Met w/ event management today. (currently at resort). Will be scanning in dinner alternatives tomorrow evening after returning home. Even w/o publishing room code, we have a dozen or so room reservations according to their books.
Spoke w/ train folks and we are a go there for Friday afternoon/evening reception and ride. Expect to return to station by 7:30 for regular dinner dining. Hors d'ouvres and a cash bar in a newly restored fancy saloon car. Still completing woodwork inside car. Expected to be in service w/in the next two weeks. Our troops can properly break in any bar...
Large number of activities both on and off site so pilots and copilots alike can find diversions of interest. My own copilot is doing the spa thing as I write. Heading to 1875 Steakhouse (on property) for dinner in 1:30. I shall provide a full report. Lunch at West Baden today. Walking into the atrium there will undoubtedly be an OMG experience for many.
We agreed on a meeting room for the Saturday seminars. Will seat up to 70 comfortably. Has built in screen/AV. Just plug a computer into the wall and you are up and running. Saturday dinner in a room that will seat up to 150 in tables set for ten. Can easily expand into next room if we get a larger crowd than that. Have both still pix and video of both locations. Need estimate of time we want the seminar room. (ie. - 9a - 1p?)
We can have a reception/information table in the FL lobby if we wish. As an alternative, they will post our scheduled activities on a welcome sign in the main area of both FL and WB lobbies. Primary initial reception for most will be at the FRH airport. (photos to be provided in next couple of days.). New taxiway complete in next couple of weeks. All paving already complete. Paint and some edge grading still in process.
Registration should request at least following for signups (once we determine dinner options):
_____ number participating in train cocktail/hors d'ourves/ride. (ride 60-80 mins) x $40/person
_____ Saturday evening dinner w/ entree selections for each. Need names for each meal as they will be matched up.
_____ Expected date/time of departure for those needing a shuttle to FRH so shuttle equipment can be marshaled. (not cast in stone... Just to provide an estimate)
Those needing a shuttle from LOU need to schedule IN ADVANCE. $90/ each way for up to four pax in same van. (four travel for the same price as one) Will make sense to perhaps start a thread for those arriving commercially so they might coordinate rides and save some $$. It is appx 1:20 trip and must be scheduled in advance. Did I mention scheduled in advance?? I expect there may also be some willing AC11 drivers that will bring their planes to KLOU to pick up worthy attendees but coordination will be needed. Hell, maybe Angelo will bring his Queen Air and act as an air taxi...
Much more coming in the next day or two. This place is a gas. Anyone attending that doesn't have a great time just isn't making any effort at all. My initial comments about the two resorts remain accurate. FL is a great choice for those traveling w/ children. One entire building is set aside as Kid's Fest w/ all sorts of diversions. In addition to the on-site amenities, there are also offsite options w/in walking distance like an indoor water park, indoor go karting, mini-golf, laser tag, etc. (I can envision all kinds of geezers going home will sore muscles, twisted ankles, etc...)
Those seeking a more refined resort experience will love West Baden. (harpist during fine dining, live jazz in one of the bars at night, etc.). Something for everyone here. And the resorts a very close to each other. 3 min by shuttle (run continuously every 10-15 min), 5 min by bike (or 2-6 place surreys - self pedal. They are a hoot.), or 5-10 min walk depending upon your pace and the outdoor wx conditions.
More pix and commentary shortly. Massage awaits..
