[JediSkipdogg]

This year's meet and greet was small, but it was a total success (considering minor situations that arose.)

My questions now is what about 2008? I would like all input from both those that attended and those that didn't. I'd prefer to keep this serious, so nothing like let's have an International one in Antartica.

I'll just start off by asking what would make people want to come? Generally speaking basic info like this.....

Time of year?
Location?
Events/Attractions?
Activities?

Someone can get the ball rolling and we can go from there.

[Cyborg]

Disney in Florida!

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

Disney in Florida!

The problem there is that's just as expensive. Well, depending on the resort one stays at. That is being considered an option though along with Tampa/Busch Gardens area. Also up north like Niagara Falls. There's tons of possibilities but we are extensively researching each one in terms of average costs, attractions, events, locations, weather, etc.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

The problem there is that's just as expensive. Well, depending on the resort one stays at. That is being considered an option though along with Tampa/Busch Gardens area. Also up north like Niagara Falls. There's tons of possibilities but we are extensively researching each one in terms of average costs, attractions, events, locations, weather, etc.

Not that I'm biased, but there are tons of both cheap and expensive hotels near Disney. Besides Disney, there are lots of other attractions and things to do here. In Tampa, there is much less to do...

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

Not that I'm biased, but there are tons of both cheap and expensive hotels near Disney. Besides Disney, there are lots of other attractions and things to do here. In Tampa, there is much less to do...

Remember, not everyone will have transportation, therefore staying closer to use the Disney shuttles is a huge plus. And don't even say Taxi...those ARE NOT cheap by any means. That's why it has to be considered by looking at how one can get from the hotel to other attractions.

Tampa has beaches, who doesn't love beaches?

[Cyborg]

Daytona Beach, "The World's Best Beach", is 1/2 hour from Orlando. And many of the hotels anywhere near Disney have free shuttle service to and from the main parks.

[JediSkipdogg]

Originally Posted by BriOnH

Any way you look at it it's my fault though; my sincerest apologies.

Just blame it on a woman and all will be well. **** them and their powerful minds...well, in your case her body. I'll say no disappointment there.

[camjen1]

I personally didn't think Orlando was all that expensive but then again I went with 9 other people and buying packages saved a lot of money. Heck, we rented a private pool home for 6 days and the total came to almost $800. This included 4 beds and 3 baths along with a game room and pool with jacuzzi. If people didn't mind sharing then they could save some money.

You can get a pass to Disney World for 3 days for around $200 if you buy more days it's cheaper. You can travel I think it's 5 parks on the one pass. Magic Kingdom would take up one of your days maybe two.

I wouldn't mind an Orlando greet and perhaps venture out to the surrounding areas if Disney World wasn't on the list of things to do.

With us rambling on I think we didn't realize we're off topic in Jens thread. Sorry Jen!

[Dewey]

In all honesty, I really like Cyborg's idea. Daytona is pretty cool, as is St. Augustine. In Daytona, there are many hotels either right on (or off of) the beach, whichever a group would prefer.

In Orlando, some hotels aren't too bad, but when one gets close to Disney, prices can (& often do) skyrocket. In terms of shuttles or cabs, if we could all decide (as a GROUP) on one location/hotel (or ones that are in walking distance of one another), that would be the best bet. There would be no need for taxis or shuttles then, really. This could be done in either Daytona or Orlando, but we all need to work together to try & find a suitable place, and need to keep ALL ideas open. We also have to consider what financially would work best for all parties involved.

The biggest issue I see is trying to get people (as a group) to decide on one location that would work, both financially & otherwise. I also want to get Rikki's input. She had some very good ideas.

[Carwy]

I believe that the next gathering should be set up by a committee of people who are going to go and the people who actually went this year. A lot of people are putting in input on this that said they would go this year and then at the last minute had to back out. So I think that people who are committed to go should help set the place and time.
This is just my thoughts, however I know I can not go to Orlando.
I say Seattle. Its' a great place with lots for all to do.

[Tony]

I made this thread a sticky.

Originally Posted by Carwy

I believe that the next gathering should be set up by a committee of people

I'm thinking Brian should be head of this committee....

Originally Posted by Carwy

I say Seattle. Its' a great place with lots for all to do.

What's in Seattle? I would never think to vacation there, but then again, I rarely think vacation.

I would think a place on the east coast would be good because there was a few people that wanted to go on the last meet but couldn't because it was on the other side of the country, but don't go by what I say. It's hard for me to get away. I'm just giving something to think about.

[camjen1]

Originally Posted by Carwy

I believe that the next gathering should be set up by a committee of people who are going to go and the people who actually went this year. A lot of people are putting in input on this that said they would go this year and then at the last minute had to back out. So I think that people who are committed to go should help set the place and time.
This is just my thoughts, however I know I can not go to Orlando.
I say Seattle. Its' a great place with lots for all to do.

Well I guess since my suggestions aren't needed because I backed out last time then I'll just keep quiet and show up where ever the good ole "committee" says so. No problem!

[jeggeman31]

If at all possible, I would like the plans set by November. I pick my 2008 vacation in November, so I could schedule my vacation around the meet and greet.

[Dewey]

Originally Posted by camjen1

Well I guess since my suggestions aren't needed because I backed out last time then I'll just keep quiet and show up where ever the good ole "committee" says so. No problem!

I think Carwy's words often come out wrong. That said, a group of people brainstorming is always a good idea. If there was a committee of people to help in organizing the gathering, they could then each try to find the best prices & research different places to go. This way, each person could come up with ideas & give a run-down of their findings. I see nothing wrong with having people who have already attended the meet & greet (i.e. Kevin, Rikki, Brian & even Carwy ), and those interested in going to next year's gathering as part of a "committee." I think it should be a group effort, though.

Originally Posted by jeggeman31

If at all possible, I would like the plans set by November. I pick my 2008 vacation in November, so I could schedule my vacation around the meet and greet.

I think if everyone could give thoughts & ideas, & the group can unanimously agree on a date/location, then I'm sure that it could be done.

[Carwy]

Originally Posted by Tony

I made this thread a sticky.



I'm thinking Brian should be head of this committee....




What's in Seattle? I would never think to vacation there, but then again, I rarely think vacation.

Oh man there is a lot of things to do for all ages. It is a great place.
Check out there site.
visit Seattle
We have done quite a few of the things talked about. The underground one is best done at night and without children. It gets adult. They tell the true history of the waterfront in Seattle.

Heck I would even go to NYC, The Big Apple. I have never been to New York City.
NYC tourist
FLA. is just to hot in the summer. Now I know a lot of people are going to say you went to Vegas in the summer and it is hot there. But please remember we spent about 90% of the time inside. In Fla. we would be spending about 90% of the time outside in the sun, heat and humidity. So there is a BIG difference.

Originally Posted by camjen1

Well I guess since my suggestions aren't needed because I backed out last time then I'll just keep quiet and show up where ever the good ole "committee" says so. No problem!

What Tony says and I agree with is we need a committee to set the next one up. Your input on where to go should still be added. Brion should be the committee chairman for this. If we have a set number of people where ever we go and make the reservations in advance each person should give a nonrefundable down payment. If they cannot stay the whole time then they should inform the committee up front and their price will be lowered. This way we can get a discount.