Tournament of Roses Parade
With Hands-on Float Decorating
Millions of spectators from around the world celebrate the new year by watching the Rose Parade, hosted by the city of Pasadena, California. The Rose Parade will once again feature the beautiful pageantry and tradition of magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands. What makes this trip so special is the opportunity to participate in float preparations and watch the parade from reserved seats in the Grand Stands. If you've ever wondered how this parade becomes reality, this is a trip you won't want to miss. While in the area, we will visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and spend a day on Catalina Island. Plan to join us to ring in the new year!
Tournament of Roses Parade
December 28 - January 2, 2025Highlights
- Decorate a Float
- Watch the Tournament of Roses Parade .
- Visit the Ronald Reagan Library
- Explore Catalina Island
- Ring in the New Year in California!
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Saturday, 28 December 2024: Arrive Burbank; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport (BUR) no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. Alternatively, you can fly into Los Angeles Int'l Airport (LAX), which is a further away but has more flight options, arriving no later than 3:00pm. The tour will begin in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm with our Welcome Meeting, followed by dinner to get acquainted and discuss the upcoming days. Overnight Pasadena, Home of the Rose Parade - 5 nights
Sunday, 29 December 2024: Historic Pasadena Walking Tour; Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (B,D)
We begin today with a walking tour of historic Old Town Pasadena, known for its elegant Art Deco architecture. We'll walk along quiet streets and back alleys and learn the dynamic history of this foothill city. This afternoon we visit the fascinating Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley to see artifacts from Reagan's life as a child, a Hollywood movie star, governor and ultimately 40th President of the United States. Walk through the Air Force One plane that Reagan used throughout his eight years in office and see a piece of the Berlin Wall. There will be time to explore at your own pace before returning to Pasadena to share dinner together tonight.
Monday, 30 December 2024: Float Decoration; Free time (B)
Today we're off to volunteer as a float decorator. What a wonderful opportunity to assist in the final stages of readying the floats for one of the world's most famous parades, the Tournament of Roses. We will volunteer for a four-hour shift and our exact assignment will be determined by our host. You could find yourself gluing flowers or coloring corn husks...who knows? But we'll have the satisfaction of knowing we have been a part of something very special. Be sure to dress warmly in layers as our assignments take place outdoors. This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Tuesday, 31 December 2024: Day Trip to Catalina Island; Toast to New Year (B)
We leave the hustle and bustle of the city today and board the Catalina Express, a high-speed luxury catamaran that will transport us to Catalina Island, 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. The charming and historic town of Avalon is the most visited destination on the island. It is a world apart from the frenzy of the mainland cities. Avalon offers the quintessential beach town, laid back, but chock full of places to eat, drink and shop. We return to Pasadena late this afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight but for those interested, we'll gather later this evening to toast the New Year.
Wednesday, 01 January 2025: Rose Parade; Free Time; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We get an early start this morning with an approximate 1-mile walk to our grandstand seating where we have a wonderful vantage point to watch the flower-filled floats and see the nation's finest marching bands perform as we experience one of the nation's most beloved annual events. Originally begun in 1890, the parade is seen by millions worldwide. Interestingly, the Rose Bowl, a college football game, was added in 1902 to help fund the cost of staging the parade. After the parade there will be time to wander about the floats. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Tonight we'll gather for our Farewell Dinner.
Thursday, 02 January 2025: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Make your return flight at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish (transfer cost not included).
Tournament of Roses Parade
December 28 - January 2, 2025Pricing
Room Share
$2,911.00Single Room
Not AvailableNon-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- Meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Monday, 1 Jul 2024: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Sunday, 29 Sep 2024: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after
your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your
cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Tournament of Roses Parade
December 28 - January 2, 2025Flight Information & Tour Details
Arrival And Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: BUR - Burbank, CA (Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport)
Arrival Date: Saturday, December 28th. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details will be provided in your Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: BUR - Burbank, CA (Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport)
Departure Date: Thursday, January 2nd. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
Want To Arrive A Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour state date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$186.00 Roomshare pp $339.00 Single Occupancy
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Lodging / Hotels
Pasadena: Hotel Dena
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Covid-19: The US government and the World Health Organization have ended the Covid-19 Public Health Declaration/Emergency and now classify Covid-19 as "well-established and ongoing," however, Covid-19 restrictions can still exist and could impact your tour.
1) It is the traveler's responsibility to comply with any national, local or vendor Covid-19 requirements, including their position on vaccination/booster requirements at the time of travel and possible quarantine measures for travelers testing positive for Covid that could result in not being allowed to complete the tour.
2) It is up to each individual concerned about exposure to Covid, and/or other infectious diseases, to wear a mask, wash her hands frequently, and take all other personal protection actions she deems appropriate, at her own expense, to protect her health while participating in this tour.
If you are unable or unwilling to meet any current and future Covid requirements that might be imposed and/or assume the risk of exposure to Covid while traveling with a WTT group, do not sign up for this tour.
Group Size: This tour will take a minimum of 10 travelers and a maximum of 14. The group will be escorted by a WTT Tour Leader, who will be your driver.
Travel Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard
Tournament of Roses Parade
December 28 - January 2, 2025Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
Because of this requirement, WTT tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.
On this tour, many of the city streets are blocked readying the area for the parade. As such, it can be nearly impossible to drive in downtown Pasadena and so this group walks a lot, up to 1-2 miles in distance. The walking tour requires walking and standing for up to 2 hours, though the pace is relaxed. In addition, float decorating (which is a four-hour shift) can be quite physical if you are unaccustomed to bending or standing for long periods of time.
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 50% Easy
- 50% Moderate
If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Read more about Activity Levels
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- Breakfast most days
- 3 Dinners
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
The weather in Pasadena this time of year typically ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s during the day, dropping into the 40s at night with little chance of rainfall. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Warm jacket—It can be very cold the morning of the parade as well as during float decoration where you will be working outdoors in a mostly covered area.
- Closed-toe shoes—Required for the float decoration.
- Old clothes for float decoration—Bring a change of clothing you don't mind getting dirty. You may use glue or other products that could be difficult to wash out.
You May Also Want—
- Thin gloves and warm hat to ward off the chill on float decoration morning and on the Catalina Ferry.
- Clothing that layers. Though we are in California, it is winter and much of the activity on this tour is outdoors. Having several light layered options allows you to adjust for the weather.
- One smart-casual outfit if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Swimsuit—The hotel has an outdoor heated swimming pool.
Good Packing Habits—
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
- We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase a plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- You are responsible for managing your belongings.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides who are a part of this tour will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Covid-19: The US government and the World Health Organization have ended the Covid-19 Public Health Declaration/Emergency and now classify Covid-19 as "well-established and ongoing," however, Covid-19 restrictions can still exist and could impact your tour.
1) It is the traveler's responsibility to comply with any national, local or vendor Covid-19 requirements, including their position on vaccination/booster requirements at the time of travel and possible quarantine measures for travelers testing positive for Covid that could result in not being allowed to complete the tour.
2) It is up to each individual concerned about exposure to Covid, and/or other infectious diseases, to wear a mask, wash her hands frequently, and take all other personal protection actions she deems appropriate, at her own expense, to protect her health while participating in this tour.
If you are unable or unwilling to meet any current and future Covid requirements that might be imposed and/or assume the risk of exposure to Covid while traveling with a WTT group, do not sign up for this tour.
Group Size: This tour will take a minimum of 10 travelers and a maximum of 14. The group will be escorted by a WTT Tour Leader, who will be your driver.
Travel Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.