Celebrating any holiday in Miami can be a fun time, especially if you’re doing so with a group! St. Patrick’s Day in Miami is no different and you’ll find a variety of activities being held on the actual holiday through the following weekend. Even if you’re traveling around Miami with kids and need a family-friendly way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, there’s something for everyone to do.

If your group of merrymakers is planning to drink during St. Patrick’s Day, Falcon Charter Bus can help you travel safely around Miami. Rent a minibus operated by a professional driver to serve as your DD to and from bar crawls after plenty of green beer. With a charter bus rental and pro driver, you can keep the St. Paddy’s party going on the road after the pregame and on the way to a bar crawl, parade, or happy hour. Large groups planning a day of kid-friendly fun can also benefit from a charter bus rental. Keep kids entertained on the way to festival field trips or special community events with movies onboard your bus’s TVs with DVD players and WiFi to stream music, play games, or watch shows.

Does renting a Miami charter bus sound like a good fit for your St. Paddy’s celebration? Give the Falcon Charter Bus team a call at 305-359-3962 to get a free rental price quote.

Take a St. Patrick’s Day booze cruise.

Miami is no stranger to a good booze cruise and there are quite a few festive options for St. Patrick’s Day. Local yacht clubs, hotels, and ferry companies offer themed cruises for groups who want to celebrate on the water. Book a booze cruise along the Miami River, Biscayne Bay, and past the city’s famously glamourous residential islands. Most cruises are limiting capacity at this time, so groups should inquire about booking tickets as early as possible.

Charter bus rental tip: Although you’ll be on the water for most of the time, having a safe port shuttle to and from your cruise is important to consider. A Mimai minibus rental is the perfect way to travel to and from the cruise port without having to worry about a DD or needing to park multiple vehicles. When you book your cruise tickets, be sure to inquire about oversized parking options near the cruise starting point.

Sign up for a family-friendly St. Paddy’s Day race.

Got a group of active kids that need to burn off some energy? Hop on a private charter bus rental up to the Fort Lauderdale Shamrock Run. This annual race also doubles as a party and is perfect for mixed groups with adults and children. Adults can sign up for the 4-mile race (with a green beer included with your ticket) and kids under 11 can participate in the Lucky Leprechaun Kids Dash. Don’t worry, you don’t have to run the route, you can stroll at your own pace. After the race, stick around for the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival. Play games, grab food and drinks from local vendors, and enjoy live music.

Charter bus rental tip: Having a shuttle for your race group will allow everyone to relax before or after a long day celebrating and running in the South Florida sun. Be sure to request a charter bus with entertainment amenities like TVs with DVD players to keep kids entertained on the way up to Fort Lauderdale from Miami.

Bar crawl through Miami’s best neighborhoods.

Miami has a vibrant nightlife scene and signing up for a bar crawl is one of the best ways to experience a variety of bars or clubs. St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls are common in most of the city’s neighborhoods that are popular for nightlife. Wynwood and Brickell usually have bar crawls or even block parties for the holiday. Get tickets to the St. Pat’s Wynwood festival/block party and do a bar crawl around the neighborhood’s Irish pubs like Fado and John Martin’s.

Charter bus rental tip: Parking an oversize vehicle in neighborhoods like Wynwood and Brickell can be difficult at times, but having a safe ride and built-in DD can alleviate travel-related stress while also keeping your group safe.

Host your own St. Paddy’s happy hour.

If you’re not interested in a full-blown bar crawl, your group can take advantage of local happy hour specials at Miami restaurants or bars. Many locations will offer specials that are great options for groups of coworkers looking to have a St. Paddy’s happy hour after work. Drink and food specials will vary depending on the restaurant you choose. Popular spots include discounted cocktails and Irish whiskeys at The Taurus in Coconut Grove, green beer specials at Tobacco Road by Kush in Brickell, and a selection of refreshments accompanied by live music along the Miami River at The Wharf.

Charter bus rental tip: Depending on where you’re hitting up happy hour, parking for a minibus or charter bus may be limited. Your group may need to be dropped off at your restaurant or bar of choice before your bus driver finds parking off-site.

Travel for St. Patrick’s Day Events with a Miami Charter Bus

A private charter bus rental can make celebrating any holiday in Miami that much better. You’ll have a spacious and comfortable ride with a professional driver handling the Miami traffic for you. Enjoy family-friendly activities or have an adults-only night out sampling Irish whiskeys, green beer, and craft cocktails for the holiday. Call 305-359-3962 to get a personalized, no-obligation quote for your Miami charter bus rental. The Falcon Charter Bus team is available 24/7!

Celebrating the winter holidays in Florida may seem a bit odd with its warm weather but Orlando’s theme parks make the season magical. If you’re having a tropical holiday vacation, Disney World and Universal Orlando have a variety of family-friendly events for groups to enjoy. Plan a holiday family reunion, vacation with friends, a trip for your school or community youth group, or even a seasonal corporate retreat for your company.

Keep on reading to learn more about the best ways to celebrate the holidays with a group in Orlando!

How to Travel

The holiday season at Orlando’s theme parks is exceptionally busy. So you’ll want to have your group transportation streamlined. Falcon Charter Bus has worked with groups of all sizes to provide efficient transportation to theme parks throughout Florida. A minibus or charter bus rental is one of the best ways for large groups to travel in Orlando, especially during the packed holiday season. Taking multiple cars into the parks can be a nightmare, but consolidating everyone onto a charter bus so that no one is stuck looking for parking or searching for their car can make your trip much smoother. The charter bus rentals in the Falcon network include compact minibuses and spacious full-sized buses equipped with amenities like WiFi, TVs with DVD players, and reclining seats to keep you comfortable in inevitable theme park traffic.

Leave the holiday gridlock up to your Falcon Charter Bus and your professional driver. The Falcon Charter Bus team is available 24/7 at 407-274-9808 to help you organize an Orlando charter bus rental for your holiday trip.

 

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort includes three parks, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Volcano Bay doesn’t have a seasonal holiday event but the other two parks have separate holiday celebrations, as well as a shared, resort-wide event. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 2-Park ticket to get the full holiday experience at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Universal’s Holiday Parade

Universal Studios Florida

This holiday parade features festive balloons and floats with all of your favorite film characters. You’ll see Minions from Despicable Me, beloved characters from Shrek, and a few familiar faces from Madagascar. The colorful holiday floats are usually accompanied by dancers and performers making their way through the streets of Universal Studios Florida. The holiday parade is included in your ticket and runs nightly through the park’s seasonal festivities. 

Christmas at Harry Potter World

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is split between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Hogsmeade is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios Florida. With a 2-park ticket, you can travel Park-to-Park on the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. All of the Harry Potter holiday shows are included in your ticket price. During the holidays, the magical areas are illuminated in lights and Christmas decor, a light show is displayed throughout the evening on Hogwarts Castle, and seasonal performances are put on by The Hogwarts Frog Choir. Be sure to grab some butterbeer to complete the holiday feeling!

Grinchmas

Islands of Adventure

You can’t celebrate the holidays with The Grinch. Universal’s Grinchmas takes over the Seuss Landing area of Islands of Adventure, making it a winter wonderland. Sing along to festive songs with the Whos of Who-ville, enjoy a live retelling of the Grinch’s story, and snap photos with the mischievous antihero himself at the All The Books You Can Read Bookstore. Holiday shows are included in your ticket but just note that in-person photo ops with The Grinch are subject to change due to the ongoing health situation.

 

Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort is already considered one of the most magical places on earth and that becomes especially true during the winter holidays. The resort is home to 4 main theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom Park.

Along with holiday celebrations inside of the park, the resort also hosts additional events at the Disney Springs dining and entertainment area. Each theme park has its own selection of holiday celebrations and you’ll need a Park Hopper ticket to see as much as possible. It’s also highly recommended that you spend more than one day, if possible, at the Disney Resort to get the full holiday experience.

There’s a long list of holiday events at Disney, but here are a few of the most popular:

Disney Very Merriest After Hours

Magic Kingdom

The Disney Very Merriest After Hours is made up of two festive events: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and the beloved ​​Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. This annual holiday parade kicked off in 1994 and is one of the oldest winter traditions at Magic Kingdom. During the parade, you’ll see all of your favorite Disney characters decked out in their holiday’s best marching through Main Street alongside Toy Soldiers to the tune of holiday classics. The parade includes floats covered in twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and even snow! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks is one of the best fireworks displays all year. The show lights up the night sky above the park in a dazzling display that visitors of all ages will love.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Epcot

If you’re looking for an international spin on the holidays, Epcot is the park for you to visit. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays includes booths throughout the park that sell seasonal fare from around the world. The festival also includes festive cultural performances including Chinese lion dances, Hanukkah storytelling, and Mexican Las Posadas.

Tree of Life Awakenings

Animal Kingdom

The World of Avatar (Pandora) in Disneys’ Animal Kingdom is one of the most magical locations in all of the parks. During the holidays, Pandora’s Tree of Life is illuminated in photo projections that tell holiday stories as a festive score plays in the background. As you stroll through Animal Kingdom, be sure to look out for the animal-inspired luminaries and lanterns placed throughout the park. These carefully crafted holiday decorations are handmade by local artists and are a beautiful homage to Disney’s most important residents, its animals.

Flurry of Fun

Hollywood Studios

One of the best parts of Hollywood Studios’ Flurry of Fun is the fun holiday decor in Echo Lake. Dozens of life-size Christmas tree ornaments float in the water alongside Each Lake’s mainstay, Dinosaur Gertie. Gertie usually gets a holiday makeover and a large Christmas tree is located near the Hollywood Studios entrance to start your holiday visit right. The Flurry of Fun continues into the park with seasonal decorations in Toy Story Land, a light show displayed in the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and sing-a-longs with Disney characters like Elsa from Frozen.

Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll features character-themed trees scattered throughout the complex. You’ll see trees decorated with characters like Mickey and Minnie, The Muppets, and several Disney princesses. Disney Springs also has holiday decor, live festive entertainment, and photos with Santa Claus.

 

Enjoy the Holidays in Orlando with Falcon Charter Bus

Whenever you’re ready to book your holiday group transportation, a Falcon Charter Bus rental expert will be available to help you. Rent a charter bus in Orlando to help your winter trip run as smoothly as possible. Give us a ring 24/7 at 407-274-9808 to get answers to any of your rental questions and to get a free, personalized price quote.

The holiday season in Miami always feels a bit different compared to states with cold winters. But that’s part of what makes the Miami holiday season so charming to some locals and travelers: no shoveling snow out your driveway or freezing during outdoor light shows. Miami offers a variety of social-distance-friendly holiday activities for groups of family and friends, community organizations, and youth groups.

How to Travel in Miami for the Holidays

If you’re a local, you probably already know that Miami traffic is hectic. If you’re out-of-towners, welcome to it. Groups traveling in Miami will need an efficient and comfortable ride—that’s where Falcon Charter Bus comes in. A charter bus rental can help alleviate any travel-related stress that you may be dreading around the holidays. Falcon Charter Bus offers professionally operated transportation services customized to your schedule, anywhere in Miami! So rather than splitting into multiple cars on the way to a holiday event, everyone can ride in a cozy minibus or spacious charter bus rental with a professional driver. Put holiday movies on your charter bus’s TVs for the kids, play festive music with an onboard sound system, and get cozy in plush reclining seats! Call (305) 359-3962 to rent a Miami charter bus with Falcon today!

Zoo Lights at ZooMiami

Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177

Phone: (305) 251-0400

Zoo Miami is one of the best holiday destinations in the city. Every holiday season, the zoo hosts Zoo Lights, a month-long celebration for visitors of all ages. The zoo is adorned with millions of glittering lights and animal-shaped light displays throughout the park. Visitors can also enjoy holiday performances, animal encounters, River Boat rides, contests, storytelling, and photos with Santa.

To keep guests safe, ZooMiami is limiting capacity and requiring tickets to be purchased in advance online. Group discounts for general admission to the zoo are available for groups of 10 or more, but discounts may not apply during special holiday events.

Charter bus rental tip: Parking at the zoo is free, and buses can drop off passengers in the roundabout near the ticketing office.

Christmas at Deering Estate

Address: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157

Phone: (305) 235-1668

The historic Deering Estate offers an elevated yet fun holiday experience for groups. Holiday events at the estate range from strolls among lights and decorations in the gardens to tours of the historic home decorated to the nines in custom holiday decor. Walk around the estate’s beautiful grounds and explore extravagant rooms with holiday decor created by designer-in-residence Alfredo Brito. Deering Estate also hosts kid-friendly events like storytelling with Santa!

Holiday events at Deering vary from day to day, and ticket pricing ranges from $7-15 per person. It’s highly recommended your group purchase tickets in advance, as tickets are limited and may sell out. Face coverings will be required while indoors at the estate.

Charter bus rental tip: Parking at Deering Estate is free. A spacious parking area can be found at the estate’s Visitor Center.

Luminosa at Jungle Island

Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132

Phone: (305) 400-7000

Luminosa is the perfect tropical event for groups looking to enjoy a winter event that isn’t centered around Santa, snow, and winter wonderlands. Luminosa is Jungle Island’s seasonal take on a traditional Chinese Lantern Festival. The event brings dazzling lights and lanterns shaped like parrots, flamingos, jellyfish, parrotfish, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests. Visitors can explore more than 13 acres of illuminated trails, acrobatic shows, and live music.

The special event is open after hours at Jungle Island, so your group will need to purchase evident tickets rather than general admission to the island.

Charter bus rental parking tip: Most parking at Jungle Island is located in a nearby garage but additional surface lot parking with oversized spaces is available across the street.

NightGarden at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156

Phone: (305) 482-1148

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is hailed as one of the best botanical gardens in the country. Visitors can explore the beautiful, expansive gardens as they’re illuminated for the annual NightGarden. During NightGarden, Fairchild will be transformed into an enchanting space with magical lights and interactive experiences like scavenger hunts. NightGarden also hosts a special event on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year!

It’s highly recommended that you purchase tickets online to save a few dollars rather than purchasing at the gate. Admission for children two and under is free. Parking is free but often fills up quickly.

Charter bus rental tip: Oversized vehicle parking may be limited during NightGarden. Before booking tickets, consider inquiring about group discounts and parking options for your group.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Address: 3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone: (954) 767-0686

The Winterfest Boat Parade is actually located in Fort Lauderdale, but you won’t have to sweat the drive with a comfortable charter bus rental. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of this seasonal aquatic parade. Everything from private boats to corporate megayachts make parade appearances and are adorned in holiday lights and decorations for spectators. The parade starts at the Stranahan House, coasts on Fort Lauderdale’s New River, and enters the Intracoastal Waterway for 12 miles.

As such a long parade, your group will need to pick out the best place to watch. Spectating at unofficial viewing areas is completely free, but you’ll probably want to grab food or drinks in the area beforehand. If you want to view the parade from an organized and reserved viewing area, tickets can be purchased in advance for the Grandstand Viewing Area.

Charter bus rental tip: All parking for the event will be located in public parking areas. Groups traveling by charter bus will need to organize parking in surface lots or metered street areas.

Enjoy the Holidays in Miami with Falcon Charter Bus

Relax on your tropical holiday with a bus rental and pro driver to handle the Miami roads. Enjoy holiday lights, treats, and the company of your favorite people—the Falcon Charter Bus team will make sure you travel safely and comfortably. A representative will be available 24/7 to get you a free quote for your Miami bus rental at (305) 359-3962.

With temperate weather year-round, an event at an Orlando restaurant is best served outdoors. Wind down with a mimosa-filled brunch on restaurant patios, host a swanky big business soirée at outdoor venues, or have a laidback group meal after a long day of theme park fun.

If you need a few ideas on where to wine and dine outside in Orlando, you‘ll find a few ideas here! From small to large events, you’ll find an Orlando dining space to meet your needs. Once you pick your dining space for your event, you’ll also need to consider the best way for all of your diners to get there. Sure, having everyone drive themselves is an easy solution, but large dining event organizers may want to consider a different option. This is where Falcon Charter Bus comes in! The minibus rentals in our network include comfortable models to shuttle your group to dining spaces anywhere in Orlando. Don’t sweat needing to call a rideshare or having a DD after a long night of food and drinks, your private shuttle bus rental will have a driver to handle the road.

Even if you have a massive event like a company happy hour or charity organization fundraiser at a local outdoor venue, Falcon Charter Bus has charter bus rental services to keep your occasion running smoothly. Call 407-274-9808 to discuss your transportation needs with a Falcon Charter Bus rental expert today!

A La Carte

Best for: laidback meetups with friends and family

Address: 609 Irvington Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Phone: (407) 776-4693

A La Carte is unique in that it’s an outdoor food court with rotating local food trucks. Outdoor food court may sound a bit weird, but A La Carte’s setup feels like the perfect backyard spot to sample a variety of local street foods and have a few brews with friends or coworkers. You’ll find everything from empanadas and Brazilian steaks to poke bowls and Swedish meatballs.

Charter bus rental parking: A La Carte is located in the trendy Milk District. On-site parking right at the food court is limited but you’ll find private paid parking lots throughout the district and additional parking at Festival Park.

Eden Bar at Enzian Theater

Best for: company happy hours and community organization events

Address: 1300 Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751

Phone: (407) 629-0054

This garden-style bar serves up tasty new American fare under the shade of massive oak trees and the quaint Enzian Theater art house. The bar has happy hour specials every day and serves up casual bites like flatbreads, burgers, and tacos. You can also rent out the theater and bar for special events with up to 200 guests. Groups of 8 or more must contact the Enzian events team at events@enzian.org or (407) 629-1088 ext. 234.

Charter bus rental parking: The Enzian has a spacious private parking lot. If you have a large group attending during normal business hours (and not a private event) you’ll want to inquire about parking options for a minibus rental.

The Stubborn Mule

Best for: company holiday parties and happy hours

Address: 100 S Eola Dr Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: (407) 730-3400

The Stubborn Mule is located just down the street from Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando and is known for its wide selection of mule cocktails. It’s a popular weekend brunch spot for mimosas and tropical mules paired with grilled shrimp and grits or decadent french toast. The Stubborn Mule also offers private event space rentals (except brunch) including the spacious patio that can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Charter bus rental parking: Due to its downtown location, The Stubborn Mule doesn’t have a private parking lot. Most parking in the area can be found in nearby garages and along the street.

World of Beer Orlando

Best for: bachelor and bachelorette parties, company social events, and groups of sports fans.

Address: 431 E Central Blvd Ste B, Orlando, FL 32801

Phone:  (407) 270-5541

World of Beer may be a national chain but the Orlando location is hard to beat for lovely downtown views on Lake Eola. The spacious patio is perfect for groups that want to sample brew flights, chat with friends, and enjoy gastropub bites like pretzels with beer cheese and crispy chicken sandwiches. This location is also a big spot for Orlando sports fans to catch big games on the restaurant’s multiple large TVs.

Charter bus rental parking: Parking around Lake Eola Park can be a challenge. A parking garage is located across the street for personal vehicles, but oversize vehicles like minibus us or charter bus rentals will need to find street parking in Downtown Orlando.

Latitudes

Best for: friends nights out and casual private parties

Address: 3 W Church St 3rd Floor, Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: (407) 649-4270

Looking for a fun rooftop bar in Downtown Orlando? Latitudes is the largest rooftop bar in the city and is a great dive for casual drinks and dancing with friends. Although Latitudes does serve food like classic burgers and fries, it’s primarily a bar and doesn’t take group reservations. However, the bar can be rented out as an event space for private events. Dance the night away with your friends under the towering buildings of Downtown Orlando.

Charter bus rental parking: Street parking can be found on Church Street, Orange Avenue, and nearby roads.

The Hammered Lamb

Best for: group birthday celebrations

Address: 1235 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804

Phone: (407) 704-3200

Located in the Ivanhoe Village neighborhood of Orlando, The Hammered Lamb is an LGBTQ-friendly spot for boozy brunches and late-night bites. Sit out on the covered patio with bloody marys and mimosas paired with chicken & waffle sliders and avocado toast. True to the restaurant’s name, they also serve up items like lamb quesadillas, lamb gyros, and roasted lamb flatbread.  Reservations for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 407-704-3200 ext. 5.

Charter bus rental parking: Parking in the area can get difficult since The Hammered Lamb does not have a private lot. Street parking can be found on Orange Avenue but spots are often full. Your charter bus driver will likely have to drop your group off before parking farther away.

Hillstone Restaurant

Best for: big birthday celebrations, family dinners, and other private group events

Address: 215 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Phone: (407) 740-4005

Hillstone is the perfect spot for an upscale bite to eat in Orlando’s quaint neighboring city of Winter Park.  The restaurant’s tasty New American selection includes house-smoked salmon, roasted prime rib, and housemade veggie burgers. The spacious covered patio overlooks Winter Park’s Lake Killarney and is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset over a tasty meal. Normally, Hillstone can accommodate groups but keep in mind that dine-in options are limited for large groups during the ongoing health crisis.

Charter bus rental parking: Hillstone has a private parking lot but it can get full on busy days. Additional street parking can be found on Beachview Avenue.

The Waterfront

Best for: casual food and drinks with friends and family

Address: 4201 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

Phone: (407) 866-0468

If you’re looking for seafood and a laidback lakefront atmosphere you’ll love The Waterfront’s covered deck and breezy patio tables. Order seafood plates like crab cake sliders, jumbo-fried shrimp, and poke bowls while enjoying the cool air rolling off of Lake Jennie Jewel. It’s a popular spot for groups to dine after paddleboarding on the lake. Break a sweat on the lake then stop for a refreshing drink and bite to eat at The Waterfront.

Charter bus rental parking: The Waterfront’s parking lot is often filled to capacity on busy days like weekends. You’ll want to call ahead to ensure there will be parking available.

Dine At Orlando’s Best Patios with a Group

Plan your Orlando dining experience without worrying about how your guests will get to and from your restaurant of choice. Leave the transportation up to Falcon Charter bus for your company holiday party, girls’ night out, bachelor party, or big family reunion dinner. Call the Falcon Charter Bus rental team 247 at 407-274-9808 for a free quote!

There are countless trendy Miami restaurants with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and picturesque patios to soak up the south Florida sun. With so many options, choosing where to dine can be a difficult task! Especially if you’re planning an event or group dining occasion.

If you need help narrowing down the perfect patio restaurant for your group event, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of some group-friendly dining locations in Miami. Pick a restaurant for events like your company happy hour, birthday bash with friends, or wedding rehearsal dinner, and leave the transportation up to Falcon Charter Bus.

Renting a charter bus or minibus can help keep your special event on schedule and save your guests from the hassle of parking at your restaurant of choice. You won’t have to worry about waiting to be seated if guests get lost or needing to call a rideshare for someone who may have had one too many mimosas. With a bus rental, you’ll have a comfortable ride with a pro driver for your dining event! Call 305-359-3962 to book a private bus rental in Miami with Falcon Charter Bus.

 

Rusty Pelican

Key Biscayne

Great for: company holiday parties, large birthday celebrations, wedding receptions
Address: 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: (305) 361-3818

There’s no better way to dine in Miami than on the water with a seafood dinner and cocktail in hand. Rusty Pelican offers some of the best views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline from its large patio. It’s a popular spot for romantic dates and anniversary dinners but is also an amazing location for special group dining events. Some of the Rusty Pelican’s most-ordered dishes include Chilean sea bass, grilled octopus, and lobster risotto.

Rusty Pelican offers multiple venue spaces for special events, including outdoor patio areas on the water. The East Patio can accommodate up to 70 guests and Vista Terrace is great for large events with up to 210 guests.

Charter bus rental parking: Rusty Pelican has a private parking lot that often gets packed on busy nights and is filled with valet parking. An additional parking area can be found between the restaurant and the Rickenbacker Marina. If you have a large group and multiple charter buses, you’ll want to inquire about parking when you book your reservation.

The Butcher Shop Beer Garden

Wynwood

Great for: laidback meetups with friends
Address: 165 Northwest 23rd Street, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: (305) 846-9120

The Butcher Shop’s name may give away their specialty—meat! The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and backyard-style patio make it perfect for a meetup with friends. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or having a meal and drinks just because, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find bites like duck wings and butcher cut steaks alongside a decent selection of craft beer on tap. Even if you’re vegetarian, Butcher Shop has you covered too with Impossible burgers, potato pierogies, fresh salads, and Bavarian pretzels.

Outdoor private event spaces include the patio, which can accommodate up to 110 guests, and the garden for up to 100 guests. Private dining events can be booked for lunch, dinner, a happy hour, or a weekend brunch.

Charter bus rental parking: Parking in Wynwood can be notoriously difficult and most businesses don’t have private parking lots. Your charter bus driver will have to utilize street parking around the neighborhood.

 

Jaguar Restaurant

Coconut Grove

Great for: happy hours and birthday dinners
Address: 3067 Grand Ave, Miami, FL 33133
Phone: (305) 444-0216

Jaguar serves up pan-Latin fare like savory ceviches, grilled seafood, and Argentinian steak in the quaint-but-upscale Coconut Grove neighborhood. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area is semi-covered and is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and people-watch in the Grove without the fear of burning up on a hot Florida day. Depending on the night, you may even catch a live music set.

The restaurant doesn’t have private event spaces at this time, but large groups can make reservations online or by phone in advance.

Charter bus rental parking: Coconut Grove visitors will have to utilize public parking lots or street parking. You’ll likely have to organize drop-off and parking off-site with your driver.

Lagniappe

Midtown

Great for: adult birthday celebrations or outings with friends
Address: 3425 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305) 576-0108

Is sitting in a friend’s backyard with a bottle (or two) of wine your type of night? Lagniappe offers the ambiance and comfort of sitting in a cozy backyard, just with a large selection of wine, charcuterie, grilled food, and live music. This popular wine house is less of a location for chowing down and more one for enjoying drinks and time with your favorite people. Grab a couple of tables on the patio, order some wine, and enjoy the sounds of local music pouring from inside the main house.

Unlike other spots on this list, Lagniappe doesn’t take reservations. It’s a casual, first come first served spot. You’ll want to get there early if you have a big group or call ahead to see if there’s space available.

Charter bus rental parking: Street parking on NE 35th Street and a public lot are available a short walk from the wine house. Minibuses may be able to fit in the parking lot, but full-size charter buses will need to park on the street.

 

LoKal

Coconut Grove

Great for: casual meals with friends or
Address: 3190 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133
Phone: (305) 442-3377

Kush Hospitality Group’s restaurants have become synonymous with creative dining in Miami. LoKal is the place to be for craft beer, delectable new American food, and artsy ambiance. Try the crispy alligator strips, guava jelly-topped Frita burger, or the My Childhood Dream burger on a doughnut bun. LoKal also has plant-based items like homemade black bean burgers and vegan chorizo jambalaya.

LoKal doesn’t take reservations but there’s a covered patio and sidewalk picnic tables out front with plenty of space for groups. Consider calling ahead to see if there’s space outside for your group.

Charter bus rental parking: LoKal doesn’t have a parking lot. You’ll need to organize street parking or off-site parking for your bus.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Miami Design District

Great for: birthday celebrations and special event dinners like bridal showers
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305) 749-9140

The posh Miami Design District is home to many amazing restaurants, but Mandolin is easily one of the best. Mandolin is located in a historic cottage home that looks unsuspecting from the street. You’d never know there’s a gorgeous, garden-style patio out back with plenty of seating for large groups. It’s a wonderful location for intimate dinners with close friends or family. Order a spread of Greek and Turkish food like chicken kebabs, grilled octopus, and Manti dumplings.

Reservations can be made online, but large groups should call or email ahead of time to organize seating with the restaurant.

Charter bus rental parking: Most parking in the design district will be located in public parking garages. Though if you’re traveling by charter bus, your driver will need to park on the street. Street parking is available just a couple of blocks from the restaurant on NE 2nd Ave.

 

Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Miami

Whether you’re planning a boozy brunch with friends or a company happy hour to treat your employees, Falcon Charter Bus will ensure everyone travels safely. Your dining group can hop on a private bus rental without the worry of taking on hectic Miami traffic before a relaxing meal. Reserve a stress-free shuttle to Miami’s best outdoor dining spots with Falcon Charter Bus. Call 305-359-3962 for a free bus rental quote!

If you’ve never rented a charter bus before, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. What are charter buses like on the inside? How many people can fit on one? Will your bus have WiFi? And how much will a bus rental cost?

Falcon Charter Bus has compiled a list of answers to the questions we receive most often about renting a charter bus. Check out our guide to charter buses, and when you’re ready to book a motorcoach, give us a call at 1-866-217-2168. We can provide full-size charter buses and minibuses for groups traveling throughout the Southeast, whether you’re headed to Nashville, New Orleans, or Miami.

The Basic Facts

What are charter buses?

A charter bus, also called a motorcoach, is a bus reserved for use by a business, wedding party, school, sports team, or other organization. Unlike public buses, charter buses follow your itinerary and take you exactly where you want to go.

How many seats do charter buses have?

Charter buses come in a variety of sizes, but most buses have 56, 25, 20, or 18 seats. Buses with 56 seats are considered full-size charter buses, while buses with 25, 20, or 18 seats are considered minibuses.

What do charter buses look like?

On the outside, full-size charter buses will have large panoramic windows with luggage storage bays beneath them. Some buses are all-white or all-black, while others have the company’s logo on the side. Minibuses don’t have storage bays, and the windows will be smaller.

When you climb the stairs or use the wheelchair lift to go inside, you’ll see the driver’s cockpit and rows of cushioned, reclining seats for passengers. Both charter buses and minibuses have overhead bins for storing bags above the seats. Most full-sized buses also have a small bathroom with a toilet and handwashing station at the back.

What amenities do charter buses come with?

All charter buses come with comfortable seats, large windows, and climate control, and coaches built after 2016 also feature seatbelts. When you call to book, you can request optional features like power outlets, WiFi, and TVs with DVD players.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Most charter buses allow food and drinks onboard, but you’ll need to notify your reservation specialist if your group plans to eat or drink during the drive. You’ll also need to clean up your trash so you aren’t charged an additional cleaning fee at the end of your trip.

Some charter bus companies allow passengers to drink alcoholic beverages on the bus too, but alcohol policies depend on the bus company and the city. Make sure you tell your reservation specialist if you want to drink on the bus, and note that you may have to pay an additional deposit to do so.

Are pets allowed on charter buses?

Certified service animals are always allowed on charter buses, but bus companies get to decide whether they’ll accept any other pets. Even if you request and receive a pet-friendly bus, you’ll probably need to keep your furry friend in a carrier or crate during the journey.

Do charter buses have accessibility features?

ADA-accessible charter buses are available by request, and it’s a good idea to book at least two weeks in advance if you need one. Your accessible bus will come with wider aisles, railings along stairways and in the bathroom, a wheelchair lift, and a wheelchair seating area.

Can I drive the bus, or will I have a driver?

All charter buses come with a fully licensed, certified driver, and they’ll handle taking you to every stop on your itinerary. You’ll need to ensure your driver gets an 8-hour break after every 10 hours of driving and that you book a hotel room for them if you’re going on an overnight trip.

Pricing Guide

How much does a bus rental cost?

For more details on how we determine charter bus rental prices, check out our dedicated bus rental pricing guide! 

How much a bus costs depends on several factors, like:

• How far you’re traveling
• How long your trip is
• What time of year you’re traveling
• What city you’re being dropped off and picked up in
• The size of bus you need
• What amenities you request

Because so many factors go into a bus’s price, the best way to determine how much your bus will cost is to call us at 1-866-217-2168 for a free, personalized quote. That said, we understand that you may want a rough idea of prices before you get a quote. These costs are subject to change, but here’s an example of our average hourly, daily, and per-mile prices:

	Per hour	Per day	Per mile
Charter bus	$135-159	$1,295-1,400	$4.20-4.80

Does my quote include everything, or will there be additional costs?

Your quote includes your charter bus, the services of your driver, gas, and standard bus amenities like climate control, reclining seats, and storage space. Once you receive a quote, you won’t be surprised by any hidden fees. You may still have to pay for costs we don’t control, like tolls, parking fees, a hotel room for your driver (required for overnight trips), or a tip for your driver. Most charter bus drivers receive a tip of around 10% of the total cost of the trip.

Can you give an example of how much a trip may cost?

Sure! Let’s say you’re going on a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium from your school in Marietta, Georgia. Your trip will take about 6 hours, and since it’s a one day trip, you’ll be charged by the hour.

Charter bus for 6 hours:         $870 ($145 per hour x 6 hours)

Then you’ll need to add in additional costs, like parking fees and a tip.

Parking:                                   $25
Tip:                                           $90

When you add all your costs together, this one-day trip will cost $985. If you’re taking a charter bus for several days or over a longer distance, your costs will go up accordingly.

How to Rent a Bus in the Southeast

What information do I need when I book my bus?

When you call us to book, you should have an itinerary with all of your stops, dates, and times on hand. You’ll also need to know how many people you’re bringing, what amenities you want, and whether you need any accessibility features.

How far in advance should I book?

To ensure you get exactly the bus you want, we recommend booking your charter bus rental at least 1 to 3 months in advance. If you’re traveling in a busy month like April, May, or June or during a major event, you should try to book at least 6 to 9 months in advance.

Don’t worry if you missed your window, though. Although Falcon Charter Bus can’t guarantee we’ll always have exactly the bus you want, we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible.

Still Got Questions?

Our 24/7 team at Falcon Charter Bus will be happy to answer them. Just contact us at 1-866-217-2168 and we’ll provide specific information about the buses we have available and exactly how much they’ll cost for your specific trip. Once you make your reservation, you’ll be free to explore Atlanta, Charlotte, or Orlando while a professional takes care of the driving. Give us a call today!

Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld aren’t cheap. But you can still take a large group of kids to Orlando without blowing your budget. Whether you need an alternative to theme parks for one day or for your entire trip, Orlando offers museums, shopping complexes, and state parks that can keep you busy for free or for a small fee.

You can also save money with a large group by taking a charter bus rather than multiple rideshares or rental cars. When you rent a bus from Falcon Charter Bus, we’ll provide you with a single, upfront price that includes the services of your driver and bus for the entire trip. Once the trip begins, you’ll only have to pay for any parking fees or tolls and a room for your driver⁠.

Give Falcon Charter Bus a call at 407-274-9808 when you’re ready to start planning, and keep reading to discover all of the budget-friendly activities you can do with your group of kids.

Dining and Shopping

Orlando’s many shopping/dining/entertainment complexes make it easy to have fun without spending a ton of money. You can stay in control of your budget by planning whether you want to have a quick meal at Moe’s or a sit-down dinner at Planet Hollywood and whether your group will souvenir-shop or just window-shop.

Disney Springs

Although Walt Disney World’s theme parks are far from free, WDW’s shopping and dining district, Disney Springs, is free to enter. You and your kids can take in beautiful views of the water before browsing the endless Stitch and Baby Yoda merchandise at World of Disney. If you get hungry, spend a little money to have a cupcake from Sprinkles or a custom pizza from Blaze.

Have some members of your sports team or youth group who love to build? You won’t want to miss the LEGO Store. You’ll see thousands of LEGO kits as well as stunning displays made entirely from the tiny blocks, and kids can use open containers of blocks to craft their own creations.

Where to park your bus: Disney Springs has 3 free parking garages and 2 free parking lots. Since your bus probably won’t be able to fit in the garages, you’ll want to try the Strawberry or Watermelon parking lots.

Address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Disney’s BoardWalk

Who would have guessed that Disney World has more than one place you can visit for free? Although the BoardWalk isn’t as big as Disney Springs, it also has beautiful water views, live outdoor music, and plenty of places to eat and shop. Stop by The Pizza Window for a quick slice, or make group reservations at the ESPN Club for classic American food that won’t intimidate picky eaters.

But the best reason to visit Disney’s Boardwalk has to be Ample Hills Creamery. The BoardWalk is the only place outside of New York where you can find this boutique ice cream shop, which serves unique flavors of ice cream that almost any kid will love. There are also nut-free and dairy-free options for any kids who have allergies.

Where to park your bus: You can park at the Boardwalk Inn, or, if that lot is full, at another lot across the street. Note that the Boardwalk Inn charges for parking.

Address: 2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Universal CityWalk

Universal’s shopping and dining district, like Disney’s, is free and can be super fun for kids. Grab a quick meal at Moe’s or make a group reservation at Hard Rock Cafe before browsing the shops packed with Harry Potter, Minions, and The Fast and the Furious merchandise. Universal CityWalk also has free live music on many nights.

If the kids from your robotics team or cheerleading squad get a little overexcited about all the wands and stuffed yellow creatures, don’t worry⁠—there will be plenty of storage space for souvenirs on your charter bus. You can also request reclining seats if your kids need to relax or nap on the way back to the hotel.

Where to park your bus: Universal CityWalk has a parking garage where minibuses may fit. But if you’re in a full-size charter bus, you’ll need to ask your driver to drop you off near the garage and then park back at your hotel or in a public lot.

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Natural Springs

Central Florida is known for its natural springs⁠—in fact, Florida has more springs than any other state in the U.S. And unlike true hot springs, the springs in Florida hover around a comfortable 68-70 degrees, so you can swim in them for hours. Although it costs money to visit the various state parks where the springs are located, the fees are usually affordable, making the springs a great budget-friendly option for families and kids.

Wekiwa Springs

Wekiwa lies about 45 minutes outside of Orlando, so you may want to request WiFi or TV monitors on your bus so your kids won’t get bored on the way there. There won’t be any chance of boredom once you arrive, though. The crystal-clear spring offers a beautiful place for little ones to swim, float in tubes, or play mermaids for hours, and there are restrooms and concessions so you won’t need to leave until you’re ready.

Keep in mind that Wekiwa Springs has limited capacity and fills up quickly during the summer. You’ll need to leave your hotel early in the morning if you want to swim, and you’ll have to pay $6 for your vehicle and then $2 for every extra passenger after the first 8.

Where to park your bus: Wekiwa Springs offers on-site parking.

Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712

Rock Springs

Rock Springs inside Kelly State Park is one of the most popular natural springs in Florida, probably because it features the Rock Springs Run, a small river where you can go tubing. Like Wekiwa Springs, this spring has beautiful, clear water, concessions, and a designated parking area.

Parking costs $5 for the vehicle and an additional $1 for each passenger beyond the first 8. Like Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs lies about 45 minutes from Orlando, and you’ll need to leave your hotel early in the morning. Make sure you request power outlets on the bus so your kids’ iPads or phones don’t die on the way there.

Where to park your bus: Kelly State Park has a designated parking area.

Address: 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

Museums

People may not immediately associate Orlando with museums, but the city has a wide selection of art and history museums, and many of the smaller ones charge as little as $5 per person. If you’d like to sneak some education into your trip, check out these affordable options.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

This museum has the largest collection of art by Louis Comfort Tiffany, who’s probably best known for the lamps that bear his name. In addition to many lamps, this museum also contains his jewelry, stained-glass windows, pottery, and paintings.

You’ll need to go about 30 minutes outside of Orlando to find the museum, but you can put an episode of a TV show on the monitors or help the kids do research on their iPads during the drive. This museum is also super affordable—adults pay $6, while seniors pay $5, students pay $1 with a valid ID, and children under 12 get in free. That means all of the kids with you will almost certainly be free or $1 each.

Where to park your bus: The museum has a free parking lot.

Address: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum focuses on American folk art. Most of the collection consists of work by self-taught painter Earl Cunningham, but the museum also has pieces from other artists, like the sculptor Barbara Sorensen. The best part? The prices are reasonable. Adults pay $5, seniors pay $4, and students or children ages 6-17 pay $1. Children under 6 are free.

This museum is also accessible. Your ADA-compliant bus can drop passengers off at the front porch, which has a ramp as well as stairs. The Sculpture Garden outside the museum offers a flat concrete pathway for guests using mobility devices, and large-print copies of all the artwork descriptions are available by request.

Where to park your bus: The lot next to the museum offers free parking.

Address: 900 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida 32803

Orange County Regional History Center

This highly interactive history museum lets kids explore central Florida’s natural environment, learn about the indigenous peoples who lived in Florida first, and discover facts about African American history in the Orlando area. Once they’re done playing with a butter churn in a 19th-century log cabin, they can walk past replicas of planes and models of theme parks while you talk about what they’ve learned.

Themed guided tours for schools are available for $7 per student. Teachers can enter for free, and chaperones are free as long as there’s only 1 for every 10 students. If you want to explore on your own, tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, students, or military members, $6 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.

Where to park your bus: The History Center shares a parking garage with the Orlando Public Library, but charter buses probably won’t fit. Your driver will need to drop you off and then return to your hotel to park.

Address: 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801

Plan a Trip to Orlando with Kids Without Blowing Your Budget

Whether you’re headed to Orlando for a marching band competition, a student council conference, or a baseball tournament, you can find plenty of fun activities that kids will love and that are free or cost very little. Falcon Charter Bus is here to help you get to the museums, state parks, or shopping districts you choose. Just give us a call at 407-274-9808 to start planning your next budget-friendly trip to Orlando.