chstarmac News

The Flyers Meet Mickey: The Class of 2016 Travels to Disney World For Annual Senior Trip

A group of students celebrate surviving the Tower of Terror.

TBy Alexander Jaros ’16

The members of the Class of 2016 swapped their dress clothes and textbooks for summer clothes and Disney Park Hopper passes on Thursday, April 14, as they traveled to Disney World for the annual senior trip.  From Thursday through Sunday, the seniors enjoyed what sunny Orlando had to offer.  

Students and teachers pose for a picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
Students and teachers pose for a picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

The Flyers’ journey began early on Thursday when the class assembled in the Activity-Athletic Center before trekking to either LaGuardia Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport.  The flights soared smoothly, and by 9:30 in the morning, the seniors exited their planes and entered tour busses to get to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.  Once their luggage was dropped off and the Flyers were oriented, the adventure began.

Thanks to their Park Hoppers passes, the seniors had access to all four of the Disney parks such as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom.  With only three days to explore, the seniors rushed to enjoy each park.  They had freedom to enjoy the park of their choice in the daytime; however, the Flyers reconvened late afternoon for group activities.

A group of students celebrate surviving the Tower of Terror.
A group of students celebrate surviving the Tower of Terror.

On Thursday night, the Flyers ate together and viewed “Phantasmic!,” a vibrant light show which featured many iconic Disney characters.  They then enjoyed private access to Hollywood Studios’  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toy Story Midway Mania.  

After exploring all day on Friday, the seniors traveled to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for another group dinner.  Afterwards, they watched Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, followed by a private ride on Test Track.

Mr. Terzulli and Andrew Murphy ’16 get ready to compete on Toy Story Mania.
Mr. Terzulli and Andrew Murphy ’16 get ready to compete on Toy Story Mania.

“I’d heard a lot of good things about the Epcot fireworks show and it definitely lived up to the reputation,” said Colin Noonan ‘16.  “It was a really cool mix of fireworks and lights.”  

On Saturday night, the Flyers began their last evening at Disney with Mass.  Letters from Mr. Peter Accardi and Mr. Christopher Lynch ’82 were read at the conclusion of the Mass.  Then, the seniors were left on their own until regrouping for a midnight curfew.  Most had made reservations weeks ahead at restaurants throughout Walt Disney World.  The seniors returned that night, prepared their luggage, and caught a few hours of sleep before waking up early to journey home.

Mr. O’Keefe’s ’04 group meets up before enjoying a fun night at Disney.
Mr. O’Keefe’s ’04 group meets up before enjoying a fun night at Disney.

With another year of tradition completed, Chaminade’s seniors now buckle down as they commit to schools and prepare for comprehensive exams, content with a beautiful experience to cap off their Chaminade careers.