Orlando ShotTalk outing?

[VtDivot]

Ok, it's time. We've talked about doing this before but it lost steam. Let's start this thread early and get some commitments from some people.

This is my proposal:

Place - Orlando FL, USA
Date - Dec 6-9

We have a man on the ground (ualtim) who is in the Orlando area, and if we can get some initial logistics, we can figure out how much this is going to cost. Once the cost is set, then we can take some deposits to make sure this is going to happen.

We need to start early so that the UK guys who expressed interest last year can make the necessary arrangements. This initial thread is to gauge interest and opinions only.

Once we settle on a package we'll be looking to solidify numbers and start collecting cash.

[Slingblade61]

You da man VT!

If I sell this next job, I'm in otherwise I have to save for a bi annual jaunt to North Carolina at Christmas.

I'll know in 2 weeks one way or the other.

[ualtim]

Just a few things to keep in mind. What are we looking for? Maximize the golf (2 rounds a day) or a single round per day with time left for other social activities? As cheap as possible or more of a value approach (better courses at moderate rates)?

I have been thinking about this since I received VT's PM, and one place still keeps coming to mind. Disney. If we stay at one of their resorts we can get free transportation to and from the airport, free transportation around the resort and to/from the courses, a meal plan that is $37 per person (which includes a full table meal, a quick service meal, and a snack per day stay), choice of different price range resorts (value resorts like the All-Star, moderate resorts like Port Orleans, and deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian), plenty of entertainment and dining options for non-golfing time, options for those who wish to bring family/friends that do not golf, and most importantly, tour quality golf courses and 99 holes of golf to choose from.

We can look at other options, particularly if we are going to maximize the golfing time, but that will create some transportation issues as shottalkers are going to be coming in at different arrival times and potentially different lengths of stay as well as limit the dining and entertainment options.

Let me know what you guys are looking for and I will see what I can get for rates and options.

[sssmokin]

Man...........I would love to make it, but the Postal Service doesn't allow it's employees to take vacation in Dec. (Christmas season). I'll be jealous when you guys are all out there, and I'm shoveling snow. :(

[Eracer]

I'm in (of course). Tim, if there's anything I can help with, just let me know. I think the Disney idea is a good one. I'm going to look on the Disney site for package prices. Good attractions for the families and great courses for us. Orlando is Disneyworld (unless you count the OBT...:laugh so I don't think the guys will be missing most of the "local flavor". Maybe one night at Church Street?

[VtDivot]

Disney sounds ideal. I like the idea of an all encompassing resort. Plus even the value resorts will be nice compared to say a shitty Ramada or something.

[ualtim]

Sounds like Disney is the place to go. After the draft, I will call up and see what I can get for preliminary details.

As far as night life, Pleasure Island can be fun. A little pricey, but fun. As far as dining goes, we can set up dinner each night at a differently restaurant. The wife and I have been to most of the full service restaurants on property so I could come up with some of the better one that are available on the dining plans that do not require a park admission. The dining plan is a phenomenal deal. $37 gets you more food than you really need per day.

Golfing wise, The Magnolia and Palm courses are the ones they use during the Disney PGA Tour stop and there is another that is a Pete Dye design and Lake Buena Vista which has been used for an LPGA event in the past. Golf is not likely to be cheap, but it should be under $100 a round at that time of year if not under $80. I will get more details and post them later.

Gotta go, draft time my friends.

[Bravo]

From a logistics standpoint - Disney would be king by a long shot. Not having worry with ground transport is a plus and that meal plan sounds great - never heard of it....every time we've been to WDW, we've stayed off property so we could go to Sea World and Universal, so I am unfamiliar with the Disney hotels. (I did stay at the Swan once on a business trip...1st class and expensive).

I've played both the Palm and Magnolia...first rate courses...I hope I can make it....gotta see how business comes out.

[ualtim]

Yikes, the rates jump at Disney for the golf at the end of September. Around $120 a round with no discount. I can work out some discounts if anyone is a Florida resident, passholder or DVC member (if they buy a $50 annual membership) on top of the $10 off for staying at a Disney resort.

Lodging is going to start at $82 a night at a value resort (such as All Star Sports.)


I have sent off an email to their groups department to see what they can offer us for rates and/or discounts. We will need at least 12 people to qualify for a golf event and for them to set us up as such. Hopefully I will get some info back from them soon. Less than 12, and we will have to work it out through the normal reservation channels.

With no other discounts, its working out to be $250 a night or so for golf (1 round per day for 3 days, food, lodging, and transportation. If we are willing to tee off at 2PM, rates go way down on the golf ($65 or less on the 4 main courses.)

Hopefully I will here back soon from the golf events folks to see what they can do for us, other wise we are looking at some hefty golf rates. Keep in mind, we will need 12 golfers or more to qualify for the golf events deal so we will need to see some interest if we are going to continue down that route.

ualtim

[VtDivot]

Wow - I am surprised by the cost of the golf.

How about staying at Disney, but golfing elsewhere? There's always Alabama

[ualtim]

Wow - I am surprised by the cost of the golf.

How about staying at Disney, but golfing elsewhere? There's always Alabama

That will require additional transportation. Free tranportaion on Disney property to Disney golf courses.

We may still get a discount on the golf as I get more involved with a golf event specialist, but I will not know until we hook up with them. As an Annual golf member, prices drop quite a bit. The rates quoted were the rack rates.

We can always look to other resorts in the area, but then we will be stuck on one or two courses and will not be able to get the free transportation and meal plan. I will check out some of the other resorts in the area for comparison costs.

[ualtim]

Orange County National: $374 for 2 night/3 golf rounds

The above 2007 packages include the following:
2 nights Double Occupancy Accommodations
3 rounds of golf
Pre-round range balls
Full breakfast after each night stay
**Does not include taxes**

[ualtim]

Ginn Reunion Resort: (same resort that the last Big Break was filmed at.)

A Mancation Experience...
Men, grab your clubs and come to Ginn Reunion Resort for a true man's vacation experience! Enjoy 3 nights of luxury accommodations in a spacious 4 bedroom vacation home, complete with a private pool, full-sized kitchen, flat screened TV and DVD player. Upon your arrival you will find a bar stocked with your favorite spirits, snacks and a deck of playing cards perfect for those late night games. On the night of your choice, one of our resort chefs will come to your home to cook a real man's meal tailored to your taste. By day, you and your buddies will enjoy your choice of 3 days of golf designed by legends Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus or 2 days of golf and the Richard Petty Rookie Driving Experience. With prices starting at $322* per person, per night there is no other mancation experience like it! So, grab your buddies and clubs and come to Ginn Reunion Resort for a true Boys Night Out!

*Prices based on four persons in a 4 bedroom interior vacation home with pool for 3 nights. No substitutions are permitted for this package. Offer valid until December 21, 2007. Rates not applicable to groups.




Interesting package here. Good price for what you get, tranportation not included, but well priced for the golf experience.

[VtDivot]

322pp per night is a little steep. I'd like to keep the whole thing under a grand including air if possible.


3 nights in the Parc Corniche Golfers Suite w/ 4 extra long twin beds. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite. Features a full kitchen and balcony/ patio. Includes golf at the following courses: Shingle Creek, Hawk's Landing and Grande Pines. Extra nights/ rounds available upon request $399

[VtDivot]

Orange County National: $374 for 2 night/3 golf rounds

The above 2007 packages include the following:
2 nights Double Occupancy Accommodations
3 rounds of golf
Pre-round range balls
Full breakfast after each night stay
**Does not include taxes**

or we go a week later and:
12/14/07-12/25/07

2 Nights/3 Rounds
$222
$252
"Holiday Special"

kinda close to xmas tho