On New Year’s Day, the country focuses its attention on Pasadena, California, for the amazing Rose Parade. Marvelous equestrian units, melodious marching bands and, of course, beautiful floats covered in blooming flowers make their way down Colorado Boulevard to welcome in the New Year. This is an American icon, and Fantasy RV Tours celebrates it with a week of California sunshine, the smell of flowers, an assortment of meals and exceptional tours, parties and activities – and not to mention – a campground with full hookups, paved sites and beautiful park views!
We kick-off this experience with a welcome dinner at Coco Palm, a Cuban Restaurant, where we enjoy the spectacular views, classy atmosphere and amazing food that make this world-class buffet a perfect 10. Coco Palm features Cuban cuisine — a fusion of Spanish, “Taino” Native American, African and Caribbean fare that is simply prepared, well-seasoned and seldom spicy.
Much of what we do while visiting Southern California is directly related to the Rose Parade activities, so the next day, we are transported to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center to witness the magnificent horses and riders as they perform acrobatic skills and talents at EquestFest! These equestrian units perform for prizes and awards that are proudly displayed during the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. This is a favorite for riders and horse lovers alike.
Later that day, luxury motorcoaches pick us up from our campground and deliver us to a float decoration barn to spend an evening decorating, adding fresh flowers, petals and seeds to create the beauty of some magnificent Rose Floats. NOTE: The thrill of seeing the finished Rose Float is a memory that will last a lifetime!
After a great night’s rest, we prepare for another big day. With BandFest, a catered brunch and a private New Year’s Eve party and dinner, it’s a busy day in Pasadena. After brunch, we are swept away to the Robinson Stadium to experience some of the best marching bands from around the world. These groups will be seen again as they march by on Parade Day, but at Bandfest they really get to see them strut their stuff!
Although the Huntington Library and Gardens isn’t Rose Parade-related, it’s a must-see attraction in the area to see world-class artwork, sculptures and extraordinary gardens. Fantasy guests are treated to a tour where they see masterpiece paintings as Pinkie and Blue Boy and are surrounded by lush, manicured park-like lawns and gardens. A lovely lunch is provided in the Huntington Gardens Cafe. Those of us who love plants and manicured landscapes will share this treasure with friends.
Because we believe that celebrating makes life a bit more fun, that night we have a private New Year’s Eve planned for you (dinner, dancing, open bar and crazy hat contest – with prizes!) right at the campground in our private hospitality tent. At 9 p.m., midnight on the east coast, the giant screen television is turned on so the group can watch Times Square’s crystal ball drop in New York. We celebrate early with New York so we can toast the New Year in time for a good night’s rest for the big day.
It’s what we’ve all been waiting for – Parade Day! Expect transportation and some of the best reserved seating at the biggest New Year’s Day celebration in the world – the Rose Parade! Many parade goers start saving their viewing spots a day before the Parade, spending an often chilly night camped on the sidewalks. But not us! Our premium seats (with the sun behind us) are reserved and waiting, and we are so close to the parade you can talk to the riders and smell the flowers as the floats go by.
Following the parade, we have viewing time with the Rose Floats, an up-close encounter at the post-parade viewing area. Our hospitality tent also provides game day snacks and beverages to help you cheer on your favorite team for the big game.
Because the Rally has been jam-packed with activities, we want to give you one final day to relax and spend the day at your own pace. It’s an open day to choose the activities you want to do – whether you want to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, window-shop along Rodeo Drive, visit one of the magnificent beaches, or cruise Sunset Boulevard – it’s up to you! We’ll wrap up the day at a farewell dinner where we’ll swap stories, reminisce on our favorite parts of the Rally and say “see you later” to our new friends.
The final morning, guests can enjoy Fantasy’s traditional Goodbye Continental Breakfast before heading out for the road. Everything does come up roses at our Rose Parade RV Rally, so let us make this legendary celebration fun, easy and enjoyable for you. Give us a call today and book your next Rose Parade adventure with Fantasy RV Tours.
Check out what some of our customers had to say about their time at the Rose Parade RV Rally.