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Learn about Planetary Science from Star Wars

Planetary science

Rejoice! You may know more than you realize about astronomy and planetary science. For young students at home, there is an online introductory  class that teaches planetary science using iconic planets of the Star Wars universe as classroom models. Who would have guessed that watching Star Wars movies would pay off in real life education?

The one-time online course teaches about solar system formation, the habitable zone, exoplanets, and how size impacts a planet’s habitability. The class discusses the feasibility of line on planets such as the ocean world Kamino, the frozen Hoth, multi-sun planets like Tatooine, and more.

Have you wondered why there is diversity in planet types in our universe? Want to know why Tattoine is hot and Hoth is cold? This class helps break down the fundamentals of planetary science so you can understand what fascinates astrobiologists.

The course is a one-time class for students in the 9-14 age range. The course lasts for a duration of 50 minutes and costs $17 to partake. The video chat course is offered on the Outschool website and you can learn more about it here.

Having a better understanding of the solar system might make your trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge feel more fun in the future!

Source: Outschool.com

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Parks & Resorts, Star Wars, Astronomy, Disney Education, learning, planets, solar system

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Disney Parks Other

Homecomin’ in Disney Springs is Getting a New Patio Area

disney springs

Disney Springs partially reopened yesterday and one of the more popular restaurants, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, is continuing progress on their patio expansion.

Homecomin’ has always had outdoor seating, but this patio expansion will dramatically increase that. The expansion was planned before the pandemic shut-down and will provide coveted outdoor seating that restaurants will want to provide going forward.

Homecomin’ is located at The Landing in Disney Springs and is known for its delicious farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida’s freshest flavors. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Have you ever dined at Homecomin’? What’s your favorite item there?

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: News, Disney Springs, Parks & Resorts, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin, Homecomin’

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Disney Parks Other

The Polite Pig: Small Safety Changes, Same Great Food

polite pig reopening

Many restaurants are beginning the reopening phases at Disney Springs.  Obviously the reopening brings some changes to dining.  We checked out Polite Pig to see how dining may be a little different.

First, expect queues to maybe be out the door.  This is because they are distancing travel parties by 6ft.  We were at this point in the line and it probably only took us 10-15 minutes.

On the window, which you pass as you’re waiting, there is a QR code to scan for the menu. They also had paper menus but were not handing them out unless requested from a patron.

The staff cheerfully greeted us with their Polite Pig masks on!

Once inside, dots were placed on the floor which clearly marked where your party should stand.  We noticed they were much further than 6 feet from the person in front of us but realized they wanted us to be spaced 6 feet away in all directions as much as possible.

Then it was time to order!  From the first picture, you can see the employees at the register were behind plexiglass.That honestly was the only real difference here.  They seemed to offer the full menu which we were happy about.

We chose the pulled pork shoulder accompanied by barbeque cauliflower, coleslaw, and cornbread.  Then, of course, had to pick red velvet cake for dessert (because there were no Gideon’s cookies).  They did not have the sauce bar open but you could easily request for sauces from a waiter. You can, obviously, remove your masks when seated at your table with your travel party.

Tables were spaced out a lot more than usual but they did add some additional outdoor tables.  Many employees were working so I didn’t feel like I needed to get up for anything.  Also, staff members were cleaning and sanitizing tables swiftly after each party left.

These signs were also posted around the store just reminding of the new policies.  Mobile ordering is a good option as well.

Overall, we had a great experience at The Polite Pig.  It was so delicious and the employees were wonderful.  So cheerful and willing to help!  It was so nice to feel a sense of normal while dining.

The air conditioning and opportunity to not wear your mask for awhile are two reasons why I recommend dining at one of the open establishments if you plan on staying at Disney Springs for more than a couple hours.

Thank you Polite Pig for an amazing first meal back at Disney Springs!

Julie de la Fé

@sonshine.adventures

We know there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disney Food, Disney Springs, barbeque, polite pig

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Disney Parks Other

Photos and Video: Disney Springs Is Now Back Open At Walt Disney World

Photos and Video: Disney Springs Is Now Back Open At Walt Disney World

Disney Springs is officially reopened. Today was the first day of operation for Disney Springs since it shut down along with the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort in March. We took a visit to check and see all the new safety measures put in place.

Photos and Video: Disney Springs Is Now Back Open At Walt Disney World

Today only the Orange Garage was open and as soon as you approached the entrance to Disney Springs you were greeted with the temperature check. Guests with a temperature over 100.4 will not be permitted in. Guests over 3 years of age are also required to wear a face mask at all time unless eating or drinking. If you have a disability please see guest services.






There is a lot of new signage around Disney Springs as well as hand wash stations and hand sanitizer. They have also propped open the trash cans all over so guests won’t have to touch them. There were arrows directing traffic on narrow bridges and markers telling guests where to stand for shops and restaurants.

LIVE: Live from Diseny Springs to check out the afternoon crowd on reopening day

Posted by Chip and Co. on Wednesday, May 20, 2020

We also took some time to stop and eat at Chicken Guy to see how the restaurants at Disney Springs are handling the new procedures.  Along with most shops and restaurants, Chicken Guy had the social distancing guides on the ground and only let so many people inside to order at a time. They also had plexiglass  between the guests and the cashier and people preparing food. The drink station was manned and guests can not refill their own drinks at this time. Someone on staff is there to do it for you. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.




Not all of the shops and restaurants are open yet. You can find a list of what opened today here. There  are also some Disney owned and operated shops and dining options opening next week on May 27th.  Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and happy to be back. There is a new team in yellow shirts to help with social distancing and to answer questions. If you’re planning a trip to Disney Springs have fun and be safe.



From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, News, Parks & Resorts, Disney World, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW

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Disney Parks Other

M&M Store Takes Shape in Disney Springs

M&M store

There can never be enough chocolate; this saying seems to resonate with the folks at Walt Disney World as they announced the 2020 opening of an M&M retail location in Disney Springs back in December of 2019. The store is set to open sometime this year and has already begun construction. It will be located on the West Side, close to the NBA Experience. Luckily, now that Disney Springs has reopened, we can take a look at the progress!

So far, the outside matches the bright preview sketches shown last year. A bold M&M yellow is visible in the windows, and the signs advertise their website for shopping. But if you can stand to wait for your chocolate, the new store sounds like it will be worth it. The Mars Company has promised an interactive experience at their Disney Springs location. The vague description has piqued our curiosity, especially as the only other M&M store in Orlando (Florida mall) is already pretty amazing, with colorful merchandise and every option of M&M we could dream of.

While little is known about what lies behind the window obstructions, we do know that everything at Disney Springs goes above expectations. We can’t wait to see what’s inside! Now the only question is what kind of M&M’s we’ll be buying first.

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Disney Springs M&M Store, Disney Springs stores, Disney World, M&M Store