As you can imagine today was filled with a great deal of emotion.  For counselors it was the prospect of sleeping more than 5 hours tonight (truth be told could be more than 4 hours they are looking forward too).  For students it was the last day of vacation and making memories and knowing they have to return to school tomorrow. For all it was the success of such an amazing week with the performance in Disney Springs and all they learned from the clinician.  It has truly been such an honor to have worked with this group and to know they had such a magical time.

Here are a few things they did today before they left for home.  The biggest hurdle was early this morning and that everyone had to be completely packed and at the buses by 8:15 am.  Once everyone was accounted for, they headed for Universal Studios.  This was where they were able to enjoy a couple of rides before needing to head for the airport.  I think most headed straight for the large roller coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.  Harry Potter and Diagon Alley exceeded my expectations and from a few students I heard the same thing. I can’t even put into words how much you felt such a part of the Harry Potter story in Diagon Alley.  The dragon is amazing, the ride and Gringotts bank is unbelievable and the shops that represent Diagon Alley are indescribable.  It was truly a magical experience.

It wasn’t just about the rides today, they also were able to see Spongebob, Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, the Simpsons and Transformers.  No matter how old you are, it is always fun to see characters.

                    
With a slight delay in their flight it was finally time to head off to the airport. Once there it was almost as if the group had finally lost all their steam.  It was all they could do to just collapse and wait for the airplane to take off.  Once in the air a silent hush came over the 68 people traveling in the group, sheer exhaustion.

Now the final hurdle, parents being on time and picking kids up from the airport.  The teacher begged parents to make sure and not forget to pick up their kids or there was a possibility they might receive a puppy, or kitten, as a free token of being late.  I’m sure all the parents were there, on time, in anticipation of greeting their kids.  Well that’s my hope anyway.
A wonderful thank you to this group for allowing me to book your travel and trusting me with all of your plans.  I hope you enjoyed your trip and had a magical time.  A special thank you to Kylee for all your help with pictures and letting me know how this trip was through your eyes.  I’m so glad that you all had a chance to spend this time with friends and to make new friends.   I really had an amazing time.

To Infinity and Beyond – Traci