Nothing screams “fun” like an adventure to Disney World. Smiles and laughter permeated the Coral Gables Senior High buses, departing for Hollywood Studios. The annual freshman & sophomore class trip forged memories that will last into senior year.

Despite an early start, students were dropped off at 5:00 a.m. for a quick bag search and check-in. Sporting crocs and blankets, underclassmen listened closely as class sponsors Ms. Noval and Ms. Depaola reemphasized bus rules and expectations for Jan. 20. Students either caught z’s or gazed into the horizon before a rest stop near Port Saint Lucie.

Breakfast was served by the Class of 2025 representatives, which included bagels and refreshments. Fashion teacher Ms. Monzon provided the food while Ms. Depaola distributed water bottles. Students had an opportunity to stretch their legs and plan ahead for the theme park during the two hour bus ride.

“The field trip [to Hollywood Studios] was a great time with friends and classmates. It was a fun experience overall and rides like Aerosmith and the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run impressed me. I elected to take part in the field trip because it would be a fun time with sophomores…It really did live up to the hype,” sophomore Damian Morera said.

Around 9:30 a.m., Gables underclassmen inhaled the fresh air and sunny skies at Lake Buena Vista. Taking advantage of short wait times, friends hurried to popular attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Slinky Dog Dash.

Throughout the day, underclassmen took plenty of selfies and were encouraged to tag the Class of 2025 and 2026 Instagram pages. Freshmen were seen taking pictures with lightsabers while sophomores got photos alongside Mickey Mouse.

“Some rides that stood out the most to me were Tower of Terror and the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. They were both extremely willing and full of surprises…While my friends and I waited in line, we snacked and kept solving the Rubik’s cube,” freshman Aiden Remedios said.

To organize the event, Student Activities created a WhatsApp group chat for freshman & sophomores. Sponsors Ms. Depaola and Ms. Noval sent an important PowerPoint leading up to the event.

The sophomore board agreed to Hollywood Studios because it garnered the most support from students. Despite the high pricing, Activities Director Ms. Suarez approved the idea following an online student survey.

“The weather was pretty good; it was not hot which was a relief, given the fact that lines were long. My friends and I told jokes to make time fly quicker,” sophomore Andres Betancourt said.

Cavaliers were able to socialize and make memories off school grounds. It is only a matter of time before Gables returns for another adventure at Disney World.