Twenty-one students (7 Juniors and 14 Seniors) headed to Los Angeles for SPARC week 2015.  Dee and Julie Hanks were the chaperones along with Ashlyn Kindberg, tour guide, and Bernard Davis, bus driver. Five warm and sunny days were spent visiting educational and entertaining venues.

Day One: We landed at LAX early Sunday morning and loaded the bus to Griffith Observatory to view the Hollywood sign followed by a guided city tour of Los Angeles sites (Staples Center, Disney Concert Hall, etc.) and lunch at the Farmers Market.  We wrapped up the day by going to Santa Monica pier and beach, Pacific Park amusement center and the Santa Monica Aquarium. Dinner was at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp House.

Talking about theme parks have a way of making any trip unforgettable, and for many travelers, the excitement of roller coasters, live shows, and immersive attractions is a major draw. Orlando, often called the theme park capital of the world, offers some of the most iconic experiences, from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to SeaWorld and beyond. With world-class entertainment, endless dining options, and year-round sunshine, it’s no surprise that visitors often find themselves dreaming about turning their vacation spot into something more permanent.

Owning property near top attractions can be a game-changer for those who love the theme park lifestyle. Whether it’s a vacation home for frequent trips or an investment property to rent out to tourists, Orlando’s real estate market continues to thrive. Many communities cater specifically to buyers looking for resort-style living, offering amenities like pools, clubhouses, and shuttle services to the parks. Exploring listings through https://exprealty.com/us/fl/orlando/ makes it easy to find homes that fit both personal and investment needs, all within close proximity to the magic.

Families who visit Orlando often, owning a home near their favorite attractions means skipping the hassle of booking hotels and instead enjoying the comfort of their own space. It also provides an opportunity to capitalize on the area’s strong short-term rental market, as millions of tourists visit each year. Whether it’s a townhome in a gated community or a luxury villa with a private pool, buying property in Orlando isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating lasting memories and making the magic a part of everyday life.

Day Two:  Our destination was Knott’s Berry Farms where several of us conquered our fear of roller coasters!  A four-course dinner at Medieval Times complete with knights jousting and horses performing was delightful!  Meeting us for dinner was Colton Townley, BH Graduate-Class of 2010.

Day Three:  Sony Pictures Studios (formerly MGM Studios) was our first stop of the day.  This working studio gave our group the chance to see where shows such as “Wizard of Oz”, “Ghostbusters”, and “Breaking Bad” were filmed, along with television game shows such as “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy”.  We saw filming of “Ray Donovan” and got to visit the set of “Goldbergs”. Adam Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison, is also located on site.  Next up was the Hollywood “Walk of Fame” and a behind the scenes tour at the TCL Chinese Theater (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theater).  We enjoyed comparing our hand prints with those of famous movie stars and seeing costumes worn in “Gone with the Wind” and “Terminator”.  Several of us took a Hollywood movie star home tour that took us by the homes of Jason Statham, Halle Berry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ringo Starr, etc.  Dinner was at Miceli’s, oldest Italian restaurant in Hollywood.

Day Four:  We took a studio tour of Universal Studios and saw where “War of the Worlds” and “Psycho” were filmed, enjoyed 4-D shows and experienced movie-themed rides.  Dinner and free time was at Universal City Walk.

Day Five:  Before heading to LAX to make our trek home, our group headed to the mountains to see the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum.  Memorabilia during Reagan’s life (childhood to movie star to president) were displayed.  We toured Air Force One and saw the burial site for President Reagan.  Our final stop was the Getty Museum.  This huge art museum is famous for its sculptures, paintings, gardens and water features.