Escape the Worst of Winter

Come with us on a mid-winter escape to the sun (90 more minutes of daylight than MN) and warmth of Florida (average highs in the 70s) where we'll spend 9 nights leisurely touring the state's incredible parks, gardens, and groves. The trip concludes on the luxurious Sky Princess for a 6-night relaxing journey to the Eastern Caribbean (balcony cabin and Plus package included).

Comfortable & Convenient Accommodations
Three nights each at three incredible hotels. All include breakfast, lovely pools, and are located next door to restaurants and shops.

Drury Plaza, Brandon, FL (1/23-36)

Staybridge Suites, Ocala, FL (1/26-29)

Kompose Resort, Kissimmee, FL (1/29-2/1)

All three receive nearly perfect review scores on Google (4.8 or 4.9 out of 5).

Faith & Fellowship
As with all Father’s World Tours, the journey includes daily devotions and weekend WELS worship opportunities. As an added bonus, we'll also connect with several home missionaries and worship with our home mission at Risen Savior, Parrish, FL.

Occupancy

For this tour, you have several options for your rooming situation.

• Single Occupancy. Your own room for the duration of the tour.

• Double Occupancy Paying Together. Register and pay for 2 guests at same time with the same Form of Payment. Best for couples.

• Double Occupancy Paying Separate.
  Register and pay for just 1 guest, but list your roommate's name. If you would like a same gender roommate assigned to you, type Roommate Needed during the registration process. In the event that no other same gender registrant is a good fit/available prior to Nov 15, you can choose to cancel ($50 fee) or buy up to Single Occupancy.

Travel in Comfort and Style
Travel aboard a deluxe motorcoach equipped with modern features such as reclining seats, an AV system, onboard restroom, personal lighting/air vents, and cup holders. Complimentary water and occasional snacks will be provided during the trip.

Getting There

We want to make it easy for you to join the tour. You have the option to fly to Florida on your own and meet the group at either Orlando MCO . Or, you can drive down and enjoy complimentary parking at Risen Savior, Orlando. Or, you can join our nonstop Sun Country group flight from Minneapolis MSP2 to Orlando MCO for $400 (includes parking, shuttle, & a checked bag).

Meals & Inclusions
Over the 15 days, you'll be on your own dime for about 10 meals. All attractions are included. Plus, you'll walk away with an annual pass to the Edison & Ford Estates. It's the gift that keeps on giving with free reciprocal access to hundreds of museums (NARM) and gardens (AHS) nationwide through 2027!

Additional Options

We have one day designated as "free time" to enjoy our Kissimmee/Orlando area resort (saltwater pool, lazy river, sun deck, mini golf, pickle ball, adjacent shops/restaurants). You can opt to use that day to visit one of the nearby Disney parks (Animal Kingdom - $150, Magic Kingdom - $180, Epcot Center - $165, Hollywood Studios - $170) with transportation included. For an additional $200, you can upgrade your cruise experience from PLUS to PREMIER. Enjoy unlimited fine dining, reserved theater seating, top-shelf drinks/desserts, a photo package, and a $100 per person excursion credit that can be used for any official Princess excursion at of the three ports (Celebration Key, Amber Cove, Grand Turk). NOTE: ROOMMATES MUST BOTH HAVE THE SAME PACKAGE (PLUS OR PREMIER).

Eligibility and Mobility

The tour is open to all members of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) or ELS (Evangelical Lutheran Synod). W/ELS members are welcome to bring along a non-WELS friend or spouse as your roommate. Father's World Tours does not allow unmarried, unrelated couples to room together.

We rate this tour as a 4 of 10 on the Mobility Scale. This means that to fully enjoy this tour, you should be at or just below average mobility. You will need to get on and off the bus (several steps) multiple times each day. Hiking is not required, but nearly every venue requires some level of walking/standing.

Document/ID Requirements
Although you are not REQUIRED to have a passport for this journey, we recommend that you obtain and bring one that is valid through August 7, 2027. The alternative option is to bring an official birth certificate and your current driver license/government issued ID.

Payment Schedule
A $595 deposit is due upon registration to secure your spot. The remaining balance will be due in two equal payments on Sept 15 and Nov 15. Please note that the payments will be automatically withdrawn from the account you used for the deposit unless you change or cancel it. An email reminder will be sent a few days prior to that payment coming out. 

Cancellation Policy 

Refunds are offered on a sliding scale based on your cancellation date. If a waitlist exists and a replacement traveler is found, only a $50 administrative fee will apply regardless of when the cancellation occurs. See the schedule below.

Cancel prior to Aug 15...$50 fee

Cancel between Aug 16-Sep 15...$250 fee

Cancel between Sep 16-Oct 15...$500 fee

Cancel between Oct 16-Nov 15...$1000 fee

Cancel betwen Nov 16-Dec 15...$2000 fee

Cancel after Dec 15...$3000 fee

Travel Insurance
Father's World Tours is not offering travel insurance. For those interested in protecting their trip investment in case of unforeseen illness or emergency, travel Insurance (optional for this trip) may be purchased through a vendor of your choosing.

Tour Communications
Confirmed passengers will receive an email with basic trip details on/around November 20. A final communication will be emailed with full details on/around December 20. It will include a passenger list, packing suggestions, a “final” itinerary, parking/pickup instructions, etc. Passengers will be asked to download the free Whatsapp cell phone application so that we can communicate easily and effectively to the group throughout the tour.  

Minimum/Maximum
A minimum of 32 registered travelers is required by November 15 for the tour to operate. A maximum of 50 can attend. We expect that this tour will sell out and a waitlist will form once we reach capacity.

Our adventure begins as we travel from Minnesota to sunny Florida! After arriving in Orlando, we'll board our motorcoach, enjoy our opening tour orientation, and settle into our comfortable hotel in Brandon. We'll cap off the day with the Drury Kickback, giving everyone a chance to relax, enjoy a complimentary meal, and get acquainted before the adventure begins.

Begin the morning in worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Parrish. Then discover the cultural treasures of Florida with a visit to the magnificent Ringling Museum before spending the afternoon exploring beautiful St. Petersburg, where you can choose from gardens, museums, or the scenic waterfront pier. It's a wonderful blend of faith, fellowship, art, and Florida sunshine.

Today's journey showcases the natural beauty and rich history of southwest Florida. We'll enjoy the famous Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, picnic among towering cypress trees, and tour the remarkable Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Along the way, we'll also learn about local ministry opportunities while experiencing the charm of Florida's Gulf Coast.

Experience the unique Greek culture of Tarpon Springs as we explore its famous Sponge Docks filled with shops, bakeries, and waterfront restaurants. This afternoon we'll cruise the sparkling Gulf waters searching for playful dolphins while collecting seashells on beautiful Anclote Island. It's a relaxing day filled with coastal scenery, local history, and unforgettable wildlife.

Discover why Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World during a guided tour of beautiful horse farms and the renowned World Equestrian Center. This afternoon we'll visit spectacular Silver Springs State Park, where you can glide above crystal-clear waters aboard a famous glass-bottom boat or paddle through one of Florida's most beautiful spring-fed waterways.

One of the tour's signature experiences awaits as we visit Crystal River, home to the gentle Florida manatee. Whether you choose a scenic wildlife cruise, kayaking adventure, or even the unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside these amazing creatures, this promises to be a day you'll never forget. We'll finish with a relaxing evening and an included Italian dinner back in Ocala.

Today's travels feature two of Florida's most beloved landmarks. We'll enjoy panoramic views from the historic Citrus Tower before spending the afternoon wandering the breathtaking gardens of Bok Tower, complete with its beautiful singing carillon. By evening we'll arrive in Kissimmee, where you'll have countless dining and entertainment options nearby.

Today is yours to enjoy exactly the way you like! Relax at our boutique resort with its pool, lazy river, pickleball courts, and hot tubs, or choose an exciting day at one of Walt Disney World's famous theme parks. Later, everyone can enjoy an optional visit to Disney Springs for shopping, dining, and evening entertainment.

We'll gather for worship and fellowship with another welcoming Florida congregation before traveling to beautiful De Leon Springs State Park. Enjoy a relaxing riverboat nature cruise, explore the park, and finish the afternoon with a memorable meal at the famous Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, where you cook your own pancakes right at your table.

Before boarding our cruise, we'll make one final Florida stop at Cocoa Beach, including a visit to the whimsical Wizard of Oz Museum and a seaside picnic overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Then it's time to embark aboard the magnificent Sky Princess, our luxurious home for the next week of Caribbean adventure.

Welcome to Carnival's (Princess's parent company) spectacular new private destination, Celebration Key! Whether you choose to relax on pristine beaches, float down the lazy river, enjoy tropical cuisine, or simply soak up the sunshine, this is the perfect introduction to the Caribbean. Today is all about making unforgettable island memories.

Enjoy a leisurely day aboard the beautiful Sky Princess while taking advantage of everything the ship has to offer. Savor exceptional dining, browse the shops, attend live performances, stay active in the fitness center, or simply unwind by the pool with a favorite drink in hand. Our Princess Plus package and balcony cabins makes relaxing easier than ever.

Amber Cove offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Lounge beside the massive resort-style pool, browse colorful island shops, sample authentic Dominican flavors, or venture farther afield to waterfalls, ziplining, or Monkey Land. However you spend your day, the warmth and beauty of the Dominican Republic are sure to impress.

Step ashore into one of the Caribbean's most beautiful island destinations. Relax on powder-soft beaches, visit the famous Jack Shack, explore local shops, or join an optional excursion to discover stingrays, historic landmarks, and crystal-clear waters. Grand Turk is the perfect finale to our Caribbean adventure.

Our final full day aboard Sky Princess is yours to enjoy. Attend a Movies Under the Stars presentation, listen to elegant string musicians in the Piazza, indulge in specialty dining, relax in the hot tubs, or simply enjoy the ocean views from your favorite deck chair. It's the perfect opportunity to savor every last moment of the Princess experience.

After disembarking, we'll conclude our unforgettable journey with worship together at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Merritt Island. Following one final time of fellowship, we'll transfer to Orlando International Airport for our flights home, carrying wonderful memories of Florida, the Caribbean, and the friendships we've shared throughout this incredible adventure.