Follower Tour information packet (including FAQ)

LAKOTA WEST HIGH SCHOOL
FAMILY & FRIENDS TOURS
DECEMBER 28, 2014 - JANUARY 2, 2015
a/b tour
fully escorted
INCLUSIONS
• Roundtrip commercial air from
Cincinnati / Dayton
• Hotel accommodations for 5 nights at a
full service hotel
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation in Cali-
fornia, per itinerary
• Breakfast at the hotel daily (box breakfast
on New Year’s Day)
• Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
• Exclusive Queen Mary Dinner/Dance
• J. Paul Getty Museum
(flight schedule permitting)
• Visit Hollywood
• Prepaid Knott’s Berry Farm ticket
• Prepaid Universal Studios ticket
• Tour of the parade float construction
• Grandstand ticket to Bandfest
• Reserved grandstand seating for the
126th Rose Parade with band
chaperones and guests
• Official Rose Parade program
• Luggage tags and personal itinerary
• GMT Travel Director throughout
program in Los Angeles
PRICE PER PERSON
PACKAGE A: with air
$TBA
$TBA
$TBA
$TBA
Quad occupancy
Triple occupancy *
Double occupancy *
Single occupancy
• Must have a minimum of 10 passengers
per flight for these rates.
PACKAGE B: land only
$1,099
$1,149
$1,299
$1,649
Quad occupancy
Triple occupancy *
Double occupancy *
Single occupancy
(Excluding airfare and arrival/departure transfers.)
* Possible queen bed and rollaway.
• Itinerary and order of events subject to change.
• Must have a minimum of 40 passengers
per motorcoach to operate.
DECEMBER 28, 2014 (DAY 1)
TRAVEL DAY / GETTY CENTER
Depart for “Sunny California.” Upon arrival in Los Angeles
visit the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in
Los Angeles (flight schedule permitting). Transfer to
your hotel for a private check-in. Evening at leisure.
DECEMBER 29, 2014 (DAY 2)
KNOTT’S BERRY FARM /
PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the day at Knott’s
Berry Farm — one of the countries oldest amusement parks. Lunch will be on your own. Later, have
dinner with the band at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Watch
the adventure unfold with a cast a dozen actors, singers
and stunt performers engaging in a bounty of actionpacked exploits, accompanied by cannon blasts, pyrotechnics and plenty of laughs.
DECEMBER 30, 2014 (DAY 3)
ROSE BOWL STADIUM / FLOATS /
BANDFEST
Following breakfast at the hotel, travel to Pasadena
for the day. Upon arrival at the Rose Bowl, there will
be time to see hundreds of volunteers adding their
final touches to the colorful floats. These floats have
been in the planning stages for over a year, and
today be one of the first to get a behind-the-scenes
look. Depart the Rose Bowl for the Pasadena City
College and get ready to view the talents of Lakota
West High School’s Marching Firebirds in this year’s
Tournament of Roses Bandfest. This evening is at
your leisure. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 (DAY 4)
HOLLYWOOD / UNIVERSAL STUDIOS /
CITYWALK
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a visit to Hollywood. The rest of the day will be spent at Universal
Studios Hollywood. Lunch and dinner will be on your
own.
JANUARY 1, 2015 (DAY 5)
ROSE PARADE / BLAST OFF! DINNER
DANCE
Rise and Shine … this is the day you’ve dreamed
about! Millions of people in more than 90 countries
view the spectacular Tournament of Roses Parade –
not to mention the tens of thousands lining the parade route. A box breakfast will be ready to go with
you early this morning. Enjoy great reserved seats
sitting in the same area as the band
chaperones and staff who aren’t marching. Return to
the hotel and relax. This evening ring in the new year with
an exclusive dinner/dance party with the band on the
RMS Queen Mary.
JANUARY 2, 2015 (DAY 6)
TRAVEL DAY
Have breakfast (flight schedule permitting) in the
hotel before checking out and heading to the airport.
Board your commercial flight and fly home with great
memories of California and the Tournament of Roses
Parade.
c/d tour
independent
INCLUSIONS
• Roundtrip commercial air from Cincin-
nati / Dayton
• Limited-service hotel accommodations
for 5 nights
• Midsize Car rental with 2 or 4 doors, includes taxes and fees. Fuel, damage
waiver and insurance options extra.
• Continental breakfast at the hotel daily
(box breakfast on New Year’s Day)
• Exclusive Queen Mary Dinner/Dance
• Tour of the parade float construction
• Grandstand ticket to Bandfest
• Reserved grandstand seating for the
126th Rose Parade with band
chaperones and guests
• Reserved parking pass for the parade
• Luggage tags and personal itinerary
PRICE PER PERSON
PACKAGE C: with air
$TBA
$TBA
$TBA
$TBA
Quad occupancy
Triple occupancy *
Double occupancy *
Single occupancy
• Must have a minimum of 10 passengers
per flight for these rates.
PACKAGE D: land only
$799
$939
$1,099
$1,619
Quad occupancy
Triple occupancy *
Double occupancy *
Single occupancy
* Possible queen bed and rollaway.
• Itinerary and order of events subject to change.
DECEMBER 28, 2014 (DAY 1)
TRAVEL DAY
Depart for “Sunny California.” Upon arrival in Los Angeles
pick up your rental car for the week.
Evening at leisure.
DECEMBER 29, 2014 (DAY 2)
DAY AT LEISURE
After a continental breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the
day at your leisure. The band will be at Knott’s Berry
Farm & Pirate’s Dinner Adventure.
DECEMBER 30, 2014 (DAY 3)
ROSE BOWL STADIUM / FLOATS /
BANDFEST
Following a continental breakfast at the hotel,
travel to Pasadena for the day. Upon arrival at the
Rose Bowl, there will be time to see hundreds of
volunteers adding their final touches to the colorful
floats. These floats have been in the planning stages
for over a year, and today be one of the first to get a
behind-the-scenes look. Depart the Rose Bowl for
the Pasadena City College and get ready to view the
talents of Lakota West High School’s Marching Firebirds in this year’s Tournament of Roses Bandfest.
This evening is at your leisure.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 (DAY 4)
DAY AT LEISURE
After a continental breakfast at the hotel. The rest of
the day will at your leisure. The band will be at Universal Studios Hollywood today.
JANUARY 1, 2015 (DAY 5)
ROSE PARADE / BLAST OFF! DINNER
DANCE
Rise and Shine … this is the day you’ve dreamed
about! Millions of people in more than 90 countries
view the spectacular Tournament of Roses Parade –
not to mention the tens of thousands lining the parade route. A box breakfast will be ready to go with
you early this morning. Enjoy great reserved seats
sitting in the same area as the band
chaperones and staff who aren’t marching. Return to
the hotel and relax. This evening ring in the new year with
an exclusive dinner/dance party with the band on the
RMS Queen Mary.
JANUARY 2, 2015 (DAY 6)
TRAVEL DAY
Have a continental breakfast (flight schedule
permitting) in the hotel before checking out and
heading to the airport. Board your commercial flight and
fly home with great memories of California and
the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Deposit and Final Payment: $250 per person is due at registration. On July 11, 2014 a second deposit of $250 per person is required. Final payment is due on
October 24, 2014. Please make checks payable to Grueninger Music Tours. A $35 late fee will be charges for payments overdue. No payment reminders will be
sent!
Cancellation Policy: From time of booking to July 11, 2014 there is a 10% cancellation fee per person of trip cost. From July 12, 2014 to October 24, 2014,
there is a 25% cancellation fee per person of trip cost. No refunds on or after October 25, 2014. In order to avoid penalties, we strongly suggest purchasing
travel insurance (offered through Travelex Insurance Services) to cover the non-refundable amount of your tour. This will cover you in the event of an approved
accident or illness. Cost of the travel protection plan depends on the number of travelers, traveler age and the tour purchased.
Not Included:
Airline baggage fees, any items of a personal nature such as hotel and attractions parking fees, laundry, telephone calls, snacks, any gratuity to
travel directors, guides or bus drivers, and anything not specifically listed as included.
Travel Insurance:
In order to avoid penalties, we strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance (offered through Travelex Insurance Services) to cover the non-refundable amount of
your tour. This will cover you in the event of an approved accident or illness. Cost of the travel protection plan depends on the cost of the tour purchased.
Tour price
$501-$1,000
$1,001-$1,500
$1,501-$2,000
$2,001-$3,000
Travelex price per person
$82
$114
$147
$201
Responsibility: Grueninger Cruises & Tours, Inc., its employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, agents and assigns (collectively “Grueninger”) does not own or operate any
entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground handlers, food service or entertainment providers, etc.
As a result, Grueninger is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person, or of any other third party not under its control. Without limiting the foregoing, Grueninger accepts
no responsibility for any risk or resulting injury, delay, inconvenience, damage or death which results from criminal activity, weather or other acts of God, accidents, disease, epidemics or the threat
thereof, illness, the provision of inappropriate or no medical attention or access to appropriate medical attention, the demands of indoor or outdoor activities, strikes, political or civil unrest,
overbooking, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, acts of terrorism or the threat thereof, insurrection or revolt or any other event beyond its direct control.
Grueninger in its sole discretion reserves the right to decline to accept any participant as a member of these trips. Grueninger reserves the right in its sole discretion to terminate any participant who
does not abide by its rules and regulations, and/or whose conduct is deemed to be such as to endanger the participant, the success of the program or the welfare of other participants, staff members
and/or third parties. In the event of such termination, the participant will be sent home at the expense of the participant and his or her parent or guardian. The manner and means of transporting the
participant home shall be determined exclusively by Grueninger. In the event of such termination, there will be no refund whatsoever. The participant is personally liable to Grueninger for any
damages caused by improper conduct. [Each participant agrees to be videotaped and/or photographed and authorizes Grueninger to use such material in any advertising in any form and releases Grueninger from any claims for compensation based on the use of such material.]
Grueninger may cancel any trip because of insufficient enrollment or for any other reason. The terms set forth in this agreement constitute the entire agreement between participant and Grueninger.
Any amendment to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
No refunds will be made for features in the trip not utilized. The cost of replacing lost or stolen tickets is the responsibility of the passenger. If a flight or transfer by motorcoach or train is missed, whether
by weather or other conditions beyond Grueninger’s control, participant is responsible to make his or her own arrangements and to pay all charges associated therewith.
Grueninger reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, etc. and all such increases are to be paid to Grueninger upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
Participant’s retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above, as well as an agreement on participant’s part to convey the contents hereof to his or her
travel companions or group members.
Arbitration: Any dispute concerning this contract, the brochure or any other advertising material concerning the trip or the trip itself must be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Indianapolis,
Indiana, pursuant to the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association then existent. In any such arbitration, substantive (but not procedural) Indiana law will apply to all issues.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO & MAIL TO:
Grueninger Music Tours
Meridian Tower
201 West 103rd Street, Suite 380
Indianapolis, IN 46290
(800) 225-9919
(317) 581-1122
(317) 479-1000 fax
[email protected]
www.myroseparadetrip.com
LAKOTA WEST HIGH SCHOOL
FAMILY & FRIENDS TOURS
DECEMBER 28, 2014 - JANUARY 2, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the “escorted” tour and the “independent” tour?
The escorted package offers more inclusions. You stay in a first-class hotel and have private motorcoach transportation daily. A travel director
will be with you throughout your stay. The travel director will manage your daily itinerary and be there to assist with any of your requests. This
is a great package for those who are looking for worry-free vacation and the advantage of pre-planned activities & inclusions.
The independent package has less inclusions, and costs less. The basics are included such as hotel, rental car and the Tournament of Roses
events (Bandfest and parade ticket). This package is popular with those who like the flexibility to create their own schedule and itinerary, but
want the basics included.
What hotels do we stay in?
The escorted tour stays in a full-service hotel in a beach community. It is located across the street from the Pacific Ocean and offers a variety of
restaurants and activities in the area.
The independent tour stays in a limited service hotel that is located near the airport (not an airport hotel), within close proximity to many of
the major highways.
Even though we have listed two hotel properties that we have used in the past, the hotel choice will be dependent on the number of rooms
available and the number of guests traveling on the packages. A hotel substitution of equal or better quality will only be necessary to be able
to accommodate the whole group in the same hotel based on the tour package.
Are we staying in a different hotel than the band?
Yes, the band will be staying in a different hotel that is better suited for the students. The band program needs the week to focus on their
activities and performances. It is easier to accomplish their goals when there is separation from the possible distractions that might come with
student’s friends and/or families.
Are we going to be able to see our child during the trip?
Yes, there are going to be times that you will see them during the trip. The escorted tour “shadows” the bands on most of their activities.
Although we will be in many of the same places such as the amusement parks, it is sometimes challenging to have your child want to spend
their free time with you.
Are the Bandfest and parade seats included (and parking pass for the independent package)?
Yes, both Bandfest and the Tournament of Roses grandstand parade seats are included with both packages. Bandfest is general admission
seating and the parade seats are reserved seats. All Family & Friends guests are seated in the same area as the chaperones and staff who
aren’t marching. Sharing the Tournament of Roses parade experience with the hometown crowd makes the parade even more fun! If you are
on the independent tour, your package also includes a reserved parking pass, within blocks of the parade seats. If you are on the escorted tour,
our motorcoach parks only a block away from the parade seats and your travel director will guide you to your seats.
We have had these same seats for the past 15 years. The seats are facing north, which means the sun is at your back and not in your eyes. This
is much better for taking photos of your band. The port-a-potties are located right behind the bleachers!
Can I just purchase parade seats without purchasing either package?
Unfortunately, we can’t just sell the parade seats because we have a block of tickets that are going to be used for those who purchase our
package. If you purchased one of our packages you can order extra parade seat tickets for relatives who already live in Southern California. If
you are just interested in parade tickets, we would suggest you contact Sharp Seating directly. They can also assist you with Bandfest tickets.
Can I just purchase the exclusive January 1st with the band on the Queen Mary without purchasing either package?
We are offering four packages at very affordable prices. Unfortunately, we cannot sell ala carte options. Hopefully, you will find a package that
fits your needs and budget.
I am requesting to be a chaperone, but I won’t find out until a later date. If I am not a chaperone, I’d like to purchase a Family &
Friends package. What do you recommend?
We would suggest you go ahead and sign up for the Family & Friends package while there is still availability. If you are chosen as a chaperone,
we will transfer your payments to the band’s trip without any penalty if we are notified prior to September 1, 2014.
When do I have to sign up for the trip?
The escorted tour is based on availability. We need to have a minimum of 40 guests register for the tour to be able to operate the package.
Once we fill a motorcoach, we will waitlist future guests until a second coach has 40 guests on it. The sooner you sign up, the better chance
you have to be able to go on the escorted trip. We are holding a block of rooms at the hotel, a block of airline seats and a block of parade
seats. Once we sell out of these blocks, the price of the package is likely to increase when acquiring more seats – primarily the airline seats.
Can I pay by credit card or personal check?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and personal checks for the all payments.
I like the idea of escorted package but I don’t want to do everything that is included. Can I get some money back? We can not offer any
refunds on the escorted tour for unused items. The independent tour works well for those who want less inclusions and are willing to purchase
the attractions and meals on their own.
I understand the independent tour includes an intermediate rental car. Can I upgrade this car, and what other expenses am I
responsible for? Can I split the minivan with another family on the independent tour? Yes, you can upgrade to a larger vehicle for a
surcharge. Please call the office for a quote. You can also share a mini-van with another family. Both families will receive a credit that will be
applied to the mini-van rental and pay any applicable surcharge. Intermediate cars are currently being held and any upgrades are based on
availability. The package includes the base rate and taxes & surcharges. Optional items such as insurance, fuel and overtime rental are the
responsibility of the renter.
Can we go early or extend our time in California?
Yes you can, but you will have to purchase the package without the packaged group air. Our company can assist you with your individual air
or your can purchase it on your own. We can also assist with extending your hotel reservation at the group’s hotel if you are interested.
Do you have information on travel insurance?
To find out information about travel insurance, please log onto www.myroseparadetrip.com and go to the Registration Tab for information and
quotes. Any specific questions about the coverage should be directed to Travelex. Please review the Terms & Conditions of the tour so you
have an understanding of the cancellation penalties. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
What are the advantages of purchasing one of your packages?
Since we manage every detail, large and small, ourselves, you can rest assured you won’t miss out on anything. You’ll be able to attend
exclusive band events only available to the Family & Friends tour and enjoy cheering the band on from our exclusive parade seats.
Not only do we do all the planning, your travel director is there to help and assist you throughout the tour. We believe that there is no
substitute for experience. We’ve been taking high school bands and boosters to the Tournament of Roses for more than 45 years. Few travel
agents have the first hand knowledge of the Tournament of Roses or Los Angeles than we do. And, it’s a lot more fun sharing this experience
with other proud parents!
Grueninger Music Tours
Meridian Tower
201 West 103rd Street, Suite 380
Indianapolis, IN 46290
(800) 225-9919
(317) 581-1122
(317) 479-1000 fax
[email protected]
www.myroseparadetrip.com