Filled with attractions based on iconic characters such as Harry Potter and Spider-Man, Universal Orlando is an incredible destination that brings film and television to life. Across two theme parks, a water park and five hotels, Universal offers thrills for school groups of all ages and offers packages that encourages students to connect what they experience in Florida with what they learn in the classroom.

STEAM App Series

The STEAM App Series transforms some of the resort’s top attractions into creative environments that apply in-ride features into education opportunities for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. In Transformers ROLL OUT, students learn about engineering principles of the Six Degrees of Freedom and reconstruct vehicle motion sequences for TRANSFORMERS: The Ride. In Jurassic Paleobotany, students search the Jurassic Park area for ancient plant species and compare their findings to previously discovered fossils. Every app is presented in an easy-to-use tablet format, and programs’ degrees of difficulty can be altered depending on how advanced your students are.

Performing Arts Opportunities

For fine arts directors interested in showcasing their students, Universal’s STARS Stage Performance Programs offer workshops and live performance opportunities in the theme parks and  Universal CityWalk. In the Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley workshop, band, choir or orchestra students get an inside look at what it’s like to work as a movie musician for films such as Despicable Me and The Lorax. They will compose music or choral arrangements for movie scenes and even create sound effects. The workshop was designed by Robert W. Smith, a world-renowned music educator and composer.

Dance is UNIVERSAL! is a unique experience for dance troops. Students will learn what it’s like to be a professional dancer. They get the chance to work on an original themed routine incorporating ballet, jazz and musical theater, which is all choreographed and taught by one of Universal’s highly trained performers and choreographers. In addition, they receive tips for writing a captivating resume and having a successful audition, helping them to prepare for the competitive dance world. Marching bands can participate in Universal’s Superstar Pre-Parade and walk the same route as the resort’s professional entertainers.

Participating groups should have a minimum of 40 attendees. Each group should submit a completed application at least six weeks prior to the proposed performance date. Along with the completed applications, groups should provide the following:

  • URL or link to a video of your group’s most recent performance featuring the uniform that will be worn during the group’s performance (approx. 3 minutes in length for each performing group).
  • A written script of any spoken material to be used during the performance.
  • A complete list of titles of the music that will be performed or played during the performance.

All of these programs will be integrated into your student group visit, which can include accommodation options at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, shuttle service throughout the property, meal options and early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay water park.