A Little Work, A Lot of Magic: Royal Harbour Academy Students Visit Disneyland

Date: 18th - 21st January 

Where: Disneyland Paris 

Students from Royal Harbour Academy recently took part in a three-day educational trip to France, combining travel, cultural exploration and performance-based learning. The journey began with a ferry crossing- a major milestone for many students, some of whom were leaving Thanet for the first time. After lunch on board, students arrived in Paris and took in the city’s iconic landmarks, including a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

The group then travelled to their hotel, which quickly became a highlight. The swimming pool and slide were especially popular, and the students’ excitement was clear as they made the most of the facilities.

Students spent two full days at Disneyland Paris, allowing them to explore at a relaxed pace and fully immerse themselves in the experience. They enjoyed live performances including The Lion King and Mickey and the Magician, took part in theatre workshops, met characters, and experienced the parades and fireworks.

The trip was deeply memorable for many students. Evie described it as “the experience of a lifetime,” while Aaliyah called the fireworks the best moment of her life. Watching the parade, Lizzie shared her dream, saying, “One day I hope I can perform here.” Tiago summed it up with a huge smile, saying it had been the best four days he had ever had. The shared experience also strengthened friendships, with students bonding over their love of theatre and music, singing show tunes together on coach journeys.

Students were invited due to their involvement in Drama studies or the school’s theatre club, where they have performed in productions such as Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Snow White. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to travel abroad, build confidence and independence, and experience professional theatre of the highest standard.

Experiencing new cities and cultures plays a vital role in young people’s development.

Walking through Paris, hearing a different language and navigating a new environment helped students broaden their horizons, grow in confidence and become more open-minded. These experiences supported both personal and academic growth and will stay with students long after the trip has ended.

For staff, one of the most rewarding aspects was seeing students’ joy and enthusiasm as they engaged with professional live performances. Drama students were clearly analysing character, movement and storytelling in real time, making strong connections to their classroom learning. Throughout the trip, students were a credit to Royal Harbour Academy, consistently respectful, polite and supportive, and demonstrating maturity beyond their years.

This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many students. Miss Stillman -trip lead would like to thank Mrs Pearce, Mr Priest, Mr Bouille and Mrs Greenstreet for their dedication and support in making the trip safe, enriching and unforgettable. Royal Harbour Academy hopes to continue offering opportunities like this in the future, giving students the chance to experience theatre and drama first-hand in inspiring settings.