On Tuesday, March 28th, a plane scattered with West teachers and 12th graders departed Atlantic City for four days in Orlando, Florida to celebrate their upcoming graduation. 

Upon arrival in the Sunshine State, the students discovered the many wonders of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort–the outdoor pool and lounge area, the spacious cafeteria, the arcade, the gift shop, and more. Students were given the option of 0-3 roommates, with the trip price decreasing with higher room occupancy. Thus, most commonly, students bunked with three of their classmates. 

Each senior was presented with a Disney World park hopper pass, which allowed them to venture to the theme park of their choice after 2 PM on any given day (with the exclusion of Thursday–their day in Universal Studios). 

Early on Wednesday morning, West seniors were off to the races. Their day began with Mickey-shaped waffles, scrambled eggs, and a quick bus ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Nathaniel Royer deemed the theme park his “favorite” because of the various Star Wars attractions. Other students enjoyed the thrill of the Tower of Terror and some simply relaxed in the shade and went shopping on Hollywood Boulevard. 

Thursday’s itinerary was entirely occupied by a day-long trip to Universal Studios Florida. Students were granted Parkhopper passes, allowing them free access to both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The buses arrived at Universal’s CityWalk–an entrance square full of shops and restaurants–at approximately 9:15 AM. Students spent the day enjoying butterbeer and finding the perfect wand in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, riding a rollercoaster with the Hulk at Marvel Super Hero Island, and cozying up to the Cat in the Hat in Seuss Landing. Julia Green even remarked that the Velocicoaster in Jurassic World was one of her favorite experiences of the entire trip. 

On Friday, West seniors found themselves wandering around Epcot. Many indulged in the park’s World Showcase–an exhibition of various countries’ cultures. Mason Dempsey and his friends took to the Germany Pavillion to snack on Bavarian Pretzels. He recalled “eating…pretzels with the boys by the lake” as his fondest memory of the 4-day excursion. Other students rode Epcot’s newest rollercoaster–Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Julia Green explained that the ride was especially exciting for fans of the Marvel Studios’ hit movie phenomenon, like herself: “[It was] an amazing experience because I am a fan of the movies.” 

On Saturday morning, prior to their midday departure for Orlando International Airport, West students enjoyed all that Disney’s Animal Kingdom had to offer. They rode Expedition Everest–a Yeti-themed rollercoaster made to feel like the rider is exploring Mount Everest–and Mason Dempsey raved about the vast “[number] of turns and backward movement.” The seniors also explored Pandora–The World of Avatar, using virtual reality to tour the fictional world. Pandora also allowed students to munch on blue pasta and take a boat ride down the Na’vi River. 

That evening, the seniors of Cherry Hill West boarded a plane home with a mind full of memories and a heart full of happiness.