New Year's Celebration Parade Marching Band from California

About the VPA New Year’s Performance

Join us December 29, 2023-January 2, 2024 at the Universal Orlando Resort for first ever Varsity Performing Arts New Year’s Celebration

Eligible Participants: High School Marching Bands, Athletics Bands & Pep Bands.

Location: Orlando, FL 

Trip Dates: December 29, 2023-January 2, 2024

Itinerary

Please note: This New Year’s Celebration itinerary is subject to change based on city and state health regulations. A final, more detailed itinerary will be emailed to all registered attendees closer to the event date. Limited space available.  

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29   

  • Depart for Orlando, Florida!  
  • Arrivals and Registration with the Varsity Performing Arts Staff  
  • Time on your own as a band to enjoy Orlando!
  • Group Orientation and Dinner

*PLEASE NOTE: Travel arrangements to Orlando are NOT INCLUDED in the cost of the performance package. Please call 1-866-719-0379 and ALTOUR will be happy to arrange your flight to the Orlando International Airport. You are responsible for transportation from the airport to and from the hotel.  

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30  

  • Breakfast at the Hard Rock Café 
  • After breakfast, head to the parks where you can enjoy all the fun that Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure has to offer.  

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31  

  • After breakfast, head to the parks where you can enjoy all the fun that Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure has to offer.
  • Performance block 1: Enjoy an exclusive performance opportunity in Universal Studios!
  • Return to the hotel and prepare to ring in the NEW YEAR or celebrate in the parks!

MONDAY, JANUARY 1 

  • HAPPY NEW YEAR!  
  • Performance block 2: Enjoy an exclusive performance opportunity in Universal Studios!  
  • The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the Universal Studios Resort Theme Parks!  

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 

  • Check out of the Aventura Hotel and depart for home.  

Please note: One (1) chaperone 21 years or older is required per 15 participants.   

Pricing

Tour Cost, Reservations & Payments: The total number accepted for the New Year’s Celebration is limited. Completed reservation application and $200 (non-refundable) per person deposit must be received in the Varsity Performing Arts office on or before the dates listed below. However, rooms are not guaranteed until deposits or a school purchase order has been received in the Varsity Performing Arts office. (Deposits are credited toward your total cost.)

Pricing for spectators and participants is calculated based on the total number of people in the room. For example, if there are three total people in the room, it is a triple, two people is a double, etc. Once you have the total number of people who will be in each room, each person will pay that price based on if they are a spectator or participant. For example, if there is one participant going with two family members, they will be in a triple room. The participant will pay the triple participant price and each of the two spectators will pay the spectator price.

*Please note that pricing is indicative of the 4N/5D package. If you wish to book an additional night for December 29, the cost is $289/room.

Participant Prices (per participant):
Quad – $1064
Triple – $1135
Double – $1277
No single for participants

Spectator/Chaperone Prices (per participant):
Quad-  $839
Triple- $909
Double- $1051
Single- $1476

*Extra nights are available at an additional $289 per room per night.

**Upgrades to your 3 day, 2 park ticket are available with the following additional fees:

  • 4 Day / 2 Park – $15 upgrade fee
  • 5 Day / 2 Park – $30 upgrade fee
  • 3 Day / 3 Park – $45 upgrade fee (includes Volcano Bay)
  • 4 Day / 3 Park – $60 upgrade fee (includes Volcano Bay)
  • 5 Day / 3 Park – $75 upgrade fee (includes Volcano Bay)

What’s Included:

New Year’s Celebration Performer Package

  • Four (4) nights of accommodation at the Universal’s Aventura Hotel
  • Universal three (3) day, two (2) park ticket*
  • One (1) Welcome Dinner
  • One (1) breakfast at the Hard Rock Café
  • One (1) Universal Orlando Dining Card ($50 value)
  • VPA Orlando Sublimated Polo
  • VPA Orlando event patch
  • Performance Evaluation in accordance with National Core Arts Standards
  • Free Director Hotel Package**
  • NEW THIS YEAR!  “Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley” workshop

New Year’s Celebration Chaperone/Spectator Package*

  • Four (4) nights of accommodation at the Universal’s Aventura Hotel
  • Universal three (3) day, two (2) park ticket (includes admission into Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure)
  • One (1) dinner at resort
  • One (1) breakfast at the Hard Rock Café
  • One (1) Universal Gift Card to be used at select restaurants throughout the Universal Orlando Resort ($35 value)

*Includes admission into Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure
**Directors will receive one free single package for every 25 performers.

The cost of your trip does not include:

  • Additional meals and snacks outside of what is provided
  • Transportation from your hometown to Orlando, FL
  • Transportation from the airport to the hotel
  • Optional expenses
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Instrument rental
  • Any other items not mentioned as included
  • Any necessary medical treatment
  • Parking: If you chose to drive to Orlando, there will be a $12 per car, per day plus tax parking fee for self-park. Parking for one bus included in package price for every 40 performers.

Important: The total number accepted for this New Year’s Celebration is limited. It is possible that this tour may fill up before posted deadlines. Therefore, we strongly recommend you send your registration forms and deposit in early. Flights to Orlando also fill quickly. Be sure to make flight arrangements as early as possible.

Payment Deadlines:

  • RSVP for 2023 due on March 4, 2023
  • $200 per person deposit due on May 4, 2023
  • Balance of payment due October 27, 2023

Confirmation: After completed reservation application is received, a reservation confirmation will be sent to you via email. If paying with credit card you will need to call into the office once this confirmation email is received.

Cancellations & Refunds: For cancellations received in the Varsity Performing Arts office ON OR BEFORE May 4th, 2023, all monies will be refunded with the exception of the $200.00 deposit. For cancellations in the Varsity Performing Arts office made BETWEEN May 5th, 2023 and October 27, 2023, an additional $100.00 per person penalty will apply to cover entertainment guarantees. For cancellations received AFTER October 28, 2023, THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.

Not with standing the foregoing, in the event that this event is cancelled by the event producer or if Varsity Performing Arts terminates its participation in the event, attendees will receive a full refund for their registration fees that they have paid Varsity Performing Arts as of the date of cancellation/termination.

Flight Arrangements to Orlando: If you plan to fly from your home to Orlando, we suggest you use ALTOUR Travel to make your flight arrangements. If there are flight delays or weather cancellations on arrival or departure days, we will be able to accommodate you better with tickets purchased through ALTOUR Travel Management. ALTOUR’s telephone number is 1-866-719-0379.  You are responsible for providing your transportation from the airport to the hotel in Orlando.

Fundraising:  

Teamworks
TeamWorks was founded in 2013 to make fundraising easier for coaches and directors with the nation’s best online donation platform. Since then, TeamWorks has become the nation’s online donation platform leader in team-specific fundraising and is available to any sport or club in the U.S. TeamWorks is preferred by coaches and directors for its easy set up process and its financial results. TeamWorks is also the exclusive online donation partner of Varsity Spirt & Varsity Performing Arts.

MegaDough
Mega Dough Fundraising is your one-stop-shop for easy and profitable fundraising solutions. Since 1986, we’ve helped raise over $50 million dollars for groups across the U.S., and now offer the safety and convenience of 100% online fundraising. With several types of fundraising products and profit levels to choose from, you won’t just raise dough, you’ll raise Mega Dough! Visit Megadough.com to learn more. 

FlipGive
FlipGive is the easiest way to offset the cost of camp. It’s simple. Create a page for your team, invite the squad, and earn cash back from your online shopping with brands like Walmart, Safeway, Amazon, Sephora, Apple, Kroger and 700 more. 

It’s free, easy to use, and completely online. Cheer and dance teams across the country have raised thousands with FlipGive! Visit flipgive.com/varsity to learn more. 

Responsibility Disclosure Notice: VARSITY SPIRIT LLC, D.B.A VARSITY PERFORMING ARTS, a division of VARSITY SPIRIT LLC, act only as an agent in connection with the tour offered herein and its liability is limited. The travel services including air transportation, carriage by land, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and related services are provided by independent third parties not under the control of VARSITY SPIRIT LLC. VARSITY SPIRIT LLC shall NOT bear any liability to the passenger or any third party for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason or any defect, through the acts of defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour and/or performance events, venues, etc. as a direct or indirect result of acts of God, dangers incident to fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of governments or other authorities, acts of terrorism, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, theft, unhealthy conditions, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical, or customs regulations, or from any other causes beyond the control of VARSITY SPIRIT LLC. VARSITY SPIRIT LLC shall not be liable for any losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or any other causes. The right is reserved to decline, to accept, or to retain any tour passenger should such person’s health or general deportment impede the operation of the tour to the detriment of other passengers. No refunds for tour portions or unused services can be made unless agreed prior to the scheduled deadlines. Your retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the above and agreement on your part to convey the contents herein to your traveling companions. Payment of any deposit of final payment shall be deemed to constitute consent be each passenger to these terms. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk and baggage insurance is strongly recommended. It is also recommended that each participant in this tour have his or her own attorney review this RESPONSIBILITY DISCLOSURE NOTICE before indicated his or her consent by signing the reservation form. 

Registration

STEP 1: Confirm Your Attendance – RSVP TODAY!

STEP 2: Begin your registration – REGISTER TODAY!

STEP 3: Please complete your digital & downloaded registrations forms & rosters.

3A: Complete the digital registration form online using the link above. Please note that a final roster will be required upon initial deposit deadlines (May 4, 2023). Upon submission of the registration form, you will be given a link for deposit submission.

3B: Download, complete, and submit all rosters digitally, and return via email to:

SCHOOLS A-M: Mendy Terrell – mterrell@varsity.com
SCHOOLS N-Z: Lisa Holder – lholder@varsity.com

Subject: VPA New Year’s Celebration

*Please do not email credit card information. After your registration is received, you will receive a confirmation via email.  Once that is received you may contact the VPA office at 800-238-0286 option 2 to make a credit card payment.

Completing the RSVP form confirms attendance, and registration will not be complete until payment is received.

Uniforms

All participants are encouraged to wear a uniform that best represents the image of their school! Participants and directors will also receive a New Year’s Celebration polo shirt included in the cost of the event, which can be worn for the performances.

 

 

Spectators/Chaperones

*Please note: One (1) chaperone 21 years or older is required per 15 participants.

Pricing:

Pricing for spectators and participants is calculated based on the total number of people in the room. For example, if there are three total people in the room, it is a triple, two people is a double, etc. Once you have the total number of people who will be in each room, each person will pay that price based on if they are a spectator or participant. For example, if there is one participant going with two family members, they will be in a triple room. The participant will pay the triple participant price and each of the two spectators will pay the spectator price.

Spectator/Chaperone Pricing (Per Person):

Quad-  $839
Triple- $909
Double- $1051
Single- $1476

*Extra nights are available at an additional $289 per room per night.

**Upgrades to your 3 day, 2 park ticket are available with the following additional fees:

  • 4 Day / 2 Park – $15 upgrade fee
  • 5 Day / 2 Park – $30 upgrade fee
  • 3 Day / 3 Park – $45 upgrade fee (includes Volcano Bay)
  • 4 Day / 3 Park – $60 upgrade fee (includes Volcano Bay)
  • 5 Day / 3 Park – $75 upgrade fee (includes Volcano Bay)

What’s Included:

New Year’s Celebration Spectator Package

  • Three (3) nights/four (4) days hotel accommodations at Universal’s Aventura Hotel
  • Universal three (3) day, two (2) park ticket (includes admission into Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure)
  • One (1) Dinner at resort
  • One (1) breakfast at the Hard Rock Café
  • One (1) Universal Gift to be used at select restaurants throughout the Universal Orlando Resort ($35 value)

The cost of your trip does not include:

  • Additional meals and snacks outside of what is provided
  • Transportation from your hometown to Orlando, FL
  • Transportation from the airport to the hotel
  • Optional expenses
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Instrument rental
  • Any other items not mentioned as included
  • Any necessary medical treatment

Parking: If you chose to drive to Orlando, there will be a $12 per car, per day plus tax parking fee for self park. Parking for one bus included in package price for every 40 performers.

FAQ

Q: How can I reserve my spot for this limited space event if the registration deposits aren’t due until September?
A: Completing the RSVP form will confirm your attendance! Someone from our team will then contact you to assist in the registration process.

Q: How much spending money should I bring with me?
A: That’s up to you. You will only need money for meals not included in the package and miscellaneous items such as snacks and souvenirs.  

Q: What happens if I get injured or become ill during the event?
A: We will have first aid staff on duty throughout the event. Additional medical treatment is at the expense of the participant.  

Q: When do we need to arrive to Orlando?
A: Normal arrival day is December 30. We do offer a limited number of extra nights on December 29 for those requesting a 4 night package. Additional room nights are also available. Be sure to check the cost of an extra night room.  

Q: Can we visit both Universal parks?
A: Yes! Your tickets allow you to visit both Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure! You can also upgrade to a 3 Park Ticket to visit Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, for an additional fee.  

Q: What safety precautions are the Universal Orlando Resort and Varsity Spirit taking?
A: Click here for the Universal Orlando Resort’s safety resources. Click here Varsity Spirit Health & Safety Statement.

Press Release

A downloadable band member Press Release will be available for registrants to share with your local media outlets about this experience!