First Hand Trip Experience – DC & Orlando

Four Winds Tours is a family-run boutique student travel organization that will work closely with you to make sure your students get challenged to move forward to higher education. We are a minority women-owned business and have specialized in student tours for 30 years.

Hello Educators, School Administrators, and Faculty!

I hope you’re all doing well. I’ve just returned from a whirlwind of experiences in Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, as part of a recent FAM trip (a “familiarization” tour for travel professionals). After experiencing both destinations firsthand, I’m excited to share my findings with you. There’s so much to see and do in both cities, and after vetting vendors and checking out sites, I’ve got some great recommendations for school groups. Let’s dive right in!

Washington, D.C. – A Classroom in the Capital

My trip started with a flight into D.C., and despite a slight delay, it was smooth sailing once we arrived. I stayed at the Hyatt Centric Arlington, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The hotel is located just a short walk from the metro, making it easy to get around, which is a big plus for school groups traveling in D.C. The metro system is very straightforward, and for $13 a day, you get unlimited rides. Compared to NYC’s subway system, I’d say it’s much easier to navigate, so I’d feel comfortable recommending it for school trips.

My Top Picks for School Group Visits in D.C.

1. The National Mall
We spent a good chunk of time exploring the National Mall, hopping from one monument to another. The beauty of the Mall is its wide open spaces, and it’s perfect for school groups to explore while still soaking in history and culture. The best part? You can rent VEO e-bikes (about $20 for two hours) to zip between monuments, giving students a fun and energy-efficient way to see more without getting too tired. It’s a great option if you have a lot of ground to cover.

2. The O Museum in the Mansion – Fun, But Not Ideal for Larger Groups
One of the more quirky places we visited was the O Museum in the Mansion with its Secret Door experience. It’s a treasure hunt of sorts, where you explore hidden rooms and discover quirky art and memorabilia. While it was a lot of fun, I wouldn’t recommend it for large school groups. It’s small, and the “hidden doors” would lose their charm if there were too many people crowding the space. This one’s better suited for small groups with plenty of time to explore.

3. The U.S. Capitol & Smithsonian Museums
No visit to D.C. would be complete without a trip to the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian Museums. These are staples of any D.C. school trip and for good reason! Not only do they offer great educational value, but many of the museums are free to enter, making them a cost-effective option for groups.

Orlando, FL – Sunshine, Thrills, and Plenty of Learning

Next up, I made my way to Orlando, Florida, where the sun greeted me—along with some unexpected cold weather (typical for a New Yorker!). After meeting up with my colleagues, we explored Universal Studios and Disney World, with a side trip to check out some of the local hotels and venues. So, what did I find? Let’s break it down:

School Group Fun in Orlando – The Ultimate Theme Park Experience

1. Universal Studios Orlando – A VIP Experience
If you want to give your students the VIP treatment, Universal Studios Orlando is the place to be. We were lucky enough to get VIP Tour Guides who took us straight to the front of the lines. No waiting—just straight onto the rides, plus a sneak peek behind the scenes. I have to say, Universal blew me away. We spent the day zipping between rides in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. I’d recommend this experience for groups that want to add a little extra magic to their day. The VIP experience isn’t cheap, but it’s totally worth it for larger groups who want to maximize their park time.

2. EPIC Universe – The Next Big Thing
Universal’s new park, EPIC Universe, is something all the kids will love. It’s packed with detail, especially in the Super Mario World section, and offers a fun mix of rides and immersive experiences. It’s not a park you need to spend more than a day at, but if your group loves theme parks, EPIC is absolutely worth including in your itinerary.

3. Disney Imagination Campus – A One-Stop Shop for School Groups
Let’s not forget about Disney Imagination Campus. I had a chance to check out some of Disney’s new offerings for student groups. From workshops in the parks to special events and dining experiences, Disney has a lot of options to make a school group’s visit feel extra special. One major update: Starting in 2026, Disney World will no longer require park reservations, making things easier for groups planning their visits. And don’t forget, Disney offers several add-ons like First Ride Breakfasts or Dinner Parties that can really elevate the experience and create lasting memories.

Where Will Your School Go Next?

By the end of my trip, I was both exhausted (I walked over 115,000 steps!) and inspired by all the amazing possibilities for school group trips. From the educational powerhouses of Washington, D.C., to the action-packed fun of Orlando, both cities offer tons of options for creating an unforgettable experience for your students.