welcomes visitors at the entrance with the Red Tails Monument, the first national monument to honor the Tuskegee Airmen. The four expansive floors are full of interactive exhibit halls, hands-on workshops and labs, theaters, an observatory, and seasonal experiences. Browse the awe-inspiring exhibits of innovative treasures, test out ideas in the hands-on Flight Lab, or participate in an Interactive Live Show.

DINNER OPTIONS

Cheesecake Factory: A favorite among groups, the Cheesecake Factory offers an extensive menu with a dynamic range of dishes in convenient locations.

Dave & Busters: This restaurant is a great spot for your student group dinner. Its menu offers an array of flavors that cater to everyone. The restaurant is full of games and activities to keep students entertained at multiple convenient locations.

Day 2: Distances and Travel Times

Disney Imagination Campus to Orlando Science Center

• Distance: 20 miles/32 km
• Vehicle: 20 miles/32 km
• Travel time: approximately 30 minutes (traffic-dependent)

Day 3: Wild Wonders and Aquatic Encounters

Afternoon at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
2901 Osceola Pkwy., Orlando

Recommended Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park provides one-of-a-kind animal encounters and wild experiences perfect for engaging middle school groups. Six immersive lands comprise Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including Africa and Asia providing opportunities for up-close discovery of exotic species thriving in natural habitats. Students will uncover lush, foreign landscapes teeming with diverse species waiting to be discovered.

LUNCH OPTIONS

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Choose from 5 on-site eateries serving international flavors, American favorites and everything in between. From sit-down meals to grab-and-go bites, and Asian-inspired creations to dining in a rainforest, take advantage of the convenience, diversity and ease.

Evening at SEAWORLD ORLANDO
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando

Recommended Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Animal experts around the park help guide students on a self-exploration of SeaWorld Orlando’s wild wonders. Students will have opportunities to discover diverse ecosystems and encounter numerous species up close with professional trainers during hands-on sessions. SeaWorld Orlando STEM Days provide students with four interactive STEM Field Stations, each one focusing on a different aspect of STEM and occurring sporadically throughout the year. If applicable to your itinerary, STEM Days will be:

• Nov. 8th, 2024
• Feb. 13th, 2025
• March 7th, 2025

DINNER OPTIONS

SeaWorld: The park offers numerous eateries, from sit-down full-service restaurants to grab-and-go spots, with reasonable prices and numerous food options.

TGI Fridays: An affordable family favorite, TGI Fridays is conveniently located on I-Drive near SeaWorld. It boasts plenty of space for large groups and serves sizeable portions from a classic American menu.

Day 3: Distances and Travel Times

Disney’s Animal Kingdom to SeaWorld
Distance: 13 miles/21 km
Vehicle: 13 miles/21 km
Travel time: approximately 25 minutes via I-4 (traffic-dependent)