How To Plan a School Trip to Disney World: Unlocking the Magic for Your Students
If you’re a teacher or school administrator looking to plan an unforgettable school trip, Disney World in Florida might just be the perfect destination. With its enchanting theme parks, educational opportunities, and a touch of Disney magic, it’s a place where students can learn, bond, and create lasting memories. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to plan a school trip to Disney World.
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Eligibility for School Group Discounts:
Before you embark on your Disney adventure, it’s essential to determine if your school qualifies for group discounts. Disney offers discounts and special rates for school groups that meet specific criteria, such as a minimum number of students and a minimum stay requirement. Check with Disney’s Youth Programs team to confirm eligibility and access these benefits.
Through Disney Youth Programs, qualified school groups are eligible to receive discounted rates at Walt Disney World Resort.
In order to meet the eligibility requirements, the school groups must consist of at least 10 Guests between the ages of 3-22. The group must be affiliated with an accredited school, religious organization, or some other type of organized youth group. The number of designated Group Leaders and extra Guests must not exceed the number of Youth Guests.
With Disney Youth Tickets, your group can experience Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at a special lower price reserved only for youth groups. The group discounts are available year-round.
A Youth Group of 10 or more Guests may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A public or private school class field trip or graduation celebration
- An organized team, musical band, or club celebration, workshop, conference, or performance
- Trips for faith-based youth groups
- Special outings for a social organization
- Girl Scouts and other Scouts trips
- Elementary, Middle-Junior High, High School, College
Disney Youth Tickets: Costs and Options:
Once you’ve established your group’s eligibility, it’s time to consider ticket options. Disney offers three main types of Youth Tickets:
- Starter Ticket: This basic ticket grants access to one park per day. It’s a cost-effective choice for groups with limited time or a tight budget. Admission is valid for one of the four Disney World theme parks for the specified number of days. Guests may only visit one park per day.
- Park Hopper Ticket: For more flexibility, the Park Hopper option allows students to visit multiple parks on the same day. This is perfect for those who want to experience a wider range of attractions. You may choose to spend your morning at Magic Kingdom and your afternoon at Epcot (or Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios). The Park Hopper Ticket is more expensive but it gives your group a little more freedom to explore the parks.
- Premium Ticket: The Premium Ticket includes admission to all four Disney World parks and additional features like water park access. It offers the most comprehensive experience for your students. The Premium Ticket is similar to the Park Hopper Ticket, but this entitles you to the same number of Fun Visits to any of the following: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (water park), Disney’s Blizzard Beach (water park), the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (before 4 pm) or Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (before 4 pm).
If you have any questions about these tiers, or if you’re ready to,book a Disney trip for a school group, then please contact WayfareOdyssey.com.
Consult Disney’s Youth Programs team for up-to-date pricing and availability, as these may vary depending on the time of year and group size.
Disney Youth Programs for School Groups:
Disney offers various educational programs and workshops that can enhance your students’ learning experience. Programs like the “Youth Education Series” cover subjects like science, environmental studies, leadership, and more. These programs integrate Disney’s unique approach to learning, making it both educational and fun.
Whether it’s a fun class trip to the theme parks or a combination of educational workshops or arts performances AND fun at the parks, Disney Youth Programs has the right field trip for your school.
In addition to group discounts on theme park tickets, youth groups can partake in dozens of learning opportunities at Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s just a sampling:
- Disney Performing Arts Performance | Candlelight Processional
- Disney Performing Arts Performance | Dance, Instrument or Vocal
- Animation Academy: The Secrets of Drawing Disney Characters | Disney Youth Education Series
- Cell Animation: Ink & Paint | Disney Youth Education Series
- Discovering Marine Life Conservation | Disney Youth Education Series
- Discovering the American Spirit | Disney Youth Education Series
- Disney Leadership Strategies | Disney Youth Education Series
- Energy and Waves Physics Lab | Disney Youth Education Series
- Everyday Chemistry | Disney Youth Education Series
- Exploring Careers in the Marine Sciences | Disney Youth Education Series
- Exploring Careers in the Zoological Sciences | Disney Youth Education Series
- Fundamentals of Hospitality | Disney Youth Education Series
- Kingdom Keepers Quest | Disney Youth Programs
- Leadership Strategies – Disney Style | Disney Education Programs – College Edition
- Techniques of Teamwork – Disney Style | Disney Education Programs – College Edition
Disney’s accredited partners make sure that Disney Youth educational and performing arts programs offer excellent academic experiences to students. Learning has never been so much FUN!
If you wish to learn more about the courses offered by Disney Youth Programs or to book your school group for a Disney World workshop, please contact WayfareOdyssey.com. They can be your Disney liaison and coordinate every aspect of your visit!
How To Book a School Trip to Disney World:
Planning a school trip to Disney World involves several crucial steps:
- Pick the Dates: Choose your travel dates carefully, considering factors like school schedules, weather, and special events at Disney World. Determine the best time to go to Disney World for your youth group. Consult our Disney Crowd Calendar to get an idea of the crowd sizes.
- Choose a Disney Resort Hotel: There’s an in-park resort to fit any budget. Disney Value Resorts are the least expensive tier of in-park hotels. They offer basic accommodations , no frills (but very adequate) dining options, bus transportation to the theme parks. Disney Deluxe Resorts are the most expensive resort tier and offer the biggest room, nicest amenities, and the best transportation options to the parks. Disney Moderate Resorts offer a nice middle-ground in terms of price, amenities, and transportation to the parks, Disney offers a range of resort hotels, each with its unique theme and amenities. Select one that fits your group’s preferences and budget. Staying on-site offers the advantage of proximity to the parks and complimentary transportation.
- Decide on a Dining Plan: Disney offers dining plans that can simplify meal arrangements. Disney’s Dining Plan simplifies the way you eat at Disney World. There are several different tiers of the Disney Dining Plan to accommodate a wide range of eating habits and budgets. Another option is to just pay out-of-pocket. Paying as you go may save you the money (especially if you’re a light eater), but if you plan on eating at table service restaurants and/or have a big appetite, then the Disney Dining Plan may be the way to go. Choose a plan that suits your group, whether it’s quick-service dining or table-service experiences.
- Book Dining Reservations: Booking your dining reservations in a timely manner is crucial to the success of any school trip to Disney World. You really have to make your reservations early or else you may get shut out of some of the best dining experiences at Disney. Popular Disney restaurants fill up quickly, so make reservations in advance. This ensures your group won’t miss out on the culinary delights Disney has to offer.
- Coordinate Payments: Keep track of costs and payment deadlines to ensure everyone can participate. Communicate payment schedules clearly to parents and students.
- Create an Itinerary: Develop a detailed itinerary that includes park visits, dining reservations, educational programs, and free time. Balance educational activities with leisure to make the trip enjoyable for all. It is a good idea to create an itinerary before your school group arrives at Disney World. But where do you start? After all, Disney World is home to 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and dozens of resorts and restaurants. It’s a huge place! I’d start your research with our Best Magic Kingdom Rides, Best Epcot Rides, Best Animal Kingdom Rides, and Best Hollywood Studios Rides . We also have Best Disney Character Dining, Best Shows at Disney World , How to Plan a Disney Vacation, Disney World Map, and Homeschooling at Disney World.
Disney World can be a magical educational experience for your students, offering them a chance to learn while having fun. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to planning a memorable school trip that your students will cherish for years to come. With Disney’s enchanting atmosphere and the educational opportunities it provides, you’re sure to unlock the magic of learning in the happiest place on Earth.
If this information overload is stressing you out, then I’d recommend reaching out to WayfareOdyssey.com for assistance. They can help you make sense of this massive resort and plan a magical school outing.
