Disney World 2007 - Trip Report and Photos

Over 100 parents, children, and family members traveled to Disney World with us again in early September (the week of Labor Day). This year's trip was very similar to last year's trip.

The reviews of the educational programs so far are similar to last year's. The facilitators were friendly, enthusiastic, and informative (and one was homeschooled from 6th through 12th grade), but many participants felt they were not meaty enough, or were too "schoolish" for our groups. They weren't as behind-the-scenes, hands-on, unique-to-Disney as they could have been. In general, the younger children seemed to enjoy the programs more than the older students.

One exception to these reviews, however, was the Showbiz Magic program. Students (and their families) attended the Cirque du Soliel - La Nouba performance, and then students in grades 6-12 attended a behind-the-scenes educational program based on the performance. It was wonderful (with students describing it as "awesome," "amazing," "fun," and "exemplary"). This program will definitely be on the roster again the next time we go, and I'll encourage Disney's education staff to develop more programs like it.

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 are the least expensive tickets that Disney offers (by far). Families last year and this year who have gone to Disney before have told me that this trip was very inexpensive compared to what they've paid in the past. And the free dining was just icing on the cake.

I've received great feedback about this year's trip, so I'm tentatively making plans for us to go back to Disney next September (either Labor Day week or toward the end of the month). This time, I'll definitely add some behind-the-scenes tours for parents and families (hopefully at a good discount) in addition to the educational programs for the children.

I enjoyed meeting the new families who traveled with us. More than a few of them have been on previous trips to Disney, Washington DC, and the USS Yorktown with me, so it was almost a "family reunion." I look forward to meeting more families on upcoming trips!

Thanks to everyone who traveled with us!

Trip Photos

Having fun at Disney World

Getting to know each other

Enjoying the Physics educational program

Enjoying the Showbiz Magic educational program

Enjoying the Ocean Discoveries program

More pictures may be added later, so check back soon!

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