Disney World 2006 - Trip Report and Photos

Fifty-six parents and children traveled to Disney World in early September (the week of Labor Day). Everyone made their own transportation arrangements and hotel reservations, but we all shared deeply discounted park tickets. These special tickets included three behind-the-scenes educational programs for our students, five park-hopping days, and three visits to DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Park, Blizzard Beach Water Park, and Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (any combination).

There were several benefits to going during this time of year. Crowd levels were very low in all four parks. We were able to walk on most rides (even the headliner attractions), with little or no waiting throughout the day. Another plus was Disney's dining plan - those of us who stayed in one of Disney's resorts were able to get the dining plan for free for the length of our stay. (Disney has offered free dining to their resort guests for the past two years during hurricane season.) We were treated to wonderful meals in many world-class restaurants. The bills for these meals were often well over $150 for a family of four, but the free dining plan covered the entire cost of the meal (appetizer, entree, and dessert), plus gratuity. The plan also covered one counter service meal and a snack each day. It provided so much food that my family (as well as others I've talked to) were never hungry. And the final benefit to going this week was that parents didn't have to take as many days off work - Labor Day was already a holiday.

The only drawback for this time of the year was the heat. It was in the 90's all week, with high humidity. It rained a little while we were there, but not nearly as much as I expected. I welcomed the rain as it tended to cool things off for a while. When we take this trip again next year, I'll push the trip as late as possible in September, but still be eligible for any free dining offers. It should be a little cooler then. If they don't offer free dining next year, I'll plan the trip for December. Although the weather can vary a lot during that time, it averages around 70 and it's much less humid than in September.

The educational programs had good reviews from almost everyone. The facilitators were friendly and informative, but I felt Disney didn't take full advantage of all the unique learning experiences they could offer students. There were paper and pencil activities, discussions, and the children were taken on rides that demonstrated the topics under discussion, but there weren't enough behind-the-scenes, hands-on, unique-to-Disney experiences (in my opinion). The children seemed to enjoy the programs, however, as did most parents, and those I've talked to would like to enroll their children in more programs next year. It seems my opinion was in the minority.

The cost of this trip varied, depending on number of family members participating, cost of hotel, and meal arrangements. The special park tickets we received, however, had a great discount - they're the least expensive tickets that Disney offers. Families who go to Disney often have told me that this trip was very inexpensive compared to what they're used to paying. And the free dining was just icing on the cake.

Due to the great feedback I have received from our travelers, I'll make plans for us to go back to Disney next fall or winter (as late in the year as possible to avoid the heat). This time I'll try to add some behind-the-scenes tours for parents and families, in addition to the educational programs for the children. Thanks to everyone who traveled with us!

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Trip Photos

Getting to know each other at Disney World

Enjoying the educational programs

I'll post more pictures as they become available. I forgot my camera and have asked others to send me more pictures.