Disney dazzles seniors

Teachers Jon Bill and Ryan Geist light up with excitement as they ride the Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster with Samuel Tropea and Jenna Zammar.

BY KAILEY SIEGEL

Social Media Director

On March 3, 377 seniors and 32 faculty chaperones embarked on a week-long trip to Orlando for the annual trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The trip consisted of five days in Disney and one in Universal Studios Theme Park.

Students left a day early compared to previous years where students only had five days, allowing those with earlier flights the opportunity to have extra time at Disney resorts. “The extra time felt great,” said Matthew Velez. “I got time to unpack and go explore around Disney Springs.”

The travelers stayed at the Pop Century Resort, a Disney hotel themed after nostalgia from different decades as early as the 50s. This hotel also included access to the Disney Skyliner, which brought new transportation opportunities to students. “The Skyliner saved us a lot of time getting from our resort to the parks. The line always seemed long but went by super-fast” shared Joshua Grochowski.

Gaby Malanga, Frank Papeo, Massimo Rocco, Ava Accetulli, Julia Morgan, Nicholas Do, and Christopher Liberal pose for a picture in front of the giant computer located in Disney’s Pop Century resort.

On Wednesday, students took buses to Universal Studios Theme Park. “I loved the variety of the rides and places to eat in Universal,” said Jake Gorcica. “It was better than Disney in my opinion.”

Universal studios features attractions inspired by characters and movies not owned by Disney. “I liked the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rides because the line queue was so interesting, and I loved seeing all of my favorite characters on the ride,” said Megan Delahanty.

Many students took the opportunity to get everything out of this magical experience. “Since we stayed on Disney property, we were allowed into the parks 30 minutes early, which gave us more time to ride rides and less time in line,” said Matthew Wrate.

After getting their faces painted, Kalii Malko and Lauren D’Alessio pose together with Connor Schreck, Melanie Mc Gowan, and Emily D’Alessio.

Seniors had the ability to “park hop” meaning they could switch from different Disney theme parks during any time of the day. Other students used Disney’s fast pass service to make the most of their day. “My friends and I purchased Genie+, which made our wait times shorter,” shared Seamus Tierney.

Some students on the trip were visiting Disney for the first time. “It was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Angeleah Bloodworth. “Being there with my best friends was the best, and seeing the castle for the first time was breathtaking.”

Creative teachers, like Alec Alspac, encouraged students to join him on different rides for an “Old Bridge takeover.” “We got to ride Everest like seven times in a row,” shared Colten Benevento, a senior who participated in the takeover. “It was so awesome to enjoy that with my favorite teachers.”

The Disney trip always allows graduating seniors to enjoy their final months together, with this year as no exception. “I had such a great time with my friends and being around all the seniors in that fun environment was so enjoyable,” said Patience Sparklin. “I miss it already.”

Selina Careccia, Lillian Antar, Nate Sandler, Madison Garcia, James Kearney, Bailey Datz, and Robert Thompson smile in front of the Millenium Falcon outside of the Smuggler’s Run ride in Star Wars Land.
Lilliana Rubiera, Makenzie Dunleavy, Sanela Ljubanovic, and Adrianna Blaszczak take a selfie with faculty chaperones Brittany Fuentes, Matthew Tiplady, Erin Monagan, and James Phillips on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood Studios
Lucas Endres admires his newly made purple light saber.
Angeleah Bloodworth and Kailey Siegel show off their Disney spirit by wearing Minnie Mouse ears.