The trip had been organised in accordance with the school's STEM activities, and the second day started with an early seminar depicting the science, mathematics and engineering behind Disneyland's rollercoaster's, which gave the students a valuable insight into both the complexities and conundrums that went into the designing of the theme park. The boys were then given license to roam Disneyland at their leisure, and the students experienced the full delights ranging from Space Mountain, to the Pirates of the Caribbean, and even the odd photo with Tigger, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Gaston, Bambi, Dumbo. Mufasa...I could go on for another 1000 words. (Incidentally the photos were predominantly taken by the teachers, who by this time had concluded that this may well be the best trip of their lives). After a hectic day where one student was rumoured to have been on Space Mountain 14 times, we were transported to and all you can eat at the Cheyenne Chuck Wagon where the students took on the full force of an unlimited supply of food - and won. The manager of the restaurant looked concerned as 37 students eagerly made their way through a year's supply of food in an hour and a half. At the time of writing it is unconfirmed whether the amount of food eaten was enough to gain entry into the Guinness Book of Records, but we know it was close). Despite the full stomachs our group travelled in earnest to the final activity, ice skating. Whilst I would love to wax lyrical about the numerous pirouettes, axels, salchows, spins and lifts, the ice skating arena became an arena for a pile of St Joseph's bodies, with both bruised limbs and egos!!! After an extremely long and hectic day, it was time to travel back to the Kyriad, with all the initial exuberance making way for tired, yet satisfied students.

On our final morning, we attended our final seminar, where St Joseph's College students were asked to present their idea for the ‘Rollercoaster Challenge', in competition with the other schools represented. The St Joseph's idea, aptly named The Twister, presented in front of an intimidating forum of schools from around the country, was extremely well received and the unanimous decision of the awarding bodies was that St Joseph's idea was the unquestionable winner. Granting us the first prize of £100 towards next year's trip and the opportunity to submit our rollercoaster design to the Walt Disney rollercoaster design team. This finished the trip on positive high for all concerned, as the overwhelming enjoyment had by all, was matched equally with an academic success that the school can be proud of. The time had come to bid a sad farewell to the place where Dreams Come True and head back to England. The boys spent the last of their remaining Euros on the healthy options of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Popcorn and sweets and spent much of the journey home on a sugar high. The trip was a resounding success and served to promote St Josephs College boys in a positive light, who were once again impeccably behaved and respectful at all times. This was testament to the iconic legend that is Paul, our beloved coach driver, who stated that in 10 years of driving the tours our boys were amongst the best he had ever taken. Many of the boys will now return to important exams in the summer, and without question the trip will assist them in achieving the best possible grade. In the words of Buzz Lightyear, ‘To infinity and beyond!'

The winning coaster design