Orlando is a tried-and-true haven for student travel—and for good reason! There are thrilling experiences, educational adventures and unforgettable performance opportunities waiting around every corner.
Recently, the ETI team enjoyed a FAM (familiarization) tour in Orlando to see firsthand everything that student groups won’t want to miss out on during their next adventure. Come along as we explore all the new and exciting ways Orlando offers students an abundance of educational fun!
There’s a reason Orlando is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” After all, it is home to Walt Disney World™, Universal Orlando Resort ™, Sea World Orlando and more! Thrills are easy to find in a variety of forms, from rollercoasters and character encounters to water rides and world-class entertainment.
Educational opportunities are also within reach, thanks to the Disney Imagination Campus, a hands-on learning environment designed to enhance students’ creative intelligence, critical thinking and communication skills through educational workshops and youth programs. On this recent FAM trip, ETI got to experience just how exceptional the experience they provide students can be.
“The Disney Imagination Campus team spoiled us! They treated us to a fabulous day of park-hopping, along with a dessert party and fireworks!” ETI staff shared. “We love the new innovative, must-see fireworks show at Epcot, ‘Luminous: The Symphony of Us.’ We really appreciate our partnership to ensure the best for our student groups.”
And don’t forget to try encourage students to try the Tonga Toast at the Rainforest Cafe in Disney's Animal Kingdom (a breakfast lover’s dream filled with cinnamon French toast, strawberries, bananas, powdered sugar and maple syrup). It was a hit with the ETI team!
Performance opportunities also abound in Orlando, with many schools flocking to the area to show off their hard-earned skills. One such school doing just that was the Sandusky High School Marching Band, who showcased their talent at Walt Disney World Resort. Thanks to wonderful timing, some of the ETI team were even able to watch their exceptional performance and cheer them on!
The ETI staff also visited Universal Orlando Resort for a day of fun and a preview in anticipation of the opening of Universal's Epic Universe (opening in May 2025). The new theme park will offer more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining, shopping and so much more.
Photo courtesy © 2024 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.
There’s always something new and exciting going on at the Kennedy Space Center, located a short drive from Orlando. After their recent visit, the ETI team can continue to guarantee this historic and working NASA site is a must-see for any group! It’s here that groups could touch a lunar sample (older than 99.99% of all surface rocks on Earth); be in awe at the sight of the massive 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building, which has supported human spaceflight activities for more than 50 years; admire space shuttle Atlantis, which orbited the Earth 4,848 times, traveling nearly 126 million miles; and more.
During their Orlando trip, the ETI team also made it a priority to visit a number of partner hotels for quality assurance.
“Seeing some of our group's hotel choices and meeting their teams provides that extra peace of mind, knowing the importance of selecting accommodations that are the right fit for our groups, from a safety, cleanliness, efficiency and logistical perspective,” ETI staff said of the visits.
Additional must-do activities in Orlando that the ETI team were privileged to enjoy included visiting the stunning 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye Observation Wheel and savoring southern cuisine and line dancing at Ole Red Orlando (both at ICON Park); and quality dining at Earl Enterprises establishments like Planet Hollywood and Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs.
Whichever of these exciting new options you choose to take advantage of for your unforgettable Orlando adventure, ETI will be there every step of the way.
Contact ETI to start planning your Orlando student travel adventure today!
Courtesy of ETI.
