FAQ

How many students actually attend Beach Week?

Last year’s class had over 400 participants. Given that our class attendance has been up at social events this year relative to last year’s class, we anticipate at least 400 individuals will attend this year.

Why did you schedule Beach Week during finals period, when some individuals have exams?

We spent a lot of time researching days that would be ideal. If we attempted to move it prior to finals period, most individuals have final papers and projects they will be working on. If we moved it to after finals, it was very close to graduation and many folks will be moving out of Philadelphia or have family in from out of town. Therefore, we decided to schedule it so that it would run over the weekend of May 9th, knowing that no students have finals Friday-Sunday. Hopefully, the majority of the class can attend at least 3 of the days – if not the whole event. We promise that the beach is a GREAT place to study!

Who is planning the events?

The committee is made up of social chairs and South Beach experts in the 2008 class.

Where is everyone staying?

We have blocked a large set of rooms for May 6th-May 15th at a reduced rate at the Doubletree Surfcomber, which is the “official” Beach Week Hotel. We believe they are close to sold out of the block at the Wharton rate, but we recommend checking availability anyway as we have been informed of some recent cancellations.

Check out the link below or call 1.800.853.0264 and refer to group code WHA:

http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/MIAOFDT-WHA-20080508/index.jhtml

There are several nearby hotels that many people are staying in as well. Click on “Accommodations” in the “Home” tab to see a few options.

Have you negotiated any hotel or airline discounts?

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Doubletree Surfcomber for $219/night that is applicable for reservations made by April 18th. Book online or call 1.800.853.0264 and refer to group code WHA:

http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/MIAOFDT-WHA-20080508/index.jhtml

We have also negotiated a discount with American Airlines. The discount promotion code is A9858AX.

Why is the wristband price slightly higher than last year?

Last years’s Beach Week wristbands primarily covered admission into clubs but not much else. After receiving feedback from last year’s committee, they recommended including things like open bars, the boat cruise, and a pool party in the cost rather than making people pay for the wristbands AND each event once we are there. We are also working to try and have food/appetizers at some of the events. Last but not least, an official Beach Week T-shirt is included in the price of the all access Beach Week pass.

That being said, we have come up with a tiered pricing structure to accommodate those of you and your partners who will not be able to make it down to Miami for the entire time. Those of you who buy the all access pass will have access to all Beach Week events. The price includes open bar events, Friday’s pool party, Sunday’s boat cruise, cabanas on Nikki Beach, admission into many of South Beach’s most exclusive clubs, a limited edition Beach Week 2008 T-shirt, and more! Individual daily passes are valid only for the specific day indicated on the ticket. Prices will go up the later you buy so if you are definitely coming to celebrate with us, buy your tickets now! Pricing and ticket purchase deadlines are as follows:

  4/9-4/20 4/21-4/27 4/28-5/5
       
All Access Pass (Thursday-Monday): $250 $325 $400
Individual Daily Passes:      
Thursday $50 $75 N/A
Friday $75 $100 N/A
Saturday $75 $100 N/A
Sunday $75 $100 N/A
Monday $50 $75 N/A

Can I still buy a t-shirt if I don’t purchase an all access pass?

T-shirts can be purchased through the WGA store for $15. A limited number of extra t-shirts will be sold closer to the event at MBA cafe.

Do you have special passes for partners who can only make it for the weekend?

Students can purchase individual daily passes for each of the days their partners will be able to participate in Beach Week events.

Do I have to purchase a wristband or can I just show up in Miami?

Individuals must purchase wristbands (whether it is an all access pass or individual daily passes) if they plan to attend our events. Most of our parties/events will have an exclusive Wharton area that individuals will not be able to pay to enter without the official Beach Week pass. Further, for the nightclubs, while you might be able to get into the same club if you wait in line and pay the full cover, you will not be able to come into the Wharton-only area where we will have special perks such as drink specials, open bars, food/appetizers, etc. Additionally, the cost of the all access wristband includes the kickoff pool party, boat cruise, and other fun events that are wristband-only events.

Who can buy a Beach Week pass and who can I buy one for?

Additional Beach Week passes can be purchased by the class of 2008 for their partners or significant others only. Children do not need a Beach Week pass. You must be 21 or older to purchase or hold/use a Beach Week pass. You must purchase a Beach Week pass to participate in the Official Beach Week events.

I’m still undecided on coming to Beach Week. When is the last day I can purchase tickets for the events?

Tickets will be sold until 11:59PM, May 5th. However, prices will begin to go up after 11:59PM, April 20th, and will increase yet again after 11:59PM, April 27th. Buy your tickets early to take advantage of the discounted prices!

How do I buy a wristband? When can I pick it up?

We will be selling wristbands through the WGA store from April 9th-April 20th at early bird prices (see above for specific prices). After that, tickets will be sold at higher prices until May 5th. We will have scheduled times for pickup in MBA cafe the last week of classes. If you cannot pick up your own wristband, please make arrangements for someone else to do so during the designated times.

What happens if I lose my wristbands or forget to bring them with me to an event?

Please do not lose your Beach Week bands!  You will not be allowed into the events without the appropriate color-coded bands for each day.  A fee will be charged for replacement bands. 

What can I expect when I get to South Beach? Do I need to take out another student loan to afford this trip?

The Beach Week committee is doing our best to get you as much value as possible with the budget we have. However, please note that you will be responsible for paying for everything outside of what is offered in each of the official Beach Week events. South Beach is an expensive town but our logistics team is working hard to come up with a list of cheaper options for food/beverage. We will update the website with this list once we have finalized it. Please plan accordingly for your trip!

Do I need to tip the bartenders at the open bar events?

Yes, although drinks will be covered, the bartenders still depend on tips for their livelihood, even at open bars. We recommend tipping $1-$2 per drink.

There has been a lot of buzz about everyone’s “Top 5″ list. I hear it’s been an urban legend in the past but that this myth is going to turn into reality this year. What’s the real deal?

We hear an anonymous classmate unaffiliated with the WGA and the Beach Week Committee is working furiously with an independent third party to look into the possibility of running this. We don’t know a whole lot of anything right now but you should keep a close watch out for an email the week before Beach Week…who knows what you might discover? :)