Get Away Today Vacations, Inc.

You already know that Get Away Today is your expert for Disneyland family vacations.  You may even know that Get Away Today specializes in Group Travel to the Disneyland ® Resort.  But, did you know that we can help you plan every aspect of your Student Group Trip - including accredited educational programs held inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park? 

Our Group Department was recently invited to the Disneyland Resort to learn all about the programs offered through the Disney Youth Education Series (YES Programs).  We already knew a lot of the facts about the Disney Youth Education Series, but there is nothing like experiencing the programs in person.  When our Department arrived at the Disneyland Resort, we didn't really know what to expect.  We met inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (which we highly recommend for your next vacation) and were introduced to the Disney Youth Education Series Cast Members who would be our teachers for the day.
 


The Disney Youth Education Series offers five different programs: "Disney's Animation Magic," "Disney Leadership in Action: Pursuit of Excellence," "Disney's World of Physics: Properties of Motion," "Disney's World of Physics: Energy and Waves," and "California, Here I Come!"  There are two different versions of "Disney's World of Physics: Energy and Waves," one for children ages 8-11 and one for students ages 11-18.  Each program lasts 2 1/2 - 3 hours and combines a perfect blend of hands-on learning and fun. 

After the introductions, we entered Disney California Adventure Park where we spent the morning.  We first got a sampling of Disney's World of Physics: Energy and Waves. Our first YES Cast Member taught us about magnets - including the difference between permanent magnets and electromagnets, then took us on a LARGE electromagnet, California Screamin'.  When you're with your Disney YES teacher, you are walked to the FASTPASS line without using your FASTPASS tickets, it's a great way to learn and experience the best attractions.

Next, we met up with our second Disney YES Cast Member for a sampling of Disney's World of Physics: Properties and Motion.  Here we had to build our own roller coaster using the principals we were taught - it was a lot harder than it looks!  This YES Program allows students to experience Goofy's Flight School, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and California Screamin' to illustrate energy, speed, acceleration, friction, and so much more.



Following Properties and Motion, we moved onto the Disney Leadership in Action: Pursuit of Excellence program where we learned more about Walt Disney and his four C's: Curiosity, Courage, Confidence, and Constancy.  This program helps students understand their personal leadership skills, celebrates diversity and creativity and so much more.  We loved our sampling of this workshop, which is normally held in Disneyland Park.  Participants get to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain, plus explore Tom Sawyer Island as part of their program. 

Our final stop was Disney's Animation Magic workshop.  We learned some really fun facts about animation, like that it takes 600 animators 4 - 5 years to create one 90 minute film!  We also made our own animation then headed over to the Disney Animation building.  Here we learned about kineographs and thaumatropes and lent our voices to Disney animation in Ursula's Grotto.  Students who take part in Disney's Animation Magic workshop also get to experience Turtle Talk with Crush and Monsters, Inc Mike and Sulley to the Rescue or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. 

The only program we weren't able to experience firsthand was California, Here I Come!, which focuses on California State History for 3rd-5th graders and gives students the opportunity to explore the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and get a bird's eye view of the state on Soarin' Over California.  Sounds fun, right?

The Disney Youth Education Series is the perfect way for your group to experience the Disneyland Resort - and learn something too!  We feel like we really discovered one of Disney's best kept secrets! In order to participate in Disney's Youth Education Series, you just need a group of 15 or more* youth (ages 8 - 18).  Although it's perfect for school groups, your group does NOT have to be associated with a school to participate.  Think about your extended family reunion, a home-school group, boy scouts, girl scouts, or even your friends and their families! 

All of the Disney Youth Education Series tickets include your preferred YES program, plus park admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.  Disney's YES tickets can be purchased in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-day increments. Each 1 or 2- Day Disney YES tickets include one Youth Education Series Program.  3-Day and longer Disney YES tickets include two programs and additional programs can be added for a minimal charge. In addition to providing a truly unique learning opportunity, Get Away Today's Disney Youth Education Series tickets offer a significant discount off of our regularly discounted ticket prices.  Get Away Today helps your group get the best deal on your Group Travel from the lowest price on attraction tickets, hotels, transportation and more!  Be sure to call Get Away Today's Group Department at 888.943.2929 to get information for your Disney's YES Program Group Trip!

*If you'd like to participate in a Disney YES Program, and don't have a qualifying group, call our Group Department at 888.943.2929 and we'll see if we can get your family included with an individual enrollment day (limited availability).