Pandemic Weeks 156-157: Disney at Last!

Anna with Buckee enroute to Disney
 After 16 years, Anna at last made her first trip to Disney World!  This is an epic milestone for Anna.  While her friends and seemingly most families in Northern Virginia have made the pilgrimage to Disney (often multiple times) for family vacations, Anna was denied the opportunity.  Oh sure, she's traveled to beaches and national parks around the country, but somehow Disney was denied.  Thanks to the Madison High School choir and orchestra program, Anna made the trip to sunny Florida for her first Disney experience.

It should be noted that to take 3 busloads of high school students to Florida is no small feat.  This demonstrates the level of dedication of the teachers.  They left Wednesday night and rode the bus all night before arriving at 9 AM at Disney Hollywood studios.  Apparently, there were a couple of stops along the Way at Bucee's travel center (Home - Buc-ees).  It is worth checking out the website for what is considered the ultimate travel center noted for their quality restrooms.  They spent all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Disney parks before departing on 7PM Saturday night for another overnight ride home.  A few highlights from Anna:

  • Disney at last
    It was REALLY crowded with spring breakers.  Twice Anna waited in line for nearly two hours for a ride only to have to leave to catch the bus back.
  • It is worth investing in the fast pass to cut down on ride wait times (Anna figured this out on Day 3).
  • When they give you a Disney dining card, it is only good at sit down restaurants.  No one has time to sit down (see first point).
  • The Disney app allows you to order ahead for food, which creates efficiency (see first point).
  • The choir had a great time at their studio session where they got to do the vocals for a Disney movie (the did Beauty and the Beast).  Hopefully we will get to hear it.
  • When the teachers issue the rules and penalties before departure, they mean it.  One group of girls was caught with a pound of pot in their hotel room.  They were immediately sent home at their parents' expense.

Anna had a great time and came home exhausted.  She learned some tips and tricks for the next Disney trip (her dad is not ready to sign up yet).  A big thanks to Mrs. Rowan and Mrs. Eberly for organizing this adventure for the students!

Happy Spring!



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swimming with the Lakevale Dolphins

Image
The Swim Gang - Leo, Aidan, Megan & Anna Tonight Anna completed her third season with the Division II Lakevale Dolphins.  It was a great season for Anna as she improved her strokes and her times and made it to the "A"team to compete at Saturday meets.  It was an educational season for Joe and Theresa, who learned the ins and outs of life as swim team parents. The neighborhood swim team is the hub of neighborhood social activity in the summer.  There are events throughout the season, including Friday night pep rallies, and Sunday night fund events that include such things as the neighborhood scavenger hunt, laser tag night, bingo night, and even a team night at the Washington Nationals game.  In between the fun is the seriousness of the swimming, and there are definitely some top notch swimmers on the team. Anna with her lollipop for getting a "personal best" time Kids are motivated by different things. Some kids love to race.  Other kids try to beat
Read more

Camp Coles Trip & June Birthdays

Image
Anna at Girl Scout Camp Anna just returned from a fun-filled week at Girl Scout camp.  This year she was old enough to go to Camp Coles Trip, which is on a bay area off of the Potomac River.  This is a water camp, so she spent her days on the bay learning to paddle board and sail along with kayaking. Girl Scout Camp is definitely roughing it.  The camp is in the woods and girls stay in platform cabins with screens.  Anna shared a cabin with 4 other girls.  Mosquito netting is very important at night.  The only electricity is at the dining hall, health center, and activity building.  The girls are also responsible each day for doing "kapers" or chores.  They take turns helping serve meals, cleaning the bathrooms, and general clean-up.  They are also responsible for keeping track of their own things and carrying their bags. Anna had a fantastic time, despite the lack of modern conveniences, and is already planning her return next year.  She made new friends and her favo
Read more

Thanksgiving in New Jersey

Image
The Fagella family (or part of the Fagellas) celebrated Thanksgiving this year in Northern New Jersey thanks to James.  Since James was house sitting for his boss, they were very generous in letting us use their large home in their absence for a Thanksgiving celebration.  We joined Aunt Loren, Aunt Mary, James and Sundance for a Thanksgiving feast.  We could have easily fed another 20 people with all of the food, which meant lots of leftovers.  We also celebrated Aunt Mary's birthday (November 22) and Aunt Loren's (November 27) with a homemade coconut cake courtesy of James. Joe carving the turkey with his assistants. The festivities continued the next day when James hosted 22 of his high school friends for his annual Friendsgiving dinner.  Anna was kindly invited to attend the event.  Since she has attended previous dinners, she already knew many of James' friends.  Once again, the amount of food was staggering with everyone bringing a dish. Aunt Mary and Aunt Loren have c
Read more