Disney 2012 FAQ
http://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/parents/faqs-parents
Who will chaperone my child’s trip?
Kaleidoscope Adventures requires that each teacher/sponsor assign a reasonable amount of responsible adults as designated chaperones. The exact number of chaperones will vary by group depending on school requirements. Chaperones will assist in supervising students at all times during the course of the trip, unless the students are given free time at an attraction. Additionally, a tour director will escort the group throughout their trip and be available on-call 24-hours a day.
Where will my child stay?
Your child will be staying in a nationally recognized high-quality hotel that meets Kaleidoscope Adventures strict guidelines and approval. The hotel we select for your trip has been evaluated based on a checklist of safety features and amenities to help ensure the well-being of the students, chaperones and teachers/sponsors. The rooms are generally within interior corridors without balconies. Since each trip is customized to meet the needs of the group, you will need to check with your teacher/sponsor for specific hotel information.
Will my child get to choose who they want to room with?
A rooming list will be put together by the teacher/sponsor and the students will most likely be allowed to choose whom they room with, although rooming assignments cannot be guaranteed. Students usually stay four to a room with double beds in each room. We suggest that the roommates ride the same bus to expedite the check-in process. NOTE: If you need to make any name changes to the rooming list after we have received your final rooming list, there will be a $5.00 fee charged per changed name.
Will there be a curfew?
Yes, the teacher/sponsor will set curfew times. Most hotels have a policy that students should be in their rooms by 11:00 pm.
Will my child be allowed to stay in the hotel alone if he/she is not feeling well?
NO. If a student becomes ill and must stay in a hotel while the group is out for the day, a chaperone must stay with the student at all times.
What medications may my child bring?
All medications taken on the trip must be kept and administered by the teacher/sponsor, a designated chaperone or a school nurse (as instructed).
How many bags of luggage can my child take?
Your child should limit their luggage to one suitcase and one carry-on. This will expedite check-in and checkout, as well as allowing more space for storage on charter buses. Each student may be asked to handle his/her own luggage and instruments (per instructions of director) when loading and unloading charter buses, and upon checking in and out of the hotel
Will my child need to take their instrument?
YES! If your group will be performing or participating in a musical workshop, or festival, your child will need to have his/her instrument, music and any additional items they may need (i.e.: reeds, valve oil, mallets, etc.).
Can my child bring a blanket and pillow on the trip?
YES, especially for groups traveling overnight by motorcoach. Keep in mind that everyone is responsible for keeping up with their own belongings. Remember to take everything with you when checking out of the hotel.
When will we check into the hotel?
Generally, hotel check-in is either late afternoon or in the evening of your arrival date. If you have a morning or afternoon arrival to your destination, you will go directly to your first day activity. Most hotels do not allow group check-in before 3:00 pm (or later). Check your final itinerary for specifics. Final itineraries are generally sent to the teacher/sponsor two weeks prior to your trip.
Are personal CD players, iPod’s, MP3’s, game units or cell phones allowed?
CD players, MP3’s, iPod’s, DS’s, personal game units, cell phones and other portable electronic devices are generally allowed as long as you have headphones and/or can mute the volume on the game unit. (Check with your teacher/sponsor for approval.) Keep in mind that each person is responsible for their own personal belongings.
Will my child be able to change clothes once the group reaches their destination?
This depends on the destination, activities planned for the day, arrival time and the policies set forth by the teacher/sponsor. If time permits, generally students will have time to change in a public restroom at a rest area close to the destination. Therefore, if your group plans on taking a few minutes to freshen-up prior to arrival, we recommend that a change of clothes and personal toiletries be kept in a small carry-on bag, as they will not have time to access their main luggage.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of rain, generally speaking, the day will continue as planned. Theme parks do not give refunds for inclement weather. Therefore, we recommend that everyone pack a poncho or a raincoat for the trip. In the event of severe weather, the situation will be handled on a case by case basis, and the teacher/sponsor will be required to sign off on any changes made to the itinerary.
Will my child need money for gratuities and tips?
Check with your teacher/sponsor for specifics. However, here are some general guidelines: For the Tour Director, a standard gratuity of $1.00 per person, per day is recommended. For meals/activities booked directly through Kaleidoscope Adventures, the gratuity has already been included and will be taken care of by the Tour Director. For the motorcoach driver(s) – if booked by Kaleidoscope Adventures, the gratuity has already been included. If booked directly by the school, a standard gratuity of $1.00 per person, per day is recommended. For meals on your own, a standard gratuity of 15% of the bill is recommended for sit down meals. For fast food meals, gratuities are generally not expected.
How much money should my child bring?
We generally recommend $10 to $20 per meal if eating on your own. However, some meals are generally included in the trip package, so please check with your teacher/sponsor for details regarding the particular trip inclusions. Students may also want to bring additional money for souvenir shopping at your own discretion. We suggest each student bring $50 to $100 for souvenirs.
