This Disney mom turned theme parks into her kids’ classroom—and parents are fascinated

“That’s not the only place we learn. But as Disney locals here in Mickey’s backyard, it just was inevitable for us to start learning in the parks.”

By Ruman Baig Updated Sep. 02, 2025

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For one Florida mom, the magic of Disney World extends far beyond rides and parades—it’s become the foundation of her daughters’ education.

Jordan Ashley, a Central Florida mother and former Disney cast member, has turned Orlando’s iconic theme parks into a hands-on classroom for her young children. From practicing letters in Toy Story Land to brainstorming inventions after riding the Carousel of Progress, Ashley finds learning opportunities in every corner of the parks.

“We don’t always homeschool at Disney World every single day,” she told WESH 2 in an exclusive TV interview. “That’s not the only place we learn. But as Disney locals here in Mickey’s backyard, it just was inevitable for us to start learning in the parks.”

Learning in all four parks

Ashley designs lessons around each of Disney’s four theme parks. At Animal Kingdom, her daughters learn animal science directly from zookeepers. At Epcot, the family explores world cultures in the American Adventure Pavilion and World Showcase—often tied to countries they plan to visit in the future. Hollywood Studios inspires creative writing exercises, while Tomorrowland’s Carousel of Progress has sparked lessons on invention and innovation.

Her approach is a reminder that education doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks or traditional classrooms. By weaving in creativity and family connection, she transforms everyday experiences into moments of meaningful learning.

Math lessons, Ashley noted, mostly happen at home with a core curriculum, but she still weaves in activities at the parks when possible.

Her husband—also a former Disney employee—fully supports the approach. “He is supportive and on board, especially since he sees the results,” Ashley said.

A growing homeschooling trend

Ashley’s unique style of teaching is part of a much larger trend. Homeschooling in Florida has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to the Florida Department of Education. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated that growth, as many families sought alternatives to traditional schooling.

This year, the Personalized Education Program (PEP) in Florida has a capacity to support up to 100,000 homeschool students, according to the Florida Department of Education. Many families use these scholarship funds for core curriculum and school supplies, and some also choose to supplement their children’s learning with creative experiences, including visits to theme parks.

Ashley said she uses most of her children’s scholarship money for traditional materials, and only a small portion goes toward Disney tickets. “This is something we would do with or without these scholarship funds,” she explained. “We would be annual passholders either way—that’s just something we prioritize in our family.”

Beyond Disney: inspiration for all parents

While not every parent has a theme park in their backyard, Ashley believes her approach carries a lesson for families everywhere: learning doesn’t need to be confined to desks and textbooks. Everyday environments—whether it’s a zoo, a local museum, a farmer’s market, or even a walk in the park—can spark curiosity and creativity in children.

This way of thinking is especially relevant as more families experiment with homeschooling or hybrid education after the pandemic. What Ashley models at Disney is less about the rides themselves and more about a mindset: that curiosity, play, and family connection can be the backbone of a child’s education, no matter the setting.

Ashley shares her journey with other parents on Instagram @mostmagicalhomeschoolonearth and on YouTube, where she documents lessons, adventures, and reflections on raising her kids in what she calls “the most magical classroom on earth.”

For now, her daughters show no interest in traditional schooling. And Ashley? She’s cherishing the time together. “I really have valued the time together, and I have seen the results academically,” she said. “If someday they decide they want something different, then that’ll be a family discussion. But for now, this works—and it’s magical.”

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