Instead of attending Downtown Disney before the official Grad Nite celebration, students were allowed to choose between Islands of Adventures or Universal Studios as a result of having a Two-Park-Four-Day pass. This idea was brilliant as students were able to decide what they would enjoy most.

"We chose to offer students the two-day pass because of flexibility," Rachel Fernandez, senior class president, said.

This change was the result of a greater change—the switch of Grad Nite’s venue to Hollywood Studios from Magic Kingdom.

"Due to the change of Grad Nite’s venue, Grad Nite began at 8:00 instead of 10:00 P.M., they did not offer a Blast Off Party, which is what takes place in Downtown Disney," Ana Suarez, Activities Director, said.

On Saturday, students visited Sea World, which offered unique attractions and rare live entertainment (along with air conditioned areas and comfortable chairs). The inclusion of a park that offers the opportunity to see the world’s largest predator, the killer whale, perform tricks that seem to defy gravity compensated for the lack of enjoyment at Hollywood Studios (formerly called MGM) the night before.

"I definitely think that the addition of Sea World was amazing. Since Grad Nite was changed to Hollywood Studios, Sea World made up for the fact that Grad Nite wasn’t all that great," Raquel Pauth, senior, said.

Ironically, the least enjoyable change was the switch from Disney’s Magic Kingdom to their Hollywood Studios park; it was out of the hands of Student Activities. Though students complain that lines were long, it must be stated that lines are long regardless—20,000 seniors are a lot of people to house. Students should also keep in mind that, if Grad Nite were to have taken place at Magic Kingdom, lines would have been equally long for one less attraction; Space Mountain is under reconstruction.

Despite the overcrowding, the trip was a success. These changes should be taken into consideration when the itinerary for next year’s senior class is being thought out.

"They should keep the Islands of Adventure and Universal two-day pass," Samantha Campagna, junior, said.

One unavoidable change next year, is that Grad Nite will return to its traditional home, Magic Kingdom.

"It’s good that Grad Nite will be at Magic Kingdom next year," Campagna said. "There’s a spectrum of things to do at Grad Nite."

And then there was the food: the $325.00 only covered the bus, hotel, and admissions to Islands of Adventures, the actual Grad Nite event, and Sea World. In reality, students got more for their money than they imagined.

"[The money paid by students] didn’t cover any meals… Activities paid for all the meals except two," Suarez said. "I’m actually arguing with the bus company because it’s crazy how much they charge us… I will change companies if they can’t give us a better price because I will not raise the price."

However, for those who cannot attend Grad Nite, attend something else. Whether that "something else" is Senior Picnic or Prom, take part. Dress up during Senior Spirit Week. Yell until you are hoarse at football games. Attend school events, such as Cav Crash or drama showcases. Understand that the event itself can only do so much—fun is subjective.

"I don’t care what happens; it’ll be fun regardless. You’re with your friends; you make it fun," Brandon Simons, junior, said when asked about the prospect of Grad Bash and his imminent senior year.

I say this because what is most impacting about the Grad Bash experience is sitting in the cafeteria, waiting for bag checks, and realizing that these 280 bodies will be together only one more time. The opportunity to enjoy senior year is one that should not be passed up, regardless of the reason.