Tarmac Online

By: Daniel Graziose ’27 

This February, a group of Chaminade students stepped outside the traditional classroom to participate in an immersive, hands-on art experience at Walt Disney World. This four-day educational excursion was designed to blend high-energy inspiration with professional workshops, proving that a touch of magic can be a powerful teaching tool.

According to moderator Mr. Luo, the choice of location was intentional. “Ultimately, Disney has a great reputation for its arts,” Luo explained. As a century-old institution, it has only progressed in it’s fame for creativity. It’s a place where many have been, but where they can truly let their imagination run free. Beyond the fame, Luo noted that Chaminade’s vision was to use Disney’s specialized workshop programs, such as animation, to foster a sense of exploration where art is pursued both academically and for fun. 

The journey began bright and early as the group gathered at Chaminade’s Darby Auditorium before catching their flight to Orlando. Upon landing, they dove straight into the action at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. More than just a park visit, this was their first real opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the experience together.

Even in these early moments, the educational depth was apparent. When asked if a specific detail made him realize this wasn’t just a typical school vacation, Landon Mestousis ’27 pointed to the intentionality behind the park’s design. “Whether it was seeing dinosaur footprints in DinoLand or the subtle transitions between themed areas, those small details reminded me that the little things help you understand the bigger picture,” Mestousis ’27 explained.

The second day began at Hollywood Studios, leading into a “Visual Art of Disney Parks” workshop. This session focused on the architectural drawing of the iconic Disney Castle. Over 90 minutes, students learned that even those who did not consider themselves artists could produce impressive work by applying professional techniques. 

The workshop proved to be a highlight for Tommy McNally ’29, who found the step-by-step sketching especially engaging. McNally ’29 shared how rewarding it was to watch his own castle—and everyone else’s—come to life, evolving from an initial sketch into a finished design with a unique, personal theme.

For Mr. Luo, these workshops were about more than just drawing; they were about professional legacy. He referenced Studio and AP Art teacher Mr. Accordino, who participated in similar Disney workshops during his own college years, highlighting the professional standard the students were meeting. 

The group spent their final full day at Magic Kingdom, participating in a specialized workshop focused on park theme and immersion. Students moved backstage for a hands-on design challenge, using 3D modeling to learn that great design requires both individual creativity and selfless teamwork.

“On Main Street, the buildings on the side slowly get smaller in size to make the castle look much bigger and more dramatic,” noted Mestousis ’27. “That was when I realized that every single thing in this world has meaning behind it.”

Beyond the art, Mr. Luo observed a different kind of growth: a burgeoning independence. For many students, this was their first time traveling without family. Luo noted how students had to manage their own meals, navigate rooming assignments, and maintain a strict professional itinerary. “There was a noticeable sense of independence and collaboration,” Luo said. “They had to communicate with peers and moderators, keep up with the schedule, and ultimately fly together as a team [without their own families].” 

Following a final group breakfast, the group began its journey back to New York. While their bags were packed with physical souvenirs, many left with “mementos” that couldn’t be found in a gift shop. Tommy McNally ’29 pointed to the group’s first dinner together and a private ride on Soarin’ as moments of simple camaraderie that defined the trip.

As the students return to the classrooms of Chaminade, Mr. Luo hopes the bridge they built between concept and reality stays with them. “As we walked through the parks, you could see things in real life and know they started as an idea,” Luo reflected. “The castle was first a concept; now it’s an iconic landmark.” The arts that the students do at Chaminade are ‘little specks’ of Chaminade’s time. What they’ve learned—making an idea a reality—is something they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The trip served as a powerful reminder that magic is often only a workshop away—and that with a bit of hard work and a lot of heart, imagination has no bounds.