Disney’s Grad Nite Comes To An End

Disney's Grad Nite has been entertaining graduating seniors since 1972. Though its reign is ending in 2011, the memories will surely last a lifetime.

BY SYDNEY ALTMAN

Senior year is filled with all kinds of stress, from filling out college applications to maintaining an intense school schedule to balancing extra-curricular activities. But, as the end approaches, the worries seem to melt away as the fun times are about to begin. Starting with Grad Nite or Grad Bash, seniors get to celebrate their biggest accomplishment yet, graduating from high school and embarking on a whole new journey.  Disney’s Grad Nite tradition is coming to an end this year, but Grad Bash’s popularity continues to increase.

Each year, thousands of students travel to Disney for Grad Nite, an after-hours experience solely opened for graduating seniors. Disney has been putting on the event since 1972, a tradition that many age groups have in common. Big name musical performers entertain students and a specially designed firework display lights up the night sky as graduates experience their favorite rite of passage. Some careers of today’s most popular artists began in the Magic Kingdom including Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Fall Out Boy, Boys Like Girls, and many others.

Grad Nite went through many changes throughout its history.  During its first few years, students arrived at the theme park in formal attire and were expected to act in a mature and classy manner.  However, many issues arose as people took advantage of their freedom while in the park.

“Some of my classmates had the urge to swim from the Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian Hotel,” a 1979 Grade Nite attendee said.  “They stripped out of their clothes and made their way across the water.  Other people brought illegal substances on rides with them.  Disney workers hid in the park and jumped out at unsuspecting students who were using, scared them, and took them to Disney jail.  It was wild.”

After these unfortunate incidents, Grad Nite tightened their control.  They allowed students to wear more casual clothes but they enforced stricter rules and mandatory searches.  At the first sign of wrong-doing students can be sent to Disney jail, turning their fun, celebratory night into a miserable and criminal experience.  But, even with strict rules, students-past and present-look back fondly on their celebration.

“Sometimes I don’t remember what happened last week, but I remember Grad Nite like it was yesterday,” 1981 Grad Nite attendee Pamela Brown said.  “My best friends – some of them from elementary school – and I were able to ride the rides all night and enjoy our last time together before we all left for different colleges.”

Unfortunately, due to increased spring tourists and lost profits from closing the park down for graduates, 2011 will be the final year of this cherished tradition.  Instead of dedicating one night to seniors, Disney will give student groups a $55 discounted ticket so that they can come whenever they want and spend all day in the theme park.  Though Disney is offering seniors a benefit, nothing can compare to the fun times and memories that Grad Nite caused for so many generations.

“I’m glad that I will get to have the opportunity to take part in an event that has been part of Florida’s history for such a long time,” University School senior Lauren Siff said.  “I’ve always thought of Grad Nite as one last hurrah with all of my friends.  I think it’s unfortunate that Disney isn’t able to continue the tradition.  Kids will definitely be missing out in the future.”

Although Grad Nite’s reign is ending, seniors will still have a place to celebrate their accomplishments.  Universal Studios, Disney’s biggest rival, began hosting Grad Bash and it became an instant hit.  Grad Bash allows students to go to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  These high-energy parks are the perfect settings to celebrate the most exciting time in the students’ lives so far.  The theme park is transformed into a club-like atmosphere; students can ride their favorite attractions or can dance the night away in designated dance zones with some of the hottest musical performers.

“Right now, we are focused on making this year’s Grad Bash great,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said in an interview.  “But I can say that Grad Bash is a very popular event for us and for our guests, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

Though there are plenty of Disney lovers at Cooper City High School, Grad Bash has been the most popular option for commemorating graduation; therefore, the cancellation of Grad Nite has not really affected seniors and underclassmen.

“Grad Bash is more of a party with better rides and entertainment,” senior Natalie Diaz Paz said.  “Seniors are looking to end their year with a bang!”

Since Grad Bash is the newest tradition, it is likely to fill the void that the cancellation of Grad Nite will create.  It is the end of the Disney era and the beginning of a whole new tradition for graduating seniors.