Disney Trip - Concert Choir - December 26 to January 2
Scroll down for day to day coverage. There are also photos from the trip in the Multimedia section.
Thursday, December 27
We have arrived!
After 22 hours, three truck stops and the entire Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, the SHS Concert Choir arrived at Disney World. After hitting Orlando at 8:00 a.m. today, we immediately headed for the Disney Hollywood Studios park where we enjoyed the Aerosmith Rock and Roll Coaster, the Tower of Terror and the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. The evening was capped off by the stunning Fantasmic light show and a dip in the pool at the Rosen Centre. The temperature today in Orlando was 80 degrees and it was sunny most of the day. Sorry to hear that Chicago is under a snow advisory.
Tomorrow we sing at Magic Music Days where a Disney clinician will work with the choir and lead them through a rehearsal and recording session featuring music from The Lion King. Our performance will then be dubbed onto a DVD of footage from the Disney film.
The choir is looking forward to a visit to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow.
Friday, December 28
The breakfast buffet at the Rosen Centre is outstanding.
The choir worked with Krista Abbott from the Disney Magic Music Days Staff and recorded two selections from The Lion King. Also, several tracks of vocal sound effects were produced and everything was mixed onto a DVD of the Circle of Life sequence near the end of the film. The SHS singers were then invited to view the finished DVD and everyone agreed the sound was quite good.
Mickey Mouse made a special appearance to lend his support to the choir.
Then, the choir spent the day at the Magic Kingdom where they learned two very important words, fast pass! Later in the evening the singers watched the Spectro Magic Parade on Main Street and cheered for the SHS Marching Band. The weather today was sunny and 84.
The choir is looking forward to a visit to Epcot Center on Saturday and their two performances at the Candlelight Processional.
Saturday, December 29
The Candlelight Processional was magical and, a bit of an endurance challenge.
There were two performances at 6:45 and at 8:15 with 310 singers, 50 orchestra members, herald trumpets and guest narrator, actress Marlee Matlin. Ms. Matlin's dramatic interpretation of the Christmas Story was truly inspiring. The 85 degree temperatures coupled with the elaborate stage effects made this a beautiful and very warm holiday spectacular. We have never seen so much lighting and sound equipment.
Tomorrow we visit the Animal Kingdom where a real safari adventure and the giant Everest Encounter awaits us. Then we'll head to Downtown Disney for some dinner, shopping and video gaming at Disney Quest.
New Year's Eve takes us to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Sunday, December 30
Sunday was a bit more leisurely as choir members made their way to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Highlights of the day included the massive Everest Encounter where riders ascend the giant mountain in search of the mystical Yeti, the Abominable Snowman. This roller coaster is worthy of the special nickname past SHS singers bestowed upon the Millennium Force at Cedar Point.
Also highly rated by the students were the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride, Dinosaur, The Lion King stage review and a funny 3-D film, It's Tough to be a Bug. This last attraction exploits every fear we have concerning insects in a lighthearted manner.
Our evening was spent at Downtown Disney's Marketplace where we had dinner and the choir shopped until they dropped. This might explain an increase in credit card or debit transactions this month.
Tomorrow we bring in the new year at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There are roller coasters, shows and studio tours as well as special concerts for the big evening! Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31
Today was a marathon day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We had a small glitch in that our passes were only good for one of the parks. With a little help from our friend Tom at guest relations, we soon had access to both parks for a small charge. Universal also offers an eat all day package for $19.99 and with $10.00 in funny money issued by the travel company, many of the students fed themselves the entire day for next to nothing. Universal lost money on that deal.
Highlights of the day included the Hulk Roller Coaster, Dueling Dragons and the Spiderman ride. Choir students attended the Fear Factor stage where Dan Wenzel and Ben Kessler proved to be gastrically superior to the other contestants as they won the tournament. Other choir members attended a New Year's Eve concert featuring Foreigner and the B-52's. Also popular with the students were The Mummy, Jaws and Men in Black. Fireworks were presented at midnight as the students welcomed in 2008 before returning to the hotel.
A note to parents. The choir students have been courteous and responsible the entire time we have been in Florida. They probably won't admit it, but they have been the easiest part of this trip.
Tomorrow we spend a shortened day at the Disney Parks and will depart for Illinois at 4:30 eastern time. We are scheduled to arrive back at SHS around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
The choir would like to thank Cindy Cotten, Dennis Dudasik, Teri Dudasik, Hannah Jensen, Dave Karling, Jackie LaBerg and Carol Sloan for traveling with us to Florida. Without their time and effort this trip would not have been possible. Also, a shout out goes to Terri at Bob Rogers Travel and Dennis from Peoria Charter Lines for their help in making our stay in Orlando go smoothly.
