Roller coasters, Butterbeer, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is that time of year where seniors begin to grow anxious and excited for their Grad Bash trip to Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios. It’s a daylong ordeal: you arrive to school early in the morning, you spend the day at the amusement parks, and you don’t come back until late at night. What you wear, and what you carry with you is vital to ensuring a successful trip.
Two important factors to consider are comfort, and weather.
There’s two outfits for a hot day: khaki shorts, and white or light-colored t-shirt; or denim shorts, and a graphic t-shirt of your favorite Universal movie, or series. During the warmer seasons, wearing light colors is always the best way to go—always try to wear something with light colors so it’ll attract less heat.
If it may be a little chilly for whatever reason, you can simply replace the shorts with a pair of light-washed jeans. Jeans look just as good, if not even better.
Guys can stay comfortable with a pair of cargo shorts, or track pants—Adidas track pants, for example, are perfect. With a comfortable t-shirt, and a pair of Nike free runs, or similar, you’re all set.
It’s important to remember to adhere by the dress code: avoid ripped jeans, avoid clothing representing the school or area codes, and avoid revealing items, such as tank tops.
Now that the outfit is covered, it’s time to worry about what to take.
Never take a bag the size of a typical school book bag to amusement parks—the recommended size is 8.5in by 5.5in. Not only do big bags get annoying to carry around, but also the majority of the rides in Universal and Islands require riders to place their belongings in a locker. Bigger lockers are normally never available, and overall a smaller one is better. A simple drawstring bag is the best option.
On the topic of what to put in the bag, since no one can seem to let go of their phones, and need a picture of it all, a portable charger should one of the priorities. Along with the portable charger, take the USB cords, and an adapter to charge both your phone, and the portable charger whenever you can; the charter buses will have outlets for the ride.
Also, take a pair of headphones. Although it’s highly unlikely that you will use them while at the park, it’s a bit of a trip over to Orlando and back.
Along with the electronic accessories, you may want to take a change of clothes—simple items, like sweatpants, can be left on the bus—for those water rides that have you soaked, and freezing afterwards. Snacks, like granola bars and small bags of chips, to eat when you get the urge to munch are something to consider for the trip, but they cannot be taken into the parks. Also, extra cash for eye-catching souvenirs, or impulsive food purchases.
Overall, don’t forget to have fun during one of the best high school experiences, and make the best of the last extravagant end-of-year school trip of your public school career.
