From 30 degree weather, boots and coats to 80 degree weather, flip flops, shorts and sunscreen, the band traveled March 11-17 to Orlando, Florida to compete in a Disney World band completion.

After a bus ride to Dallas, the band students flew Southwest Airlines to Orlando. Sophomore Isaac Ortiz, along with several other students had never been on a plane before.

“My heart was beating extremely fast as we boarded the plane,” Ortiz said. “I was scared out of my mind and I couldn’t stop shaking. When the plane took off, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster and that I was an astronaut floating in the air. In the end, I really enjoyed my first plane ride and can’t wait to have many more.”

Once the students arrived, they stayed in Pop Century Disney Resort and spent the first three days at Disney. The students were allowed to go to Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Each park had its own theme. Junior Ryan Sheffield said his favorite Disney Park was Epcot, which consisted of several different countries with their architecture, culture and food.

“I appreciated being immersed into a vast collection of cultures at Epcot,” Sheffield said. “It gave me a better perspective of the world and its various societies. Also, later at night there is a huge firework show that is synchronized with spectacular lights and climatic music.”

On the last day at Disney, the students performed in a band contest in Hollywood Studios and attended an awards ceremony hosted by Disney. Sophomore Shady Kuster said she was thankful for a new experience.

“I thought we performed well because we only had three rehearsals before we performed,” Kuster said. “When the awards were handed out, we received a superior rating and the best in class award. I’m glad I got to share the experience with other band members and our overall accomplishment.”

After spending three days at Disney, the students spent an entire day at Universal Studios which is based on movies like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Twister, Shrek and many more.Universal Studios was a favorite among the students, including sophomore Gaven Ludington.

“My favorite park was Universal Studios because of Harry Potter World,” Ludington said. “It brought the story and the places in the books to life. It was beautiful. I also really enjoyed the Forbidden Journey ride from Harry Potter World because it brought the characters to life with a 3D video and took you on a journey through a magical world.”

After spending a day at Universal Studios, the students shopped in Downtown Disney and then flew home. Sophomore Mark Wiegand said he is happy to be in Canyon again, but missed Orlando.

“Orlando was amazing, but you can only be away from home for so long without getting homesick,” Wiegand said. “I was happy to be home.”