We're practicing carrying cash/cards, etc and using them in a retail setting, paying attention to how much your items are, and roughly how much your total should be to make sure you've been run up accurately, how much you should spend on food, etc (esp at Disney, and she knows you can easily make a snack a meal, or share a Disney meal with another person).
Show her that she can see Disney menus on All Ears Network beforehand. Suggest that she and her friends choose a lunch restaurant (and a backup in case it's closed or super busy) in the hotel room the night before. Point out that this'll save lots of "Well, what do you want?" in the parks.
Be sure, too, she understands how to order a meal through the app.
Maybe have her friends over for a planning sleepover /go over such things with all the girls?
We sent them with a $50 gift card per day (you may wish to send more), in addition they carried an "emergency" $20 in cash each day. (As a mom I separated everything in a daily envelope - LOL - teenagers!)
A big gift card and a small bit of cash makes sense. And, yes, give her a don't-touch-this-unless-it's-an-emergency $20. Since she's with a youth group, she's not going to be "without" something she really needs, but that $20 could be a meal or whatever.
I've been on lots of youth-group trips, and I've always been disappointed that for some of the kids, spending /buying IS the trip. That is, that some kids wanted to spend more time in gift shops than the experience of the trip. I'm thinking of one kid on a church youth group trip who spent ALL her money at the first gas station, and then she was so upset later. But screwing up is how kids learn.
I also sent her with quite a few snacks to share in her room and for the bus ride down.
Yes, send plenty of snacks. If they come back, no problem.
I would make sure she has an external phone charger and show her how to use mobile ordering for food. Being a worrier, I would probably get her a state ID and make her carry that and a copy of her insurance card with her, along with an emergency $20 tucked in her wallet. Also, stress the importance of sunscreen. If she is into makeup, maybe get her some products that have additional mineral based spf.
Yes to the phone charger. I'm not tied to my phone in the parks, but I'm also not trying to stay in contact with a large group /don't need to check in with chaperones!
I don't see the point of the state ID.
I'd send Tylenol, etc.
School trips tend to be about socializing and freedom rather than theme park strategy.
Yes, when we go with our families we're trying to hit the rides, etc. A youth group tends to just enjoy the freedom of NOT being with their families. If she only rides a few things, the trip won't be a failure.
His #1 top tip for the kids: Keep drinking water! #2 tip: Sunscreen!
Yes, be sure she knows she can ask (or order on the app) free ice water at any fast food restaurant in the parks. Be sure she knows to drink before she's thirsty.
Oh, yes to the sunscreen -- and some aloe vera for the room.