Working with the FFSA team, students dive into the thrilling world of theme park innovation - combining storytelling, physics, business strategy, and hands-on creativity to imagine the next great attraction. From engineering rollercoasters to crafting immersive narratives and designing park economics, students experience firsthand what it’s like to be the masterminds behind the magic.
Set entirely inside Universal Studios Florida, this program blends FFSA-led workshops with unforgettable park experiences, project-based learning, and select sessions led by Universal Orlando Youth Programs that complement and enrich the core content. Students collaborate in design teams, work through engineering and artistic problems, and develop fully realized theme park concepts; complete with ride blueprints, immersive land storytelling, branded merchandise, and marketing campaigns.
The experience can be adapted into a 1, 3, 5, or 8-day option, offering flexible scheduling for schools, travel groups, or customized STEM and arts-focused intensives. The program culminates in a final presentation where students pitch their original theme parks to a panel, simulating a real-world creative review and celebrating a week of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
This experience isn’t just about riding the rides - it’s about understanding how they’re made and imagining what comes next. Led by professional educators and creative minds from FFSA, students engage in real-world problem solving through workshops that mirror the roles of engineers, designers, creative directors, and marketing strategists in the themed entertainment industry.
Each day blends STEM skills with creative storytelling and collaborative team-based design. Whether students are passionate about physics, art, branding, or big ideas, this program gives them the tools to think like innovators. They don’t just explore the parks, they use them as living case studies to build their own. From high-speed coasters to themed worlds and original merchandise, students leave with a finished project, new confidence, and the experience of stepping into real career paths in a wildly fun and engaging environment.
Students arrive in Orlando and kick off the week by meeting the FFSA crew and their fellow thrill engineers-in-training. After check-in, the group gathers for an exciting program launch, filled with icebreaker games and a collaborative team challenge that sets the tone for the days ahead. Creative teams are formed, project goals are introduced, and students begin sketching early ideas for their own original theme park land. From the start, students are immersed in the collaborative side of design thinking - developing communication skills, learning about project flow, and preparing to take on real roles like creative director, engineer, and show designer.
The day begins with hands-on workshops focused on immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and themed space design. Students learn how compelling park experiences are rooted in narrative and emotion, using story structure and spatial layout to design lands that guide guest experience from start to finish. From mapmaking to visual storytelling, students explore how every creative decision (color, architecture, music) works in harmony to support an imagined world.
Later in the day, they participate in a Universal Orlando Youth Program session that complements their morning work, reinforcing the value of well-designed guest journeys. In the evening, students enter the parks with fresh eyes, exploring how Universal’s lands reflect principles of environmental storytelling, scale, and atmosphere.
Today focuses on engineering thrills! Students start by diving into the math, science, and technical design behind rollercoasters and ride systems. Through interactive labs and hands-on challenges, students explore the physics of motion, force, and speed. They analyze ride pacing, examine track geometry, and sketch initial coaster concepts for their own parks. Design logic is paired with artistic intent, giving students insight into how STEM and imagination collide in the world of themed entertainment.
A second workshop with the Universal Orlando Youth Programs team helps extend their understanding of how ride mechanics and narrative come together. The evening brings a return to the parks, where students experience real-world applications of the very forces they modeled earlier - where they will be turning kinetic energy and launch systems into inspiration.
With lands and rides well underway, students now explore the economics of theme park design, how parks generate revenue, build brand loyalty, and immerse guests through retail and food design. Students work through branding and merchandise concepts, creating logos, products, and themed retail experiences that align with their park’s story. They learn how psychology, layout, and design impact guest behavior and how marketing, visual identity, and economics all play a role in building a successful park.
A final Universal Orlando Youth Program session reinforces the day’s focus on guest-centered design and commercial storytelling. In the evening, students tackle a fast-paced creative scavenger hunt inside the park, identifying how Universal uses subtle design choices to drive spending, reinforce themes, and keep guests engaged at every turn.
Students spend the day at EPIC Universe, Universal’s newest and most immersive theme park. As they explore, they analyze how land transitions, interactive moments, and environmental pacing impact guest flow and immersion. From entrances to exits, they examine how architecture, space, and timing work together to craft a seamless experience. Each team begins producing a short commercial spot for their theme park concept. Students storyboard, film, and edit a 30-second promotional video that captures their park’s essence, combining storytelling, branding, and digital production in one dynamic package. As they work, they apply media literacy, editing techniques, and visual storytelling strategies often used in real-world entertainment marketing. They finish their day enjoying what EPIC Universe has to offer!
With final assets complete, students spend the morning polishing their commercials, refining their slides, and rehearsing their presentations. They learn the structure of a compelling creative pitch and prepare to present their theme parks to a panel of judges. Each team steps into a professional role, acting as engineers, creative directors, brand strategists, and producers—as they walk through their land’s narrative, design, merchandise, and signature ride. The panel offers feedback on innovation, coherence, and execution, giving students a taste of the high-stakes presentations found in theme park and entertainment industries.
That evening, students return to the parks one last time for a celebration filled with thrills, lights, and the satisfaction of building something spectacular.
The week wraps with students saying farewell to their teams, instructors, and the creative worlds they’ve brought to life. They leave with completed project materials, new design vocabulary, deep insight into real STEAM-driven careers, and a deeper appreciation for how much collaboration and imagination go into every immersive space they visit. Whether they pursue a career in engineering, art, business, or storytelling, students walk away empowered with the confidence that they’ve already worked like professionals.
1. Who supervises the students during the trip?
Our programs are led by experienced educators and trained facilitators who accompany the group throughout the entire trip. We maintain a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure safety, guidance, and personalized attention.
2. What kind of accommodations are provided?
Students will stay in a centrally located, secure hotel. Rooms are shared by gender, and all accommodations are supervised. The location is chosen for safety, accessibility, and proximity to major learning sites.
3. How is student safety handled during city travel and excursions?
Student safety is our top priority. We use private transport when needed and always travel in groups. Students are briefed on safety expectations and emergency procedures, and our team maintains close communication with all participants.
4. Will there be free time, and how is it managed?
Yes, students will have some structured downtime, always under supervision or within clearly communicated boundaries.
5. What meals are included?
All breakfasts, lunch and dinners are included. We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences with advance notice. Meals are a mix of group dining experiences and opportunities to try local cuisine.
6. What educational value does this trip offer?
The program blends hands-on learning with opportunities to build teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students will engage in activities that encourage exploration, collaboration, and reflection.
7. What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes a balance of expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, cultural exploration, and group collaboration. Evenings often include reflection, guest talks, or interactive challenges that reinforce learning.
8. What happens if a student gets sick or there’s an emergency?
We have detailed health and safety protocols in place, including access to local healthcare providers. Parents are contacted promptly in the event of any health concerns. Staff are trained in first aid and emergency response.
9. What is included in the program cost?
The cost typically covers accommodation, meals, activities, entrance fees, local transport, staff supervision, and educational materials. Flights and travel insurance may be arranged separately unless otherwise noted.
10. What do we pack?
We’ll provide a full packing list, travel guidelines, and pre-trip resources to help students arrive informed and ready to learn.