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Tournament of Roses Parade

With Hands-on Float Decorating

December 28 - January 2, 2027
Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
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 visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and also spend a day on Catalina Island.  Plan to join us to ring in the new year!
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Tournament of Roses Parade

December 28 - January 2, 2027

Highlights

  • Decorate a Float
  • Watch the Tournament of Roses Parade                    .
  • Visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential 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

Activity

Light Walking

Read more about WTT Activity Levels

The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
  • 50% Easy
  • 50% Moderate

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. 

Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.

WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.

Itinerary

Monday, 28 December 2026: 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 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


Tuesday, 29 December 2026: Historic Pasadena Walking Tour; 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.


Wednesday, 30 December 2026: 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.


Thursday, 31 December 2026: 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.


Friday, 01 January 2027: 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. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Tonight we'll gather for our Farewell Dinner.


Saturday, 02 January 2027: 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, 2027

Pricing

  • Room Share

    $3,072.00

  • Single Room

    Not Available

  • Non-Members

    ADD $50.00

  • Status of this Tour

    Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
Tour Prices are in US Dollars
$500.00 Due at time of Reservation
Due to the demand for hotel space during parade week, we are unable to offer any single rooms.

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 WTT Tour Leader
  • Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption 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.

Tuesday, 30 Jun 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Monday, 28 Sep 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Thursday, 12 Nov 2026: 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.


Insurance Reminder

Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption 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, 2027

Flights, Transfers & Lodging

Arrival & Departure Information

Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:

Arrival Airport: BUR - Burbank, CA (Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport)
Arrival Date: Sunday, December 27th.  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: Friday, January 1st.  Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.


When to Book Your Air

It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however we recommend waiting until you receive your final payment invoice. You will still have plenty of time to get your air (about 4 months).

Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change. 

Airport Transfer Information

Getting from the airport to the hotel (i.e. the arrival transfer) can be a point of concern for some travelers. Locate the "Arrival and Departure Information" -OR- "Want to Arrive a Day Early?" on this page for arrival transfer information.

When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.

Don't Worry. We're Expecting You:  One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.

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.


Want to Arrive a Day Early?

Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start 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.

Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.

Tournament of Roses Parade

December 28 - January 2, 2027

Destination Information

“Excellent trip, one that I have wanted to do for a few years... Loved the Walking Tour (of Pasadena), just the right length and information. Reagan Library was interesting and the outside space was great for relaxing. Float decoration was a highlight (and) so much fun!! Catalina Island was fun... The Parade was the highlight of the trip, great seats.... hotel was very nice and a great location. (The WTT Tour Leader) was very good. Nice, friendly and inclusive. Flexible was able to add some extra things that people wanted to do. It may seem overwhelming to sign up for a tour in which you do not know anyone, especially if you have not traveled much in the past. You will find that once you begin to meet and interact with the other women on your tour your anxiety and fears will disappear and you will have a wonderful time. Note: This was Donna's 6th WTT tour.”
Donna W. - Carbondale, IL
“I was impressed with the compatibility of the women in our group. Caring, aware of others, and FUN. Go, you will not be disappointed.”
Dana L. - Ridgecrest, CA
“Start saving now! If you go once, you'll want to do it again and again! WTT provides excellent value for the money.”
Pauline B. - Virginia Beach, VA
Traveling Solo? 80% of the women on your tour will be traveling solo!

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.
A few facts about sharing a room:
  • 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
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
  • 50% Easy
  • 50% Moderate

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. 

Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.

WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
This tour takes a minimum of 10 travelers and a maximum of 13. The group will be escorted by a WTT Tour Leader.

You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.

Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.

Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.

You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.

Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.

The weather in Pasadena this time of year is typically in the mid-60s during the day, dropping into the 40s at night with little chance of rainfall.

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 that is difficult to wash out.

You May Want—

  • Gloves and warm hat to ward off the chill on float decoration morning and on the Catalina Ferry. Consider gloves with finger grips for float decorating.
  • 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—

  • Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
  • 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 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.
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their belongings without assistance.
  • We strongly recommend you bring only one suitcase a plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
  • You are responsible for managing your belongings.
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider:  the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on hand for snacks and drinks, and your shopping interests and habits. Be sure to keep cash on hand for sharing restaurant tabs, cabs, tips, and smaller purchases. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.

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.
Your deposit can be converted to Parked Credits for use on a new tour if done BEFORE 01 July 2026
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
1) Submit a Cancellation Form for this tour.
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.
Complete the Cancellation Form as soon as you know you need to cancel. This is important because cancellation penalties - listed under "Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for this Tour" - are based on the date WTT receives your Cancellation Form.

Tournament of Roses Parade

December 28 - January 2, 2027

STANDBY REQUEST FORM

1)There is no obligation to take the tour if you submit a standby request. 2)If an opening occurs, WTT will email you based on the room-type available. 3)WTT membership is not required to go on standby, however we do notify our members ahead of non-members.

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