Tips - Things to know before you go...
Here are some tips you may find useful. If you have additonal questions feel free to call us toll free at 1-800-624-0855 or email us here.

HOTEL CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT
Hotel check-in time is after 4:00pm. Room keys will only be issued to the director/group coordinator. If your group is arriving prior to 4:00pm, your rooms may not yet be available so please be prepared to store luggage. Check-out time is 11:00am and it may be necessary to store luggage on check-out. Please refer to your final itinerary regarding luggage storage.

ROOM BLOCK
We work very closely with you and the hotel to make certain that every effort has been made to keep the group as close together as possible. However, please keep in mind that sometimes guests extend their stay and it may be necessary to make adjustments to your room block. Champion Tours & Events and your hotel cannot guarantee your room block. Room adjustments will not be made without director/group coordinator approval.

ROOM INSPECTION
Upon arrival each group is required to do a room inspection. At this time you will be asked to report any room damage to your group service host. You are asked to do this room check because upon departure your rooms will be inspected and if any damage or items are missing your group will be responsible for restitution.

ROOM CAPTAIN
Many groups have found it helpful to designate one student in each room as the “Room Captain”. This individual is responsible for making sure that no property of the hotel room is damaged or removed. It is also his/her responsibility to make sure all room keys are turned in prior to departure.

HOTEL INFORMATION
Hotels are located in the tourist areas and have 24 hour security. Most hotels have either a restaurant, deli, or gift shop on property or within walking distance. Hotel swimming pools do not have lifeguards and we suggest you never swim alone. We also recommend that you keep your hotel rooms locked at all times and that you keep valuables in the room-safe, if available, or out of sight. Some hotels have transportation to the parks, however this service is not available to groups. If your group is staying at Disney’s All-Star Resort, you may use Disney transportation linking the parks.

CURFEW
Quiet time at all hotels will begin at 10:00pm. At this time, students are asked to please respect the other guests staying at your hotel and be as quiet as possible in hallways and hotel rooms. You may have your own curfew policy, however all youth groups are required to have curfews no later than 12:00pm.

HOUSEKEEPING
Hotel housekeepers will be entering your room each day to clean it. Once again, please do not leave any valuables in your room and make certain that all personal items are off the beds. Leave all used towels in a pile on the bathroom floor and they will be removed and replaced when housekeeping cleans. For additional towels, please contact the front desk or housekeeping. Students are required to keep rooms as clean as possible; rooms that are excessively dirty will be charged a clean-up fee.

PHONE/IN-ROOM MOVIES
All hotel telephones will be restricted to prevent direct dial long distance calling and to prevent access to in-room movies, prior to your arrival. You will be able to receive incoming calls, make outgoing calling card and collect calls as well as call room to room. Keep in mind that some hotels may charge for credit card and collect calls; consult phone information in your room for this information. Group will be responsible for any incidental charges to their rooms. Parents and chaperones may leave a credit card or cash deposit with the front desk to have direct dial long distance phone calling and in-room movies turned on.

ALCOHOL & ILLEGAL DRUGS
Any incident involving the use of an illegal substance or consumption of alcohol by a minor will not be tolerated. We highly recommend that if an incident does arise that the offending student be sent home at their own expense.

GROUP SERVICE HOST RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibility of the “Champion Tours & Events” group service host is to act as the representative during the course of your tour. They are responsible for assisting your group as per the itinerary. They will also provide you with information for checking in at the hotel, and helpful assistance and suggestions in order to give you and your students a more complete, fulfilling experience. They will also confer with the lead chaperone in the event that any deviation from the itinerary be necessary due to delay, traffic, weather, closure or other circumstances beyond their control. You should feel free to call on the services of the Service Host at anytime during the course of your trip, regardless of the hour, should you need their assistance. Due to insurance requirements, the group service host may not use their personal automobile to transport any individual in the group.

GRATUITIES
Meals: Any group meal functions that are part of your package will include pre-paid gratuities. You will be responsible for gratuity for any meals planned on your own.

Porterage: Group will be responsible for payment of the gratuity for any necessary porterage at the airport or hotel. We suggest $1.00 per bag.

Bus Drivers: Gratuities for bus drivers are not included in your package. If your group is happy with the services provided by your driver, a customary gratuity would be $1.00 per person/day.

RESTAURANT DRESS CODE
Law requires shirt and shoes be worn in all food service areas. This includes any meal functions in the hotel meeting/ballroom.

LUGGAGE
We suggest no more than two checked bags and one carry-on per person. If your group has a lot of performance equipment, you may need to adjust the number of checked bags permitted. If you are flying, you may want to reduce the number of checked bags to one.

WHAT TO PACK
Florida: We suggest casual shirt and shorts or lightweight pants for visiting the parks, group meal functions and awards ceremonies. However, the weather can be hard to predict at certain times of the year and we suggest you also include a pair of jeans and a light jacket or sweatshirt - just in case! Also don’t forget to pack plenty of sun screen and a beach towel!

SHOPLIFTING
Any student caught shoplifting, even if under 18 years old, will be prosecuted in the State of Florida. Theme Parks have undercover security as well as surveillance cameras throughout the parks to catch shoplifters. You will be caught!!

WAIVER/RELEASE FORMS & MEDICAL TREATMENT
Director/Group Coordinator should always have accessible medical release forms for any student traveling without a parent or guardian. Upon arrival at theme parks, director/group coordinator should check-in with First Aid and provide their pager number or cell phone number so that they can be contacted if any member of the group becomes ill or injured. Transportation for any medical emergencies and medical treatment will be at individual’s own expense. Due to insurance requirements, Group Service Hosts are not permitted to use their personal vehicle to transport any individual.

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