Disney World - December 5-8

"It's a Small World After All!"

District 6970 Inbound Exchange Students joined 20 more Rotary inbounds at Disney World on December 5-8, for a weekend of fun, friendship, and international camaraderie. Rotary students from throughout Florida - Districts 6930, 6950, 6960, 6970, 6980, and 6990 - came together at the "Happiest Place on Earth" for three days that they will never forget!

The students spent Friday at Magic Kingdom, where they enjoyed an early admission (7:00 AM!) before the park opened to the public. As part of Disney's Youth Education Series, they learned some of what goes on behind the scenes at the parks, and got to go through Space Mountain with the lights on, to see how everything works. Of course, they then got to ride it normally, in the dark. The consensus was that it was worth getting up early for. Despite cool temperatures and rain, everyone enjoyed the rest of the day exploring Magic Kingdom, then headed back to the hotel for a pizza party. 

Friday night was party time, as the group headed for Downtown Disney, and went "clubbing" at Pleasure Island. After a few not-so-hot spots, everybody danced the night away to hip-hop, top 40, and rap music at Motion, with the majority staying until the 2:00 AM closing time!

Many of the students went over to Animal Kingdom on Saturday morning, but the rest of Saturday was spent at Epcot Center, discovering the science and future-oriented exhibits, and traveling from country to country in the World Showcase. The day was capped off by a fabulous fireworks show over the Epcot lake. A hoped-for return to Pleasure Island didn't materialize, so the party moved to the hotel rooms, and sleep became the non-chosen option.

Disney-MGM Studios was the destination Sunday, and the students crammed as much as they could into a few hours before heading for home. In addition to all the fun of the parks, our inbounds especially enjoyed meeting other exchange students from a host of countries, and sharing the weekend with those new-found friends. (Don't believe us? See what Tim had to say!)

A special note of appreciation is offered to our friends in District 6990 (Miami-Fort Lauderdale), who organized this trip and invited our students to join them. Thanks to Bob White, "Buckeye" Doug Weinman, and especially Roy Joseph for their efforts in making it all happen and allowing us to be part of it. After you take a look at our pictures, check out their pictures too.

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