Member Information
Friends & Family Shadow Trip
Grueninger Music Tours has created two different packages to shadow the band during their trip to Los Angeles. The first package is the escorted tour which is more inclusive. The second package is more of an independent package that offers a rental car and less inclusions.
All travel arrangements for the Friends & Family Shadow Trip will be handled directly by the travel agency.
Both packages can be found at www.myroseparadetrip.com. Please refer to the information provided via email for your user name and password to enter the Lindbergh Band informational area of the travel site.
FAQs For the Family & Friends Tours
Follow the band to Southern California and experience firsthand the majesty and pageantry of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Choose from two great packages: an escorted tour or an independent tour.
The following are a list of FAQs that might help you decide which package is best for you:
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 air, 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.
Can I buy the package without air if I want to use my Frequent Flyer tickets?
Both packages can be purchased with or without air. If you purchase the escorted package without air, then you are responsible for getting to the hotel on the arrival day and to the airport on the departure day.
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.
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 that 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.
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.
When do I have to sign up for the trip?
The escorted tour is based on availability. We need to have a minimum of 30 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 30 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?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and personal check for the initial deposit. The second deposit and final payment must be made by check only. By only accepting checks for the remaining payments, we avoid credit cards fees and are able to keep the price more affordable.
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 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 too.
Do you have information on travel insurance?
To find out information about travel insurance, please go to www.myroseparadetrip.com, log in and click on the travel insurance icon for information and quotes. To get an accurate quote you will need to have the cost of trip and your date of birth handy. You can also access the brochures from this link on the website and compare coverage for the different plans. Any specific questions about the coverage should be directed to iTravelinsured. 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 excusive 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 TOR festival or Los Angeles that we do. And, it’s a lot more fun sharing this experience with other Proud parents!
