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Old 01-23-2016, 08:28 PM   #1
Alaskan Mom
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I'm going to Disneyland! with 50 teenagers...what? PTR

Hello PPer's!
I know I haven't been on in awhile due to life and starting a Master's degree in History that I hope will lead to a PHD someday.... I haven't been traveling much except a quick trip home to Alaska to visit with my family at Christmas. Another reason was because I've never (until today) been able to figure out how to get pictures from photo bucket to the boards, I always got error messages and my attachment file is almost full and a TR without pictures...
I wanted to do a trip to WDW again but DD was really pushing DL because it's Walt's park and she doesn't remember much of when we went because she was 9 so I agreed and tried to figure out when we could go.
I was really hoping to go to DL last summer (2015) but DD was gearing up for running start which is a program in WA where 11th &12th grade students can take community college classes that count towards high school graduation and the state pays tuition. Parents have to cover fees, parking permits, books, & and supplies so although a great deal - still extra cost. Plus, since DD would have to drive between high school and college (no buses) we had to get her driving, which a drivers class is mandatory, and a car and insurance so you get the picture. I was bummed that I would not get to DL for their 60th anniversary ...then when DD started school she came home sort of sad. I asked what was up? Her choir was taking a trip to DL on spring break and would get to go to a workshop with a cast member about performing and get to actually perform in DL. She knew money was tight and didn't think it was possible, well neither did I but after thinking about it for a few days I told her we could at least attend the information meeting.
The TA was there to provide info and when I found out that the trip was about $800 for students and just over $400 for chaperones I was the first one to sign my name under the chaperone list! Then of course, I had to come home and explain to DH what a great deal the trip was and we still had 7 months to save. It wasn't a problem with him, he's sweet.
I didn't do much planning in the fall other than making the payments that were due. I was working and taking a class and getting ready for Christmas so was pretty swamped. I won't start my next class until March so have some time to plan, yeah! I recently finished Cam's TR to DLR and am also following Cheryl's to get in the mood.

Who's going?
Me: 55, mom of two daughters, 3 grandkids, teacher, and having Disney withdrawals bad . Favorite Character: Mary Poppins. Favorite ride, POTC.

DD: 17, loves Disney movies and songs, sings, writes, draws, wants to be a teacher and really wants DL. Favorite characters, Peter Pan, Alice, Ariel, Favorite rides, BTMR, & IASW

Choir teacher: 24. His 2nd year teaching, 1st time leading a group of students

Other chaperones: I do not yet know who, how many or anything about them other than they are parents of students.

High school advanced choir: not sure of definite number, maybe 50 but will find out more this upcoming Thursday because I volunteered to do a presentation on DLR information.

Up Next; plans I can't change.
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Old 01-23-2016, 08:51 PM   #2
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That sounds awesome! How exciting that you and DD get to go on this trip. My son did two similar trips to WDW with his marching band, and DD will get to go with band in 2017.
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Old 01-24-2016, 10:55 AM   #3
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That sounds awesome! How exciting that you and DD get to go on this trip. My son did two similar trips to WDW with his marching band, and DD will get to go with band in 2017.
How fun for your kids, my DD's really excited.
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Old 01-24-2016, 03:47 AM   #4
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Great start and how wonderful that you're getting to visit Disneyland!
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Old 01-24-2016, 10:56 AM   #5
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Great start and how wonderful that you're getting to visit Disneyland!
I'm really getting excited
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Old 01-24-2016, 01:10 PM   #6
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Great Start! Sounds like it's going to be a great trip!
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Old 01-24-2016, 01:17 PM   #7
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So neat to visit DLR with your DD and her choir, especially since they get to perform. with your DL presentation.
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Old 01-24-2016, 06:28 PM   #8
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Great Start! Sounds like it's going to be a great trip!
Thanks, I hope so.

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So neat to visit DLR with your DD and her choir, especially since they get to perform. with your DL presentation.
I'm hoping it will be a lot of fun, sharing Disney with so many teens. Thanks, I'm working on the presentation currently.
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Old 01-24-2016, 07:52 PM   #9
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Wow - from no trip to one with 50 kids & in charge of a presentation. Way to go on making everything come to be for you & your DD.
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Old 01-25-2016, 11:16 AM   #10
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Great start!
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Old 01-25-2016, 12:47 PM   #11
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Great start and GOOD LUCK!
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Old 01-25-2016, 03:25 PM   #12
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How great that you get to visit DL!
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Old 01-25-2016, 08:39 PM   #13
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Wow - from no trip to one with 50 kids & in charge of a presentation. Way to go on making everything come to be for you & your DD.
I'm hoping to get the kids excited about going

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Originally Posted by belle0517 View Post
Great start!
Thanks!

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Great start and GOOD LUCK!
Thank you. I might need the luck

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How great that you get to visit DL!
Very happy
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Old 01-25-2016, 10:06 PM   #14
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The plans I can't change.

At the information meeting back in September, the travel agent explained what was included: flights, transportation to and from the airport, 3 nights hotel, one lunch, the Grammy museum, a 3 day park hopper, the workshop with a CM and the performance.

She did say that anyone who wanted to stay longer and not fly back with the group needed to let her know before January or early January (I don't remember which right now.)


The itineary looks like this:
Tuesday, April 5th fly to LAX from Seatac
Arrive, bus transportation to In Out Burger, have lunch ($10.00 limit) If anyone has been to In Out, can a decent lunch be purchased for $10? Do they have good food?
Off to the Grammy museum
Next stop, hotel
T.A. recommended checking out DTD this evening
Wednesday, April 6th DLR (not sure which park yet)
Thursday, April 7th DLR ( the workshop will be one day and the performance another)
Friday - check out hotel, bus to LAX, fly back to WA.

I do not know yet flight times, hopefully will find out this Thursday.
You might have noticed that we have 3 day hoppers and only 2 days in the parks, I asked about that and TA said that is what Choir teacher approved and any changes would need to go through him. I figure DD and I can use 3rd day on Friday because of course I extended trip 2 days so we won't return until Sunday. My only concern is how early or late students are leaving Friday; generally check out is around 10 or 11 AM so I am hoping bus will be there before then so that once students are on the bus and we find a place to stow our suitcases we can head to the parks for awhile before we check in at new hotel.

Up next: Plans I can change.
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Old 01-25-2016, 11:53 PM   #15
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Sound like great plans!
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