Transcript from 9/18 chat is below.
If you need to download the event flyers, you can find them here:
http://www.themeparkreview.com/events/events.htm
Hey everyone! Thanks for joining us! If everyone could stop chatting for a bit, I'd like to say a few things.
Tonight we'd like to focus chat on our 3 trips for 2007. Those of you not interested, feel free to leave. Those of you who are here to ask silly questions, please keep it to a minimum. Those of you who are here to watch people ask silly questions, that's cool, too! I'm sure it will be VERY entertaining for you!
Those of you who have real questions, please ask them one at a time, if you see that someone has just asked a question, please wait till I have answered and said next question.
I will be keeping a running tab of all questions and we will try to answer as much as we can. If for whatever reason we keep passing over your question, please do not keep asking it. There is probably a reason we haven't answered it!
Please try to take this chat somewhat seriously, If you are continuing to goof off, you will be kicked from the room and possibly given a 24 ban.
Other than that, we'll answer everything and anything we can, so go for it!
First question!
prabe [6:02pm]: How many deposits do you have for the trips you've announced?
SharkTums [9:07pm]: Prabe, I don't want to give an exact number right now. Midwest is 3/4 full, Spain is about half full. We have the ability to change the type of bus we use so we can accommodate slightly more or less people so that's why we don't give an exact number.
dflyer00 [6:15pm]: have a quick question... I am unable to make the whole trip (work, wife, 3 kids ), but live in Dayton, could I join you at Kings Island?
SharkTums [9:19pm]: udflyer00, You are more than welcome to meet up with us at KI. Anyone is more than welcome to meet up with us at any park. You will NOT however be allowed to participate in ERT, group meals, or other perks. Those perks are exclusive to the participants of the entire trip. This way our ERT sessions will be true ERT sessions. If we allowed anyone who wanted to meet up for the day access to ERT, we could theoretically have 200+ people show up, and at a park like Mt. Olympus, that ERT you paid for wouldn't be much better than a normal operating day at the park. TPR wants to make sure we offer our participants Exclusive RIDE time, not Exclusive WAIT time. I hope that makes sense.
Ed [6:21pm]: What is your policy on alcohol consumption whilst on the trip. I know there's pictures in the uk trip of people drinking.. hell you had beer and hammers at 10am... do you put any limits on drinking?
SharkTums [9:26pm]: Ed, Great Question! And one that will need to be addressed several times! People of legal drinking age are more than welcome to drink! Also keep in mind that if anyone is late to the bus, they WILL BE LEFT BEHIND! NO EXCEPTIONS!!! So drinking in moderation will be key. UNDERAGE DRINKING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! IT HAS COME TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THERE WAS UNDERAGE DRINKING ON THE UK TRIP, SUPPLIED BY SOME OF OUR LEGAL AGE MEMBERS. THESE PEOPLE WILL NOT BE LET BACK ON OUR TRIPS WITHOUT STRICT PENALTY! ONCE AGAIN, THESE ARE COASTER TRIPS, NOT DRINKING PARTIES!!!!
Homer [6:08pm]: My next question, what types of hotels are we staying at? I know we won't be staying at Ritz-Carltons and such, but would we be staying at hotels that have a free breakfast (Comfort Inns, etc.)?
SharkTums [9:30pm]: Homer, We always try and stay at hotels that include breakfast! Come on, these are coaster people, we need our food! There are some occaisions where we'll have to slum it a bit if nothing nice is around, but for the most part we stay in Holiday Inn Expresses or above. We also will be staying onsite at several parks which are usualy much nicer hotels.
BiCoastal Kid [6:17pm]: on the spain trip will it be strictly parks or will there be a couple days in cities to just run around?
SharkTums [9:39pm]: Rock, this is a COASTER trip. There will be some days where you might have the option of more time at a park, or going on your own into the city. But that will be on your own. When you arrive in Madrid you will most likely have a full day (based on flight arrival time) there will be time to go to the beach, clubs, and barcelona while we're based at Port Aventura. But again, this is a COASTER trip. If you want more time in the cities, then add on days before or after the trip.
allisonLOVEsTPR [6:16pm]: do you guys think that there will still be a lottery to see who will be able to go or not?
SharkTums [9:40pm]: Allison, we're going to do everything in our power to try and allow everyone who wants to go the chance to go! Trust me, we don't want to have a lottery!
man [6:28pm]: my mom has a question: Do you have a better chance of getting in if your paying now or in a week (still before due date)
SharkTums [9:44pm]: Man, you don't really have a 'better chance'. But you give EVERYONE a better chance. The sooner we know how many people are SERIOUSLY (put down a deposit) interested, the sooner we can figure out how to accomodate everyone! So get your deposit in ASAP Everyone!
Roachman [7:07pm]: Any ballpark figures on the cost of the Japan trip?
SharkTums [10:21pm]: Roach, not at this time. Again, it really depends on how we decide to do the Japan trip. It will be the most expensive of the 3 trips this year, but it will be a very good value for what you get!
wilsonfamily4christ [6:31pm]: the price of the trip, of the midwest. . .is that per person or is there a rate for my wife and I?
SharkTums [9:45pm]: Wilsonfamily, That is the price PER PERSON based on double occupancy. If you have 3 or 4 in your party, we can discuss a cheaper 3rd and 4th person rate if they're sharing the same hotel room as the two full paying participants. That will only apply to children though, we cannot put 3 adults in the same room.
colincoon [6:32pm]: Lets say all the spots are full, but I have already placed a deposit for a certain trip, is there any way I could drive my own car (In the case of the midwest trip) or rent a vehicle with other members of the trip and follow behind the bus? If so, will these members still have all the perks of the people on the bus? And would there be a discount as we do not have
SharkTums [9:46pm]: Colin, NO. The trip is all or none. No following.
WillMontu [7:24pm]: Will many of the parks on the trips be strict about cameras on rides?
SharkTums [10:30pm]: Will, unfortunetly in our litigious country most of the parks will not allow cameras on rides like they did in the UK. We will try to arrange things, but I would not expect too much from the US parks. Spain and Japan were more liberal, except for at Fuji Q and Thunder Dolphin. Regardless, it's important to mention that ALL PARK RULES MUST BE FOLLWED! If anyone is found breaking a park rule in order to film on rides, they will be asked to leave the park and possibly the trip on their own cost.
Erik Johnson [7:39pm]: In case if some of the parks are really crowded, will there be express passes included?
SharkTums [10:41pm]: Erik, we will do our best to include express passes or ERT where available. People who know Robb and I should know we don't like to wait if we don't have to and will do our best to assure the same for everyone on our trips!
DerekRx [7:24pm]: For the UK trip, you guys went above and beyond by offering snacks on the bus. Will this convenience continue to be offered on the upcoming trips?
SharkTums [10:29pm]: Derek, yes it will. That is of course assuming the airlines don't start banning liquids and snacks in your checked bags! Midwest will be easy, the snacks may be smaller in number for spain and japan, but they will be there.
Erik Johnson [6:50pm]: Are there going to be any waterpark days, or are the trips only for the regular parks? (i.e. should I bring a swimsuit) Do any of the possible hotels on the midwest trip have built-in waterparks a la Alton Towers?
SharkTums [9:55pm]: There will be no Waterpark Only day. Keep in mind though, several of the parks we'll be visiting have included waterparks, extra waterparks, and we'll be staying at some hotels that have waterparks included! So yes, Bring a swimsuit! But if you don't like waterparks, you do'nt have to go, nor will you waste any time at one if you don't want to.
colincoon [7:14pm]: What is the language barrier between us and the countries we visit? Do they speak some english? I hate to feel ignorant like that, but communication is a key thing for forein trips like these.
SharkTums [10:24pm]: Colin, good question! In Spain I'd say a few people spoke a little English. The younger people spoke the most, but still I was surprised at how many people spoke no English. I was even more surprised to see all the spanish I had picked up living in Socal! Don't expect ANYONE to speak ANY English in Japan. You MUST learn about 50 words in each language to have a good trip
Not For Sale [6:34pm]: What are the parks that are under the category of the Wisconsin Dells?
SharkTums [9:51pm]: Not For Sale, Mt. Olympus, Riverview, TimberFalls
ElToroExtreme [6:51pm]: will we have access to clothes washers and dryers?
SharkTums [9:59pm]: EltoroExtreme, we will have very little time to wash clothes. I would suggest bringing everything you need. A few of the hotels may have a laundry service but that will be expensive.
rabid disney [6:53pm]: will japan have any add ons when announced?
SharkTums [10:00pm]: Rabid, Japan will most likely already be two FULL weeks (with weekends on either end) I do not anticipate an addon at this time.
methylene [6:58pm]: Any potential addons (before or after) for the midwest trip?
SharkTums [10:01pm]: Let me explain a bit about the addon: It came about on the UK trip because people found out that a few of us were going to pop over to Liseberg and people wanted to join, it was really put together in January or February! So we have plenty of time to figure out addon's and what to do, but do not count on ANY. They are always kind of 'bonuses'!
Ed [6:51pm]: Will the Spain participants be given first dibs on the italy add-on?
SharkTums [10:03pm]: Ed, we're still not sure if we'll be doing Italy or something else for the addon, but yes, Spain participants get first dibs.
Ryan King [6:02pm]: Ok, When will the japan trip stuff be annoince?
SharkTums [9:03pm]: We are still working on finalizing details for Japan. We are trying to keep it affordable, yet hit up some amazing stuff. We are working on two different itineraries, and two different 'methods' of doing the trip. As soon as we know anything, you will know! I would assume, we will know more within the next 2 -3 weeks regarding Japan
pat zeppelin [6:02pm]: ok, How old do u have to be to go on midwest trip
SharkTums [9:05pm]: Pat, that question has been answered on the flyer. Once again...you have to be 18 to go on your own for any of our trips. 16 and 17 year olds will possibly be allowed after talking with them, and their parents 15 and under MUST have a legal parent or guardian.
savemagicmountain [6:07pm]: i have a question you might think it is dumb but for the midwest the price range is around 1900, does that include air fair to cincinati?
SharkTums [9:09pm]: Savemagicmountain, The Trip price does NOT include airfare
allisonLOVEsTPR [6:02pm]: whatr are the "and more" parks?
SharkTums [9:10pm]: Allison, good question! We always include the 'big parks' on the flyers, but a lot of times the itineraries are not finalized till much closer on the trip. For example, for the UK trip, we would post polls on our UK board to see where people wanted to go if we had an option. Also we surprised people with Coney Beach! We will try to hit as much as time and bus rules allow!
krnsngr85 [6:02pm]: okay I guess I'll ask one, since you've been to Cedar Point, ummm what we expect when we get to The Park on the MidWest Trip?
SharkTums [9:13pm]: krnsngr85, If you mean park perks...those are not finalized till much closer to teh trip. We will at least have hotel ERT and some group meals. I would assume we can get ERT on some other stuff (coasters) there as well seriously though, it will be a lot of fun there. We'll have some time to relax, and it will be a nice resort type atmosphere. A welcome change from the normal hectic schedule of our trips!
Melissa1887 [6:08pm]: When is the latest you can turn in the deposit to hold your spot?
SharkTums [9:15pm]: Melissa, as stated on the flyer, all deposits must be postmarked by 9/28. If the trips are not full by then, we will continue to accept deposits, and after they become full, we will accept deposits for the waitlist. Keep in mind we had about 12 people drop out of the UK trip during the 6 months prior to the trip. That's lots of waitlist people that got in!
apollo210 [6:07pm]: How many credits will the midwest trip have?
SharkTums [9:16pm]: apollo, the midwest trip will have A LOT of credits. We will not know a more accurate number until the final itinerary is complete, we know what parks are getting/taking out, and we find out what will be broken!
ElToroExtreme [6:07pm]: How much money do you guys bring with you on average
SharkTums [9:18pm]: EltoroExtreme, It depends what trip it is, where we're going, what we're doing...that's really too broad of a question. Once everything is set, we will discuss stuff like this in the private trip board
Jonathan [6:08pm]: Can we go to all of the restaurants in Tokyo that Anthony Bourdain goes to on the Travel Channel television show "No Reservations"?
SharkTums [9:20pm]: Jonathan, you will have plenty of free time at night to do what you want in Tokyo. There will not be many group dinners on the Japan trip.
Homer [6:05pm]: Hey R&E, have you got good relationships with the parks on the midwest trip? I am especially (again, what enthusiast isn't) excited with behind the scenes access and ERT.
SharkTums [9:21pm]: Homer, We do! I'm sure we'll get some good stuff. The US parks aren't as easy going as some of the international ones are, but no worries, we'll have stuff!
WillMontu [6:09pm]: What sort of perks can we expect from Japan and Spain (ie. ERT). Are the parks in Japan open to that sort of thing?
SharkTums [9:23pm]: Will, Japan is NOT as receptive to the concept of ERT. Two things to keep in mind - 1. We've already contacted some parks and I can tell you we'll at least have some ERT! 2- Did you see our pix? We won't need ERT! Remember, TPR knows when to visit parks!
lauren2pink [6:11pm]: Any possibility of Stricker's Grove on Aug 12th?
SharkTums [9:32pm]: lauren, you know us too well!
apollo210 [6:12pm]: Will we have to pay for airfare if we do the Italy add on if we do the Spain trip
SharkTums [9:33pm]: Apollo, you will have to pay for airfare to Italy unless you knwo how to fly, or are a good swimmer.
pat zeppelin [6:12pm]: i am 13 so my dad has to come with me. do we have to pay for him?
SharkTums [9:34pm]: Pat, yes, your father will be taking up a bed, room on the bus, and a park ticket. He will need to pay full price.
colincoon [6:12pm]: My next question is this, what if I do not feel comfortable traveling out of the country (especially to Japan) without an adult/parent with me, could say one parent be on the trip with me? Or is there a way where a few people going on the trips could get together before leaving the states?
SharkTums [9:36pm]: Colin, if you don't feel comfortable travelling outside the country, then you shouldn't. You are welcome to bring a parent, but they will need to pay full price. As for meeting up with people; keep in mind a lot of people on the UK trip had never met and ended up being really great friends!
DjLurch [6:22pm]: To your knowledge, are there any height restrictions on coasters in the midwest or spain?
SharkTums [9:41pm]: Casey, SPANISH DEJA VU!!!! Don't know if the rideops will be so carefree there as at SFMM! There's a mauer sohne spinning mouse, intamin rocket and invert, some SLC's, bad woodies, and B&M's
rabid disney [6:17pm]: will we be at the disney's in japan at night?
SharkTums [9:42pm]: Rabid, we will be at Disney as much as humanly possible!!!!! Right now I have one evening/night, and two full days budgeted for TDR!
ChrisFL [6:32pm]: Japan trip question, will it be one hotel stay or going to different hotels?
SharkTums [9:48pm]: ChrisFL, we will be staying at several different hotels in Japan. We will have base camps and try to stay at places for 2 nights or more, but we will have a VERY ambitious itinerary so this will not always be possible
larrygator [6:33pm]: for Spain - The Flyer states "starting on 6/29 at Madrid Airport Hotel" Is that the first day at the parks or is that the first night a hotel room will be reserved with the parks starting on June 30th
SharkTums [9:49pm]: Larry, that is the day that most people flights will arrive and you will have a hotel room provided that night. The parks will start early Saturday morning. I figure most people that day will explore madrid.
coasterdude5 [6:35pm]: They haven't announced the first day of school for my school system yet (it's usually august) could I put a deposit down, and then see if the first day of school is after the trip? (it varies from year to year)
SharkTums [9:52pm]: coasterdude, your first deposit is fully refundable until February. I'm sure most schools will have their next years schedule out by then.
allisonLOVEsTPR [6:39pm]: can me and my brother be split up and room with other people.. we want to meet other people lol and not just hang out with eachother the whole time is that possible?
SharkTums [9:54pm]: Allison, of course. Once signups are complete we will be doing questionnaires and matching people who don't have roommates.
SFNERules [6:51pm]: Similar to larrygator's question, the flyer says you will need to provide transportation to the Cincinnati Airport Hotel. Is it known if the hotel is on airport property, or within walking distance?
SharkTums [9:57pm]: The Cincinnati Airport we stay at will have a free 24 hour shuttle.
Jew [6:43pm]: How much time do you have budgeted for Universal Japan?
SharkTums [9:57pm]: Jew, for you...5 minutes. For the rest of us, half day.
Melissa1887 [6:55pm]: Do you get room mates for the hotel if your going alone? And if so, when do you found out who your room mate is?
SharkTums [10:05pm]: Melissa, the price is based on double occupancy. If you want a room to yourself you'll have to pay a supplement. If not, you will be paired up with someone of the same sex, approximate age, etc. We usually don't do roommates until the 2nd or last deposit is in so we don't have to do too much changing.
allisonLOVEsTPR [6:56pm]: are there going to be coed rooms on this trip ... or is it gunna be like a school sponsered trip and have everyone split up?
SharkTums [10:07pm]: Allison, we had co-ed rooms for people who wanted on the UK trip. It's really up to the participants not us. This is not a school trip! It's TPR BABY!!!!
JimmyBo [6:59pm]: If my friend is going on a trip, does he have to be a member of the forum?
SharkTums [10:08pm]: Jimmy, No...but he should be dammit!
JimmyBo [6:38pm]: if I know someone going on a trip, can I request to room with them rather than some random person?
SharkTums [10:10pm]: Jimmy, No...I already have a roommate in mind for you! Seriously though, of course! If you have a person you want to room with, you'll just specify that on the first questionnaire!
WillMontu [6:58pm]: How "wired" are the hotels in Japan and Spain? Would there likely be Internet access (preferrably free)?
SharkTums [10:10pm]: Will, good question! Everything in japan was pretty 'wired' but NOTHING was free. In Spain we also had access to High speed a lot, but again, it was not free.
QueerRudie [7:05pm]: Here might be a question that has been asked already- Is it possible for me to sign up for one of the trips, and join it a day in (Work schedules may not permit a full week or more)-
SharkTums [10:12pm]: Queer, Yes. You will have to pay full price for the trip no matter what, but you can join us wherever you need to.ign up for one of the trips, and join it a day in (Work schedules may not permit a full week or more)
Wes41190 [7:02pm]: Will the hotels in the mid-west be able to provide in-room fridges for medications?
SharkTums [10:14pm]: Wes, no...you're going to have to die. Seriously though...that can be arranged for medication purposes only. (Keep in mind some hotels charge around $10 extra for this)
Jonathan [6:56pm]: Do you see yourselves getting burned out on these trips anytime soon? I'd like to think that I could attend one when I have a stable enough income
SharkTums [10:19pm]: Jonathan, HA! We knew we wanted to do more, but we figured we'd wait and see how the UK one went first, well it went so well that we're doing 3 trips next year! We already have at least 3 planned for 2008 so hopefully we'll see you then!
CoasterCrazy [7:12pm]: If I remember correctly the coach had to stop about every 4 hours on the UK trip. How often does the coach have to stop on the Midwest trip?
SharkTums [10:22pm]: Anthony, the coach will stop only when it has to by law. It will probably be very similar to the UK trip. We run very ambitious itineraries so stops will be kept to a minimum and you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks on the bus and there is a toilet!
methylene [7:08pm]: How do you plan three trips for over 150 people while working full-time jobs and still retain whats left of your sanity? I work in an ER and it seems peaceful by comparison! (thanks).
SharkTums [10:23pm]: Methylene, Robb and I eat babies.
rabid disney [7:33pm]: any idea of the japan airport we will fly into
SharkTums [10:38pm]: Rabid, 99% sure Narita...but those who know japan if you find a better deal and want to take a train to meet up with us that will be fine also. We will be starting and ending in Tokyo though so Narita or Hanneda will be best
simlesa [7:40pm]: For PayPal deposit, if I'm registering 3 people, do I have to pay $5 service charge for each person?
SharkTums [10:44pm]: Simlesa, Yes please. We are sorry for doing this but Paypal takes out a percentage of the total amount. It's actually over $6.25 for every $200 but we're trying to make things simpler. Therefore please include the $5 processing fee for each participant.
WillMontu [7:41pm]: What is food like in Japan?
SharkTums [10:44pm]: Will, there is a lot of seafood! They also love Crepes and Italian food! Plus typical fried and sweet foods you'd find at any park! I had lots of corndogs and the boys ate lots of chicken They also have LOTS of US Chains. I pretty much found a McDonalds near our hotel in every city we stayed in! They also have Mister Donuts, KFC's etc.
Twister II [7:31pm]: I've sent in my PayPal deposit, can I get a confermation email noteing the transaction is complete?
SharkTums [10:36pm]: Twister, I check paypal and deposits once a day. You will receive a confirmation within 24 hours.
