Disney World Orlando Epcot

Disney's talent for storytelling and attention to detail merge to create some of the finest theme parks in the world in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. As soon as you step through the gates of any WDW, you are immediately transported to another world. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney/MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom combine to form one dynamic world. In the Magic Kingdom, you will find yourself amongst a world of fantasy. In Epcot, you will discover a world of technology, innovations, and cultures. In Disney/MGM Studios, you will be transported into the world of show business, and finally, in Disney's Animal Kingdom, you will go on wild adventures. ...

Disney World Orlando Epcot
Disney World Orlando Epcot
Disney World Orlando EpcotThe following day the school’s jazz choir performed an additional show at the Magic Kingdom, complete with Christmas songs and dance. during the performance, students performed solos, giving choir members an opportunity to shine in front of a packed audience.

“It was traditional Christmas music, but a little bit more jazzy,” Schuler said. “The whole thing was choreographed.”

For students, the weeklong trip began Dec. 26 by boarding a bus for a 30- hour ride to the Sunshine State, but preparation for the trip began months in advance. at the beginning of the school year, students prepared by learning the 15 songs that would be performed during the candlelight concert. the jazz choir had to learn additional songs and choreography for their 25 minute show.
Disney World Orlando Epcot
Disney World Orlando Epcot
Disney World Orlando Epcot
Disney World Orlando Epcot“You had to know what you were doing otherwise, you would be completely lost,” junior Rosina Halversonstuder, who participated in both shows, said. “We had to learn every single thing before we left and have it completely memorized.”

When the students weren’t singing, they stayed busy taking in all the parks had to offer. Iverson said students would stay out from 9 a.m. to midnight every night to take in all the sights.

The first day students explored Epcot, followed by the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, MGM, and Universal Studios – complete with trips to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“That was where I spent my entire day,” Halversonstuder said, noting that she bought a magic wand. “They did the whole ‘the wand chooses you’ thing, and picked me. I felt like I was Harry Potter.”

Another group of students, known as “The Original Six” by their classmates, traveled around the different parks singing songs and playing the ukulele. by the end of the trip, they had received quite a following from Disney staffers.

“They made friends with the Disney workers and got free ride passes for singing,” Schuler said.

The choir spent New Years at Hollywood Studios, witnessing a spectacular fireworks show as 2010 turned to 2011. Halversonstuder said the fireworks from each theme park could be seen lighting up the night sky.