Showband of the Carolinas

The ELHS “Showband of the Carolinas” had a fantastic trip to Walt Disney World this past week with good friends, good weather and GREAT fun!  The Band spent three days in the parks experiencing things from the chills and thrills of the “Tower of Terror” in Hollywood Studios, to flying over the gorgeous California countryside in Epcot’s “Soarin’,” and Space Mountain’s exhilarating rollercoaster ride in the dark.  The band spent most days spent traveling around “The World” in their chaperone groups, but did take the opportunity to spend some quality family time together.  Each night the band meet to see one of the amazing fireworks, water, lights and laser shows that is so unique to Disney.  The first night the group met and watched the Hollywood Studios “Fantasmic.”  This fabulous live depiction of many scenes from the Disney original “Fantasia” and other Disney movies set the tone for the next two nights when the band would meet to see the incredible fireworks show “Wishes” in the Magic Kingdom and a special holiday presentation of “Illuminations – Reflections of Earth” in Epcot on the final night.  Illuminations proved to be the most spectacular of the three with the special holiday presentation offering an additional six minutes worth of fireworks that were of a frequency that few had ever seen! It was a perfect finale to a wonderful Thanksgiving together!  

A commendation goes out to the students on the trip.  There were absolutely no major glitches on the part of the kids. From being where they should be on time to being respectful polite to the Chaperones who were caring for them they were exemplary students.  Having extremely full days packed with moving around the parks and having tons of fun helped to encourage only rest and sleeping once they returned to the hotel at night.  Congratulations students on a trip that was as close to perfect behavior as any trip could be!!! 

A special and HUGE thank you goes out to those parents who travelled with us on the trip!  Those of you who chaperoned were efficient and did a fantastic job keeping our band safe!  You guys are the best!  I would be remiss if I did not say a special thank you to Steve and Sarah Froneberger and Bobby Gudger for their immense support and coordination of this trip.  Our band is indebted to them for their help and belief in what our family can do!!!  Congrats on a great and well-planned trip guys! 

Now that we are currently on our busses getting ready to stop for lunch on Saturday, we can officially say that the Disney 2008 trip has been a resounding success due to the “FIRST CLASS” nature that our band family strives to attain in all areas!  I hope that everyone captured a little bit of that “Disney Magic” while away for Thanksgiving, and that it has made your life a little more rich because of this experience!  Remember throughout your life – All you’ve got to do is dream!!!