Overview
Give your marching band the thrill of a lifetime with a performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl Halftime Show in Orlando, Florida! Apply today for a chance to wow thousands of fans. Plus, march in Universal’s Holiday Parade alongside the same balloons used in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Your package includes a two-day pass to Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure! Applications are now open for December 2025 through January 2026!
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Orlando, FL
Hotel check-in
Sightseeing
Take the opportunity to explore the sights of Orlando at your leisure.
Day 2
First Rehearsal
At your first mass band rehearsal, join students, directors, and top clinicians from across the country to begin rehearsing for the Pop-Tarts Bowl Halftime Show Finale.
Universal Studios Florida®
Head to the park for a fun afternoon at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!
Day 3
Final Rehearsal
It's time for the final halftime show dress rehearsal with everyone...marching bands, dancers, color guard, and more!
Pop-Tarts Bowl Kickoff
Step out onto the field and feel the excitement as you perform at the Pop-Tarts Bowl Halftime Show!
Day 4
Universal Studios Florida®
Return to the park to continue the fun at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!
Performance at Universal Studios Florida® (optional)
Upon acceptance of your application, your group has the option to perform in Universal's Holiday Pre-Parade.
Day 5
More sightseeing or optional activities
Depart for home
Already included
Hotel accommodations
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Performance in a college bowl game halftime show or national parade event
Exclusive awards ceremony
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Recent Orlando & Pop-Tarts Bowl Programs
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.