Going with the H.S. Band

[Soupermom]

Has anyone had a child go to WDW as part of the H. S. band? DS will be doing this in March 2012 and I'm wondering what to expect? Any perks, or not so much? Anything I need to know beforehand?

Thanks!

 

[maxiesmom]

My nephew went last year, and I went seperately, not as a chaparone. Just to watch and enjoy myself.

I can tell you that his school kept them exhausted, and on a tight leash. They could go around the parks without an adult, but only in groups of 4 or larger. They were not given custody of their park tickets either, so they were kept in the park. No way back in if they left. A few kids got in trouble when they decided part of their group was taking too long to eat, and left them behind. The 2 left behind then got lost.

They are kept to a pretty tight performance schedule by Disney. If their performance time is 10am, they mean 10am. And from what I understand, they are not to nice to groups that are late.

It was steaming hot, and I felt really bad for the marching band. They marched thru Epcot in full gear, and they had to have been miserable. Once a picture of the outfit is sent to Disney and approved, that is what they must wear. And the chaparones did spend some time doing laundry.

I hope this helps a bit.

 

[Soupermom]

interesting...We will be going in March, so hopefully it won't be too hot. I keep waiting to get details from the music boosters, but nothing yet. I'm such a planner, I just want to know now so I can begin planning for my family accordingly!

 

[Hannathy]

Expect them to be very busy and don't expect their schedule to make any sense! They will not Do Disney as you would. They will probably not get to the parks until after breakfast and leave and go to another park at the totally wrong time (like going to the studios at 1PM) Your child will want to be with their friends. they go in groups of kids only no adults. If you are a chaperon expect to take a turn sitting at the check in spot for several hours when it is your turn. My sisters band had a spot they had to check into like once a day or if there were any problems. The day they march will be a waste cause they line up very early.

Like I said don't expect to see your child much and expect a crazy schedule that makes no sense if you know anything about Disney.

My sister is Dance Team director and the high school goes every other year so she has been there with the band many, many times.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Expect them to be very busy and don't expect their schedule to make any sense! They will not Do Disney as you would. They will probably not get to the parks until after breakfast and leave and go to another park at the totally wrong time (like going to the studios at 1PM) Your child will want to be with their friends. they go in groups of kids only no adults. If you are a chaperon expect to take a turn sitting at the check in spot for several hours when it is your turn. My sisters band had a spot they had to check into like once a day or if there were any problems. The day they march will be a waste cause they line up very early.

Like I said don't expect to see your child much and expect a crazy schedule that makes no sense if you know anything about Disney.

My sister is Dance Team director and the high school goes every other year so she has been there with the band many, many times.

This explains it very well! DD went twice. First time they had hopper passes and didn't even tell the band because they wanted them grounded in one park all together. Bus time was usually before fireworks and we watched them from the parking lot. Some schools get food vouchers, ours never did. The kids like to make usually one nice T.S where they all get together. DD's friends did 50's Primetime. I called directly for the reservation as is was for 33. I saw my daughter in passing a few times and I was even on her floor in the hotel. It is a great way to expand your child's freedom in a safe environment. Enjoy the performance.

 

[erincon23]

Is your child going in a marching band or performing band? My DS went in '09with his HS band, choir and jazz band (he was in all three, so he was VERY busy). They didn't march, which they were happy about. All three ensembles performed in one evening at DTD. The choir also had a workshop at Epcot where they sang to a Lion King sound, working with a Disney music director, and the jazz band did a special workshop also at Epcot (which was at the same time as the choir workshop, so he did jazz band). His tour group arranged for some special things -- they had a private breakfast at DHS before the park opened and got to ride TOT before anyone else! They did get meal vouchers, single-park passes (not hoppers), and went to Universal for a day. A lot depends on the tour promoter, not Disney. We weren't chaperones -- we just went to go to WDW while he was there, then picked him up instead of having him fly home with the group and then did a family vacation, but he said he was VERY busy but it was very organized and they were taken care of very well.

 

[mjkacmom]

Haven't been to WDW, but dd14 has been on trips with her choir. Besides the performance, I have yet to see her in the parks. According to her, they only get on a few rides, because they have to stay with their groups, and no one can agree on anything.

 

[jamounger]

If it is anything like the trip my daughter took 2 years ago expect it to cost as much for her as you would spend for your entire family. She stayed in a room with 3 other girls and they stayed at an inexpensive off site hotel. They had maybe 4 hours in a couple of the parks and only a couple quick service meals were included. The whole trip was about 3 1/2 days and only 2 days were in parks. All I can say is I could have done a whole lot better job planning than the company that takes them. This year it is 3 days in Philly for 1100 dollars.