Hogwarts Express Meet-Up Thread

No, this is not a dating thread...

On the "Taxi service" thread we've been discussing a huge meet-up some time in the future, so I went ahead and made up a survey from what we've gotten so far.

The first question was going to be "Do you want to do a Hogwarts Express Meet-up?", but I couldn't find a way to make the survey end if you answered "no," so the compromise is this: if you don't think the meet-up is a good idea, don't take the survey and instead post on the thread.

A couple of notes for those taking the survey:

Question 1: Please limit yourself to one or two choices. I know that any time of the year would be great for a meet-up, but we're trying to judge what's best for the group as a whole.

Question 2: Yeah, it's pretty self-explanatory.

Question 3: I made it check all that apply mainly so that if you wanted to do both Harry Potter World and Disney World you could say so. If you see one and have another suggestion of somewhere specific to go with it, write it in at the bottom check box.

Question 4: I didn't include travel costs because they will vary greatly between each of us, so you're basically looking at how much you're willing to spend on lodging, food, and fun stuff together. This is a PER PERSON amount meaning that if your family is going to come too (please, bring the kids! ;) ) you need to adjust the amount you're willing to spend accordingly. I figured the $200 from $300 a night for a weekend at the villa with it being full of people (actually I figured 15 people instead of 14 because it was a little easier, but it works out to just over $20 per person per night), food costs (park food is really expensive), and park admission for ONE PARK (I low-balled $30 because I'm not sure what group rates are like, plus it will fluctuate a little depending on the time of year).

Question 5: These really are "deal breakers," things that you can control that will keep you from going. If you can think of anything else, please write it in.

That's all that I can think about the survey. Please, continue to discuss here and remember, this is just an introductory survey to gauge what people are thinking. We should have plenty of time to work out things once we get closer to whatever date(s) we end up picking.

You can Click Here to take survey if you're interested.

Ok, the results are in. I'll just put a basic summary up now, but in the future I'll try to put up the actual statistics for every question.

In total 17 people responded to the survey. And according to Survey Monkey everyone completed the survey.

Question one: What season would be ideal for the meet-up? (Check all that apply)
Summer won with 9 votes meaning 52.9% of respondents said summer should be the time of year we do the big meet-up. Winter and Fall tied for second place with 6 votes apiece. Spring came in last with only 3 votes.

Question two: What year should we have the meet-up?
After stiff competition, 2010 won out over 2011 by one vote (8 votes to 7). 2009 managed to get two votes and 2012 got no votes... I guess no one wants to wait 3-4 years.

Question three: Where should we go for the meet-up? (Check all that apply)
Every single respondent agreed that we should go to The Magical World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Orlando, Florida. Ten of the 17 were also interested in going to Disney World as a group. None of the other responses got as many votes. NYC came in 3rd with 5 votes, London came in fourth with four, and the rest each had two. There were two write-in responses:
1. If money is an issue perhaps we can do regional meet ups.
2. Half Blood Prince

Question four: How much are you willing to spend on the trip, excluding travel costs?
Over half the respondents (9) agreed that the trip should cost around $500. Four said that the trip should cost $200. Two each said that either it should cost $1,000 or that money was no issue. No one said that the trip should be completely free.

Question five: What would keep you from being able to attend?
The most common reason for being unable to come was work with 9 responses. Money was the second most common reason with 6 responses. Falling pianos would scare away two people. There were also two write-in responses:
1. Getting visas/traveling papers in order.
2. Dates or family issues.

And them is the results. I'll try to post screen captures of the results so you all can see. Now to bump this thread a bit...

Espy, there are a lot of words I'd use to describe you, but "reserved" isn't one of them!

I don't think it's a good idea. What if we achieve critical mass of HEers? The world could end.

All right, now that i've got that off my chest, go ahead with your little get-together. I'll be busy investigating video conferencing.

I didn't take the survey because right now there are too many variable to know what would work for me. it depends on how medical school applications go.

hmmm, I don't know if I can go or not. I don't fly, I don't go to cities, I try not to cross any bridges or use any roads on or over mountains and I have three young children. BUT I mentioned it to my husband and he thought it would be good for me (ie: he wants to go on vacation). I can say for sure that the only place I would probably be able to go is to Florida, maybe California, depending on how long it would take to drive there. BUT if I went to Florida my husband would try to get me to go to the Keys (his favorite place in the world) and I would rather shoot of a toe than go on that seven mile bridge. BUT I have also been working on my highway phobia and have seen some success so this might be possible. BUT my family would have to have our own lodgings since both my husband and I are socially stunted. LOL I'll wait and see how the wind is going to blow with everyone else first before I decide.
Great Idea though!

I did take the survey! I'm getting excited!

Okay. I voted for 2011 for a couple of reasons. One, it gives time for the craziness of the opening year. Two, it gives us some more time to plan. And Three.......I can't remember the third reason.

I took it! Great idea Espy!

MEM please really consider coming with us! I'll help with kids!
ETA: Rob could go down to the keys for a day or two and you could stay with us!

pffft~Rob wants ME to go and see how great Key West is, I don't think he would go without me. See, my hold up here is that if he actually got me in the state of Florida, Rob would be just a big enough jerk (said as an endearment) to say we were going someplace and then just keep driving until we reached Key West. I would have to throw myself out of the car before it got that far but you see my concern here, right?

edit to correct which Key Rob would force on me 8)

yes dear, but lets think on it shall we?
(I don't think Key Largo is across the seven mile bridge, is it? Seems to me as often as I've been there key largo was just a short hop?) Oh well I could be wrong! maybe he would settle for just a couple days at the beach? after the meetup?

Oh wait maybe it is Key West at the end? i better edit that post. 8 Oh but I don't want to go to any Key because they all have a little tiny road way to get there!

I voted for 2011, but I don't really much care. I just thought if I gave it another year or two, Jon would be more willing. He'll have heard me going on about you all for that much longer. ;)

LOL yes Key largo is a lot closer then Key west! Seriously you don't even realse you are crossing over water when you go to key largo because its so shallow you see reeds and trees all the way

and if you go off road you'll be bit by a poisonous snake or something!

only rarely! hehehe

yes but do you want to take the chance that it WILL happen? uh-uh!

just carry your snake stick and you'll be fine! Its the alligators you really have to worry about!

I've surveyed! I don't really mind when. The important thing is to have it at the best time for everyone, so if that means waiting, great!

Mem, it would be fabulous of you came, but I understand your anxieties. We're all rooting for you!

No way! I'm not scared of alligators. I could see it coming and drop kick it! Snakes, though, they are tricky little devils that aren't that easy to see therefore much harder to drop kick.

LOL thanks LadyN. I used to love to travel but now I put too much thought into it. hehehehehe

Then don't think about it!!

AMEN! hahaha

Wow, I should open a clinic...

Oh my goodness I would love to go, but I would have to save up the money. But I think the meet up is an awesome idea!

I've taken the survey. Once we have some idea of when people would be wanting to go, I think it would be a good idea to form an official "planning committee" and possibly even hold an election of some sort for it. Foggi and K are great (and should automatically be committee members) but we don't want to foist the whole thing off on them. I was thinking a 5-6 member group who would do all the hunting for places to stay, prices, etc. Of course the major decisions would be put to the group, but committee's tend to make actually getting things done a lot easier. Thoughts?

A committee sounds like a very good idea. Foggi and K sound like a great start. Just don't elect me. I would overlook one of those small details like booking the villa.

Crud! I just realized that in my hastiness I forgot a question... specifically how long should the meet-up be. I was thinking about it when I did the money question, but I didn't actually put the question in. So I guess I'm asking how long everyone wants this to be:

A Full Week
Five Days
Three Days
One Day

At least 3 days for me. Maybe longer.

I vote for 5 days. But I'm flexible, so long as it's longer than 1 day.

I think 5 days is good, a week if you include travel time maybe.

Yeah, for some reason I have been thinking a week, but that includes travel time.

I think 5 days, figuring at least 2-3 for theme parks.

Personally loved Key West but it is at the very end of the Keys and I know way too many people with bridge and other road-related phobias (my own have to do with mountain roads and dropoffs with no guardrails, but to each his/her own) to make light of Mem's.

I volunteer for the committee; as I said in the other thread, I love to plan vacations and can spend hours and hours researching stuff on the web, quite happily.

I'd also volunteer, my youth ministry experience means I have planned many large group trips.

Perhaps those who would be interested in being on a committee should make themselves known (foggi and K should say if they don't want to be on it!) and then if necessary the group can vote through one of our handy surveys!

Maybe someone should go over and ask around the GD what issues they ran into when they did their big group get together(s)? I'm not sure what exactly they did but they would probably have some suggestions.

I think they went with regional ones, rather than one big one like we're talking about. Still, it might be worth asking about. Anybody know a GDer who went to one?

I think a week would be good, most likely I'll be driving but flying isn't out of the question. I love to plan things too! I'll volunteer for the committee! Maybe I could be in charge of what food and drinks we would have at the villa?

Just some preliminary results for anyone who is wondering...

So far 13 people have responded.

Everyone said that they would like to have the meet-up at The Magical World of Harry Potter.

Over half the respondents said they'd like to have the meet-up next year (in 2010).

Over half the respondents said the price point we should shoot for is something in the $500 range.

"Half Blood Prince" is not a place.

The survey is still open and will be for a while yet. If you haven't taken the survey yet and want to do so, please go ahead. I know that it's hard to think about what is going to be on your schedule in the future, but every answer helps with the planning. I can keep the survey open indefinitely, but when do you all think I should close it?

another week at least,I think espy!

Yes, another week.

"Half Blood Prince" is not a place. I have no idea what that's referring to, but I wish I wasn't drinking that soda when I read that.

Okay. So if I do get to go, will somebody take care of me? I mean it's been 16 years since I've flown on a plane, and I get really nervous driving in large cities/places I'm not used to. I'll need tips and encouragement.

sad puppy dog face

I'm sure that we will be able to care of each other. Big cities and places I haven't been scare me too! But I get along okay!

anyway orlando is not so big anyway

It is for me! I'm from a very very small town.

I'd really want a long weekend at least. Tis a long way to travel for a daytrip!

I know, I was just trying to be thorough. I don't think anyone wants to just do a daytrip with so many HE members meeting up.

I salute your thorough...ness!

I'm so glad there are people in this world who like planning things.

I'm not one of them.

I doubt I could tell you what's happening next month, let alone two years from now. I need to go lie down and hope that my head doesn't explode for considering something so far in the future. :o)

A daytrip would be ok for me.

I love to travel and am not intimidated at all by cities. I'd probably drive so could do airport pickups and deliveries. (I'd volunteer to pick up anyone between here and there, but if I get to Florida during the winter, I'm going to visit everyone in the state I know!)

I ought to be able to find the thread from the GD meetup in Connecticut this summer, which I sadly missed. Maybe I can ask those folks if they have advice for us?

I've just taken the survey. I'm eager for a group meet up and so I wanted to selet 2010, but the idea of 2011 is growing on me and I selected that. I like the idea of as many of you being able to be there as possible, and some might need more time to save. I know I might.

#25 bib:
I think that sounds like a great idea!

#27 espy:
I will go with what others want, but one day is very little time after all that traveling for some of us. If we met for merely one day I would stick around whichever state for a couple days longer. Three to seven days is my preference.

#37 Espy:
KIK. Maybe someone would like to meet the Half-Blood Prince.
Foggi? ;)

#39 bib:
I think I would have had the same problem had I been drinking anything when I read that, too. :)

#40 kirby:
I'll help take care of you! :)

#47 jp:
My mother hates plans. They overwhelm her. I make them for her instead. She calls me her walking appointment book. ;)

Okay, I've posted in the GD thread to ask for their advice based on experience. It's here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/57025&newpost=1#lastmsg

>48 MrAndrew:

Are you planning on using floo powder or a portkey?

And in the "duh" category, of course we must plan an outing to a bookstore while we are together!!

Yes! I was so good in NY trying to not buy books. It was painful. Bookshopping with LG in CA, however...so much better! I didn't have to worry. ;)

yes! yes!

Please don't forget me!! I will start sorting out everything I need to go there and I would love to meet all of you guys and girls!!

I went to one of the regional GD meetups. We found some place centrally located, met at a bookstore and had lunch. Very nice, but way less involved than what we're planning here.

bib, I put in Half Blood Prince just because I really want us to see the movie with other HogXers, which would actually be more like the GD meetups now that I think about it.

Sorry to confuse your scoring!

#54 K, we should go again soon. ;-)

I would like to meet the Half-Blood Prince, now that you mention it. . . . ;-)

#40 Kirby, I'm north of you -- if I drive, perhaps we can meet along the way and drive together. Of course, that would work less well if you had your heart set on flying. ;)

#47 JP, *high five* for us non-planners!

I think we should all just plan to meet at MEM's place. She's much more centrally located and I'm sure she'll let us all stay in her living room as long as we promise to wipe our feet. And then if Renald, LadyN, MrA and MsDonna decide to stay in our lovely country, they can hide out in her basement.

Plus, she won't have to travel.

I'm not much trouble, i promise. MsD will vouch for me.

Omg, I would love to go with you guys sooo much but *grumble* i'm underage and will still be in 2011. I've flown alone before, but I doubt my parents would let me stay with people they don't know, out of the country, for any lenght of time. ugh. :(

LOL I love you, JP! Yes everyone come and stay in my house. Who cares that it is tiny and strewn with toys? I will put up a tent in the back yard and cots in the garage. YAY! I have two bathrooms so everything will be perfect!

toys? *eyes light up*

Dibs the tent! Can I try it out tonight in the lounge room? Can I Mem, can I?

#58 LG:
So you can shop on your Kindle again? ;) It would be fun! I'd like to. :)

Wait a minute. Are these tents, or forts in the livingroom, MEM? ;)

PILLOW FIGHT!!!!

PIANO!!!

And another!

You know, we should curb our piano, throwing tendencies... two of the respondents indicated that they might not be able to come because they are afraid of falling pianos... :P

#60 Lefty: That's an idea. I don't care. I would be less stressed in a car than on a plane. Too many things to think about on a plane.

#62 - not much trouble - yeah like a plauge of locusts isn't much trouble.

I'm with Mem about the private lodgings. I'm sure everyone is lovely but I find it difficult to share accommodation with anyone *including you know who*. I needs my privacy, and have to get into my human suit in the morning before I can be approached.

#69 Espy:
Would those two respondents be you and foggi? I swear jp started it. My sister was hoping we could move the piano out of her room. I told her there was no way I would throw it at HEers, and asked her how dare she suggest it.

*looks innocently*

It wasn't me... you saw my utter bewilderment at meeting up at "Half Blood Prince." I'm just not that clever...

ETA: Although, if we were staying in a villa together we could have a HP movie marathon one of those days...

#71-I understand MsD. Who would want to share accomodations with he-who-must-not-be-named?

#72-I DID NOT! It was MrA. :oP~~~~

How could I peek through the window and pretend we were not home if we were sharing huh?

#73 Espy:
Great idea! We should definitely think about that.

#74 jp:
I can blame him easily enough. ;)

Shame on you, MrA!

My interest in sharing lodgings, a la the villa idea, stops at the bedroom door! I want a room to myself. However, I have no objection to sharing a bathroom, kitchen, and public living areas. Just because some of these places say they sleep 14, I don't think that precludes only 4 or 5 of us sharing one and each having our own rooms (we'd still save money over a hotel and have more room, a full kitchen, etc.).

That said, I also bet it will be completely feasible to find one or two or three of these villas for those who'd like to share very near a hotel or motel for those who want to be private. Then y'all can come over for breakfast (and the movie marathon) or not as you like!

Yes, I would probably have to have a room to myself. I'm pretty sure I snore, but I can't prove it yet.

Oh, and MrA might sleep walk and attack you with a lamp.

Fallingpianophobia is a serious mental condition and is not to be taken lightly.

Seriously though, i haven't done the survey because i don't want to skew any results. it would be great if MsD and I could come but i don't think we should plan on it.

*looks at aussie dollar languishing at 63 US cents and sighs*

A lot can happen in a year or two. At least, looking at this economy, I sure as heck hope so.

63 cents??? I should have sent cat to Australia. *grumbles over stupid exchange rate of stupid Euro.*

6 months ago it was 97 cents. We should have come then. Stoopid south pacific peso.

... of course, if you want to have the meetup here... nice and warm in your fall...

I'm so excited about this. I'm happy to have a room in a shared villa. Not a problemo pour moi. In fact, I'd rather than than being on my own-own.

And really, I don't mind where we go. I like the idea of going round to play at Mem's house. I love toys. :-)

I'll try to leave you some *cough* *hack*

*slaps Mr A on the back*

Come on kid, up with it. Don't make me experiment with the heimlich manouvre.

*waits for the re-emergence of the sylvanian family squirrel*

Experiment. That's a word you don't want to hear when someone is proposing a medical procedure.

Exactly. So come on, up with it.

*HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!*

Good boy! Now go and have a glass of milk.

It's a little late for milk. Baileys? *he asks hopefully*

ha! i types "mink" instead of "milk". I guess that's coming up next...

Baileys when you're a bit older. Have a mink instead.

ahhh...thanks.

*Looks uncertainly at vicious-looking furry mammal LadyN has handed him.*

*Casts about for somewhere to put it*

*Looks at trousers*

No! not there!

Yes! Yes, there!

#57: Ahhh....now it all makes sense!

Perhaps we can find a hotel near the villa, for people who want that much more privacy. Then people can choose which they would prefer.

Nothing says privacy like a moat.

Do you know where that is, MrA?

According to "properties", it appears to be beaumaris castle in cardiff, Wales.

In other words, very far away. ;)

yes, unless you travel via dryer vortex.

Here's one in Florida near our destination:



It's actually a theme restaurant--from what I saw of reviews, not very good for food, but probably quite entertaining.

From the looks of it, no moat, though.

I think one description said there was one, but I couldn't find a picture showing it. Mostly, though, there seems to be an awful lot of hawking of merchandise even after you pay $50+ per person to have dinner and the show.

Still, I think it was the best result I got for "Florida + castle + moat"!

Is it part of the Medieval Times chain? I have been to one of those, and there is a good bit of merchandise hawing before, during, and after the dinner/show. Kinda fun, though.

#101 MrA:
Of course! Why didn't I think of that?

#102 ejj:
That reminds me of a place I went to for dinner the night that I went to Disneyland last. The food was terrible and lucky for them it was too dark to really see it. Otherwise, they gad a great performance.

#105 foggi:
I wonder if that's what I went to.

On the advise thread ejj created in the GD, I noticed they mentioned how it's good to plan out a way to recognize each other. A lot of us already know what each other looks like, but I thought I'd mention that suge and I each carried a HP book with us the day some LTers met at Central Park. So you see, wizard hats aren't necessarily the only option as discussed many months ago. ;) There is a lot of time for that sort of planning, though.

I think if we met in the Harry Potter theme park, wizard hats wouldn't make us stand out, in fact, they would probably make us blend in.

LibraryThing shirts would also work -- I know a few of us have them already.

#107 rissa:
That couldn't be more true!

Yes, LT shirts are good. :)

Yes, Foggi, that is part of the Medieval Times chain. Sounds as though it might be what you went to, Kerian.

I know I must have a LT tote bag soon, so I'll be carrying that!

Actually, if at least one group of us does the shared villa thing, we can all meet there the first afternoon or evening or for breakfast the next morning. And it will be pretty easy to figure out who is who, perhaps over some tea or soda or pop or wine or whatever.

ITS SOFT DRINK!!!

Perhaps we could all dress like wizards dressing like muggles. That would suit my wardrobe, anyway.

ITS POP!

I like the idea of meeting at the villa, otherwise I guess I better buy a librarything shirt!

I assumed most people would be arriving in the late afternoon or evening and going to villa/hotel, where it'd be much easier to find each other and everyone would go to the park the next day. Though it still might not hurt to all have LT t-shirts at the park, easier to spot each other!

Oh and K, yes, there is a Mideval Times restaurant near Disneyland, it's actually across the street from Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park to be exact.

I like the t-shirt idea... it reminds me of middle school field trips... thats how we all found eachother, matching shirts.. But I think I would have to fight tom to get him in one.

Ok, guys! Good News! I have acquired a large box that the kids have made into a rocket ship/ boat/ pet cage/ house. Now if that's not an inducement to come stay at my house I don't know what is!

Kerian- no no it's definitely a tent. It has a Barbie logo on the side and can sleep up to 2 children comfortably. It isn't water proof or anything fancy like that but I have an patio with a roof out back we'll set it up under. LOL

I am pretty sure I will be instantly recognizable by the combination my husband's facial hair and a blond daughter whose nonstop talking will be to heard from 50 feet away. 8)

Huzzah! A meet up that is probably far far away from where I live. sigh.

But there is plenty of time to plan!

Hi Mem! So has it been narrowed down to a location or two yet? I haven't tried the survey link yet. But I feel like I have been away forever so I am discombobulated.

Um, it LOOKS like it might be in Florida at the HP theme park at Orlando but everyone still has to vote. It'll be in 2010 or 11 depending on the vote. Some of us, if we go, will get our own hotel rooms and some want to share a Villa or house...
I think that is it in a nutshell!

Ack! Where are my manners?
Hello back at you! 8) sorry!

Ah yes I just tried the survey. Hmm we'll have to see but you are right that is time to plan. . .

>116 Marensr:

Lots of time to plan and save, and a meet-up that will be held somewhere warm while those of us in the north are shivering, so the perfect excuse to take a vacation!

#114 Bella: Put the LT logo on the back. That way he'll just think it's a plain t-shirt.

lol Kirby good Idea! It will have to be a black t-shirt so I will have to get a white LT logo printed up! Hmmm... Planning ways to trick him is fun!

I can't believe I missed Mar! Hi Mar!

Alright, I'm bumping this up since I now have finally added in the responses. To see how everyone voted, look up at post number 2.

Thank you, Espy!

I'd like to do this but summer in Florida? No, no, no. Really. No.

Yeah, I'm starting to get the feeling people don't believe us about Florida summers ejj.

Seriously people, the humidity is insane. If the trip ends up being in summer, we're going to want to plan things so that we are at the parks in the mornings and evenings and back at hotels/villas between, say, 1 and 5 PM. It's that bad.

God knows I've complained endlessly about the winter weather, but at least I can put on a coat and take a walk. The kind of weather Florida gets in the summertime makes me physically ill.

For a summer get-together I'd suggest, I dunno, Nova Scotia? Cape Cod? Iceland? Aspen? (the mountains in Colorado are nice in the summer)

I will be advised by those in the know!

I like Florida summer. Apparently I am crazy for it, but there it is! Really it's just that I hate cold so much that even extreme excessive heat cannot bother me. Even when humidity comes with it. I think I voted summer but just because it's easier for us to travel in the summer. Husband definitely couldn't join us in the fall and only winter if it was during Christmas break.

I'm with lefty! I went to Mexico at the end of July, several years ago and basked in the 120 degree heat 8) LOL We get plenty of humidy here so I know that it's a bit different.

I think like lefty I just selected summer without connecting it specifically to Florida simply because it's an easy time to travel. (There were multiple places listed.) I wonder if the results would be different if we had seasons and places linked together somehow, separating Florida from summer?

I'm in agreement that there are places you don't want to be in the summer. A July juggling convention in Nevada comes to mind. They told us it was a dry heat, which was true, but when it's 130 degrees outside, who cares?

People were warned not to leave their props in the car because they would melt.

Did you leave props in a car?

I didn't, but apparently someone did.

Yeah, I agree that Florida is not somewhere you want to be in the summer. You can get used to it (I spent one summer working a a camp in Florida) but it took a couple of weeks before I was used to the humidity. It just gets hot and miserable until the random thunderstorm passes through. Then it gets even more hot and miserable...

There might be some kind of a difference, but every single person said that they wanted to go to The Magical world of Harry Potter, and the only one of those is in Florida, so I don't think setting a specific season with any of those locations would change the results much. I think the reason most people said Summer was, like Lefty, that it is the easiest time for most people to take a trip/vacation.

Anyway, these are just some preliminary results. Just some things for the council to think about. So who is on the planning council?

Elrond, Gandalf, Aragorn...

Do we want to vote? People who are interested get their name in by a certain time and we hold an election? Or should we just see how many people are interested and whether we even need an election?

I'm interested.

I volunteer once again, and I'd like to sit next to Gandalf when we have our meetings.

I think seeing how many people are interested would be good. How long should we give people to announce their interest?

#141 ejj:
I was thinking Dumbledore's portrait should have a place at the table as well.

Dumbledore and Gandalf should have a lot to talk about!

Most definitely.

#138 Espe, the humididty isn't that bad here during the summer, but then again maybe it's because I'm a Floridian myself.
I didn't get to take the survey, but I think the meet-up is a great idea =D

I'm in for being on the planning council.

Bib suggested we be earlier and I also have interest in it.

I am ok with any kind of season as long as you gentlemen of the imaginary HE council table give me enough time to plan the trip and just in case I'm very much interested in going to meet all of you guys!

I might not be able to go in 2010 because I would be only 15. Unless I start saving now.

This makes me sad. :(

summer 2010 in Florida is definitely out for me. there's no way a one year old would be tolerable in that heat and humidity if they weren't used to it.

Should we say if you're interested in being on the council or committee or Mugwamp or whatever we're going to call it, you should say so on this thread by say, Friday 11:59 PM LT time and then if necessary we can set up elections from there?

The Theme Park link thread reminded me of this thread.

At the moment the people who have said they would be interested in being on the "planning committee" are:

Foggidawn
Kerian
ejj1955
biblioholic29
pollysmith

Did I miss anyone? Unless there's anyone else interested, I'd say we have our committee!

I'd be glad to serve as an advisor.
as far as climate, well heat doesn't really bother me but its true that during the heat of the day being inside somewhere is definately a good idea

I'd be glad to offer my services as the person who doesn't contribute to the Organisation of the event, but still feels they have the right to complain about every decision that is made.

That's just silly MsD... I was going to do that.

Well it's official. We will be heading to Florida next year. Rob is rabid on the idea. I'm trying not to freak out this early on but it's not working. 8) If the times are compatible we'll probably make an appearance. YAY! So as long as the money pans out and the timing is right and we might need to find someone to come to help out with babysitting and if I don't succumb to hysteria I will get to stalk, er, visit with some of you.

I've been thinking that maybe we should revisit the question of what time of year we go, just in case I'm not the only person with the summer heat/humidity phobia. Are there any people who want to come but couldn't do it unless it was in the summer?

it really depends on what my school schedule is, I probably won't be able to get away except during breaks.

Even if I could go next year (and I'm not sure you would want a 15 year old with you) i would most likely only be able to go during summer.

>160 MrsGrinch:

Don't be silly. Of course we would want a 15-year-old, either with your parents or other guardian, or their permission. HE is about people who read books, not ageism! (That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Even people as old as I am are welcome, right?)

Also, northern hemisphere summer would mean... what, around June 2010? I don't think there is a specific date for the opening of the HP park yet, just "2010". What if it's not opened by June, or gets delayed? Perhaps later would be better.

>#155: I'm helping :-)

MrsG: If I was positive that I would be able to go I would definatly want you to come and even take responsibility for you on the trip if that would make your parents feel better! But unfortunately the current monetary situation doesn't really allow for me to make any plans that far in the future.

#156 - well you should have spoken up sooner. Although that post does indicate that you might be more suited to the position.

Edited p~~~

Yes thats true Mysterion.

161> Thanks ejj. :) And of course you are welcome if I am!!!!!!

ETA> 164> Seriously Bella? Oh how cool would that be?

Bib can probably explain it better, so I'm not going to go into great details here, but the thought was that as long as an underage Hogwarts Express member wanted to go all she or he would have to do is find someone to sponsor them. There would be some sort of permission form, too, that the parent would have to sign... just a basic medical release. We want as many members of the group as possible to go, and I think that the plan is also to invite their family members. But I am not a member of the committee and I have no plan to be one, so I will leave these logistics issues in their capable hands.

#161 -- Old is totally a state of mind, right? Of course you are welcome!

>163 MellieT:

I don't have any money now, either, but I'm taking the optimistic view that by then things will be better. Sure hope it's true for everyone.

I was also thinking about offering to take responsibility for Picolina (edited to add, because I think we live somewhat in the same area), as I think she said she would like to come, but I'm trying to figure out how this would work--how does someone convince parents that a person their daughter met on the internet should be trusted with their child?

Thats what I was thinking. But then my mom and dad both know that you guys are my best friends so. But they would need to talk on the phone at the very least with whoever took responsibility for me. That is unless Tessa came. But I'm not sure if she would.

EJJ: Lol. well I wouldn't want them to think I was some creepo. I am going to try and save up enough money to go, so I figured an extra plane ticket to go meet MrsG and her family would be affordable. So basically if I figure out that I can save up the money I would go meet them all first and such that way they might not be so worried. Besides I need a vacation so if I can afford Florida then I might go visit california and srroundings anyway. SO while I am there I will get to meet Mrs G, then go down and see K!

MrsG: Just in case you might want to see if your family might want to come with you! They might enjoy the vacation too!

>166 Espeon200:

Thanks, Espy! And I do look younger than I am ;-)

I think Bib's idea of a permission form/medical release is a very good one. We'll discuss it in detail, I expect.

169> They would definitely not want to spend the money. Especially my mother. I will have to find a way to start saving money because I'm too young to get a job. Maybe I can get a job when I turn 15. If I can at least find a way to pay for half then maybe for my early christmas or late b-day my parents could pay for the other half.

ETA: I also the parent release form is a good idea.

This is where my past work (and hopefully future) as a Youth Director comes in handy. The main thing would be whether the parents would be comfortable with their child going off with a "bunch of strangers". What would be best is if there were someone in the area that the parents could meet ahead of time, but again, this isn't something we have to decide now.

While I would prefer not to go to Florida in the summer, I'll go whenever the best time for the most people is. My main concern (other than the breath sucking humidity) is what Mysterion brought up, that the park has no definate date and while it's planned for summer 2010, who knows really. Also, it will be crazy busy then! I was wondering how people might feel about trying to go sometime during the week after Christmas? We could have our gift exchange in person and maybe even celebrate New Year's together. Then teachers and students would be off and the weather wouldn't be as disgusting...though it would probably still be pretty busy.

Yeah I think we should go in at least 2 years. Thats better for me anyway because I will be that much older. I just talked to Tessa and she doesn't like the MsBella takes care of me idea because she thinks its weird that "a random person" wants to take of me. I like the idea though. Tessa says she wants to go, but I'm not sure if she is really willing to pay for it. And if we go later that gives me time to get a summer job to try and pay for it. If the trip ends up costing $500.

I like the week after christmas idea, I have a pretty good chance of being able to get away, and it gives a few extra monthe to save up money.

Of course, if we wait too long, the HP park may get converted into a Twilight theme park.

BTW, i have absolutely no idea if we could possibly come. The distance and cost makes it a big decision, and it may depend on a lot of things like the exchange rate at that time. But i'm going to act like we will be coming, because it's a lot of fun planning anyway.

Of course, if we wait too long, the HP park may get converted into a Twilight theme park.

lol! Then you'd no doubt make sure to come. ;)

I voted summer because I would definitely have time off then, but the week after Christmas would also be great. I thought it would be fun to have an HE Christmas in person.

#175 - does that mean you and MrA might be going together?

#177: All three of us. MrA, Mysterion & Bob. It's a group package.

BTW, glad to see that you got your post reference right this time...

175- BTW, i have absolutely no idea if we could possibly come. The distance and cost makes it a big decision, and it may depend on a lot of things like the exchange rate at that time. But i'm going to act like we will be coming, because it's a lot of fun planning anyway.

Whoa, deja vu. I feel like I've read this before, but earlier on in the thread. Weird.

We'll have to take a poll, but I sure vote thumbs up on the post-Christmas time frame. Later in the year makes it more likely that the park will be open by then, plus giving us all that much more time to save (it's about 20 months away, so if one saved $30 per month between now and then . . .).

>173 MrsGrinch: Did you explain that we aren't just "random people," we're more like your virtual family? Weird cousins, maybe.

It seems that people have a very hard time understanding that we get to know each other way more on LT than in a normal internet relationship because of the book connection. Knowing people's reading tastes and having book discussions regularly just gives much deeper insight into a person than random conversations (which we also do!). The phrase "people I met online" does not cover the scope and depth of LT friends.

I find poking about in someone's medicine cabinet can be very illuminating, also.

>181 lefty33:

Exactly.

180> I saw no point at even begining to explain. But it suprised me coming from her because she is apart of HE.

I know that this might not work because its too far off, but I wish we could go in 2013 because I would be 18 by then. And I would have saved up more money by then. And I would be able to control more of what I do because I will be more of an adult. But if I get into NYU I would have to work getting to New York plans into there.

Well, a meet up in NYC at some point is not beyond the bounds of possibility. Good luck getting into NYU!

Yes, it is important to note that this meet-up isn't going to be the last time any of us see each other ever!

#157 MEM:
We will be happy for you to stalk us. :)

#158 ejj:
I second that idea. Or maybe third or fourth it. There are a lot of posts. I'm open for any time of year.

Regarding some members being responsible for younger group members, Chelsea's in my state and lives near some of my relatives. If she wants to go and her parents are okay with it but don't want to go themselves then I would go down for her parents to meet me. I could even fly from there. I see MrsG is from the same state, too. I wonder how close she and Chelsea live to each other. Maybe it would be comforting to their parents if their parents talked to each other about it. If Bella can't meet with MrsG's parents then I could meet them when meeting Chelsea's.

#169 Bella:
That would be so cool! I'm actually in northern CA, though I could go down to see you in SoCal. :)

#172 Bib:
The week after Christmas sounds exciting! Gift giving in person would be, too. I'm all for it.

#181 lefty:
It is hard! I explained again and again that I would be perfectly safe visiting LTers for six weeks last summer. My family and co-workers were nervous anyways.

the week after Christmas? Wow, my first thought is what about the driving weather? I would have to cross thru the mountains. What if there was snow? my second thought is that I would probably not have trouble getting the time off since everyone else would be back by then. New Years at Disney World? I'll bet that would be a blast!

I would love New Years at Disney! It would be great.

K, Tom and I are thinking about moving to Arizona so we will be going out there for a week or so to spend time and see if we like it. I told Tom that when we go we have to take a week there and then spend some time in Cali and Laas Vegas (my cousin is moving there). So either way I should be able to get to see you guys!

The week after Christmas wold be fun, I would just worry a bit cause we wold have to reqest off work and I am not sure how well that would go over, I am also not sure what jobs we will have by then.

Polly, I am also all for regional meet-ups, We are taking a trip up route six this summer so I will only be a few hours from you, I think.

#189 Bella:
It gets very hot in Arizona. Are you sure? It would be fun to meet you, however! :)

December 2010 is a long way away. What about regional meet-ups for the movie this summer? It would have to not be opening weekend of course, since many of us are boycotting :)

I am in Columbus Ohio, I would be willing to travel a little bit to see it with my freinds, or I would be willing to host a meetup

>191 compskibook:, 192

I've started a new thread to discuss this idea, which might otherwise overwhelm our longer range planning:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/59005&newpost=1#lastmsg

Wow, I missed a lot over the weekend! I'm so excited about this idea, and really like the week after Christmas suggestion, both because the park is more likely to be up and running by then, and because summer is a really hard time for me to get away from work. I could probably swing it, but it would be tricky. And I'm also with the crew who have a low opinion of Florida's summer heat and humidity.

Florida in winter is a nice escape from the snow for some of us.

8( I will miss seeing all of you when I go to Florida next summer. 8) But I will enjoy the heat! LOL

>195 rissa:

Boy, you said a mouthful there.

Aww. Going east in the winter and no snow?

*ducks*

;)

k, you can come visit me after, there's bound to be plenty of snow.

8)

I like snow, I like heat. I pretty much enjoy all the seasons. I get tired of the cold around Valentine's Day but then it's March and the warm weather will eventually come back, slowly but surely. 8) It's the best part about Ohio. It has all the different types of weather. LOL

so do we, but I'm ready for the snow to end around January. unless we're having a heavy snow year, then it's more like mid-December. mostly because I hate being cold.

#199 Riss:
That would be fun! :)

What I hate is when it seems like summer for one week in January and then like winter again afterward. I prefer winter to summer, though.

*Thinks that k's definition of winter is probably more like my definition of May*

8) Here it's supposed to be 11 degrees tonight but the high on Thursday is going to be like 58 degrees or something. LOL I feel your pain!

our winter has been relatively mild since mid-January. today it rained, so I know the high was above 32. other than that I haven't been keeping track of the temps. mostly because they've been wrong too often this year.

#203 rissa:
Those were my thoughts as I typed. ;)

I was looking for the Meet-Up thread, but I seemed to have wandered into the How's the Weather thread

:)

I think MrA and i will go earlier to check it out for everyone else ;)