4 day trip, yes or no?

[mom2girls29]

Those of you who have traveled often to the world, would you go on a quick 4 day trip if the prices were good but you had to chaperone high school students? I've been asked to help chaperone a small group from our high school, maybe 25 students. They will be spending some time in an art class but for the most part will be free. Our flight arrives around noon day 1 and departs about 7pm on day 4. Airfare, room at the All Stars, tickets are included in the price.

I can take my family along but wonder if even 4 days at the World would not be worth it with the added responsibility. Our past trips have been for a week at one of the moderates. Will we feel cheated?

Thanks,

M

 

[cocacolamom]

My husband and I went down the first weekend in Dec 2001 and had a great time. I think it all depends on the time of year that you are going. If it is a slow time of the year, then you can see lots of things in a short amount of time.

We were able to go to MGM and AK all in one day. We didn't have the kids, so we picked everything that "we" wanted to see on the "adult" trip. We spent the other full day in Blizzard Beach and did a MMCP at night (so we got to ride the rides in MK too.) It was a night get-away.

I don't know if I would recommend the kids come with you. How old are your kids? Are they old enough to go off my themselves? BUT you know your kids and whether they can handle a "quick trip" to the World. I say, "Go for it!," for at least yourself!

Michelle

 

[BethR]

I don't know how much you would be responsible FOR (overnight "guarding," etc) but if I would get a chance to go to WDW for 4 days, at a good price, I would definately go!!! DH and I went to WDW in 1998 for 4 days and only went to the parks for 2 days and we definately did not feel cheated. We were in WDW!!! But I definately would check into the responsibilities.
Our older DDs have gone to WDW with HS groups 3 times and they had wonderful times.

 

[mom2girls29]

Our kids are 12 and 9 so they can't be "let loose" on their own. I sure hope this doesn't entail guarding at night. The price doesn't seem bad. We'd be paying just a little more than what we paid last year for our flights alone to WDW.

How did things go when your teens went? Did you chaperone? What were a chaperones duties?

 

[Lars624]

mom2girls29-
I think that it sounds like it'll be a lot of fun! High school students need to be chaperoned but they're old enough not to need too much babysitting, you should have enough time for fun too! Let us know what decision you make

 

[beansmom]

While I was reading your posts, I thought 'gee, that sounds like my hubby saying 'honey, can I make love to you..but first let me poke this sharp stick in your eye.'

I would DEFINITELY go---I think you will have a wonderful time and you will have a special opportunity to enjoy time with these kids that you would not have had otherwise.

And I don't think it will kill your kids if you leave them home---but IF it does, let me know...because I was thinking of taking my AP when I get it and sneaking off for a few days without DD. Need to know if she will survive the shock.

 

[Magic2000]

We usually do our 8-10 day trips to Disney during the summer. But, two years ago, I got the great idea of going for a short trip to see the Christmas decorations. We flew in on the Thursday AFTER Thanksgiving and stayed til Sunday! We had the best time!!! We did the Candlelight Processional and MVMCP! We saw everything we wanted, and rode many rides over and over! My DH was not able to come with us to see the Christmas decorations, so we went back last year, again for the long weekend and it was great! And, I was able to talk him into going again this year for the long weekend! Can't wait! We brought the kids with us and they did great!!

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Having been a teenager that went on overnight trips and seeing what went on, I would say yeah--you'll need to do a LOT of chaperoning, even at night. Teenagers are generally adventurers, and out of 25 I am sure you will have at least one who thinks it'll be a hoot to go out and check out the resort at 3am.....or sneak into the boys room (or girls room). Plan on not getting to bed until VERY VERY late; if you go, I'd camp out on the walkway outside the teen's rooms until midnight at least.

I agree with you, beansmom....my initial reaction was "4 days at WDW--heck yeah!" then "with 25 teens? Oh NO!" I love the way you put it, though. LOL

Even if this is a good group of kids, I'd use caution. We went on trips with a church youth group, all really good-hearted kids, and some of the boys slept in the girls room and vice versa, all without the chaperones knowledge.

 

[tonilea]

Chaperoning (is that even a word?) sounds like my idea of self-inflicted torture, but if you are accustomed to children, I am sure it would be fine. I thought taking one seven year old boy to the world was a challenge! LOL

Just take a few minutes to recall the drama and angst of the teen years.

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

I, too, had an opportunity to chaperone teenagers for a trip. We went to Washington, DC for President Bush's inaguration and Right-to-Life March. My 15 yr old was one of the group (so I bonded with her and her close friends) and we went by bus (12 hr) ... in this instance, we all pretty much stayed together as a group, except within museums, etc.

I can only say it was one of the highlights of my life. We froze our butts off, had no hot water in the hotel, sat on the marble floor of a church for 3 hours, etc .... oh, to be young again! NOT! But these are just the sorts of adventures that keep us young!

Go ... have a good time!


p.s. ANY TIME, regardless of how short, is great at WDW.

 

[jwwi]

I would definately go!!! Four days while not long is still a nice trip to WDW. I agree with the other posts, you do have to enjoy being around kids, if you are the type of parent who volunteers at school functions then I think you will enjoy it.
In March of 1999 I went to NY city with a orchestra/band group from my daughter's high school. She was 16 at the time, I was surprised she wanted(?allowed) me to go. It was one of my most favorite trips ever! Four nights, 140 kids/25 adults, four different flights, four charter buses and a wonderful company that did great with all the arrangements. We saw so many things-shows, shops and a great musical performance. Don't plan on getting alot of sleep at night( I think I got a total of 18 hours in 4 nights), we napped on the bus a bit, but we did take turns staying in the halls at night. The kids were pretty programed from 5:30am-11:00pm, so we really had some tired kids. It will become a cherished memory for you also. You may find yourself doing things you might not normally do; because of the group plans, or interests of the kids you chaperone.
My only disappointment is that the group didn't do a Disney trip in the years she was in orchestra. Make your plans, this will not be the same trip as a family trip, but you will be in WDW

 

[Disneydenise]

I have been a chaperone for my DDs high school band at band camp several times. No matter how tired HS age children are they seem to be able to gather energy to out smart you starting at whenever bed check is until around 3 AM and then they get up the next AM @ 7 and march all day. Oh to be young again. I did do this several times. I went to DW with the HS but not as a chap for the senior trip and the teachers who were chaperones looked exhausted at the end of the 5 days. Is it a small group of children and are they fairly well known to you? I will say that a bad day in Disney is still better than a good day in NJ.
I don't know if I would have the whole family come along. It will be more stress for you. Of course if you husband will be taking care of the other children and all you are doing is taking care of yourself and the HS children it may be fine.