Disney World. Yes, Disney world. Twelve members of The Edge publication staff will be on a plane, November 10th, to Orlando for the National Scholastic Press Association fall journalism conference.

Each year the NSPA holds two conventions, one in the fall and one in the spring. The fall convention is held inside the Walt Disney World resort at the Dolphin Hotel, the spring in Los Angeles.

At the conventions there are opportunities for several different types of publications students. There are newspaper, yearbook, broadcast, magazine and online newspaper classes. Many other high schools in attendance have some, or all of these types of publications at their schools.

Networking with other staffs is one of the perks of the convention. This convention has over 8,000 students registered. Students can share their experiences at Round Table opportunities as well as take classes led by editors.

Sheuduled classes by topic each day is one of the best parts of the convention. They are taught by professionals with question and answer sessions at the end of each session. According to NSPA, “the associations partner to prepare nearly 400 practical and professional learning sessions, from high-profile keynotes to specific, problem-solving breakouts, hands-on workshops and discussion groups.”

These classes are based on topics such as improving your sports photography to improving your school’s social media outlets. “My favorite class was the environmental portrait class that I took, it was really informative since I am a photographer and have my own company,” Editor in Chief, Emily Nina said.

During the fall conference last year, the publications staff went to the nation’s capital. Students took in the sites in the National Mall, Smithsonians and several museums located in the center of Washington DC.

This year it will be a little different. Not only will the staff members be able to experience the conference, they will also have two days for going to amusement parks, Disney World and Universal Studios.

At Disney World there are four main parks and two water parks. In these six parks, there are a total of 132 attractions available. “I am most excited for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, I love the movies and I love the ride,” staffer Samantha Kunz, 11 said.

At Universal Orlando Studios there is the main park with rollercoasters and rides that are designed to give the rider the feeling of being inside of their favorite movie scenes. There is a section of Universal where it is completely dedicated to Harry Potter. With Harry Potter fans on the trip, there will be a part of the day set aside for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The staff will be gone for a total of five days of learning and fun more than 3,000 miles across the country. With the time change and travel, the adventure starts. Safe travel, yerds!