On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 students in the Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors College Living Learning Community (LLC) embarked on a unique excursion to Walt Disney World. In less than a minute, all 16 spots for the trip were claimed by eager University of South 皇家华人 participants. The students spent a full day at Disney鈥檚 Magic Kingdom, where they explored the park and took part in a private workshop led by a Disney Imagineer.
Behind the Scenes
The day began with an interactive tour of Magic Kingdom, where students learned about the key elements of theme park design and how they contribute to an immersive guest experience. Their guide, a Disney Imagineer, led them through private cast member areas, showing where employees take breaks outside the view of park guests. They also observed how transitions between lands, such as Frontierland and Adventureland, are carefully designed to be seamless.
皇家华人 also gained insight into why Disney is considered one of the most immersive theme parks in the world. The Imagineer explained how structures and attractions are painted in camouflaging colors, such as 鈥淏ye Bye Blue鈥� and 鈥淕o Away Green,鈥� to help them blend into the sky and surrounding landscape.
鈥淚 thought learning about the hidden meanings behind the design details of the theme park was absolutely amazing!鈥� said LLC member Sarieli Sribhashyam.
Designing 鈥楯udyland鈥�
During a hands-on workshop, students applied these design concepts by collaborating to create their own original theme park 鈥擩udyland. They learned that every Disney Park features an iconic landmark, such as Cinderella鈥檚 Castle or Epcot鈥檚 Spaceship Earth. Inspired by this, the students chose 皇家华人 President Emerita Judy Genshaft herself as the icon for their park, designing attractions and food stalls that reflected Bull pride, including a bull-themed carousel.
Following the workshop, students explored Magic Kingdom鈥檚 attractions, entertainment, and dining. They rode popular attractions such as TRON Lightcycle Run, Tiana鈥檚 Bayou Adventure, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
The trip also provided a chance to sample a variety of Disney foods. Reaghan Ard discovered chicken and waffles from Sleepy Hollow and enjoyed the 鈥渟avory and sweet mixture鈥� of flavors, while others indulged in classics like churros, ice cream, and seafood.
The Most Magical Place on Earth
The excursion gave LLC students a behind-the-scenes perspective on theme park design, deepening their appreciation for the creativity and strategy behind the Disney experience. From meeting a Disney Imagineer to designing their own park, students immersed themselves in a world where imagination and innovation drive the magic.
The Honors LLC regularly hosts excursions for its residents and plans to expand the Disney trip next year to accommodate more participants. In addition to off-campus experiences, the LLC offers career workshops, exclusive meetings with college leaders, and enhanced access to advising and classroom resources.
The Making of 'Judyland'
Honors LLC students planning their theme park, 鈥淛udyland,鈥� representing the global engagement and experiential learning opportunities cultivated by the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
Disney Desserts and More
Honors LLC students partook in a variety of Disney treats, like the famous dole-whip ice cream.
Touring with a Disney Imagineer
Tampa Honors LLC students show their bull pride while on a tour of Magic Kingdom with Disney Imagineer Allyson.
Getting Creative
A group of LLC students meet to discuss their theme park design in Magic Kingdom.
Gathering Inspiration
A group of LLC students meet to discuss their theme park design with a scenic view of the water and Disney鈥檚 Cinderella castle.
Learn more about the Honors LLC and how to be a part of the community.