School Trip is really throwing off my planning!

[DynamicDisney]

I am "tagging along" with my daughter's band and chorale trip to WDW in February! We leave for FL in 37 days, and 39 days until we arrive at WDW! We will be in the parks for 3 days. I am beyond excited! I had wanted to be a chaperone, but was not selected, so was able to be a tag-along, but had to pay a bit more money to do that.

Anyway, I am a little frustrated with the idea, knowing that I really cannot "plan" this trip. At this point, I only know we will "be in the parks" for 3 days. They have not even said which 3 parks, as I cannot imagine we will have PH's. We do not have any "ticket information," so will not be able to even plan for FP+! We are not staying onsite, which is a complete bummer, but my thoughts are that they did not want to give the kids complete access to WDW with easy access to transportation like that. Too tempting for those that may try to "sneak" out.

I will be sharing a room with one other mother, and so excited for the time away! Work has been very stressful the last few months, I am in an "interim" position, and feel like I am nearing them telling me that they have found a permanent replacement, which is not myself. I am super bummed that I am not looking at this permanent promotion for something that I have been doing now for 4 months. In addition, it appears that my replacement will start the week that I am away at WDW, so needless to say, I am looking forward to not being at work that week, as I am feeling a bit down about the whole situation!

So, I really am loving absorbing myself into my plans for this trip, but all I can do is plan possible ideas, as I do not even know which parks we will be in! I am sure we will go to MK, but unsure of the other 2. Frustrating! I do not know what they are waiting for to release the itinerary.

They CLEARLY are not DISers!!

 

[AprilFool]

Really do not want to sound rude here but this is why most schools frown on letting a bunch of parents "tag-along" on school trips. I am sure they know what they are doing and probably don't want a bunch of suggestions and planning. (Unless they have asked for it). My daughters' school trip to Europe next year said "no parents". This way they have no interference. If you really want another Dianey vacation, perhaps this wasn't the best way to go about it. A private family trip might have been a better choice. As a "planner" myself, I would hate to be in your situation right now. If you are going, just go with the flow and remember this trip is for the kids.

 

[DynamicDisney]

Yes, true. My "planning" is not about the entire group. As a tag-along, I am going to for the most part be on my own from the time we are brought to the park, until we leave for the day. I just want to know which parks we are going to be in! I am not trying to plan for the group. I am just excited to be able to go! We already have a family trip booked for April!

 

[minnie mum]

I understand that it may be difficult not being able to plan as you normally would, but surely you knew that when you signed up. The organizers are probably focused on the logistics of the trip and their practice/performance schedules. They may not even have access to ticket media at this point. It is my understanding that these types of groups receive special tickets, not the regular MYW ones. At any rate, since you are offsite, you can't book FP+s for another week anyway.

In the mean time you can still do some rough park planning, leaving out fps and park recommendations for now. Have a look at touring plans if you want to buy a subscription, or the cheat sheets at easywdw.com. Then plug in your fps if and when you're able to make them.

 

[mrsR123]

You leave in 37 days and don't have an itinerary? Wow! That would never fly in our band. We had lots of families who traveled on their own. If we hadn't had an itinerary, how would we have know how and where to see the kids perform?
Only the chaperons could accompany the band off-stage, etc.

It's a terrific experience to see your band there. It might not be the way you'd plan a trip, but I hope you have a blast.

 

[cgattis]

Maybe you can use it as an opportunity to do all the "less popular" stuff you (or we, anyway) normally skip on a family trip because the kids think it's boring, food they don't like, etc. I did one day like that once and really enjoyed it!

 

[DynamicDisney]

Maybe you can use it as an opportunity to do all the "less popular" stuff you (or we, anyway) normally skip on a family trip because the kids think it's boring, food they don't like, etc. I did one day like that once and really enjoyed it!

This is likely how I will spend my days! The Dapper Dans, shops, snacks, and lots of pictures! I just like to walk through my days in my head, and daydream!

 

[drp4video]

10 years ago my daughter went with her high school choir for magical music days and sang at Epcot. We had AP's at that time. ( I was able to get a reduction in her cost from the travel agent they dealt with as she didn't need park tickets).

I think we got the itinerary about 10 days or less before they went. (and they changed some of it when we got down there as the kids wanted more days in MGM-DHS now, and skipped AKo I didn't go down as part of the group because they were not staying in Disney property and they were taking a bus (24 hour ride there and 24 hours back...didn't want to spend that with 40 high schoolers). But I wanted to see my daughter sing so I flew down and I stayed on Disney property. I went to the parks that were scheduled on their itinerary and I met them when I could at the parks (they had workshops and other things to do that I could not), and when I wasn't with her, I was able to do things I wanted to do that she isn't that fond of. (I was also able to do the annual pass holder premier of Soaring, and she was not...she was not happy)

Of course 10 years ago, you didn't have to do as much planning...FP was the way to go, not plus. I did love doing things spontaneously when I could, even by myself. It was actually kind of cool. Eating a few meals alone was a little weird, but I always carried a book. Since I flew down, I actually had two more days in the parks while they were on the bus driving.

My advice would be that as soon as you have the itinerary, book what you can, and if you can't get everything you want, don't sweat it. Just go and do things when you have free time that maybe you would not ordinarily do. You will get to see your daughter perform at Disney, and that in and of itself, is very cool.

 

[chartle]

I did 2 WDW band trips, both as a chaperon, the last one where I was also the TA.

The advise have given before is that this is not going to be a normal WDW trip and also realize that your time is not your own. Just think of it as a bonus trip and go with the flow.

Want to here something frightening? Now this was before magic bands but some groups would give the special YES tickets to the kids right before they got to the turnstiles and would collect them on the other side to make sure they didn't get lost.

So yes no FPs at all.

 

[Jajone]

My daughter will be marching there in 2 weeks and we just this week got their tickets to book fast passes. I also was not chosen to be a chaperone, so my DH and i decided to go on our own. We are not traveling with the band, but will happen to be in the same parks. We had a tentative itinerary from the travel agent months ago. The kids do have a 3 day park hopper, but are not allowed to park hop on their own. They will be park hopping one day (AK to Epcot). I have found it much more peaceful to have planned my own trip and not rely on the band. Also, be aware that you will NOT be there at rope drop with that many kids.

 

[larryz]

They will be park hopping one day (AK to Epcot).

Ah, yes... the two "half-day" parks...

 

[chartle]

Also, be aware that you will NOT be there at rope drop with that many kids.

Oh yes forgot about that!

Large groups have a huge amount of inertia. We only had at most 70 total people and it takes forever to move as a group. A lot of hurry up and wait. The best we ever did was 9:30ish.

But for my last trip DHS was our last park day and the Director decided that we should all sleep in last day.We didn't get to the FP machines at TSM until 10:20.

Luckily this trip was last week of Feb first week of March so a slow time. At least it was a full day. On the trip before we did the Dolly Parton Dinner Show and left the park at 5:00. For the second trip we decided that eliminating it would not only save $50 at would give them more park time.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I remember those days when my oldest was doing the band trip - I didn't want to chaperone so I just booked us on our own trip for that time frame.

They didn't tell us the itinerary until 30 days out. They picked the worst days for each park yet the kids still had fun even with the crowds - I think it's because they were with their friends.
They played at DTD and it was great. Shoppers were stopping to listen and it was a packed crowd. It was over Memorial Weekend and they played alot of patriotic tunes.

This was waaaay before magic bands and FP+ so we could still do the paper fp.

I can't imagine how frustrated I would be if it was now because I would want to have my FP+ all booked by 30 days!

Hopefully it will be slow enough for you to get some FP+ once the itinerary is released.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I am "tagging along" with my daughter's band and chorale trip to WDW in February! We leave for FL in 37 days, and 39 days until we arrive at WDW! We will be in the parks for 3 days. I am beyond excited! I had wanted to be a chaperone, but was not selected, so was able to be a tag-along, but had to pay a bit more money to do that.

Anyway, I am a little frustrated with the idea, knowing that I really cannot "plan" this trip. At this point, I only know we will "be in the parks" for 3 days. They have not even said which 3 parks, as I cannot imagine we will have PH's. We do not have any "ticket information," so will not be able to even plan for FP+! We are not staying onsite, which is a complete bummer, but my thoughts are that they did not want to give the kids complete access to WDW with easy access to transportation like that. Too tempting for those that may try to "sneak" out.

I will be sharing a room with one other mother, and so excited for the time away! Work has been very stressful the last few months, I am in an "interim" position, and feel like I am nearing them telling me that they have found a permanent replacement, which is not myself. I am super bummed that I am not looking at this permanent promotion for something that I have been doing now for 4 months. In addition, it appears that my replacement will start the week that I am away at WDW, so needless to say, I am looking forward to not being at work that week, as I am feeling a bit down about the whole situation!

So, I really am loving absorbing myself into my plans for this trip, but all I can do is plan possible ideas, as I do not even know which parks we will be in! I am sure we will go to MK, but unsure of the other 2. Frustrating! I do not know what they are waiting for to release the itinerary.

They CLEARLY are not DISers!!

Maybe you can use it as an opportunity to do all the "less popular" stuff you (or we, anyway) normally skip on a family trip because the kids think it's boring, food they don't like, etc. I did one day like that once and really enjoyed it!

This is likely how I will spend my days! The Dapper Dans, shops, snacks, and lots of pictures! I just like to walk through my days in my head, and daydream!

I am in the same boat. My DD's high school softball team is going to WDW for 5 days over Easter Break for the ESPN "Dust off the Rust" Tournament. Parents are invited to tag along, but have been told we will not see our daughters much. That's ok with me...it's all about team bonding.

I will probably be touring the parks on my own or meeting up occasionally with other parents. Most parents are going with their families or spouses. I will be solo because DH will be in Ireland with DS on a school golf trip. I was a little worried about eating at restaurants alone...just didn't seem fun to me at all. Another family added me to all their dining reservations and invited me to meet up with them for meals. They are traveling with their granddad in a wheel chair and will be touring super slowly so they don't expect me to hang out with them all day. I really enjoy their company so I am excited about it.

FP+ reservations will be challenging. 1) We are going over Easter Break. 2) We are staying at All Star Sports, but we won't have tickets at 60 days out as softball tryouts won't have happened yet at 60 days out. 3) I'm not sure when we will get the team's game schedule. I figure I may luck out with FP+ because I will only be looking for single FP+s. If all else fails, I plan to enjoy all the little things - street performers, exhibits, lesser rides - and not stress about riding all the headliners.

Have fun no matter what...you'll be in WDW!!!!!

 

[DynamicDisney]

I am in the same boat. My DD's high school softball team is going to WDW for 5 days over Easter Break for the ESPN "Dust off the Rust" Tournament. Parents are invited to tag along, but have been told we will not see our daughters much. That's ok with me...it's all about team bonding.

I will probably be touring the parks on my own or meeting up occasionally with other parents. Most parents are going with their families or spouses. I will be solo because DH will be in Ireland with DS on a school golf trip. I was a little worried about eating at restaurants alone...just didn't seem fun to me at all. Another family added me to all their dining reservations and invited me to meet up with them for meals. They are traveling with their granddad in a wheel chair and will be touring super slowly so they don't expect me to hang out with them all day. I really enjoy their company so I am excited about it.

FP+ reservations will be challenging. 1) We are going over Easter Break. 2) We are staying at All Star Sports, but we won't have tickets at 60 days out as softball tryouts won't have happened yet at 60 days out. 3) I'm not sure when we will get the team's game schedule. I figure I may luck out with FP+ because I will only be looking for single FP+s. If all else fails, I plan to enjoy all the little things - street performers, exhibits, lesser rides - and not stress about riding all the headliners.

Have fun no matter what...you'll be in WDW!!!!!

that sounds like a fun trip as well! I am just going to soak up being in WDW. Oh, I know we are not going to make RD. I did a solo trip last year, and it was a blast! Have fun!

 

[subtchr]

Welcome to my world! I am a group tour director for a company that plans trips for high school bands and choirs. We plan trips for many different places (NYC, Chicago, Europe, California, etc.), but I tend to end up in Orlando most often, about 5-8 times per year.

You seem to have a realistic picture of what your trip will be like. I am surprised you have not been told the basic itinerary yet. When we plan a trip for a group, the itinerary is set many months in advance, especially performances and clinics with Disney Performing Arts.

I'm not sure if all companies do this, but we assign park tickets to each individual on the trip. We then let each traveler know his or her pass number, so that he or she can enter it into MDE and make FP+ reservations 30 or 60 days out, depending on where they are staying.

Although some groups used to collect park passes after entering the park, as a PP mentioned, I haven't had a group try to do that for years, so that the kids can use FP. We ask each traveler to take a photo of the back of hir or her pass, and for those who fail to do that, I have a master list, in case anyone loses a pass and needs to have it replaced at guest services.

You say you are a "tag along" parent, but not a chaperone. Does this mean you are using the same transport as the band? We don't usually do that, which is why I am asking. We have parents meet us there, but they travel independently. Depending on where and when the group is performing, having non-chaperones with the group can complicate things, because they cannot go backstage.

You have the right attitude -- just enjoy being there! When my "work" items are complete (confirming events, helping the group get where they need to be, handling any problems or issues), I enjoy exploring the parks, taking photos, and visiting my favorite attractions. Have fun!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Now I need to decide of I want to take the bus with the team or fly down on my own. The coach would like more people on the bus to help defray the cost.

Bus:
It's $100 per person for 15 hours on a bus, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 AM, with a high school softball team. If I do it I'll have to get my doctor to prescribe some sleeping pills or something. I can't sleep while traveling.

or

Fly:
Flight is about $388, plus the only way to make it work timing wise is to fly down the night before and get a hotel room. All Star Sports with the spring discount is $144 a night plus tax. I figure all together, minus the $100 bus cost, it will cost me $400 more.

Maybe I should get the sleeping pill prescription!

 

[chartle]

Bus:
It's $100 per person for 15 hours on a bus, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 AM, with a high school softball team. If I do it I'll have to get my doctor to prescribe some sleeping pills or something. I can't sleep while traveling.

I've done it twice where it was from 7:00 PM Sunday just outside Pittsburgh to 3:00-4:00 PM Monday. 17 hours on the bus but stops every 4 hours or so.

Time just flies by. By the time you get settled you stop for your first break at around 11 PM. Then its one break over night where we switched drivers. The driver we picked up stayed with us the entire week in WDW.

OK now its breakfast, get settled after breakfast and then its time for lunch. Before you know it you hit the Florida Welcome center and then you hit Orlando. I took books and never read them. I gave them to others. Oh and this was before smart phones and Wi Fi.