Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Adrienne!
I'm so glad you found me! I would be honored and delighted to help you plan your spring 2019 school field trip to Walt Disney World Resort. I'll imagine we're sitting together in the faculty lounge over a cup of hot tea discussing strategies. Sound good?
First, if you haven't done so already, get approval from the school administration and settle on firm dates for your trip. Have a clear purpose (music performance, curriculum-based classes, athletic competition...) when you pitch the trip to the administration. They need to know that this is Disney with a purpose.
Second, reach out to the
Disney Youth Office to get 2019 prices on theme park admission tickets and guest rooms. (You must reserve at least 10 rooms to get the group rate.) You'll need those prices to establish a budget. The budget will guide many choices and help your students understand how much fundraising will be required.
Also key to the budget will be transportation. Reach out to local bus companies to get quotes if you plan to travel by land. However, don't assume that flying won't save you money. Visit the websites of the major carriers at your closest international airport regularly to monitor prices. Also, reach out to the groups offices at those airlines to inquire about discounts.
Several amazing Disney restaurants can handle a group as big as yours. I highly recommend 'Ohana, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Boma, Biergarten Restaurant and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. For groups, advance reservations are critical. Furthermore, the meal coupons available through the Disney Youth Office can help streamline the process of paying for quick service meals during your trip.
Please feel free to send additional questions about on-site transportation, age-appropriate activities and fun surprises for your students.
Happy planning,
Jill