Orlando Flight Fest - Dates Changed - Oct 28-30 - Official Planning Thread

[spleisher]

Everyone,

Just realized that Lynda would be gone by the dates that we had originally suggested, so we're going to change the dates of the Flight Fest. For those of us who still want to attend the EXPO, it starts on the following Thursday, so if you can stay, GREAT! I will still be attending! If you can not stay that long, no worries!! There will still be plenty to do!

Due to my strategic location right near the "House of the Mouse", I have been elected the chief planner and travel agent for the Mother of All Flight Fests!! That's right, we're all going to descend (literally) on the land of Sunshine and Theme Parks, Orlando Florida!

Look, I know we're still a number of months out on this one, but I wanted this thread to be available so we can all add our 2 cents as to what we want this Flight Fest to be. It is my intention to make this memorable and fun for all, young and old.

I'm going to start with a few FAQ's about the flight Fest, and from there we can just let this thread, and the event itself take on a life of its own.

1. What the heck is a Flight Fest? A Flight Fest is an opportunity for any of us who care to participate to get together and meet face-to-face. We can swap stories and share experiences, related and unrelated to the fear of flying. I would like the Orlando Get-Tegether to be even more than that. What I would like to see if folks turning this into a mini-vacation. If you have kids, BY ALL MEANS BRING THEM and let them enjoy the parks!! If you don't, there will be plenty of "adult" activities as well.

2. Why Orlando? I don't think anyone would actually ask this, but I'll answer this question nonetheless. Orlando is the perfect location for all FoF'ers, young and old, to get together! There are Restaurants Galore, Disney, Universal, Sea World, and a host of other activities. There are a number of other Aviation-Related activities nearby as well. More on that later.

3. Why Oct 28-30? In addition to the relatively light crowds in parks and less-than-scorching weather of October, I planned the date based on the AOPA expo being held in Tampa the folllowing weekend. For those of you who are not aware, APOA stands for Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. It is the largest association of "plane people" in the country. For those of us who want to go and immerse themselves a little more in avaiation, I plan on attending at least one day. There are seminars, speakers, and of course, airplanes, airplanes, and more airplanes. This event is in Tampa, but I will do my best to provide transportation to those who need it. We can also stop at "Fantasy of Flight" in Lakeland, as well as Lakeland Linder Airport, where I can familiarize folks more with the workings of aircraft. Again, this is more for the aviation geeks in our midst, but if you believe Ray's old addage that "Knowledge is Comfort", it may just be for you too!!!! I'll post more information on the EXPO once it becomes available on AOPA's website.

4. Why Scott? Well, I'm here in Orlando!! I also used to work for Disney... My Dad still does, and my Fiance is a manager at Universal's Islands Of Adventure! So, I sort of consider myself an expert in all things Orlando, and I have the inside track!!

Ok everybody, HAVE AT IT!!! Let me know what you think!!! Let the ideas flow. The sky is the limit (LITERALLY)!!

[Lynda]

The date suits me fine! Any location will be okay for me as we are already in Orlando on those dates.


We are staying at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel in Lake Buena Vista.

What ever you plan I can't cope with Mission Space. ordinary flying is bad enough LOL.
Anything special going on in Orlando that weekend?


Lynda

[YankssRule]

I should be between April 19th and the 26th, those are the dates I will be there, LOL.

[spleisher]

Off the top of my head, there is a lot in Orlando during Halloween. The biggest thing is Halloween Horror nights at Universal. That's more of an adult thing, as it's pretty much centered around drinking and getting scared.

Disney has Mickey's Nos So Scary Halloween Party, which is obviously more geared toward those with kids. I think Sea World has even gotten into the mix now with Halloween festivities of some sort.

Most of these events take place throughout the month of October, not just on Halloween night itself.

More stuff to think about for everyone who might be able to attend.

Scott

[spleisher]

I like that one!!! I get in for free!! Trouble is, the more drunk you get the less scared you get... I wonder why that is??

[spleisher]

Halloween Horror Nights is always fun. Here's a link to the website for last-year's installment. We could do a nice dinner at CityWalk somewhere and then go to the park for this. On eowrk of Warning though, the park IS CROWDED for HHN. If you want to avoid crownds, I would suggest skipping Halloween horror nights and doing a daytime Universal trip instead. ALso, HHN is really an adult thing. Most of the goings-on are too frightening for kids. :eek: I would not take my girls, for example... ANyway, here's some information:

http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/hhn/2004/overview.html

[spleisher]

Not sue about that one..> We could look into it though.... Cypress gardens I really don't know as well... Disney and Universal... now those are my backyard and playground!

[Passenger Mark]

Booked my ticket to Orlando... Here is the scoop...

Arrive Orlando October 26, 2005 @ 11:28 PM

Leave Orlando October 30, 2005 @ 2:05 PM

Look forward to seeing all of you there!

[spleisher]

Mark,

That's cool! I can't wait!

Scott

[spleisher]

YAYYYY!!!! See, it's nice to do these things during the slow times!


Scott

[spleisher]

Well, first question.. how much do you want to spend? (You can PM me if you want) That time of year, you may actually be able to get some really good rates in Disney at one of their less expensive resorts if you want to go that route. I can look into it for you.

Scott

[WillFlyToDisney]

Yes!


Debbie Does Disney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WillFlyToDisney]

Seriously though, Deb. Stay on property. If you want a nice place really close then try the Marriott village in Lake Buena Vista - they have a Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn and Courtyard all in one place - great rates and brand new hotels. The Fairfield has free breakfast in the AM too!

We have also stayed several times at the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista (the one on Palm Parkway). Nice, clean and cheap but be sure to get a room not facing I-4!

:)
Kelley

[Lynda]

I can't wait for this Fest!!!


I am so looking forward to meeting you all.

We are staying the 14 nights at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Lake Buena Vista. There are some nice hotels around the corner on Hotel Plaza Blvd just across the road from Disney Marketplace.

Lynda

[Passenger Mark]

Even bringing along my sister, niece and daughter-in-law! Buncha girls for a weekend. Could be trouble:eek:

Is your Sis single???:)

Sorry... I gotta be me!

[spleisher]

Wow, this is starting to pick up steam! Come on people! Jump on this one. Sunny Florida! Disney! Universal! Our wonderful company. How could you go wrong?!?!?!

I'll be posting options for dinner with web links soon. Keep watching this thread!

Scott

[WillFlyToDisney]

Well since Scott has that nice new house I say we get Mark to drive his RV cross country and we park it in Scott's driveway and all stay there!

Hey there is no other way to APPRECIATE flying than to go cross country and NOT fly!!!

Kelley

[spleisher]

Now there you go... Now THAT sounds like a good idea! Might take a little while though and really give everyone a true appreciation for the efficiency of flying!

Scott

[StPeteMark]

...Hey there is no other way to APPRECIATE flying than to go cross country and NOT fly!!! Kelley

OR, there is no other way to APPRECIATE flying than to DRIVE 2+? hours on Interstate Under Construction and NOT fly!!!

That's the condition between St.Petersburg/Tampa and Orlando! :cry:

Glad San Francisco is very far away for us!
Rather fly than drive any day!!! :)

[spleisher]

Hey all,

I'm starting to look at restaurants now. What do you want, loud and fun? Quiet and intimate? Start chiming in when you know you willbe attending. That will help me get a final count which will help us settle on a venue for the big dinner.

[spleisher]

For some reason I cannot get Jimmy Buffetts at CityWalk out of my mind as a good venue. It's also a short walk to the NASCAR cafe (Ya hear that Jeff/Mark) among many other themed restaurants, clubs, etc. I'll see if they have a private area as well. Hmmmmmm.... Thoughts????

[jesgooch]

Well, darn it all, I will just be flying back from Fiji to Melbourne Australia and flying out for Auckland, New Zealand on Nov. 1st, so I guess I will miss yet another Flight Fest!

I swear my schedule will coincide with one of these things someday...

I would fly back for a day or two, but that is an awful long flight from Melbourne to Orlando and back.... ;)

[Passenger Mark]

The Phoenix Flightfest was Great!

The San Francisco Flightfest was Great!

Now the Orlando Flightfest is in our sites!!!

And "actually" this is going to be the Orlando International Flightfest!

Folks.... it is far enough out (October) that if you can, please put it on your calendar. Book those airline tickets... Now! (Can you say cheap airfare).

ANYONE that is interested in meeting folks in the group, and working on FOF is WELCOMED.

Lurkers??? YOU TOO!

I really hope that people are not reading about these Flight Fests, and feel that you don't want to go because you are not in the "club". There is NO special club here!!! Anyone with the sincere desire to work with, or help others work with The Fear of Flying is welcomed.

October folks.... Orlando folks.... Plan for it!

[spleisher]

Well said Mark. I know I'm gonna be under the gun soon, so anybody with any thoughts on this fest, feel free to pipe up!! This will be my first fest, and I get to plan it. For what it's worth, the pool at our new community is being dug now, so the pool and the clubhouse will be done. Buffett's at CityWalk keeps calling my name for some reason though!

Scott

[StPeteMark]

Hey all, I'm starting to look at restaurants now. What do you want, loud and fun? Quiet and intimate? Start chiming in when you know you willbe attending. That will help me get a final count which will help us settle on a venue for the big dinner.
Put us down for two - Mark and Susan :) :)
We hope to make it 3 for 3! :thumbsup:

[Passenger Mark]

How about quiet and fun! Is there such a combination? :rolling:

Seriously, there is always a lot of talking that goes on at these Fests... So somewhere where folks can hear each other is a good idea.

It does not have to be fancy dancy library quiet, just as long as we are not screaming at each other to hear!

[Lynda]

Debbie, Ears!!!! Good idea, we need some of those matching shirts they wear at Disney with Mickey and Taking Flight on them LOL


Lynda

[spleisher]

Oh goodness... Ears!! That could be interesting. Ok... Quiter... not super loud. I think I'm going to look into Kelley's suggestion then and plan for Spoodles at Disney's Boardwalk. Then, after dinner, we can go to the ESPN Club, Big River Brewery (microbrewery) or JellyRolls (dueling pianos bar) to hang out. That works!!

Here's a web link. Let me know what you all think!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningDetail?id=SpoodlesDiningPage

[Lynda]

Hi Scott,


Love the Boardwalk, never been to Spoodles but has good reviews. Easy to get to, park the car in DTD and get the Disney bus.

Deb, you got a great price for your trip!

Where is everyone else staying???

Lynda

[spleisher]

Hey Gang,

Can you just give me a quick "I'll be there" and the number of guests coming with you if you plan to attend? I want to get a separate word doc so I can get a count going. Not going to make reservations yet as we have plenty of time, but I want to start a list.

Thanks!
Scott

[Lynda]

Count me in along wth Patrick.


Lynda

[WillFlyToDisney]

Count me in but that is up to the whim of my job. :)

Kel

[WillFlyToDisney]

Ooooh Deb's bringing her IF!!!

I could bring a Mystery Guest too. I'll call my old boss. Short guy. Big ears. Red pants, big yellow shoes.... Scott used to work for him too. I think for $350 he can be there for an hour!

Kel

[StPeteMark]

Scott,

Is the Boardwalk the same as Downtown Disney? ...if not, where is the Boardwalk located?

And where is the closest cluster of hotels where the rates are at or under $150-$200/night? ...and how close is that cluster?

Thanks for all you're doing! :tiphat:
Mark

[Lynda]

Hi Mark


The Boardwalk is one of Disney's hotels situated in the Epcot region and not too far from Down Town Disney Marketplace.

There are a number of good hotels within that price range on Hotel Plaza Blvd across the road from Down Town Disney.

The nearest one being The Hilton Down Town Disney. We have stayed in this hotel before and booked with Priceline, we got it for around 90 dollars.

The best part of being in that area is that you can get the Disney buses from Down Town Disney to all the parks and Hotels including Boardwalk.

[spleisher]

Lynda...

Good description of the Boardwalk. There is an "inn" at the Boardwalk itself, but it's going to be more than $200 per night. I would encourage all to go on Disney's site and look at their "Modeately Priced" resorts. Port Orleans would be a good example. Other examples would be Coronado Springs, and the All Star Resorts. All Star an Pop Century tend to be a little more "kid" oriented though.

Scott

[StPeteMark]

...There is an "inn" at the Boardwalk itself, but it's going to be more than $200 per night...Scott
Yeah, I found that out yesterday from your link to Spoodles...the lowest rate was around $320/night for a basic room.

Thanks to all for your feedback!!!! :)

[spleisher]

YOu may be able to get some good rates that time of year at the swan or dolphin hotels, which are RIGHT NEXT to the BOARDWALK... EASY WALK.. like maybe a hundred yards. They're on Disney property of course, but they are not actually run by Disney... not sure what kind of specials they offer...

[spleisher]

That's great Debbie!! Come on Everybody!! Jump on board!! This should be a ton of fun!
Scott

[StPeteMark]

...Courtyard Marriott (Lake Buena Vista)...
Scott, where is Deb's hotel area relative to location of the the Swan and Dolphin hotels? Thanks! Mark

[spleisher]

So far... it's off Disney Property though. Swan and Dolphin are on Disney property, right next to EPCOT. I would suggect that everyone AT LEAST call Disney at 407-WDISNEY and see what they have to offer. Late Octover is a slow time, and they may very well have some good deals.


Scott

[StPeteMark]

So far... it's off Disney Property though. Swan and Dolphin are on Disney property, right next to EPCOT. I would suggect that everyone AT LEAST call Disney at 407-WDISNEY and see what they have to offer. Late Octover is a slow time, and they may very well have some good deals. ...Scott
No deals yet for these hotels that I could find...cheapest is $209/night and they will not take reservations without full payment at time of booking.

Made reservations at Holiday Inn Disney World in Lake Buena Vista for Saturday night, the 29th. This hotel has been closed since the storms last year...notice on their website:

"The Holiday Inn Hotel in the Walt Disney World Resort is currently closed for renovation and restoration following the recent storms and is scheduled to reopen mid 2005. Newly renovated facilities that will be available to our guests include guestrooms, meeting and banquet space, Restaurant, lobby and atrium. Guest with Reservations for arrival before the re-opening date are being contacted with relocation information."

I'm sure they we were not the only ones. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kinder to us this year!

This is the first flight fest we will have to DRIVE to arrive...no direct flight from Tampa to Orlando. :( Over 2 hours on an Interstate highway that's under reconstruction in several long sections. Now, that's scary!

[spleisher]

MArk... Believe me, I know the I4 gig. I work in Lakeland, so I drive it every day. If you're coming on a Friday, best to get an early start.

The Holiday Inn you're talking about is being completely re-done. It's the one in Lake Buena Vista right near Downtown Disney. Should be nice. I drive by that thing every day too and let me tell you they've gutted it.

Scott

[StPeteMark]

MArk... Believe me, I know the I4 gig. I work in Lakeland, so I drive it every day. If you're coming on a Friday, best to get an early start...Scott
Driving on I-4 to Orlando on Friday afternoon would be a nightmare! :eek: We're planning on driving over on Saturday morning ... I have been assuming the main get-together will be on Saturday night ... is that correct? Any tentative itinerary yet? Thanks again! Mark

[WillFlyToDisney]

Yuck - 2 hours on I-4 would be misery, Mark. It would almost be quicker to go up US 19 to US 50 then down Hwy 535 to Disney!!! Scott can draw ya a map!

I saw we all go ride Tower of Terror and buy the picture they take and make it the new logo for the board. Good idea???

:)
Kelley

[WillFlyToDisney]

Deb - I would LOVE to attend a Flightfest in my old stomping grounds but I honestly wont know until a week or 2 out. My schedule is dictated by the band schedule which changes daily. I say hire the band for a Flightfest entertainment gig and I am guaranteed to be there!!!

Kel

[Agne]

:hyped: A flight fest ? It would be wonderful !! And I LOVE Orlando !!
Yes I know, I live in Italy. So it seems quite impossible I can come. BUT..
My dad goes to Orlando 2 times a year,for work, usually in april and october.
Maybe it's only a daydream but if he goes on 28-29 Oct I can come!Can I join you?
I've been there 4 times. The last time was in december 04. I love that place so much..

:pompoms:

[spleisher]

Agne... Of course you can come!! The whole point of the FLight Fest is to have a "Come one, Come All" get-together for everyone who cares to attend. We'd love to have you!!

Scott

[Passenger Mark]

I have to echo what Scott said... A Flightfest is open to ANYONE wanting to work with or help with The Fear of Flying!

I tell folks about Flightfests... and when I tell them that a bunch of folks with The Fear of Flying... FLY IN to these wonderful locations to meet and greet each other... they give me an odd look and ask...

"So, you folks have The Fear of Flying, yet you all get on planes so you can meet each other?"

ha ha :rolling: YEP!


Anyways... Lynda and Patrick are coming over from the UK, so it can be done! Just jump on a plane and come on over!

[Agne]

:hyped:

Thank you !! It would be a dream !! I'll do my best to come.

:sunshine:

[spleisher]

But there won't be any fun here in Orlando:sunshine: !! We don't allow that here!!

:lol: :rotflmao:

Scott

[StPeteMark]

Mark, where was that post from the SF Fest, with the pics... we should show her how much fun we have :)

From the other Mark, here's two:

The SF Fest

http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?t=1806

Original Main

http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?t=1344&page=1&pp=30

[Agne]

Thank you ! The pictures are great, it seems you had a lot of fun !!
:)

[Passenger Mark]

Hi... Everyone going do me a favor and contact Scott and let him know where you are staying. That way we can coordinate. (Is that ok Scott?)

[spleisher]

Yup.... SHoot me PM's and I'll compile a list... As long as everyone does not mind, I'll post the list here and we can modify as needed.

:sunshine:
Scott

[Passenger Mark]

Scott... I would send the list by PM to those that respond. Just a suggestion. :)

[spleisher]

OK.. will do...

Scott

[Lynda]

How are things going now Scott???


How many people have signed up for this one?

Are we meeting at the Boardwalk???


Lynda

[spleisher]

Here's what I have so far....

StPeteMark +1
Mark T. +1
Kelley - Maybe
Lynda +1
Debbie +1
Me and Stephanie
Sean +1????? (Can you Make it Sean??)
Monica??? (Can you do it???)
Jeff???

So that looks like about a dozen so far...

We're still too far out in terms of time to make dinner reservations, but we're thinking Boardwalk at this point. It's a nice place with a lot of different options. We can do Spoodles for dinner and then people can hit the ESPN club and JellyRolls (dueling pianos) and Big River (MicroBrewery) afterwards.

I'm looking at setting up one more "optional" event the following day, and I will be happy to provide any advice I can on theme park visits and such... Will anyone be bringing kids???

Anyone else wanting to attend, there is still PLENTY of time to get on board, but the earlier you start looking at it, the better chance you have of getting a good room rate and good flight rates.

C'MON!!! Jump on board!! Time for fun in the :sunshine:

Scott

[Lynda]

It will be great to meet you and Mrs. Sean:)

[Jeff California]

I will be in Orlando 3 weeks before this fest. I am going to try to make it back though. Anyone want to fly out of Ontario or LAX with me?

Jeff

[spleisher]

Either way Jeff, give me a call and we'll get togther! You NEED to make it though. I hope you can!

[Passenger Mark]

Jeff... I am going on Delta out of ONT via ATL.

I will get the dates and forward it do youl

[Passenger Mark]

You know... I may have posted this somewhere... but will update it...

Coming in on October 26 (Wensday) and leaving on Sunday October 30th.

[StPeteMark]

...Made reservations at Holiday Inn Disney World in Lake Buena Vista for Saturday night, the 29th. This hotel has been closed since the storms last year...
Received a letter from them saying they have encountered delays...so they have moved us down the street to the Sheraton Safari in Lake Buena Vista.

http://www.sheratonsafari.com/ (http://www.sheratonsafari.com/)

Scott, anything new in the plans?
Mark

[Lynda]

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. LBV

[WillFlyToDisney]

Wow. I want to stay with LYNDA!

[Lynda]

Kelley,


That would be great!
We have stayed there 3 times and it is great hotel. I love the white beach with the swans floating by.The pools are wonderful and the rooms are really nice with balconies and views of the fireworks at night.

[Lynda]

I just checked the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and for the Friday or Saturday Night they have a special rate on offer of 226 per night for a double or twin room.

They also have a package including breakfast for 260 dollars for the room.

[Lynda]

You certainly did Deb!!!!

I think most of the hotels are fine in and around Orlando, we like the Hyatt because we spend some of our 14 days around the pool and the hotel.
If we were just going for the weekend that would not be important to us.

The only bad hotel we stayed in was the first time we came over to Orlando. We stayed in Quality Inn Plaza for one week. Yuk!

Over the years we have stayed at a few different hotels.

Quality Inn Plaza
Marriott on I Drive think it is now called Wyndham.
Disney All Stars
Hilton Down town disney - 3 times
Marriott Orlando World Center - Great Hotel x 2
Grosvenor - DTD
Hyatt RGC 3 times
Raddison in Clearwater
Sheraton World

I think there is another one but I can't remember. Next March we are trying a different hotel. The peabody on I drive.

[Free2Fly]

Hi All,

I am going to be able to make it to Orlando Flight Fest!!! My fiance Amanda might be there too. I will probably just stay at my house because I don't live too far from there. Can't wait to meet everyone!

Nich

[spleisher]

Awesome!! We'll look forward to seeing you and I will add you to the list!

Scott

Specific times and locations will be coming out soon!

[Agne]

My father plans to go to Orlando on October 4th (I think I'll go with him anyway).

He can't postpone the trip so I won't be there for the Flight Fest. :sigh:

I am sorry ! Hope to see everyone at the Italy flight fest..

[spleisher]

I'll still be here then!!!

I'll give you my number, and we can have a mini flight fest!

[Agne]

Oh, thank you !! It would be super !! :hyped:

[Lynda]

Scott,


Have we any firm details yet.?

It is six weeks today ( Wed) to my trip to to the mouse!

Where is everyone staying?

[Lynda]

Debbie

Your hotel is quite near where we are staying. We have picked our car up from there a few times.
Last year when we went to pick up the car the hotel was closed for a total refurb, it should be nice.