The human journey takes us to many places.  Disney World, we must admit, is a place where many go to fill their spirits with fun and entertainment.  It has become an extremely popular vacation destination for people of all ages; however, it can be overwhelming and tiresome.  Also, a trip to Disney World can easily become an exhibition of "manufactured joy" and an unhealthy desire to live in a "fantasy world."

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At Certain Place Ministries, we are offering people of faith a chance to

"do Disney right." 

 

As "spiritual beings," we try see everything through the lens of the Gospel.  If Jesus were to walk among Americans today, he would most certainly find a way within his ministry to use the popularity of Disney World to help convey his message without idolizing it.  In true contemplative fashion, we invite participants of all ages to take a long, loving look at Disney, warts and all, and find God there.  This is the approach we take:

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WHAT?

​Finding God in Disney World is a 5 day group camping trip at Fort Wilderness Campground.  Each morning (before heading off to the parks or to other activities), the group intentionally answers the question, "What spiritual insights might we discover in the park experience?"  In other words, "How can we find God today?"

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WHO?

​​Finding God in Disney World is for groups only.  There is no option for individuals.  We tailor trips for:

• Parish family ministry groups or Catholic school groups that include parents with children (intergenerational) 

• Parish youth ministry groups or Catholic school campus ministry groups that include teens, parents and other chaperones.

• College campus ministry groups

• Parish/Diocesan young adult ministry groups

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WHERE?

We stay at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground.  Now, before you automatically think, "Deal Breaker!" know this:

• This is not camping - it's glamping!  

• Large tents are set up with area rugs, lights, air mattresses, pillows, linens, comforters and heaters/fans (if needed).

• Each campsite has electrical outlets.

• The campground is on Disney property and a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

• Breakfast will be provided at the Gathering Campsite where each morning's group reflection and discussion will take place.  (under a gathering tent)

• Participants do have to walk a little to get to bathrooms and showers, but they are immaculate.

• Staying at the campground is by far the cheapest way to stay on Disney property.  CPM will try to make it as comfortable as possible.

• It's fun and unique and one of the few quiet/not crowded places on property.

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Arrangements can be made for groups that would rather pay extra and stay in hotel rooms.

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WHEN?

Your group picks the time of year (as long as it does not conflict with other CPM programming).

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Suggestions:

• If avoiding crowds is a priority, early September and February are the best times of year for that.  Of course, weekdays are less crowded than weekends in general.  Late January is also a good option.

• If weather is a priority, Spring and Fall have the most comfortable temperatures.

• It will most likely be impossible to book a group reservation over major holidays and school breaks.

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WHY?

Make no mistake, this journey offering is in no way as profound a spiritual experience as CPM's other offerings.  It is simply a fun group trip to Disney World that builds community and intentionally does not lose sight of our Faith.  Often times, we in the Church can forget that Jesus walked the human journey as well.  That means he must have sought out entertaining ways to have fun with friends and family, especially in ways that sparked his imagination.  

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Furthermore, doing this as a group and staying in the campground provides an oppotunity to experience a Disney World trip in a vastly more economical way than if booked on one's own.

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HOW?

Pre-Trip:  CPM will book a group stay and group park package with the Walt Disney World Resort.  CPM will also send regular email updates to participants and conduct two meetings (initial information meeting and an itinerary/logistics meeting a month before the trip)

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Day 1:  CPM will set-up the campsites and have it ready for the group's arrival.  Each group arranges its own transportation to Orlando and to Disney World.  In the afternoon, there is a welcome talk and "get to know you" activities (tailored to the ages of the participants)

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Days 2-5:  CPM will provide ample breakfast options at the Gathering Campsite from 7 AM to 8 AM.  From 8 AM - 9:30 AM, CPM will lead a reflection, discussion and prayer around the theme of the day (which corresponds to one of the theme parks).  The themes are:

• Magic Kingdom - The Christian Imagination

• Epcot - "That They May be One"

• Hollywood Studios - If Your Life Were a Movie

• Animal Kingdom - Care for Creation

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Day 5 or 6:  Depending on preference, participants may choose to travel home on the evening of Day 5 or sometime on Day 6 (at an extra cost).

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Note:  Groups and individuals within groups are not obligated to go to the parks.  All are invited to create their own itineraries for after 9:30 AM each day.

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