Is anyone brave enough...

[cynjam]

...to take a youth group to WDW? I'm a Girl Scout Leader and was wondering about discounts, perks, experiences, etc. that others (brave enough) have had. I called Disney and they sent me the brochure, but I have detail questions that it doesn't answer. Anyone have a group experience they'd like to share?
Thanks for any info. CJ

 

[Mickey527]

I have a very close friend who takes her class to WDW every year. She teaches 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
I will forward this topic to her and I am sure she will answer you. Her kids are mostly underprivledged. The school helps out but they have to come up with some money too.
They always have a great time. Peggie

 

[lovingthemouse]

Oh Cynjam- have you got a while to read? My freind Peggi sent this on to me and I have 2 other magical DIS friends who could write a book on this topic too - so, i'll start and let them jump in!!!
I have connected with a fantastic student travel company in Orlando whom we have dealt with for 8 of the past 10 years in planning our trip - I will send along their name in a PM.
I teach in an urban school system in a middle school. Being the Disney lover that I am, it was the dream of a co-teacher and I to take kids along for the field trip of a lifetime and we have been able to do this 8 years now. We, the adults, are reallly the lucky ones to be there as their eyes take in the most wonderful magic of WDW.
Each September, we send out a newsletter to any student who is interested. Yes, there are many. One they indicate interest, we schedule a meeting with parents in late Sept to discuss, fund-raising, payment plans etc... A deposit is taken at the meeting or within that week and payment dates are then established. It is a lot of hard work over the next 5 months to get their money in, through odd jobs, fund-raising, gifts, anonymous donors, and some very magical pixie dust from wonderful DIS'ers.
Sounds easier than it is- honestly takes a lot of time and patience, but it is so worth it!!! Since we go during school time, we participate in the Disney YES (Youth Education Series) program and match our state frameworks to the program(s) we'll take part in. The end result is sheer excitement - on everyone's part. I am sure there are others who could share their experiences, but feel free to contact me if you have further questions.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I'm thinking about doing a trip for son's school. The director doesn't want to do a disney trip, so we'll have to do it during the summer.

Here's a link to the youth programs. Once they send you a password, you'll be able to take a look at the various ticket prices and meal voucher prices. Have fun and keep us posted.


http://disneyyouthprograms.disney.go.com/disneyyouthprograms/home_no_flash

 

[cynjam]

lovingthemouse, I bet you have a blast, every year! I, too, enjoy traveling through the eyes of a child. ( Or anyone seeing things for the first time) Where do you stay? On or off site? I was thinking of renting a 6 or 7 bedroom house. I'm planning a Mother / Daughter trip, so I won't have complete responsibility for the girls (ages 8-10). Should I plan every minute of every day or just let them go their own way? I like for them to spend some time together as a group. When we went to a local water park this year the only time we were all together was outside the ticket booth to buy the group tickets. Do you buy the Lunch/Dinner vouchers? BTW, disneyjunkie, I've been to the website and they have sent me some info in the mail, but I didn't recieve a password. Do I have to ask for it directly? I have the list of prices, even called and got next years, already. The price for the all stars resort they sent just didn't seem very cheap to me, but I'm used to this board and Mary's. LOL.
Thanks for the info, keep it comin'! CJ
p.s. lovingthemouse, I got your pm, but I didn't see the name of that travel agent.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi- after a few years of staying off property, we moved onto Disney property five years ago. The cost of bus transportation versus the ease of Disney transportation really convinced us. The agency we work with, and us, plan the trip itinerary. In all honesty, with so many kids some years (we have ranged from 20 to 57) who are 6th-8th graders, it is better to plan too much than not have enough to keep them going. We set about looking at the park hours and plan accordingly. Since we go in March, and the park hours are shorter, we really do have it down to a science now ( dare i say that too loudly??)
We let the kids know that we rise early and crash late - our trip includes air fare/hotel, 4 day Youth Parkhopper, the disney YES (education program), either a day at Sea World,Universal or one of the Disney water parks (differs from year to year) and 1 meal per day. General fundraising money goes to buy the resort mugs and usually an additional meal. We do spend a lot of time together - an important part of our trip. No, the kids never go off on their own!!!
It is the most wonderful experience - one i would never pass up. Kids just aren't the same as in school- they know what an incredible experience this is and truly make the trip so enjoyable for everyone. Yes, as i said, it is hard work to organize but worth every moment when you see them round that corner by the Emporium on Main Street and cast their eyes on the castle.
BTW Disneyjunkie - this agency also organizes the Magic Music Days for school bands, dance groups etc.. I forgot to mention that to you. Hope this helps.