Taking band to USO/IOA next week!

[alanmason]

So for the past five years I have had the chance to take my music programs to both Universal and Disney World four times. I've loved planning every aspect of my trip on the large group scale. The best parts have always been watching their eyes light up when they walk into Hogsmeade for the first time, or when they are riding across the the lake on the ferry heading to the Magic Kingdom. I have taught in a couple of small towns about 20-40 minutes outside of Raleigh, NC and my students rarely have the chance to travel outside of NC. The best feeling I get is just watching these students fall in love with the parks.

This year's rotation is Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I'm so pumped to get the chance to see the look on my young musicians faces when they walk into Diagon Alley. We are staying off site at the Best Western Closest to Universal and we'll be trying our best to make the most of the parks. We'll be eating dinner at DTD so that we can experience some of the "#disneyside" of things. We are performing at Dr. Phillips High School and I'm doing my annual Flippers Pizza dinner to support local businesses.

Be on the lookout for a trip report from the standpoint of a group leader. I can't wait!

 

[sharona]

Would love to read a report from that perspective. Have fun!!!

 

[DCDisney]

Looking forward to it! I'll be chaperoning a trip to WDW and Uni with a music group next week too!

 

[alanmason]

Of course. I'd be happy to do as much of a trip report as possible!
We will be staying off property at the Best Western Nearest to Universal Studios


Here's a look at my itinerary:

East Wake Performing Arts Spring Trip
Orlando, Florida
Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure
April 15-19, 2015


FINAL ITINERARY
Wednesday, April 15th

• 6:30 pm – Arrive at School
• 7:00 pm – Trip Meeting
• 7:15 pm – Rehearsal
• 8:45 pm – End Rehearsal
• 9:00 pm – Prepare to Load the Bus
• 9:30 pm – Load Bus
• 10 pm – Depart for Orlando

Thursday, April 16th

• 7:00 am – Breakfast en route
• 8:30 am – Admission to Universal Studios/Island of Adventure
  • Lunch in the Park (meal voucher)
• 3:30 pm – Mandatory Check-in via Text Message to Chaperone
  • Dinner in the Park (on your own)
• 9:00 pm – Pick up at park, Transfer to Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Nearest to Universal Studios
• 10:30 pm – In Room
• 11:00 pm – Light’s Out

Friday, April 17th

• 6:30 am – Wake Up Call
• 7:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel
• 8:00 am – Depart for Universal Studios/IOA
  • Lunch in the Park (meal voucher)
• 5:30 pm – Meet at bus and transfer to Disney Springs
• 7:00 pm – Dinner at Planet Hollywood
• 10:00 pm – Pick up at Disney Springs, transfer to hotel
• 10:45 pm – In Room
• 11:15 pm – Light’s Out

Saturday, April 18th

• 8:30 am – Breakfast at the hotel
• 10:30 am – Load bus for Dr. Phillips HS
  • Snacks provided by Band Boosters
• 1:00 pm – East Wake Band Performance
• 1:50 pm – East Wake Chorus Performance
• 2:45 pm – Transfer to Universal Studio
  • Dinner in Park (on your own)
• 8:15 pm – Meet for Awards Ceremony
  • at the Animal Actors Theater
• 9:00 pm – Transfer to Hotel
• 10:00 pm – In Room
• 11:00 pm – Light’s Out

Sunday, April 19th

• 6:30 am – Wake Up Call
• 7:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel
• 8:30 am – Depart for home
• 12:00 pm – Stop for Lunch
• 6:00 pm – Arrive at East Wake High School and Dismiss

 

[alanmason]

And we're off. 42 high schoolers, 8 chaperones and 2 directors. Next stop Universal

 

[damo]

Looks like a hoot!!!! You say you are staying at Best Western but your itinerary says Holiday Inn Express. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. It is quite nice. Their breakfast was good!