New Maymester program introduces students to theme park writing

The University of Georgia’s first-ever travel journalism program focused on theme park and food writing immersed 22 students at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando in May 2026 to produce storytelling for social media, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Grady Newsource.

Senior Lecturer Lori Johnston (ABJ ’95, MFA ’17), a participant in UGA’s Domestic Study Fellows program, created the Maymester, which is among several summer study away programs offered by Grady College. Orlando, Florida, is the epicenter of theme park tourism and an important destination for cultural, economic, academic and professional reasons.

The inaugural program brought together students from a variety of majors who produced stories on food trends in the parks and EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, reviews of festival food, new rides and nighttime shows, news stories on construction, technology and park merchandise, and tips for travelers with kids, going solo and maximizing a budget. 

Students represented majors including journalism, public relations, advertising, entertainment and media students, and economics. The students learned about travel journalism, theme park and tourism public relations and communications, digital storytelling and culinary journalism from program faculty, 18 guest speakers and special educational tours from Disney Imagination Campus and Universal Orlando. 

“The park assignments for this class have been a blast, and each of the guest speakers has been so fascinating to hear from,” said Kyle Yuzzi, a journalism major. “This has been the highlight of my college experience so far.”

Published story subjects included: how to eat gluten-free at Disney, how to fill a day at Animal Kingdom, the impact of construction on visiting the parks and how wait times compare at Disney and Universal.

The Experience

The 16-day program taught foundational skills in journalistic writing and digital storytelling. Students worked in the parks to pitch and publish pieces on deadline, with guidance from Johnston, who has written about theme parks for publications, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and magazines, and graduate assistant Shelby Watson.

“Theme park and food writing are legitimate forms of journalism,” Johnston said. “Media outlets cover theme park tourism because of its news value, opportunities for strong reporting, critical writing and compelling visuals, and intersection with issues, such as the economy.”

The timing of the inaugural program coincided with the one-year anniversary of Epic Universe, and reimagined rides and experiences at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, which both have major construction projects under way. Future Maymesters in Orlando will continue to cover the evolution of park rides, lands and technology, and its food scene.

Several University of Georgia and Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication alumni supported the program as guest speakers, including Carole Munroe (ABJ ’82), Eric Baker (ABJ ’90), Cameron Klaus (ABJ ’09), Allison Thiel (AB ’22), Tom Johnson (ABJ ’90) and Ashlyn Webb (AB ’19). Pam Brandon, author of Disney cookbooks, and guest speakers representing The Walt Disney Co., Universal Orlando Destinations and Experiences, The Orlando Sentinel, Fantastical Vacations and Top News Talent also shared their insight.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with everyone and expanding my reporting skills. The guest speakers were excellent and inspired me to foster connections,” said Sarah Roper, who is majoring in journalism and English.

The Debrief

The fast-paced program taught students to identify the news hook and value to audiences in their coverage. Students often were in the parks for more than 14 hours a day, from the opening “rope drop” to close, gathering images and information from their experiences as parkgoers with an eye on how to best tell their stories and identifying interesting angles. 

Students also said they appreciated the accessibility of Orlando via car or plane and the ability to stay on property for the immersive experience.

Program faculty provided park history and context, along with brainstorming, guidance and editing in the parks and during class sessions.

“I came into this trip expecting to learn and practice travel writing in a place that I love. Coming out of this experience, I learned so much more,” said Sidny Cannon, an advertising major. “Being able to be in the field, learning, was immersive and helped me understand journalism. I am so thankful to have been given this chance, and I enjoyed every minute.” 

Author: Lori Johnston, ljohns@uga.edu; Editor: Sam Tupper, samuel.tupper@uga.edu