The World According to Sydney

Planning a grad trip was exciting yet challenging. When it came time for me to decide, the choice was clear: Walt Disney World. While some questioned the decision, “Why Disney World again?” and “Haven’t you gone enough times?”, the magic, nostalgia, and unique opportunities Disney World offered made it the ideal destination. However, life had a way of shaking up plans. Here’s the full story of why I chose Disney World for my grad trip, why I had to postpone it, and why it still ended up being the perfect choice.

A Lifetime of Disney Magic

Disney had been part of my life for as long as I could remember. From watching Disney movies and listening to the iconic soundtracks to my first trip to Disneyland at just six months old, the magic of Disney was always a constant. Over the years, I visited Walt Disney World 1-2 times annually since I was four, with each trip lasting roughly 2-4 weeks. Despite these frequent visits, Disney still held a special place in my heart, and what better way to celebrate a milestone like graduation than by revisiting a place that felt like home?

When Plans Changed: Why I Postponed My Grad Trip

Initially, my plan was to take a gap year after high school and go to Disney World for my grad trip. But as my senior year unfolded, I realized that taking a gap year didn’t make sense for me at the time. The college course I planned on taking would take two years to complete, and I didn’t want to delay starting and end up a year behind my friends. While I still believe gap years could be a great idea for those who need time to figure things out, I had a clear goal in mind and decided to dive straight into college.

Instead of canceling my Disney trip outright, I decided to postpone it until after I finished college. This decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise. By pushing the trip two years, I had more time to save up, and Covid-19 ended up hitting just before the end of my senior year of high school (yes, I was part of the “Covid Class” of 2020), so Disney World was closed for what seemed to be the foreseeable future.

Making It Affordable

It was no secret that Disney vacations can be expensive. Flights, park tickets, food, and accommodations add up quickly, especially when traveling from Canada. However, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. For instance, while I had never stayed in a Disney resort hotel with my family due to the high costs, splitting the cost of a room with friends made it much more affordable. Plus, staying on property meant we had access to perks like early park entry, free transportation, and the immersive Disney experience, all at a fraction of the usual price.

Experiencing the Old and New

One of the most exciting parts of this trip was the opportunity to explore both the familiar and the new. Disney is constantly evolving, with new attractions, hotels, and experiences added all the time. I got to revisit my favorite rides and memories while also trying out things I had never done before!

The Beauty of Postponing

While postponing a trip could be disappointing, it wasn’t the end of the world. Whatever the reason, be it financial, circumstantial, or otherwise, travel was and is always waiting for me. Delaying my grad trip only added to the excitement, as it gave me more time to plan and save, and it gave me something to look forward to during the dark days of lockdown.

Final Thoughts

For me, Disney World is more than a theme park. It’s a place of nostalgia, joy, and endless magic. Celebrating my graduation there allowed me to honor the past while creating new memories with my cousin, who ended up going with me to celebrate her high school graduation (she was Class of 2021). Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a first-time visitor, Disney World offers something unforgettable for everyone.

Are you planning a Disney trip or thinking about it? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below or message me on social media @theworldaccordingtosydney. Don’t forget to join my mailing list to stay updated on my adventures and tips for making the most of your Disney vacation!