Known as the most ‘‘Magical Place on Earth,’’ Walt Disney World is situated in the bustling city of Orlando, FL., where tourists are only a short drive from the beach, and are exposed to the many different attractions the park offers. As the most visited theme park in the world, Disney World houses and enchants 58 million visitors annually.

Of those millions, 120 of them were MN band members during their spring break, where they prepared for their highly anticipated performance hosted at the Magic Kingdom Park itself. Students were given the chance to march on Main Street, where iconic attractions like Cinderella’s Castle are located. They were able to perform as a part of the evening parade, which easily held thousands of people.

MN band members only get this opportunity once in their high school career as a chance to really experience larger crowds and environments. For senior tuba section leader Cicily Blaker, it has been her inspiration to keep pushing herself to greatness with her instrument.

“All my four years in band, I’ve known I was going on this trip. So, the entire time, it has been a motivating factor. Don’t get me wrong, I love band, but there are some moments where it gets to be a lot. [I would just remind myself] that I love band, and that I get to go to Disney my senior year,” Blaker said.

Monday, after flying out extremely early from home, the band went straight to EPCOT, taking advantage of the international cuisines and exhibits of different cultures. Tuesday, they explored Universal Orlando in the morning, then returned to their hotel for a rehearsal, practicing for their long-awaited performance at Magic Kingdom the following day.

Craig Mathis, MN’s new band director following the retirement of Ryan Placek last year, thought that the unique part of their performance was actually what happened beforehand.

“It was a really cool opportunity for the kids. We all met in the park, and then a Disney cast member took us backstage, which is neat, you normally don’t see Mickey with his head off, or Rapunzel without her makeup.  They got to go backstage and see kind of behind the scenes, while getting ready for their performance,” Mathis said.

Senior drum leader Emma Schlick’s favorite part of their performance was looking out into the sea of tourists, and being able to find comfort in the transfixed gazes of awed kids.

“It was so cool to see all of the little kids get super excited. They told us before we had started that we should wave at the little kids or babies, because it makes them feel seen. I thought the trip was just super magical,” Schlick said.

On the other hand, Blaker was at first intimidated by the crowd, never having performed in front of children or families, let alone thousands. However, she used that intimidation of the unique experience to remain calm and collected, as she had practiced time and time before.

“I was just happy that I was able to perform for people and bring joy to people around me. It was scary, but not terrifying scary.

It was like, ‘ooh  they’re looking at me.’ But also, these people are here for me, you know? The audience was very full and kids on the side were really excited. And I don’t get to perform for kids. Normally, I get to perform for teenagers or adults,” Blaker said.

After their performance on Wednesday, students soaked-in the educational and research environment at the Kennedy Space Center, dividing Thursday into two sections, visiting Disney Springs as well. On their last day, members socialized at Hollywood Studios before beginning their trip back home.

Despite all of the activities, for Schlick, the best part was simply being able to get closer to people she may not have expected beforehand, and how she hopes it will form a strengthened community within the group.

“I roomed with a few girls [that I didn’t know well], but I feel like we were able to have some deep conversations in our room, and I just liked learning more about them. It allows us to understand what everyone is going through. We’re not all going through the same things, and it makes it easier for us to support each other when we know those background details,” Schlick said.

For both Schlick and Blaker as current seniors, this trip served as their concluding act of their time with MN band.

“My favorite part was hanging out with my friends. I got to hang out with people that I like talking to and being around. [I’m going to miss that most], because I’ll never experience something like that again with the same people or the same community,” Blaker said.

Especially for Schlick, this trip gave her the opportunity to reflect back on her previous experiences in the band, and how she aspires to take that leap of faith once again in her next steps in life.

“I’m just trying to emotionally prepare myself for that last concert. I know I’m going to be very upset, but I’m trying to prepare all of my underclassmen to embrace their time in band,” Schlick said. “I look back with so much joy, with how much our band has grown, and also me. I used to be super shy, and I’ve grown to a high leadership position. It shows me that I can do that in the future as well.”