GTC 2013 Brochure

Group Travel Consultants

Student & Music Group Travel www.facebook.com/GroupTravelConsultants

Destinations Performances Festivals

Group Travel Consultants is an elite tour operator serving youth groups who want the highest quality trips at the most affordable packages prices.

Ph: (800) 829-8841 Fx: (888) 384-8481

6923 Narcoossee Road, Suite 632 Orlando, Florida 32822 Email: Info@GoGTC.com

Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

About Us WE DEFINE ‘THE CONSULTANT’

DIFFERENT, VERY DIFFERENT! Please don’t expect us to be the same; We gladly admit that we do not have any salespeople and the reason is simple...

Salespeople are concerned about how little they can offer you all while figuring out how much they can take out of your wallet...

Consultants are concerned about getting you the best bargain, highest quality and the lowest price so that you come back to us again and again.

How are we different...Look for the ‘Why GTC?’ symbol Throughout this information packet, you will see the ‘Why GTC?’ logo.

It is impossible to quantify all the reasons, but these are just some areas where we go ‘above and beyond’ the average travel and tour operator to provide you with exceptional trips at reasonable prices.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

INDEX GTC different, very different! .. 2 Before the Bid ..............…..... 3 Hotels & Resorts ….....…........ 4 The Travel Process ………...... 5 Orlando, FL ....................... 4-11 We Are Orlando ……. .…... 6 Disney Performing Arts ... 7 Disney Workshops .....….... 8 Festival Disney .............…. 9 Universal STARS ......……. 10 Orlando/Florida Options ... 11 New York City …………... 12-13 Washington DC …………. 14-15 Dallas, TX ……………………. 16 San Antonio, TX …………….. 17 New Orleans, LA ……………. 18 Saint Louis, MO …………….. 19 Other US Destinations …….. 20

BEFORE THE BID, DETERMINE THE QUALITY YOU WANT We encourage folks to bid on trips as this has a tendency to keep everybody honest.

However be careful because if you simply ask for ‘cheap’, that is likely what you will get. You see, besides superior service from start-to-finish, we examine your group, it’s unique desires and needs, then propose (based on your input) the best custom package for your group.

We take every element of your travel desires and try to enhance it to provide superior travel experiences at affordable package prices.

Remember: Do not just compare price. Compare ‘Apples to Apples’ and ask for references.

Costa Rica …………………… 20

“Here at GTC, we strive to provide extraordinary student travel experiences at reasonable and affordable package prices.”

John DeCrotie, President, GTC 3

Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Our Hotels & Resorts STANDARD ACCOMMODATIONS Before we consider any hotel, regardless of the destination, we have certain minimum criteria that MUST be in place for our groups: Location: All our hotels must be relatively close to the attractions that our groups will be visiting during their stay.

Safety: All hotels must be in safer areas and have indoor corridors.

Features: - Breakfast: All our hotels must include a minimum of a continental breakfast. In most cases a deluxe continental or hot and cold buffet is available.

- New or Recently Renovated: All our hotels must be either newer properties or have recently been completely renovated with modern in-room amenities.

- Pool/Fitness: Although not all groups are allowed to swim, our hotels will feature seasonally heated pools. Additionally, most all our hotels feature a minimum of a cardio/fitness room.

- Quad Occupancy or More: Unless otherwise requested by the client, our hotels will comfortably sleep at least 4 people in each room in double or larger beds.

- Youth Group Friendly: We require that the hotels be willing and experienced with working with youth groups. This is important for proper room blocks and group handling.

UPGRADED ACCOMMODATIONS Now you have seen our higher-quality ‘standard approach’ to hotels, but at GTC we like to take your accommodations to the ‘next level” by offering suites.

Suites can not only enhance the group experience, but sometimes cost less per person.

Features: In addition to the standard features above, our suite properties will upgrade your experience with the following features.

- Breakfast: As part of the upgrade to suites and in most cases, a full buffet breakfast is included.

- Much Larger Rooms: Depending on the location, your group will have a much larger suite.

Whether it is an extended room, additional room or full-fledged condo-style suite property, your group will be able to stretch out in a more luxurious and pleasing environment.

- Upgraded Room Amenities: From large flat-screen TV’s to microwaves and refrigerators, our suite properties are not only larger, but much classier.

- Possibly More Economical: Yes, by upgrading you can actually save money per person. Most suites will hold a minimum of 6 youth group members and when you divide a slightly higher per night suite rate by more people in that room, the per person cost can actually be less than a standard hotel.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Travel Planner Services THE TRAVEL PROCESS Prior to contacting a travel planner (hopefully GTC)...

1. Decide on one or two destinations you may want to take your group.

2. Check your school calendar and come up with a travel date (or two) that will work for your group. Remember that if you choose to travel after the school year, many students will be getting summer jobs so your travel dates should be very soon after graduation.

3. Decide how many will travel. When deciding this, consider the following: We suggest one chaperone for every 15 to 20 students, however your school may have a mandatory minimum. If you are traveling by charter motor coach, you will want to fill every seat possible to keep the split coach cost to a minimum. The typical charter motor coach has 55 seats so the most economical numbers are 50-55 people (1 coach) or 100-110 people (2 coaches) and so on.

4. Decide how you will get to your destination. If your group is very small (15-35 travelers) you may want to consider renting vans and have chaperones drive.

Of course this is inconvenient, but it is much more economical than a charter coach for this size group.

Overall, motor coaches are the most economical for groups of 40 or more. Just remember that if you decide to handle the coach arrangements yourself, there are other costs associated with the coach including drivers rooms, tolls, parking fees and fuel surcharges. At GTC, these charges are automatically included in our ‘per coach ‘ quotes and are guaranteed not to increase once deposited. If you decide that you would like to fly commercial airlines to your destination, you will need at least 15 people (in most cases) to qualify for group rates.

There are several other factors involved in flying (i.e. earlier deposits, instrument/baggage fees and requirements, local transfers, name lists, etc.) so please contact one of our consultants for more details.

5. Consider your goals once you reach your destination.

Is this a ‘fun trip’, a public noncompetitive performance trip, a trip to compete or is it educational where you may want a workshop/clinic. If you are not sure of the options available, contact us and we will discuss the options and requirements for each of them.

Now you are ready to contact a travel planner (hopefully GTC)...

1. Contact us and tell us about your ideas.

2. Let us take it from there. We will prepare a no-obligation proposal and itinerary and send it to you.

3. Recruit your travelers.

The toughest thing you will probably have to do is obtain commitments from your group. Of course everybody wants to go on the trip, the next thing is to have them to commit (normally in the form of a deposit). Start this process early so that you have plenty of time to split up the payments and prepare your room list.

DID YOU KNOW? When you have GTC handle your motor coach arrangements and once you have deposited, we insure that your ‘per coach’ cost never increases*...even if fuel prices skyrocket and the coach company adds a fuel surcharge. GTC includes all the costs associated with your coach including the drivers rooms, tolls, parking AND fuel surcharges. * Based on itinerary proposed with your coach quote.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Orlando, Florida - Perform, Compete or Just Play WE ARE LITERALLY HERE FOR YOU! Group Travel Consultants is based in Orlando, Florida, and the owner of GTC has not only been in the student music travel industry for 20 years, but for 6 of those years he ran the performance program at a major Orlando theme park.

His experience and relationships with both the industry and music directors from all over the country give him and the staff at GTC an unprecedented perspective into youth group travel that few others have.

Orlando is a playground for the young and old with world-class attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Very few travel destinations offer your group the opportunity for audiences that WANT to be entertained and whom will appreciate your students’ developing talents and musical skills. Whether it is a march through Disney’s Magic Kingdom or a stage performance in a competitive music festival, Group Travel Consultants will first learn about and then advise you as to the ideal opportunities for your group.

Once your group is here, we will be with you everyday to make sure that all that we spoke about before the trip actually happens during the trip.

The next few pages will give you a brief description of some of the performance opportunities available.

We are proud to offer the Disney Performing Arts programs where they continue to grow and evolve to meet the expanding educational, performance and experiential needs of today’s performing youth.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Orlando - Walt Disney World® Resort DISNEY’S PERFORMING ARTS ONSTAGE The Performance of a Lifetime!

There's nothing more exciting, or more magical, than performing on a Disney stage in front of an international audience. Disney Performing Arts OnStage sets the standard for which all other performance opportunities are measured. Expose your group to the highest level of performance excellence, as well as a taste of show biz — Disney style. Reinforce lifelong lessons in teamwork, discipline and artistic growth at one of the most high-profile venues in the world.

For some, a Disney performance is a crowning achievement. For others, it's a launch pad to greatness. And everyone will experience the excitement of Disney's world-famous attractions and discover why this is the place where dreams come true.

The Disney Difference •

• • •

A once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity in the most magical place in the World VIP treatment that is exclusively Disney Optional performance workshops taught by Disney professionals Disney excitement around every corner

WHAT: This "performance of a lifetime" for bands, choirs, dancers, auxiliary teams and other groups allows you a public live performance in front of a Disney audience alone or combine it with optional workshop for added educational and artistic value.

WHEN & WHERE: Year-round at Walt Disney World® Resort.

REQUIREMENTS: Submission of all three of the following: video audition tape (VHS or DVD), completed application (provided by GTC) and an 8x10’ or smaller photo of the performance attire.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Orlando - Walt Disney World® Resort DISNEY’S PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOPS

Perform Like a Professional!

Encourage your students to shine by enrolling them in Disney Performing Arts Workshops hosted by professional Disney clinicians who reinforce important concepts and help fine-tune techniques that will guide students toward bright futures in performance. These hands-on sessions will enrich the value of your group's visit by providing students with a feel for what it's like to be a professional performance artist -- from the preparation and skill-development stages to rehearsing and performing. And it is done the Disney way, with a special touch of magic.

Each workshop focuses on one of four disciplines -- vocal, dance, instrumental and theatre -- and is tailored to a particular experience level. Best of all, the workshops are offered at the Walt WHAT: Disney World® Resort, so students not These Disney Performing Arts o n l y g e t a r e w a r d i n g l e a r n i n g Workshops reinforce important experience, they also have the c o n c e p t s a n d p e r f o r m a n c e opportunity to explore the excitement techniques, blending them with the of the theme parks! magic of Disney, to help guide The Disney Difference • A once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity in the most magical place in the world • VIP treatment that is exclusively Disney • Disney excitement around every corner 8

students toward bright futures.

WHEN & WHERE: Year-round at Walt Disney World® Resort.

WHO: Students and all performing groups from across the country and around the world.

Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Orlando - Walt Disney World速 Resort FESTIVAL DISNEY

A Music Festival with Character!

Achieve performance excellence at the all-Disney-produced competitive music festival. When you own the Disney stage, you own the world. Join Festival Disney and give your talented ensemble the chance to compete with other instrumental, vocal and auxiliary ensembles from schools across the country. Directors can choose noncompetitive adjudication options for their performance ensembles. And even if your ensemble chooses not to compete against other ensembles, the up-tempo environment and adjudication process is sure to light the flame to compete against your last performance.

Throughout select weekends in the spring, this educational festival experience gives students the chance to perform at the magical Walt Disney World速 Resort. Performance venues have been carefully selected to provide an excellent experience for all participants. Ensembles are also encouraged to meet fellow students and attend performances of other ensembles.

Festival Disney is open to concert bands, jazz ensembles, marching (parade) bands, orchestras, vocal ensembles, show choirs and auxiliary units. And after your ensemble has spruced up their performance skills and gained a competitive edge, they get the opportunity to explore the magic of Walt Disney World速 Theme Parks!

WHAT: An annual festival for instrumental, vocal and auxiliary ensembles with competitive and non-competitive adjudication.

WHO: Middle school, junior and senior high school instrumental, vocal and auxiliary ensembles.

WHEN: Select dates each Spring during from March - June at Walt Disney World速 Resort.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Orlando - Universal Orlando®Resort UNIVERSAL STARS

Where your group is the Entertainment!

You and your group want to visit the Universal Orlando Resort™ theme parks (Islands of Adventure ® and Universal Studios Florida®) but are required to perform during the trip.

How about a performance in the Universal STARS performance program?

Stage groups will perform on theCityWalk® Plaza Stage in front of the thousands of daily guests as they make their way through CityWalk to the theme parks.

Marching bands will find themselves performing their way through Universal Studios in the cool morning hours as guests are entering the park for the day.

WHAT: A year-round, non-competitive public performance at the Universal Orlando Resort WHO: Students and all performing groups from across the country.

REQUIREMENTS: Submission of all three of the following: video audition tape (VHS or DVD), completed application (provided by GTC) and an 8x10’ or smaller photo of the performance attire.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Florida ORLANDO OPTIONS Attractions/Theme Parks

Themed Restaurants

• Aquatica® Water Park • Disney World® Resort • Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park • Disney’s Hollywood Studios® • Epcot® • Magic Kingdom® Park • Blizzard Beach Water Park • Typhoon Lagoon Water Park • Holy Land Experience℠ • Orlando Fun Spot Action Park • Sea World® Adventure Park • Universal Orlando® Resort • Islands of Adventure® • Universal Studios Florida® • Wet n’ Wild® Water Park

• Bubba Gumps® (U) • Buca di Beppo® (Fl Mall) • Dave & Busters® (I) • Hard Rock Cafe® (U) • Jimmy Buffet’s Margarittaville® (U) • NASCAR® Sports Grille (U) • NBA City (U) • Planet Hollywood® (D) • Rainforest Cafe® (D) • T-Rex Restaurant™ (D)

Dinner Theaters

Whether you decide to visit Orlando for a performance or a fun-trip, your GTC representative will suggest the right attractions, events and meal options for your group.

• Arabian Nights • Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament® • Pirates Dinner Adventure • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theater

Other Options: • VIP Dinner at Epcot for Illuminations™ • Poolside Pizza dinner • Golden Corral™ group lunch/dinner

(U) indicates at Universal Orlando Resort™ (D) indicates at Walt Disney World® Resort (I) indicates International Drive area

FLORIDA OPTIONS MORE THAN JUST THEME PARKS! Often overshadowed by the big theme parks, just a “stone’s throw” from Orlando are some of the most beautiful beaches and eco-diverse wildlife refuges in the world.

Here are just a few of the dozens of attractions and locations you can add to your trip: East Coast • BBQ Dinner at the beach • Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and Tours • Cocoa Beach • Daytona Beach • Ron Jon’s Surf Shop • St. Augustine

West Coast • Adventure Island Water Park • Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay • Clearwater Beach • Florida Aquarium, Tampa • Museum of Science & Industry • St. Pete Beach 11

Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: New York City From the incredible foods, the commuter’s hustle, the serenity of Central Park, the vast array of museums and cultures to the fine arts and Broadway shows, NY does not disappoint.

W i t h t h a t Side, w e

something for everyone, our groups will not just visit New York, we make sure they experience it. Little Italy, Chinatown, Mid-Town, The Battery, Upper East Upper West Side, Chelsea, The Village and all unique and diverse areas that will show you, are what make NYC the ‘city that never sleeps’.

OUR ORIGINAL HOMETOWN Not only does our staff love NYC and enjoying watching the faces of those experiencing it for the first time, but our owner was born and raised there.

As the leading destination for music traveling groups, we take great pride in showing you our hometown and some of the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ places o t h e r tour companies may not have even heard of.

Navigating NYC is always a challenge but at GTC our advantage is your advantage. We make sure to create an itinerary that allows you to see and do as much as possible while taking into consideration the traffic, events and patterns of the city.

Our staff have taken big-city groups and small-town, rural groups to NYC and each one has left with a w e s o m e and exciting experiences to talk about for years to come.

BIG CITY PERFORMANCES/WORKSHOPS A performance in NYC is like non other and one that your students will remember their entire lives.

We will arrange any type of music experience you are looking for - from workshops with a Broadway performer to competitive festivals just outside the city or a public performance at one of many outdoor venues - we can arrange the right location for your group.

Ask us about the Big Apple Classic Music Festival, or one of many other performances available in New York City.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

NYC OPTIONS The list of things to see and do in New York is, to put it simply, way too large to include here, however, below are some of the highlights. As we said before, our consultants will learn about your group, it’s goals and desires and then we will recommend certain activities, sites and venues to suit your groups individual needs.

Museums/Sites ✦ American Museum of Natural History ✦ Ellis Island Immigration Museum ✦ Intrepid Air-Space Museum ✦ Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum ✦ Museum of Modern Art ✦ New York Transit Museum ✦ New York City Fire Museum ✦ New York City Police Museum ✦ Ripley’s Believe It or Not ✦ Rockefeller Center ✦ Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum ✦ South Street Seaport Museum Site Tours ✦ Central Park Walking Tour ✦ Lincoln Center Tour ✦ Madison Square Garden Tour ✦ NYC Guided Bus/Walking Tour ✦ NBC Studios Tour ✦ Radio City Music Hall Tour

Buildings/Attractions ✦ 9/11 Memorial ✦ Battery Park ✦ Chinatown ✦ Ellis Island ✦ Empire State Building ✦ Financial District (Wall St.) ✦ Lincoln Center ✦ Little Italy ✦ Top of the Rock ✦ South Street Seaport ✦ Statue of Liberty Dining ✦ Artie’s Authentic NY Deli ✦ Bubba Gumps ✦ Ellen’s Stardust Diner ✦ Hard Rock Cafe ✦ John’s Pizzeria ✦ Planet Hollywood ✦ Meal Vouchers at sites & museums ✦ Italian Restaurants in Little Italy

NYC AREA OPTIONS Most of the NY trip consists of touring in Manhattan but here are some other options: DJ Dance and Dinner Cruise Although you depart and arrive back into NYC, this dinner cruise deserves its’ own description as it could be the highlight of your trip to NYC. Departing from the westside of Manhattan, and although slightly more expensive than the daytime cruise, we recommend the evening departure which gives you the most remarkable views of the Manhattan skyline, the bridges and the Statue of Liberty. While you cruise, your group will dine on a buffet and enjoy DJ dancing during the entire 2 1/2 hour cruise.

Six Flags Great Adventure Just over an hour south of NYC is one of New Jersey’s most exciting theme parks. If your group wants a day away from NYC, this is a great option for some thrills and chills. This is also the site of multiple music festival awards ceremonies.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament A fun-filled evening in northern New Jersey allows your group to escape the modern lifestyle for a couple hours while watching jousts and sword-fights; all while eating in the style of the ‘common folk’ as they did years ago.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Washington DC Washington DC is the number one destination for educational youth groups and the number two destination for music and performing groups. Once there, your group will marvel in the surrealism of the city, atmosphere and architecture which they have seen on TV and in movies, but now have a chance to see with their own eyes.

From world-class museums, to historic sites and buildings, DC provides memories and p h o t o s that each of your students will cherish their entire lives.

YES, WE ARE WITH YOU THERE TOO! So often, tour planners make arrangements for trips to DC, but then they hire an outside company to show up and escort the trip. This could be fine, except for this escort has no clue about what you were promised while planning your trip. They have not spent the months getting to know you and your likes and dislikes or trip goals...they only know that you are just another group coming to their area.

This may mean little to you, but it means everything to us…we know our groups, their goals, how to handle problems if they arise and are most concerned about your total satisfaction. So although we are not based in Washington DC, we escort every trip to DC and make sure it goes as planned.

PATRIOTIC PERFORMANCES Performances abound in DC if you know where, how and when. Public performances provide the most picturesque opportunities and, at certain times of the year, several competitive festival options in the region.

From the planning stage to the applications to the required permits and facilities, GTC will guide you step-by-step in the right direction for the right performance. Of course, the earlier you plan, the more options you will have and your consultant at GTC will advise you of the availability of each choice.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

DC OPTIONS Washington DC is full of things to do and see and based on your groups interests, budget and goals, we will suggest sites specific to your group. In fact, we will look at every option you choose and find ways of enhancing the experience whenever possible. Ask your GTC representative about these details.

Government Building & Tours ★ Library of Congress ★ National Archives ★ Supreme Court ★ U.S. Capitol Building ★ US Bureau of Engraving & Printing ★ White House ★ And more Museums/Sites ★ African American History & Culture Museum ★ Air & Space Museum ★ American Art Museum ★ American History Museum ★ American Indian Museum ★ Arlington National Cemetery ★ Arlington House ★ Freer Art Gallery ★ Holocaust Museum

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kennedy Center for Performing Arts Mount Vernon National Zoo Natural History Museum Newseum Old Post Office Pavilion Pentagon The Smithsonian Castle Union Station Williamsburg, VA AND SO MUCH MORE!

Meals & Entertainment ★ Buca di Beppo ★ Chinese Buffet/Mongolian Grill ★ Dinner Cruise ★ Fuddruckers ★ Hard Rock Cafe, Washington DC ★ Meal Vouchers for Smithsonian Museums

WASHINGTON AREA OPTIONS Depending on their level of interest and the length of the trip, a group may find that Washington DC is a little overwhelming and may want a change of pace. While touring DC, your group will be just a stone’s throw from several other areas of interest: ✦ Baltimore’s Inner Harbor • Features a beautiful harbor setting with an abundance of restaurants, shops and the Baltimore Aquarium ✦ Norfolk, VA • Although known as a US Naval port, once a year Norfolk becomes home to the International Music Festival featuring military bands from across the globe playing as individual bands as well as a massband. In addition, your band, choir or orchestra can participate in one of the finest competitions in the northeast by either marching in the televised “Parade of Nations” or competing at the acclaimed Chrysler Hall. ✦ Colonial Williamsburg, VA • Discover Colonial Williamsburg and immerse yourself in the 18th-century capital city of Virginia. See all that the Revolutionary City has to offer, explore the museums, or engage with the locals - townspeople, shopkeepers, political figures, women and slaves - and learn of their hopes, struggles and fears in those uncertain times.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Dallas, Dallas is the perfect place for your group to take their next school trip. Not only is Dallas a premier destination with world-class performance halls, student-friendly hotel accommodations, heart-pounding attractions and exceptional educational activities, but “Big D” also offers a distinguished experience to each student that visits.

WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE FACILITIES The Meyerson Symphony Center, Majestic Theatre, Murchison Performing Arts Center, UNT and the Sara Ellen & Samuel Weisfeld Center are a few of the many world-class venues available for groups and select festivals throughout the year.

Dallas offers an abundance of public performance opportunities for your group that is looking for a little more. Opportunities include sporting events, shopping centers, entertainment districts, special events and much more.

ACTIVITIES, SITES AND FUN FOR ALL They say that ‘everything is bigger in Texas’ and the Dallas/Ft. Worth area does all it can to prove that statement true. Sometimes even the smaller attractions can have a big impact on students which is why the area can provide a great experience for your group.

HISTORIC, CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL

ENTERTAINING

The Dallas World Aquarium: See animals of the rainforest and amphibians of the sea in this one-of-akind animal habitat.

Six Flags Over Texas: No trip to the Dallas area would be complete without a day at this park. They will thrill your students with new performances and rides that are showcased at this defining theme park.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo: This seasonal rodeo will be sure to bring the Texan out in you with entertaining world-class cowboys and rodeo clowns.

Old Red Museum of Dallas County: View thousands of artifacts and multiple interactive learning areas for students to gain a better understanding of where Dallas has been throughout the ages.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: Experience the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

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Louis Tussand’s Palace of Wax, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and Enchanted Mirror Maze: One location, three Dallas attractions. You are sure to see it all and be amazed.

Other Entertainment/Dining • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amazing Jake’s Food & Fun Adventure Landing Buca di Beppo Campisi’s Cowboy’s Stadium Dave & Busters House of Blues IT’Z Family Food & Fun Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Rainforest Cafe Spaghetti Warehouse Speedzone And More!

Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

USA Destination: San Antonio, Texas San Antonio means one thing: Texassized adventure! Regardless of whether you’re young or young at heart, big thrills await at world-class theme parks, Water Park resorts, caves, zoos, dude ranches and rodeos. Get ready to scream and squeal, splash and slide, laugh and cheer, run and gallop – and be surprised and delighted.

Theme parks such as SeaWorld®San Antonio and Six Flags® Fiesta Texas combine thrilling rides with award-winning shows. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort reigns as one of the nation’s most popular Water Parks for good reason: 65 acres of wet fun for everyone in the family.

THE RANCH EXPERIENCE Join us for a half or a complete day at the Ranch in Bandera, Texas. Your group will horseback trail ride, learn to lasso, go swimming, hike on trails, go on a hayride and enjoy good old cowboy bar-b-q. Your group will complete the day with dinner, a world-class trick-roping show and then hear cowboy stories around the campfire. You can choose between a half-day adventure which includes all the above or a fullday which includes lunch and an earlier arrival.

Ask your GTC consultant for more details

AN HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE Perform at the Alamo...it’s historic, normally has an audience and is a great experience! The Alamo offers both standing and seated music performances year-round and will give your school the honor of performing at a state and national treasure while visiting San Antonio. Your GTC Rep will assist you with the application and guide you through the steps required to make this performance enjoyable and memorable for your entire group.

OTHER LOCAL ATTRACTIONS San Antonio offers several options that your GTC representative can discuss with you, but here is a short list of fun and mostly inexpensive things to do in and around the city: • • • •

Alamodome/Spurs Tour Casa Rio Restaurant Great American Pizza Hard Rock Cafe

• • • •

Magic Time Machine Market Square Rio Rio Cantina Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

• • • •

RiverCenter Mall Sea World Six Flags Fiesta Texas And much more!

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: New Orleans, Louisiana What makes New Orleans the perfect destination for your youth group? Did you know that the Audubon Nature Institute's Zoo and the Aquarium of the America's are ranked top five in the Country and the National World War II Museum has been designated by the U.S. Congress as the "official" WWII museum? Your high school band can march in a festive Mardi Gras parade or play alongside some of the world's most renowned musical artists. These are just a few reasons to visit.

New Orleans will never leave your group wondering what to do next. A culture-lover's dream, the city boasts awarding-winning, one-of-a-kind museums; everything from experimental to big Broadway show theater; a number of historic and heritage attractions and an unparalleled, infamous local music scene, from Gospel, Jazz, and Rhythm and Blues, just to name a few.

PERFORMANCES, FESTIVALS AND WORKSHOPS New Orleans epitomizes music and culture. Jackson Square and the Mississippi come alive daily with street performers playing Dixieland Jazz and Blues. With over a dozen public performance venues, several music festivals and workshops with collegiate-level instructors, your GTC representative will work closely with you to find the right venue and format for your group.

FOOD, CULTURE, MUSIC & TOURS New Orleans today is much different than the stereotypical city it once was. Each group we take to New Orleans departs the city with accolades about how much safer it was than they had originally thought, how much they enjoyed the food, the music, the tours and the culture. Our tours are different as we plan the days to stay full of wholesome activities which will open your students eyes to such a different environment and culture than one would expect. We keep the group far from questionable areas and focus on the entertainment, food and overall g r e a t experience one would expect from New Orleans. Our tours could include some of the following: • Aquarium of the Americas • Jackson Square • Audubon Zoo • Loyola University Clinic • Brunch at Court of Two Sisters • Mardi Gras World Tour • Bubba Gumps • Millionaires Mile • Cafe du Monde • New Orleans Cooking Lessons • Cajun Buffet Dinner & Dance • Plantation Tour • Comprehensive City Bus Tour • Riverwalk Marketplace • Dixieland Jazz Riverboat Cruise • Saint Louis Cathedral • French Quarter Tour (G Rated) • Swamp Boat Tour • Garden District • World War II Museum • Hard Rock Cafe • And so much more 18

Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: St. Louis, MO With so many free and student-friendly attractions, St. Louis is a great destination for your youth group. No matter what age, St. Louis has activities to suit every size, shape and type of youth group.

From fun, free and educational attractions, to group-friendly places to eat and stay, St. Louis can guarantee a good time for your group.

Besides the obvious theme park visit, St. Louis is the home of blues (not the hockey team, the music) and it’s own style of BBQ. GTC loves showing groups why this destination is unique and a great experience for school music groups.

THINGS TO DO City Museum: Almost indescribable...the museum is a playground for young and ‘not so young’. Explore the museum, architecture and artistry like no place else as your entire group climbs, slides, rolls and enjoys this ‘one-of-a-kind’ museum.

The Old Courthouse: The historic Old Courthouse was the site of the landmark Dred Scott slavery trials. Groups can take part in trial re-creations and tour St. Louis history galleries.

Gateway Arch - Jefferson National Expansion Memorial: No trip to St. Louis is complete without a ride to the top of the nation’s tallest man-made monument. Your group can see a large-screen movie, ride the tram, tour the Museum of Westward Expansion and shop.

Mississippi Dinner Cruise: A great evening of food, fun and music, this dinner cruise will showcase the Mississippi, St. Louis Arch and the city from a totally difference perspective.

Six Flags St. Louis: Get ready for adventure at this popular family theme park where your admission price includes the Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Rides include roller coasters: The Boss, Batman, Mr. Freeze, Tony Hawk's Big Spin and Evil Kneivel, along with shows, shopping and activities.

St. Louis Union Station: Once the world’s largest train station, Union Station now boasts more than 85 shops and restaurants including Landry’s and the Hard Rock Cafe.

FESTIVALS & PERFORMANCES Music is part of the heart and soul of St. Louis with an emphasis on Jazz and Blues. There are few places like this city and it offers competitive performance opportunities in several music festivals that take place in the immediate surrounding towns and during select weekends throughout the spring. Most festivals take place at a local performing arts facility and then hold their awards ceremonies at a local theme park.

If your travel dates do not coincide with a festival date, your GTC representative will work for you to provide options that can include a performance at a sporting event, public location or a clinic with a local collegiate instructor with a customized workshop. Our specialty is catering to your music groups specific needs and desires.

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Group Travel Consultants

(800) 829-8841

Destination: Other Great USA Locations This brochure highlights a few of the more popular destinations for student groups, but it does not in any way cover all the locations we can and will be glad to bring your group to.

Northern

Southern

Western

Boston

Atlanta

Denver

Chicago

Miami

Galveston

Cleveland

Gatlinburg

Hawaii

Gettysburg

Memphis

Houston

Philadelphia

Nashville

Las Vegas

Niagara Falls

Savannah

Los Angeles

Norfolk

Tampa

Salt Lake City

Destination: Costa Rica Most groups rarely even consider foreign destinations south of the United States because of the very unfortunate news coming out of Mexico these days. Additionally, the media and Hollywood has poorly stereotyped Central American nations to the point that people consider all of Central America as dangerous.

Although understandable, this is very unfortunate as there are several very peaceful and welcoming nations that open their arms to American youth groups and that compare in safety to any major city in the United States. Our experience with one particular nation (Costa Rica) has afforded us the ability to offer this great destination and all it has to offer.

WHY COSTA RICA? Without the negative reputation that many nations have, today Costa Rica is the peaceful, ecological jewel of Central America.

Although a spanish speaking nation, the locals depend heavily on tourism and many locations speak English to accommodate their guests. In the mid-twentieth century, Americans opposing the US involvement in overseas wars came to Costa Rica and established communities in both the mountain regions as well on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Today tourists are treated with reasonably-priced resorts along with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of rain forests, cloud forests, volcanos, beaches and tropical settings unlike anywhere else on earth.

Centrally located, the capitol city, San Jose boasts a bustling population with banking, hotels, sporting arenas and most modern amenities we enjoy in the US. It is here that your group will have one or more performance opportunities to either perform in one of several public squares or work with local schools as musical ambassadors from the US. One weekend a year, marching bands from across the country assemble downtown for a national celebration of independence.

You may be very surprised at how relatively inexpensive and rewarding traveling in Costa Rica can be. Contact John DeCrotie at GTC for more information.

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