Main Street to Hollywood: Disneyland and Los Angeles

Sunshine, creativity, and the thrill of performance…California delivers all three in unforgettable ways. For student groups focused on music, media, dance, or the performing arts, there’s hardly a better destination. One morning your students are marching down Main Street, U.S.A., and another they’re stepping into a professional Hollywood recording studio for a tour. This isn’t your ho-hum student trip. It’s an immersive West Coast adventure.

By blending the magic of Disneyland with the real-world inspiration of Los Angeles, this region offers a rare combination of iconic performance venues, hands-on workshops, and behind-the-scenes exposure to the entertainment industry. For student travelers, it’s equal parts education and excitement – and 100% awesome!

Why Choose Disneyland and L.A. for Student Groups?

If you’re looking for workshops mixed in with all the fun, Disneyland’s Imagination Campus sets the gold standard for student enrichment. These unique programs go far beyond typical music clinics. Your students can learn to score soundtracks, master choreography, or refine their vocal technique, all under the guidance of working Disney professionals. And few performance experiences rival the excitement of taking the stage at Disneyland or marching through the park with cheering crowds on both sides.

Just beyond Anaheim, the city of Los Angeles opens the door to the entertainment industry itself. Students can explore legendary recording studios, walk active film lots, and see how their classroom skills connect with real-world careers in music, media, and production. (In addition to the simple thrill of walking among the stars!)

Beyond the studios and soundstages, Southern California also offers stunning coastlines, cultural landmarks, and iconic sightseeing opportunities. It’s a destination that inspires curiosity, nurtures talent, and will give students a firsthand look at the creative industries that shape our culture.

Top Things to Do in Disneyland (Anaheim)

1. Disneyland Park

The original Disneyland Park is packed with timeless rides and magical backdrops, but it’s also a place where your student group can take center stage. As mentioned, through the Imagination Campus, performers can audition for parade appearances or stage performances, while workshops in dance, soundtrack production, and vocal ensembles provide valuable professional insights.

Outside of the performance schedule, your students can experience classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion. For connection, fun, and fantasy, it’s the perfect home base for your group.

2. Disney California Adventure

Right next door, Disney California Adventure focuses on storytelling and innovation. From Pixar Pier to Avengers Campus, this park brings characters to life in vivid, interactive ways your students will love. Student workshops here dive into the creative process behind Disney’s animation and live-action stories. Whether your group is interested in performance or production, these sessions offer an inspiring, deeper look at the media, design, and collaboration that have made Disney’s legacy so large.

3. Downtown Disney District

This lively pedestrian zone connects the parks and offers free entry, making the perfect spot for student groups looking to grab a meal, shop for souvenirs, or catch live entertainment in a relaxed, open-air setting. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a packed day of activities.

4. Group Photos at Sleeping Beauty Castle

Don’t miss the chance to snap a group photo in front of Disneyland’s most iconic backdrop. Pro tip: Coordinating the moment with school colors, matching shirts, or performance attire adds a polished, professional touch, which is great for social media or yearbooks.

 

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles (Add-On Days)

1. Hollywood & Highland and Walk of Fame

OK, get ready to experience the heart of Hollywood! From landmarks theDolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre to the famous Hollywood Sign andWalk of Fame, this area will allow your students to explore the legacy of the entertainment industry. It’s a great place to reflect on careers in acting, production, and media and snap some unforgettable photos along the way.

2. Warner Bros. Studio or Paramount Studios Tours

Both Warner Bros. Studios and Paramount Studios offer engaging behind-the-scenes tours that highlight the creative process of film and TV production. Your students can learn about sound design, scoring, set construction, and post-production. That makes this the ideal stop for anyone interested in film, media, or music technology.

3. Grammy Museum

Located downtown, the Grammy Museum explores the evolution of music, from songwriting and recording to performance and production. Interactive exhibits and student programming make it especially meaningful for your choir, band, and music tech students.

4. Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach

After several days of workshops and tours, your students may want to just hit the beach. Treat your group to some classic California beach time at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which offers rides, games, and Pacific Ocean views. Venice Beach adds a quirky, colorful vibe and is a relaxing way to let your students reflect on their experiences.

More Southern California Student Highlights

OK, we’re not done yet. Want to round out your itinerary? Here are a few other top-rated educational stops:

• Getty Center – Free admission, world-class art, and stunning architecture make this a culturally enriching option for art or history classes. For other groups, it’s a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of L.A.
• L.A. Live & Peacock Theater – This walkable, group-friendly area near the Grammy Museum has great dining and event options.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall – Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this architectural gem offers tours and live performances, which will be particularly interesting for classical music students.
• California Science Center – A favorite for STEM groups, the California Science Center offers interactive exhibits and the retired Space Shuttle, Endeavour.
• La Brea Tar Pits & Museum – Ice Age fossils and real-time excavations come to life in a unique L.A. learning experience.
• Universal Studios Hollywood – Offers its own STARS Performance Program and workshops in performance, production, and storytelling. It’s a great alternative or addition to Disneyland.
• Hollywood Bowl – Named one of the 10 Best Music Venues in the U.S. by Rolling Stone Magazine, the Hollywood Bowl is an iconic spot to catch a concert, musical, standup act, and more.

Best Time to Make It to L.A.

Proper timing of your student trip to Disneyland and Los Angeles can make all the difference. Here are a few planning tips:

• Late February to mid-April is ideal for mild weather and smaller crowds – just try to steer clear of California’s spring break (late March to early April) if you want to avoid overcrowded attractions.
• Summer offers beautiful weather but comes with bigger crowds and higher prices.

Keep in mind: Performance opportunities at Disneyland require planning well in advance – usually at least six months. Auditions, paperwork, and travel logistics take time, so if your goal is for your group to perform, planning early is key to securing your desired dates. Let Southwestern Travel Group help with all the details!

Group Travel Tips for Disneyland and L.A.

As the second–largest city in the U.S., you’ll want to have your logistics locked in and on schedule. Here are some travel tips to help:

• Book Performances Early: Audition materials and performance slots fill up quickly.
• Build in Travel Time: Allow for extra travel time between Anaheim and Los Angeles to account for L.A. traffic, which can be atrocious.
• Use the Disneyland App: Great for checking wait times, placing food orders, and coordinating photos.
• Dress in Layers: Mornings in SoCal can be cool, afternoons warm, and evenings breezy. Dress accordingly!
• Visit Hollywood by Day: Best for safety and ease of navigation.
• Mix Education with Fun: A great itinerary might include 1-2 days in Disneyland and two days in L.A., plus some beach time.

From Fun to Film Sets…Let Us Help You Get There!

A student trip to Disneyland and Los Angeles is way more than a vacation. It’s a memorable blend of performance, education, and inspiration. From the joy of performing in the happiest place on Earth to the career-focused learning opportunities and inspiration found in Hollywood, your students will return home with new skills, new confidence, and memories to last a lifetime.

Southwestern Travel Group specializes in student group travel that’s meaningful, magical, and perfectly organized. From handling auditions to booking studio tours, our team ensures your itinerary runs smoothly. Contact us for a free quote!