Some questions!

[deebee29]

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread but we are planning a potential trip to Florida in April/May and I have some questions:

- Do you think it would be a problem for me to miss 2 weeks of school to go? I am in my final year of high school, but I am an honours student and I miss very little time during the school year. My parents do not mind, because they know I'll do the work and catch up before or during vacation. And no other time is possible, we don't want to go when it is too hot. This would also be right at the end of my easter vacation, I am supposed to go back to school on the 24th of April, but we'd be leaving on the 22nd or the 23rd, because my brother finishes his university exams then and he cannot miss them... I am not from the U.S. and going to Florida is quite a long haul...

- What are some MUST HAVE things to pack?

- What are some of the CAN'T miss things to do and see in the parks?

- How early do you have to book the ASMo or POP resort?

- How many days do you really need at Disney for a first time trip?

Thanks in Advance

 

[Debi]

Hello and welcome to the DIS!

You will get a wide variety of opinions about your missing school question. As a teacher, my opinion is that 2 weeks is too long for any student to miss, honors or otherwise. It is very hard to make up for lost instruction time in the classroom.

Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen/sunblock, 2-3 pair of shoes (changing shoes frequently will help prevent blisters), and a few quarters and pennies for the pressed penny machines. I'm sure others can add to the packing list.

As far as not-to-be-missed, everyone will have different opinions on this also. Personally, I love Soarin' in Epcot. I also make a point to see a lot of the entertainment shows in Epcot (Off Kilter, World Showcase Players, acrobats in China, Mariche band in Mexico, etc.). Please remember to slow down and enjoy the small things in Disney World; don't rush to get from place to place or you'll miss a lot.

Book your hotel as soon as possible. April is a busy month at Disney World, so the earlier you book, the better selection you'll have of resort/room type. Plan for 7-10 days; anything more might be too long, and anything less would force you to feel rushed.

Happy planning!

 

[rogerram]

The question about missing school is to check you attendance policy to make sure you can do it first. My kids can't miss more than 5 days in a quarter. Also, if you are at Disney for at least 7 days in the parks, you should see everything you want and more. More days are better and you might also want to consider other theme parks during your stay, so plan days for those excursions too(Universal,Sea world,etc.).
Must see things:
E rides(dating myself)
Rock n roller coaster
tower of terror
Space mountain
Splash mountain
Big thunder mountain
Soarin'
Test track
Mission space
Pirates of the Caribbean
The new stunt show at MGM
Everest(if it is open when you go)
Lots of others to see , but these are a great start.

goodluck,
Roger

 

[smola09's mom]

It definitely depends on the student whether or not you can afford to miss that much school. Most teachers would not recommend it, but we took our 3 children out for 8 days and they had no problem catching up as they are good students. It sounds as though you are too. Make sure you get your work before the trip so you can have it mostly done by the time you get back to school.

Hope this helps.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Given that you are a senior I wonder how much "work" you will really be doing after Easter break anyway? College aps / acceptances should already be done, yes? For me it would somewhat depend on how much time you had between the time you came back & when final exams started (enough time to get caught up?). You know what you are capable of. Be honest with yourself & go from there!

Whatever you decide, enjoy this time in your life!

 

[sammielynn]

Many Seniors get "Senioritis" and slack off at the end of their Senior year. Many colleges only admit students on a provisional basis until their final grades are in. Be careful, two weeks is a long time away from school.
We always leave for Disney the day school is out and Seniors usually get out first. That puts us in Orlando by May 21 or so. Crowds have never been bad and the weather is hot but not so bad. I love Disney as do my DS's but their education comes first. Sorry I don't think it is worth it.

Pack plenty of clothing and sunscreen!

Each family I have talked with has their own list of things not to miss. My personal favorite is POC.