- Mar 13, 2024
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There's no doubt that Disney World vacations come with a hefty price tag, though we do our utmost to help you plan on a budget. Tickets alone can be expensive, particularly if you're traveling with a large group.
However, it's been reported that some Florida families have been using state-funded school vouchers to purchase Disney tickets.
In Florida, school choice scholarships are available for families looking to educate their children in various ways, including private schooling and homeschooling. Surprisingly, these scholarships allow for purchases like 55-inch TVs, a Nintendo Wii, and even theme park tickets. They reimburse for tickets to Central Florida theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Administered by a nonprofit, Step Up For Students, around $8,000 per family is provided. These guidelines specify that the funds must be used for the student's educational needs. As per Step Up, students can be reimbursed up to $299 plus tax for one theme park ticket, as long as parents can justify its educational benefit.
Only the actual cost of basic admission for the student is covered; expenses like parking, food, or souvenirs are not eligible.
This school year, over 8,400 students had theme park ticket reimbursements approved, with many having scholarships for homeschooling.
Previously, Florida lawmakers discussed adding more restrictions to scholarship reimbursements, but this was eventually dropped due to family concerns that it would limit educational opportunities.
Step Up notes that families use theme parks for educational plans, such as learning history and culture at Disney World or engaging with zoology at Animal Kingdom.
The new purchase guidelines for the 2025-2026 school year will come out on July 1st.
What do you think about families using scholarship money for theme park tickets? Does it stretch the definition of "educational expenses" or is this a creative use of funds? Share your thoughts!
However, it's been reported that some Florida families have been using state-funded school vouchers to purchase Disney tickets.
In Florida, school choice scholarships are available for families looking to educate their children in various ways, including private schooling and homeschooling. Surprisingly, these scholarships allow for purchases like 55-inch TVs, a Nintendo Wii, and even theme park tickets. They reimburse for tickets to Central Florida theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Administered by a nonprofit, Step Up For Students, around $8,000 per family is provided. These guidelines specify that the funds must be used for the student's educational needs. As per Step Up, students can be reimbursed up to $299 plus tax for one theme park ticket, as long as parents can justify its educational benefit.
Only the actual cost of basic admission for the student is covered; expenses like parking, food, or souvenirs are not eligible.
This school year, over 8,400 students had theme park ticket reimbursements approved, with many having scholarships for homeschooling.
Previously, Florida lawmakers discussed adding more restrictions to scholarship reimbursements, but this was eventually dropped due to family concerns that it would limit educational opportunities.
Step Up notes that families use theme parks for educational plans, such as learning history and culture at Disney World or engaging with zoology at Animal Kingdom.
The new purchase guidelines for the 2025-2026 school year will come out on July 1st.
What do you think about families using scholarship money for theme park tickets? Does it stretch the definition of "educational expenses" or is this a creative use of funds? Share your thoughts!
