Over mid-winter break , leaving 2/15 and returning 2/20, the Royal Oak High School band and orchestra students went on a six day trip to Disney World. Students left Thursday for a day-long bus ride. After an 18-24 hour trip, students arrived in Orlando that Friday to perform and explore the park. At a clinic in a recording studio, students used movie soundtrack equipment to play the music for the movie Moana, which they then were given the opportunity to play over the movie’s score. Later, they marched down main street in Magic Kingdom as well as in front of Cinderella’s Castle in the pouring rain. Students then had two full days to explore the park on their own.
During these two days, sophomore Mary Johnson was able to explore all four parks. The Guardians of the Galaxy ride in Epcot was Johnson’s favorite. A highlight of her trip was when Tiana invited Johnson and her friends to a “gig” at Tiana’s restaurant after learning they played instruments.
“My favorite part was getting to experience Disney for the first time with all of my band friends,” said Johnson. She also enjoyed “getting to perform for the public,” especially a Friend Like Me from Aladdin, which they played during the march.
Senior Alena Micheal also explored the park, mainly Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Micheal’s favorite park was Hollywood Studios, stating she, “loved the vibe because it plays old jazz music.” She also enjoyed playing the Moana soundtrack during the clinic. Micheal noted that the hotels weren’t great and “some people’s showers wouldn’t turn on,” but the Mickey waffles there were “pretty good.” Her favorite rides were the Avatar and the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance rides.
Micheal said after waiting 2 hours for the Ratatouille ride, it broke down, but thinks, “getting stuck on the ride was more fun than the actual ride.”
After these two days of exploration students again boarded the bus. With four days spent at the park they returned Tuesday evening after another day-long bus ride to ROHS. Incoming band and orchestra students will be able to look forward to their turn to go on this trip to Disney World in four years.
