We're going to the Smoky Mountains!
2016 GATLINBURG, TN SUMMER TRIP
June 2nd. - 7th., 2016
Hey Everyone,
For those of you who couldn't make to the trip meeting in December, I would like to pass along the following information. I hope you will be as excited about the trip as I am. I have done my best to plan the most entertaining and safe trip possible. When you look at the accommodations and housing, I'm sure you'll agree that we are going to have a great time. As always, space will be on a first come, first serve basis with priority going to students, chaperones then other family members etc. As a rule, we like to travel with 1 chaperone for every 10 students.
June 2nd. - 7th., 2016
Hey Everyone,
For those of you who couldn't make to the trip meeting in December, I would like to pass along the following information. I hope you will be as excited about the trip as I am. I have done my best to plan the most entertaining and safe trip possible. When you look at the accommodations and housing, I'm sure you'll agree that we are going to have a great time. As always, space will be on a first come, first serve basis with priority going to students, chaperones then other family members etc. As a rule, we like to travel with 1 chaperone for every 10 students.
ITINERARY
Thursday, June 2nd. - 8am. - Depart for Depart for Gatlinburg, Tn. The approximate drive time is 8.5 hours. I expect the total travel time to be closer to 11.5 hours by the time we factor in stops and meals.
Friday, June 3rd. - Dollywood/Splash Country
Saturday, June 4th. - Sightseeing in Gatlinburg (Ripley's Aquarium and Ober Gatlinburg)
Sunday, June 5th. - Hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park and relax day or possible return to Dollywood parks
Monday, June 6th. - Dollywood parks
Tuesday, June 7th. - Depart for NHS.
*Excursions will be scheduled based off of the number of people participating and availability
Thursday, June 2nd. - 8am. - Depart for Depart for Gatlinburg, Tn. The approximate drive time is 8.5 hours. I expect the total travel time to be closer to 11.5 hours by the time we factor in stops and meals.
Friday, June 3rd. - Dollywood/Splash Country
Saturday, June 4th. - Sightseeing in Gatlinburg (Ripley's Aquarium and Ober Gatlinburg)
Sunday, June 5th. - Hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park and relax day or possible return to Dollywood parks
Monday, June 6th. - Dollywood parks
Tuesday, June 7th. - Depart for NHS.
*Excursions will be scheduled based off of the number of people participating and availability
TRANSPORTATION
Kingdom Coach
2 charter buses = $9,100.00
Driver room in Gatlinburg ($200 x 5 nights = $1,000.00)
Bus Tolls & Parking ($200 per bus = $400)
Driver Tips ($200 per bus = $400)
GRAND TOTAL - $10,900.00 divided by 70 = $156 per person
Kingdom Coach
2 charter buses = $9,100.00
Driver room in Gatlinburg ($200 x 5 nights = $1,000.00)
Bus Tolls & Parking ($200 per bus = $400)
Driver Tips ($200 per bus = $400)
GRAND TOTAL - $10,900.00 divided by 70 = $156 per person
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
The Big Moose Lodge
Bedrooms: 16 (Sleeps 74)
Bathrooms: 16.5
Number of Guests: 10 Adults, 60 Children
Rental Charges: $12,215.00
Cleaning Fee: $480.00
Admin Fee: $55.00
Damage Waiver Fee: $25.00
Taxes: $1,625.62
Total: $14,400.62
Payments: $500.00
Balance: $13,900.62
16 bedrooms, sleeps 74, brand new cabin for 2013 season.
Two hot tubs, 20 person theatre room with theatre style seating and electric fireplace.
Parents and family members are welcome to stay at the resort with us, under our contracted price of $206.00 per person.
Want to see where we are staying? Check out this short video.
Our plan is to eat breakfast and dinner at the lodge each night. We will collect $50.00 from each person going to help offset the cost of preparing meals.
Any funds not spent will be returned in even portions to everyone. $50.00 per person.
The Big Moose Lodge
Bedrooms: 16 (Sleeps 74)
Bathrooms: 16.5
Number of Guests: 10 Adults, 60 Children
Rental Charges: $12,215.00
Cleaning Fee: $480.00
Admin Fee: $55.00
Damage Waiver Fee: $25.00
Taxes: $1,625.62
Total: $14,400.62
Payments: $500.00
Balance: $13,900.62
16 bedrooms, sleeps 74, brand new cabin for 2013 season.
Two hot tubs, 20 person theatre room with theatre style seating and electric fireplace.
Parents and family members are welcome to stay at the resort with us, under our contracted price of $206.00 per person.
Want to see where we are staying? Check out this short video.
Our plan is to eat breakfast and dinner at the lodge each night. We will collect $50.00 from each person going to help offset the cost of preparing meals.
Any funds not spent will be returned in even portions to everyone. $50.00 per person.
ATTRACTIONS
In the basic cost of the trip are the following attractions.
Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country Park Three Day Pass = $95.00 per person.
Ripley’s Aquarium + 2 other Ripley's attractions. = $45 per person.
Ober Gatlinburg Wrist Band = $32 per person.
Includes Unlimited Sky Tram up the mountain, Ice Skating, Wildlife Encounter, Water Rides, Carousel and Mini Golf.
In the basic cost of the trip are the following attractions.
Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country Park Three Day Pass = $95.00 per person.
Ripley’s Aquarium + 2 other Ripley's attractions. = $45 per person.
Ober Gatlinburg Wrist Band = $32 per person.
Includes Unlimited Sky Tram up the mountain, Ice Skating, Wildlife Encounter, Water Rides, Carousel and Mini Golf.
OTHER MEALS AND EXPENSES
Students will also be responsible for one meal each day in either the parks or at other attractions that is not covered under above. Because of the area, please plan on a minimum of $10.00 per day based or more on your student.
We will also stop for lunch and dinner on Thursday, June 2nd. and Tuesday, June 7th.
Students are more than welcome to pack snacks to keep at the lodge an take to the parks.
Students will also be responsible for one meal each day in either the parks or at other attractions that is not covered under above. Because of the area, please plan on a minimum of $10.00 per day based or more on your student.
We will also stop for lunch and dinner on Thursday, June 2nd. and Tuesday, June 7th.
Students are more than welcome to pack snacks to keep at the lodge an take to the parks.
Total Cost: Basic Trip = $584.00 Plus Extra Meals, Spending Money and Souvenirs.
ADDED TRIP EXCURSIONS
Because of the area, we are offering to book extra excursions for students who would like to go.
They are an additional fee over and above the Basic Trip Cost. Fees for the excursion are not apart of the basic trip cost and may not be substituted for any part of the basic cost. They are an additional cost to the basic trip.
The following excursions are available and are strictly voluntary.
Foxfire Mountain
$75-includes a tip for the guides. Includes choice of zip line (Waterfall Canopy or Goliath), climbing wall, 12-element aerial ropes course, 60' head-rush plunge, discover foxfire hiking trails and swinging bridges. If you are not tax exempt it is $83 with tax.
$5-for anyone who just wants to do Discover Foxfire hiking trails and swinging bridge, self guided. $6 with tax
$55-includes a tip for the guide. 8-wheeled ATV, guided tour. This tour takes you up into the mountain, past a historic cemetery and iron mine, up to our waterfall and down into our pasture with our Watusi (cow) and Llamas. Our guide will entertain you with local plant knowledge and the history of the mountain. $61 with tax
We will not charge you for people who just want to hang out on the porch and lounge in our rocking chairs.
$112-includes a tip for the guides at both parks. Includes the above mentioned, plus rafting on the Big Pigeon River with USA Raft. $123 with tax.
Because of the area, we are offering to book extra excursions for students who would like to go.
They are an additional fee over and above the Basic Trip Cost. Fees for the excursion are not apart of the basic trip cost and may not be substituted for any part of the basic cost. They are an additional cost to the basic trip.
The following excursions are available and are strictly voluntary.
Foxfire Mountain
$75-includes a tip for the guides. Includes choice of zip line (Waterfall Canopy or Goliath), climbing wall, 12-element aerial ropes course, 60' head-rush plunge, discover foxfire hiking trails and swinging bridges. If you are not tax exempt it is $83 with tax.
$5-for anyone who just wants to do Discover Foxfire hiking trails and swinging bridge, self guided. $6 with tax
$55-includes a tip for the guide. 8-wheeled ATV, guided tour. This tour takes you up into the mountain, past a historic cemetery and iron mine, up to our waterfall and down into our pasture with our Watusi (cow) and Llamas. Our guide will entertain you with local plant knowledge and the history of the mountain. $61 with tax
We will not charge you for people who just want to hang out on the porch and lounge in our rocking chairs.
$112-includes a tip for the guides at both parks. Includes the above mentioned, plus rafting on the Big Pigeon River with USA Raft. $123 with tax.
Payment Schedule
February 1st. - Non-Refundable $116.80 Deposit
March 1st. - $116.80 Payment
April 1st. - $116.80 Payment
May 1st. - $116.80 Payment
June 1st. - $116.80 Payment
Remember that all of your band dues must be paid in full before any money will be applied to your trip. This goes for any outstanding amounts from years past. Also, as of Friday, January 15th., students will not be allowed to go on the trip if they have any discipline referrals or unexcused absences from rehearsals/performances. The exception is referrals for being tardy.
Lastly, to help get an idea of the number of people interested in going on the trip, please click the link below and complete the form. This is informational purposes only and will be used to plan and adjust needs for the trip. Completing the form does not secure anyone a spot on the trip nor does it commit you to the trip. The only way to secure a spot for the trip is to make a deposit. Remember, students and their immediate family members are welcome to sign up.
I hope you are able to join us!
Dean Barrow-
Interest form is here.
February 1st. - Non-Refundable $116.80 Deposit
March 1st. - $116.80 Payment
April 1st. - $116.80 Payment
May 1st. - $116.80 Payment
June 1st. - $116.80 Payment
Remember that all of your band dues must be paid in full before any money will be applied to your trip. This goes for any outstanding amounts from years past. Also, as of Friday, January 15th., students will not be allowed to go on the trip if they have any discipline referrals or unexcused absences from rehearsals/performances. The exception is referrals for being tardy.
Lastly, to help get an idea of the number of people interested in going on the trip, please click the link below and complete the form. This is informational purposes only and will be used to plan and adjust needs for the trip. Completing the form does not secure anyone a spot on the trip nor does it commit you to the trip. The only way to secure a spot for the trip is to make a deposit. Remember, students and their immediate family members are welcome to sign up.
I hope you are able to join us!
Dean Barrow-
Interest form is here.
