Road Scholar : Home
China and the Western Pacific Rim — a Melting Pot of Great Nations

Program Number: 20296RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/10/2013 - 3/15/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Price starting at: $848.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture; Philosophy & Religion
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In this multicultural experience, learn how China’s neighboring countries — Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam — were influenced by her culture and how they incorporated it into their own civilizations. With foreign nationals and an American Foreign Service diplomat, gain an understanding and appreciation of the heritage and history of these different nations and peoples. During a field trip to Guang Ming Buddhist Temple, encounter the religious beliefs of a majority of Asian cultures from the spiritual leader, and enjoy other highlights such as invigorating Tai Chi each morning, entertainment and presentations each evening by ethnic artisans and performers, and a multicultural feast to give you a taste of a variety of Asian cuisines.




Highlights

• Enjoy presentations by ethnic artisans and performers.
• Take a field trip to Guang Ming Buddhist Temple to encounter the religious beliefs of a majority of Asian cultures from the spiritual leader.
• Experience enriching features such as invigorating (optional) Tai Chi each morning and a multicultural feast to taste the variety of Asian cuisines.



Activity Particulars

Some walking; mild morning stretches and exercises.



Coordinated by Stetson University.




Kissimmee

Once known as a hub for the steamboat industry during the 19th century, Kissimmee’s location along Lake Tohopekaliga enabled the city to flourish as a transportation center for Central Florida. Today, Kissimmee welcomes visitors who seek to share in outdoor adventures, spring training for professional baseball and the attractions of nearby Orlando.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel in Kissimmee with heated pool, fitness room, laundry facilities and free transportation to the Disney Theme Parks.
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn Maingate East
  Kissimmee, FL 5 nights
 Holiday Inn Maingate East
Type: Hotel
  Description: Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, free transportation to theme parks
  Contact info: 5711 West U.S. HWY 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy)
Kissimmee, FL 34746 USA
phone: 407-396-4222 x18003271128
web: www.holidayinnmge.com
  Room amenities: Air Conditioning, Alarm Clock/Radio, Coffee Maker, Color TV/Cable/Remote, Hair Dryer, In Room Safe, Iron/Ironing Board, Movie Channel, Premium Channels, Wheelchair Access
  Facility amenities: Many amenities including Wi-Fi, and safe. Hotel offers heated pool, fitness room, and laundry. Free transportation to Disney Theme Parks.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $80-100 Seasonal. Rates may vary
  Check in time: 3:30 PM
  Additional nights after: $80-100 Seasonal. Rates may vary
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 PM You will be staying at Holiday Inn Maingate East that night.
  End of Program:
1:00 PM You will be staying at Holiday Inn Maingate East the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. All health forms/Personal information forms must be signed and turned in before the beginning of the program.
  Parking availability:
There is plenty of parking available at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Kissimmee, FL
  Nearest city or town:  Orlando, Florida
  Nearest highway: I-4
  Nearest airport:  Orlando, Florida
  From End of Program
  Location: Kissimmee, FL
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Holiday Inn Maingate East, Kissimmee

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
CBC Transportation
phone: 877-939-8294
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$59.00 (1-4 people)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

www.cbctransportation.com This is from the Orlando International Aiport (MCO) only! All prices are subject to change without notice. Other options may be available. You are responsible for all travel arrangements.
 

Holiday Inn Maingate East, Kissimmee

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Mears Transportation
phone: 407-423-5566
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Price varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

www.mearstransportation.com From Orlando International airport - prices: Shuttle $21 - p/p - one way, $34 - p/p - round trip, $73 - towncar - one way (up to 4 people). All prices are subject to change without notice. Other options may be available. You are responsible for all travel arrangements.
 

Holiday Inn Maingate East, Kissimmee

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Taxi 4 hire.Inc.
phone: 407-550-0204
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$65.00 (1-4 people)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

www.taxi4hire.com This is from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) only! All prices are subject to change without notice. Other options may be available. You are responsible for all travel arrangements.
 
Driving Directions
  Orlando Airport to HIMGE via 528/ I-4 Start out going south on Airport Blvd. Turn slight left to take the ramp toward Terminal B / SR-436 / North Exit / SR-528 toll. Stay straight to go onto Airport Blvd. Merge onto SR - 528 toll W via exit 1B toward I-4 / International Dr. Merge onto I-4 W via the exit on the left toward Tampa. Take exit 65 toward Osceola Pkwy East ramp toward Kissimmee/Celebration Merge onto W. Osceola Pkwy. Turn right onto International Dr. S. Turn left onto Us-192 E / W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy / SR - 530 E / W. Vine St. (Pizza Hut is on the corner) Turn right onto W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy / Frontage Rd. / W. Vine St.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration, get acquainted session, opening banquet, and orientation.
(Sunday, March 10)
   
 Afternoon: Registration and get acquainted session.
 Dinner: Opening banquet
 Evening: Orientation to discuss the week's schedule.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maingate East
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: History of Japan, Culture of Japan, and cultural programs
(Monday, March 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet @ restaurant
 Morning: Morning exercise/announcements Introduction to Asia. History of Japan
 Lunch: Lunch @ restaurant
 Afternoon: Heritage/culture of Japan
 Dinner: Dinner @ restaurant
 Evening: Cultural program
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maingate East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Buddhism/Thailand Trip to Buddhist Temple. History of Thailand.
(Tuesday, March 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast @ Restaurant
 Morning: Morning exercise. Tour of Buddhist Temple. Introduction of Buddhism, Sutra, and Meditation
 Lunch: Lunch at the Buddhist Temple
 Afternoon: History of Thailand
 Dinner: Dinner at Restaurant
 Evening: Heritage and Culture of Thailand
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maingate East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: History of Vietnam. Culture of Vietnam.
(Wednesday, March 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the restaurant
 Morning: History of Vietnam.
 Lunch: Lunch is at the restaurant.
 Afternoon: Heritage/culture of Vietnam
 Dinner: Dinner at restaurant
 Evening: Cultural Program
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maingate East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: History of Korea, Culture of Korea, and a Multi-Cultural presentation and dinner.
(Thursday, March 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast @ restaurant
 Morning: History of Korea
 Lunch: Lunch is at the restaurant
 Afternoon: Heritage and culture of Korea
 Dinner: Multi-Cultural Presentation and dinner
 Evening: Free evening.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Maingate East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Program wrap up
(Friday, March 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast @ restaurant
 Morning: Morning exercise Program wrap up
 Lunch: Lunch and graduation
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Kissimmee, FL Orlando Chamber of Commerce
For additional information, visit www.orlando.org/
  Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World For additional information, visit www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/themeparks.htm
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Chinese Mythology


Author: Barnes and Noble


Genius of China


Author: Robert Temple


History of China


Author: John King Fairbank


Description: John King Fairbank has written some really great books!



Land of the Dragon: Chinese Myth


Author: Time Life Series


Religions of China/the World


Author: unknown


Tao Te Ching


Author: Vega Books in the UK


The Little Red Book


Author: Quotations from Chairman Mao


The Teaching of Buddha


Author: Buddhist Bible


the Analects of Confucius


Author: David Hinton



What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768