Freshman orchestra trip to Disney for 3-4 days

[Anonymous]

Has anyone sent a high schooler to Disney for multiple days with the school orchestra? I’m nervous if we should send our kiddo. DC is a shy kid and I don’t want to make a decision that I’ll regret later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone sent a high schooler to Disney for multiple days with the school orchestra? I’m nervous if we should send our kiddo. DC is a shy kid and I don’t want to make a decision that I’ll regret later.

Have you asked your child what he/she wants to do?

[Anonymous]

Yes to PP’s post about asking your kid.
What do mean by “regretting the decision?” What are you imagining could go wrong? And what does your kid being shy have to do with that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes to PP’s post about asking your kid.
What do mean by “regretting the decision?” What are you imagining could go wrong? And what does your kid being shy have to do with that?

I was a really shy kid in high school and I remember a choir trip to NYC in high school where I was terribly lonely. None of my friends went and none of the other girls on the trip were particularly thrilled to have me in their touring group- that was very evident. I remember being really really homesick and silently crying into my hotel pillow every night. maybe that is what op is referring to? (loneliness, no one to talk to on the trip, etc.) or maybe that the kid won't be able to speak up for themself if something happens?

In any case, I'd take your kid's lead on this one, op.

[Anonymous]

Does your child have particular needs? I had similar concerns when my severely ADHD son went to various locations in 8th grade with Model UN and his school chorus, and I could just see him getting lost or forgetting his room key or wallet or something like that.

So I chaperoned. If you can at all do that, it might be a good idea. I think she's regret NOT going, honestly, OP. But she might need a push from you.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all. There are some food, ADHD concerns etc. I’ll check on the chaperoning option. I was also worried on how the room sharing arrangements work and hopefully there’s no bullying.

[Anonymous]

I went on band and choir trips in HS and loved them. I also went on a couple of trips during breaks with schools groups and loved those.

Ask your child if they want to go.

[Anonymous]

I joined the band in HS freshman year because they were going to Orlando. I was a shy kid and it was good for me. I met friends at the beginning of high school right away and then we had a good time on the trip. I didn’t continue with band after that year but the trip was definitely the highlight for me. As your daughter what she wants to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went on band and choir trips in HS and loved them. I also went on a couple of trips during breaks with schools groups and loved those.

Ask your child if they want to go.

+1 My first overnight school trip was as a freshman and DD will go on her first this year as an 8th grader. While my school didn't do Disney until I was a senior, I loved every single one of them (1 night to multiple nights) and will let my kids go without hesitation they want to! If your kid is up for it, go for it!

[Anonymous]

My DS' band, orchestra and chorus went to Atlanta for three days (two nights) when he was in 8th grade (FCPS middle school.) Then he went to Disney in 11th grade for three nights. Again, a FCPS high school. His band usually went to Disney every other year but the band director had a medical emergency one year so they only ended up going once when he was in high school. He absolutely LOVED Disney - they did a "class" run by Disney and he said it was fabulous. They also got to march down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and the chorus put on a performance at Disney Springs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS' band, orchestra and chorus went to Atlanta for three days (two nights) when he was in 8th grade (FCPS middle school.) Then he went to Disney in 11th grade for three nights. Again, a FCPS high school. His band usually went to Disney every other year but the band director had a medical emergency one year so they only ended up going once when he was in high school. He absolutely LOVED Disney - they did a "class" run by Disney and he said it was fabulous. They also got to march down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and the chorus put on a performance at Disney Springs.

That's very cool! OP, I always try to (as gently as possible) push my kids to take advantage of opportunities like this. I think it stems from me deciding not to study abroad in college because I wanted to stay with my boyfriend - lol. That is something I will regret for the rest of my life. I want my children to take advantage of all the opportunities they possibly can! But of course you know your kid best, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you all. There are some food, ADHD concerns etc. I’ll check on the chaperoning option. I was also worried on how the room sharing arrangements work and hopefully there’s no bullying.

I'm the PP above you with the ADHD son. One thing I didn't warn him about was mixing his Adderall with coffee. There was a coffee maker in the room, everyone tried it, and when I met him that morning, he was shaking because of the Adderall+coffee. I don't even want to know what his heart rate was. So please warn your child in case she's not already used to a dose of coffee with her ADHD meds. My child also carried an Epipen on his person at all times in a little sports belt, because of nut allergies, and he did remember to ask if things contained nuts. Because he needed to wear a suit for Model UN, I bought him a matching skinny black sports belt, so it was barely noticeable.

Also, nobody was warned they would be sharing beds. All the boys were against it. One of them slept on the floor, until my son figured out the chair could be made into a bed.
There was a no bullying at all, just lots of excited kids going to hotel rooms without their parents for the first time I hope the kids in your daughter's group are equally nice.

Overall a positive experience, but with the ADHD kids or others who might need special consideration, I would either chaperone or have a talk with both your child and the supervising adult, to let them know of your concerns.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all. I really appreciate your responses.

[Anonymous]

This sounds like a chance to get Covid without much effort. I would not send her unless she is raring to go. So much bullying can easily go on, and deeming left out, etc. I wouldn’t send my kid, because I’m a teacher and know what happens behind the scenes.

[Anonymous]

Band/orchestra kids tend to be pretty inclusive in my experience. Not drama-free of course, but not as likely to bully. I would see what your kid wants.