Travel Journalism in Orlando
Theme Park and Food Writing at
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort
overview
overview
Join us in Orlando, Florida, the epicenter of theme park tourism, during Maymester 2027 to be immersed in the dynamic setting of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort to explore storytelling, culinary journalism, and interactive media and entertainment.
“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. 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.” —Sidny Cannon, participant in the 2026 inaugural program.
A trip to theme parks is a vacation for most people, but this destination is important for cultural, academic and professional reasons. Media outlets cover theme park tourism and food because of its news value, opportunities for strong reporting, critical writing and compelling visuals, and intersection with issues such as the economy. Disney and Universal recently have introduced new parks, lands and rides, are in the midst of construction projects, and are expanding their food options, making this a great time to experience theme park writing in the field.
This program is open to all majors.
Students will:
- Visit all seven theme parks at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
- Learn about theme park entertainment, food writing and tourism communications through special tours and guest speakers on site and in the parks.
- Create social media and digital storytelling on site and on deadline using photography, video and text with a focus on journalistic ethics and style.
- Develop as storytellers and travelers by understanding the importance of place and history in theme park and food writing.
- Meet on location with theme park officials, communications staff and employees, and experts such as travel industry officials, journalists, academics and travel vloggers. Guest speakers include University of Georgia and Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication alumni.
- Pitch and publish travel and food writing. Media partners include Grady Newsource and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
LEARN MORE: Attend an information session this Fall to learn more:
-
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – 3:30-4:30 p.m.
-
Monday, October 12, 2026 – 11 a.m. – Noon
Summer 2027 dates are:
Students arrive in Orlando – May 11, 2027
Students depart Orlando – May 26, 2027
We plan to spend nine nights at Walt Disney World Resort and six nights at Universal Orlando Resort.
Introduction to Travel Journalism (JOUR 5570) will challenge you to look at theme park tourism and food writing through a journalistic lens, using creativity, critical thinking and compelling writing to analyze the guest experiences and engagement. Students will receive 3 credit hours of upper electives. Participants have represented a variety of majors, including journalism, advertising, public relations, entertainment and media studies, and economics.
We will explore a range of techniques that travel journalists use to discover and verify information and to tell stories and engage audiences. You will gain an understanding of the intersection between media, hospitality and entertainment. You will develop journalism storytelling techniques individually and in groups using photo, video, text and social media on deadline in the field. You will learn from program faculty and guest speakers who work in journalism and communications with the parks, media outlets and publishing.
The course blends on-site learning with class sessions in learning spaces centrally located to the parks and lodging. The curriculum and assignments combine academic rigor with experiential and hands-on learning for a meaningful Maymester.
“I’ve throughly enjoyed my time with everyone and expanding my reporting skills. The guest speakers were excellent and inspired me to foster connections.” —Sarah Roper, participant in the inaugural Maymester program.
“The park assignments for this class have been a blast, and each of the guest speakers has been so fascinating to hear from. This has been the highlight of my college experience so far.” —Kyle Yuzzi, participant in the inaugural Maymester program.
The Work
Work by students in the 2026 program included these stories and social media posts:
Stories:
- What to Eat at Walt Disney World When You’re Gluten-Free
- Hour-by-Hour: How to Spend a Full Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- When You Wish Upon a Crane: How Construction Impacts Disney World’s Immersion
- What’s Taking So Long?: How Wait Times at Universal, Disney World Stack Up
Instagram Reels and Posts:
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith ran for 26 years and officially closed in March 2026. Now, it is rebranded as Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster starring The Muppets.
- Looking for quick things to eat at the World Showcase at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT park? Here are some things you can try during the Flower and Garden Festival from March 4-June 1.
- The Yoshi product line, including the fluffy mini pink Yoshi plush ($22), remains in demand at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe.
The Expectations:
Domestic Field Studies are immersive living-learning experiences that require your full participation for the duration of the program. Students are strongly encouraged not to enroll in other courses (including online or asynchronous courses) that require coursework during the program. Likewise, students should avoid scheduling personal activities, meetings, or visits with friends, family or others at the program destination.
Although there may be free time built into the itinerary, that time may be needed for travel, coursework, group responsibilities, cultural activities or unexpected schedule adjustments. By participating in the program, students are expected to prioritize all program-related commitments for the duration of the experience.
We understand that special circumstances may arise that require additional flexibility. In these situations, students should communicate with the program director as soon as possible to discuss the situation and determine an appropriate course of action. Advance notice and timely communication are essential to ensuring program responsibilities and expectations can be met.
Any currently enrolled undergraduate college student is eligible to apply. Strong candidates include students who are passionate and interested in learning about and experiencing theme park entertainment, communications and storytelling. They have a high level of personal responsibility and genuine interest in the educational aspect of this program.
Apply
Applications for study away in Summer 2027 will open at the start of Fall Semester and are due before midnight, Monday, November 2, 2026.
Costs & Logistics
The program costs vary from year to year depending on the number of students enrolled and logistical changes. Program estimates have not been released for 2027. The 2026 program cost was $3,920. Future program fees may increase to reflect expanded program benefits, enhanced services, inflation and other factors. The fee is subject to change from what is advertised to students until all students are accepted and committed to the program.
In addition to the program fee, students are expected to pay 3 hours of in-state tuition and UGA mandatory fees through their Athena student accounts after registration. The HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships can be applied towards TUITION only if applicable.
The central Florida location is logistically easy to travel to by car or plane.
The program fee listed above includes the following:
- Lodging on site at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Rooms are double occupancy.
- Approximately 20 meals are expected to be included in the program and are incorporated into the academic focus on food writing. These meals provide opportunities for observation, reflection, and discussion of culinary writing practices with program faculty and guest speakers.
- Tickets to the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando theme parks.
- Special educational park tours.
- Access to instructional and meeting spaces near the parks on class days.
- Transportation to the parks.
- Parking at the hotels and class meeting spaces.
- WiFi access.
- Digital course materials and park apps.
The program fee listed above DOES NOT include:
- Airfare or vehicle transportation to or from Orlando
- Meals beyond those included in the program fee
- Add-on experiences offered by the theme parks
Program Faculty & Staff
Lori Johnston
Director of the Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management & Leadership; Director, Cox Institute Leadership Lab; Senior Lecturer
Amy Hicks
Global Studies Program Manager
Professor Johnston, the program’s faculty member and creator, has written about tourism and food for media outlets including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Travel Channel.
View Lori Johnston’s Instagram stories about the Orlando parks.