ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando and the University of Central Florida have partnered to offer students the opportunity to learn about creating themed experiences in theme parks.

The new UCF/Universal Creative Lab course will be offered next semester to graduate students enrolled in UCF’s Themed Experience program, which teaches students about developing attractions and other themed experiences.

Students will spit their time between classrooms at UCF and Universal as they develop their own projects. At Universal, they will learn from members of Universal Creative — the team that develops and designs attractions and shows at Universal’s theme parks.

The topics that will be covered in the course include ride design, guest experience, operations and more. The class will not only offer students real-world experience but also a chance to make professional connections.

“People love the energy and thrill of experiencing epic stories and exhilarating adventures, and Universal is an incredible place to build a career,” Universal Creative President Mike Hightower said in a statement. “The Creative Lab with UCF give students immersive, hands-on, real-world experience through instruction from our talented team. This kind of learning is great for UCF students, great for our theme parks and entertainment and great for Universal Creative as we help grow and inspire the next generation of creators.”

The Creative Lab course will be offered through UCF’s Themed Experience program, which began in 2019 to “meet the growing demand for creating experiences across the tourism, hospitality and events industry in Orlando and beyond,” according to the university.

“Orlando is the international hub of the themed entertainment industry,” said Peter Weishar, founding director of UCF’s themed experience program, in a statement. “World-leading organizations, like Universal Creative, are right here at our doorstep. We know our students need firsthand knowledge of the cutting-edge innovation and industry best practices to become the next generation of themed entertainment.”

UCF will also offer a second Creative Lab class in the summer. That class will be open to graduate and upper-class students for any accredited college or university.

For more information about the program, visit the UCF website.