Welcome to Orange County and Cartan Tour’s 2008/09 Rose Parade celebration. After claiming your luggage, Cartan will provide transportation to the DoubleTree Anaheim/Orange County. The DoubleTree Anaheim/Orange is a great location combining the Rose Parade festivities based in beautiful Orange County! The Block at Orange is within walking distance of the hotel offering guests a variety of shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. Don’t forget those delicious cookies that the hotel bakes and has ready for their guests! Cartan will have a desk set up for you to pick up your tickets, program, and seat cushion and answer any questions you may have. This evening we will have a reception with light snacks and soft drinks at the hotel.
Tuesday – December 30 – Float viewing, Fanfest, Bandfest (Breakfast)
Following breakfast, we will board our coaches and make our way to Pasadena. The viewing of the floats up close and in living color has always been an exciting activity. This is your chance to see the detail of the vast array of flowers, seeds, and natural materials that cover these massive floats. We have learned over the years that seeing the floats being completed is a great favorite. A special viewing time is set for groups, so it is always very crowded when we arrive. Additionally, each year there are special activities and food booths surrounding the float construction barns.
In the past we have had some inquiries about Bandfest from our guests. We have decided to include it in this package. We will give you time for lunch on your own in downtown Pasadena between attending the float construction and the 2:00pm BANDFEST show. The show is two and a half hours in duration and features award-winning bands of the 2009 parade performing the field shows that made them famous. This is your chance to see and hear musicians, dancers, and auxiliary performers in action.
After Bandfest we will return to the hotel. The evening is on your own. One suggestion is “The Glory of Christmas” at the Crystal Cathedral. The Crystal Cathedral is very close to the hotel, literally walking distance. Prior to the performance, walk around the grounds of the Cathedral and visit the gift shop. “The Glory of Christmas” pageant, tells the story of the birth of Jesus. The performance is unparalleled. You will be astounded when you see live camels walking onto the stage, and delighted by angels that fly. You may want to check in advance for times and prices.
Wednesday - December 31 Laguna Beach (Breakfast, Dinner)
Relax and celebrate the last day of the calendar year. After breakfast we will make our way to Laguna Beach. This delightful town on the ocean is a perfect place to spend some time walking around the various shops, galleries, and beach! There are many fine restaurants to choose from as well. For beautiful views of the ocean and a tasty lunch try Las Brisas! This evening join us for our New Years Eve dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel.
Thursday – January 1, 2009 HAPPY NEW YEAR! PASADENA ROSE PARADE (Breakfast & Boxed Lunch)
Breakfast beverages and muffins will be available prior to our very early departure. Cartan Tour’s Rose Parade package includes top category seats. We have grandstand seats at 450 West Colorado. From the parking lot to our seats, it is approximately a 2 block walk. Our staff will be directing you from the time you leave the bus right up to the seating area. This puts you at the start of the parade route, near the television cameras with the sun at your back. Nothing can match seeing the parade from this vantage point. The smell of flowers fills the air. The bands are in tune, the floats are ready and you are about to experience the thrill of watching the Rose Parade. The parade starts promptly at 8:00AM and ends between 10:30AM and 11:00AM. We walk at an easy pace and always have staff bringing up the rear to ensure that no one is left behind. Once the parade is over, you realize you are starving. A delicious boxed lunch will be waiting for you in your motor-coach and it is a welcome sight.
We will make a brief stop back at the hotel. You have the choice or relaxing at the hotel, (maybe a dip in the pool?) check out what is happening at the Block at Orange or you can continue to Downtown Disney. We will allow a few hours and then return to the hotel, if you want to stay longer it is a short taxi ride back to the hotel.
Friday –January 2 (Breakfast*)
*Breakfast is included time permitting. We will have Super Shuttle providing transportation to the Orange County Airport throughout the day. Your tour manager will have your schedule. We know from past experience, that the check-in and security lines are very long at this time of year.
