Article by Phoenix writer Amir Jeudy ’22:
On May 28th, at 2:30 in the morning, the first group of Kellenberg seniors arrived at school to begin their senior trip. Usually, such an early time would be met with groans and complaints, but this was different, this was Disney. A senior trip to Disney was a refreshing sight to see, as this year’s seniors were the first to go since the Class of 2019 due to the pandemic The Kellenberg seniors were divided into three flights, all early in the morning. This allowed for students to arrive in Orlando with an entire day ahead of them.
After the students landed in Orlando they immediately went to Universal. Universal left the seniors with an overwhelming variety of attractions. Students could seek thrills in the Jurassic Park section of the park, riding roller coasters like the VelociCoaster. They could go to Diagon Alley and step into the world of Harry Potter, finally living out their many of their childhood dreams. They could go on rides from the Simpsons, Fast and Furious, Spiderman, Men In Black and so many other franchises.
After a fun-filled day in Universal, students were sent to their hotel rooms, so they could change and prepare for a private event later that night. The private event in Hogsmeade was widely regarded as the best part of the trip by many members of the senior class. Students were given the entire area of Hogsmeade in Universal to themselves. Hogsmeade, a fictional village from Harry Potter, had a mystical feeling at night. With a full Hogwarts Castle included, it seemed as if the world of Harry Potter had truly been brought to life. By far the best part of the event at Hogsmeade was Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a roller coaster that has opened fairly recently. Since then, due to its quality and recent opening it’s gathered a lot of popularity. During the day, this reflects in its wait times, which sometimes can leave a person standing in line for over three hours. At the private event, students could go on the coaster as many times as they wished. They were quick to learn, this particular roller coaster was worth the hype. Hogsmeade didn’t just provide thrill, for the students that were beginning to feel the pangs of being awake for a full 24 hours, there were several Harry Potter shops, and complimentary Butterbeer carts all over Hogsmeade. The students then returned to their hotels around 2:00 AM and were woken up around two hours later to begin the second day. Disney is not for the faint of heart.
Beginning the second day, students were given an early morning private event in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Students rode the Avatar Flight of Passage, a highly popular 3D simulator ride. Afterwards, they enjoyed a private breakfast. Students then boarded a ferry which took them to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s most iconic park left the students with lots to do. Students rode iconic rides such as Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and “it’s a small world.” They encountered many Disney characters,as there was a parade procession through Magic Kingdom throughout the day. Magic Kingdom had rejuvenating effects as fun tends to supersede tiredness. To end their day in Magic Kingdom, students witnessed a fireworks display at the Disney Castle. After the display, they boarded the ferry and headed back to the hotel to catch some sleep for the next day.
The third day of the trip was spent in Hollywood Studios. Students were given private access to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, a Star Wars flight simulator. Afterward, the students were given breakfast before being let into Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studious includes rides like Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster, some of the most thrilling rides in Disney. After Hollywood Studios, the seniors attended Mass which was celebrated by Father Dan. After Mass students headed back to the hotel to change for a private event at Universal’s Volcano Bay. The water park was an exciting end to the trip.
Finally the following morning the students boarded flights back to New York, officially ending the senior trip. The Disney Trip seems to be a planning monstrosity. Finding ways to transport, feed, and keep track of 400 plus students in an amusement park is no small feat, but they did it. They made a memory that the Class of 2022 will forever hold onto.
These past few years have been extremely difficult for everyone, and for many Disney almost felt as if they were finally free of that cycle. It was a culmination of a challenging but rewarding journey in our lives. Again, it would never be possible without the Kellenberg faculty, without the help of the park staff, and finally without Mr. Benitendi. The Senior Class of 2022, thanks all of you for a remarkable trip.
