Florida’s school choice scholarship program, designed to broaden education options for students, has an unexpected twist: more than 8,400 theme park tickets reimbursed with taxpayer dollars this school year.
An investigation by WESH 2 Investigates uncovered that families used state-funded vouchers—meant for educational expenses—to purchase tickets to Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
How Theme Park Tickets Became “Educational Tools”
Under the guidelines set by Step Up For Students, the nonprofit administering most of Florida’s scholarships, families can be reimbursed up to $299 (plus tax) for one theme park ticket or pass per student.
To receive reimbursement, parents must submit a form detailing the “Educational Benefit” their child gains.
Eligible expenditures already include electronics like TVs up to 55 inches, the Nintendo Wii, and in-home internet—now, it appears a day at a theme park qualifies too.
Scope of the Reimbursements
WESH 2’s records indicate over 8,400 approved reimbursements for theme park tickets this academic year. Of these:
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Nearly 6,000 were paid through Personalized Education Plan (PEP) scholarships for homeschooling students.
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The remaining portion encompasses other school choice scholarship recipients.
Meanwhile, more than 5,400 additional ticket requests are in limbo—either submitted, denied, or on hold.
Denials often stem from missing documentation or from parents attempting to claim reimbursement for unapproved venues, such as water parks.
Legislative Attempts to Rein In Spending
In 2022, lawmakers debated tightening restrictions on how scholarship money could be spent.
However, those efforts fell through amid opposition from families who argued that cutting off access to venues like museums, arts programs, and theme parks would hamper students’ “arts and other enrichment opportunities.”
According to a Step Up spokesperson, parents emphasized that theme parks tie directly into curriculum objectives:
“If they’re doing zoology, they go to Animal Kingdom; if they’re doing marine biology, they go to SeaWorld,” the representative explained.
Step Up’s Role and Rationale
Step Up For Students plans to release its 2025-26 purchasing guides on July 1st.
In the meantime, the organization maintains that theme parks offer legitimate educational value.
Jim McCain, a Step Up administrator, told WESH 2:
“Our goal is to empower families. Theme parks have immersive exhibits, live animal encounters, and historical re-creations that can align with academic standards.”
Still, critics argue that funneling taxpayer dollars into rides and character meet-and-greets strains the program’s integrity.
Florida’s Office of the Auditor General is reportedly reviewing the purchases to ensure compliance with state law.
Parents Defend Their Choices
Several families spoke with WESH 2 Investigates, defending their use of vouchers for theme parks. One mother, whose daughter holds a PEP scholarship, said:
“We studied environmental science, and visited Animal Kingdom to see real-life examples of conservation efforts. It was hands-on learning you can’t replicate with textbooks.”
Another parent noted that, for her son with learning differences, a day at Universal’s Islands of Adventure reinforced lessons in engineering, physics, and storytelling:
“He built roller coaster models back home after seeing how the tracks and supports worked in person.”
Balancing Educational Value and Public Concern
Opponents point out that, while some rides incorporate educational elements, others are purely entertainment. Representative Linda Gonzalez (D-Miami) voiced concerns:
“Our priority must be classroom instruction, not fast passes. We need stricter oversight to ensure vouchers serve true academic purposes.”
In contrast, supporters like Representative Carlos Diaz (R-Orlando), argue for parental autonomy:
“Families know their children’s needs best. If visiting Disney sparks a lifelong interest in history or physics, who’s to argue it’s not valid?”
What’s Next?
As Florida prepares new purchasing guidelines, legislators and administrators will weigh the balance between enriching experiences and fiscal responsibility.
Until then, it appears that at least 8,400 Florida students have ridden the carousel of school choice all the way to Cinderella’s Castle.
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