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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jun 24, 2008 15:30:17 GMT -6
Is this thing couples only? It occurs during the week of my birthday, so I was looking for something different to do this year. -- BB (actually asking a legitimate question with great trepidation, but with little hope of getting a straight answer) Beeb
No it's not a couples only thing and even though we haven't met in person we know a lot of the same people who will be here and there will always be a group of folks to party with.
Hank
P.S. depending on your needs I might even be able to find a couch to lay your head on. Hank - Thanks for the offer and also thanks for the referral to the TA. I e - mailed the TA and she quoted me $300/night for 4 nights at a location "close to the action" (her words -- I assume meaning within a short walk). She said it would be cheaper if I could stay longer, unfortunately, I can't -- even taking those few vacation days is stretching it a bit for me (have to save a few for my NYE trip to Hedo). She also said I could get a cheaper rate if I tried to wait it out a bit, but then I run the risk of getting shut out. Apparently, I could also save a bit if I didn't mind staying at a place that would be a much longer walk, but I think I'd prefer to avoid that if at all possible. Does anyone think that rate sounds reasonable? I came up with a few search results on Travelocity that looked slightly cheaper, but since I'm completely unfamiliar with the area, I don't know how close any of those hotels are.
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 24, 2008 16:54:40 GMT -6
From what I have seen, $300 per night sounds about right and what we expected to spend. Airfare is around $270 from Newark by most major carriers. I checked Continental, Delta and American Airlines.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jun 24, 2008 17:04:20 GMT -6
Newark is way cheaper. I'm only 15 minutes from LaGuardia, so it makes more sense for me to fly out from there, but it boosts the airfare to over $450!
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 24, 2008 17:06:31 GMT -6
I've never been to KW but this map seems to have lots of good information on it. The Duval St. area is where some of the addresses for the hotels and bed and breakfast inns are located. www.kwparadise.com/images/OldTownMapLg.jpg
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 24, 2008 17:09:09 GMT -6
...and Newark is 35 minutes away, I'd go that route if the cab ride is fairly priced. (or train)
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 24, 2008 17:17:02 GMT -6
In addition, the savings are important because I found a rubber tank dress on the internet, it's tight and purple but it's just right for F.F. Geri and I can alternate nights with it for increased savings.
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Post by Hank on Jun 24, 2008 17:27:47 GMT -6
$300.00 a night sounds about right however, if you'd like to Email or PM the info to me I can look into it for you.
Duval St is the main "PARTY ZONE" and anything in "Old Town" is within walking distance. If you're in Old Town you would not need transportation other to and from the airport and since I'm looking at taking the whole week off work I can handle that.
Anything I can do to help any one coming to Key West just let me know.
Hank
Tazz44kw@comcast.net
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Post by Tex on Jun 24, 2008 21:05:58 GMT -6
I have rented little scooters in KW. Not a bad way to go.
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 24, 2008 21:09:21 GMT -6
I'd rent scooters for an afternoon for the fun but we enjoy walking too, it's healthy, we talk and you get to see that much more.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jun 25, 2008 8:45:16 GMT -6
Hank -
I don't yet have any details, just price quotes at this point. I'll be in touch when I get more info.
Gary -
Thanks for posting the map. For me, the cab ride to LGA is only $20 and Newark is probably double that, so I doubt I'd want to go that route.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jun 27, 2008 11:09:21 GMT -6
I seem to remember Bif and Muffy attending FF more than once. They may have some good advice for upcoming travelers. I believe they even have a trip report posted someplace around here.......Jake
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Post by Irish Stu on Jun 27, 2008 11:13:45 GMT -6
Paul K has reviews and pictures from Fantasy Fest in 2006 and 2007 on his website www.paulkatcher.comSimon
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jun 27, 2008 11:14:14 GMT -6
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 28, 2008 6:17:08 GMT -6
From what I have seen, $300 per night sounds about right and what we expected to spend. Airfare is around $270 from Newark by most major carriers. I checked Continental, Delta and American Airlines. I'm mistaken on the airfare. It cost $458 for round trip to KW from Newark. I entered Miami instead of Key West in the destination field. Can you imagine my disappointment in October if I were to burst out of a hotel room onto a Miami street in costume.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jun 28, 2008 8:01:56 GMT -6
You might be better off flying into Miami and driving to KW as someone else suggested.
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 28, 2008 8:30:03 GMT -6
I don't want to have the hassle of renting/returning or parking etc... I'm not sure what to do.
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Post by Christinko on Jun 28, 2008 8:51:23 GMT -6
I"m renting a car in FLL and driving to KW...leaving the car at the KW airport, then picking up a new car in KW to drive back to FLL on the day I leave.
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Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Jun 28, 2008 9:20:23 GMT -6
I don't want to have the hassle of renting/returning or parking etc... I'm not sure what to do. I know what you mean, I feel the same way -- that's why I'm willing to pay extra for the other flight. Just want to relax, kick back and enjoy myself without any hassles (as much as can be realistically expected, anyway).
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jun 28, 2008 10:21:24 GMT -6
I"m renting a car in FLL and driving to KW...leaving the car at the KW airport, then picking up a new car in KW to drive back to FLL on the day I leave. This sounds like a good strategy. I seem to recall that the airport is on the far eastern end of Key West, though, so you've got a couple of long cab rides to pay for in there too......Jake
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Post by Hank on Jun 28, 2008 10:44:48 GMT -6
I"m renting a car in FLL and driving to KW...leaving the car at the KW airport, then picking up a new car in KW to drive back to FLL on the day I leave. This sounds like a good strategy. I seem to recall that the airport is on the far eastern end of Key West, though, so you've got a couple of long cab rides to pay for in there too......Jake On a two mile wide and four mile long island nothing is a long ride. Also, I'm will probably take the entire week off work this year so "Hank's Taxi Service" will be up and running. I live a half a mile from the airport. Another neat option for getting to Key West would be to fly into Tampa and take the Ferry to Key West. The Ferry docks at the Seaport right down town.. Hank
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Post by Bif St Lou on Jun 28, 2008 11:47:25 GMT -6
Last year we flew into Ft Myers and took a 9 seat puddle jumper into KW. If you're not extremely comfortable with flying, I would not recommend this option. Before boarding we were each weighed, along with each of our bags including Muffy's purse. Then it was determined how to pack the luggage and our seating assignments. I was put in the co-pilot's seat -- certainly because I just look heroic should anything happen to the pilot, and not because I was the biggest boy on the plane. BTW, these pilots have NO sense of humor and do NOT want you messing with your set of controls! Just like last year, we'll be staying at the Truman Annex condos. They're recently built, nicely furnished and 2 blocks from Duval. Having a meal and a cocktail (or seven) at the home base saves a few bucks since the bar bills tend to add up.
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 28, 2008 14:39:33 GMT -6
We're flying into KW and our connecting flight from Fort Lauderdale is a 19 passenger (Beech 1900) the latest model having a "stand-up cabin." Code-share between Continental and Gulfstream Airlines.
It beats the old days when great grandfather Gary clung to a wing of a biplane for fun in the sun and beer.
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 28, 2008 14:57:07 GMT -6
Guys, I hope you don't mind me asking a question or two since we are new to this event not sure of a few things. For instance, how does the body painting work? Are arrangements made in advance or is it done at whim on the street? Is the celebration every night during the week or just Friday and Saturday? Thanks, Gary
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Post by Hank on Jun 28, 2008 15:21:41 GMT -6
Guys, I hope you don't mind me asking a question or two since we are new to this event not sure of a few things. For instance, how does the body painting work? Are arrangements made in advance or is it done at whim on the street? Is the celebration every night during the week or just Friday and Saturday? Thanks, Gary The best bet for body painting is to schedule an appointment, however there are a few places that will take walk ups. For the better quality painters schedule. The party is every night with the grand finale being the parade on Sat night. Hank
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Post by innit Geezer on Jun 28, 2008 22:46:26 GMT -6
Thank you for the info Hank.
Gary
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Post by Christinko on Jun 28, 2008 22:53:20 GMT -6
I"m renting a car in FLL and driving to KW...leaving the car at the KW airport, then picking up a new car in KW to drive back to FLL on the day I leave. This sounds like a good strategy. I seem to recall that the airport is on the far eastern end of Key West, though, so you've got a couple of long cab rides to pay for in there too......Jake Like Hank says--it's a small island! When I was there about 5-6 years ago, the price from the airport to Duval as about $7 including tip, so I'm guessing/hoping it's still under $20.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Jun 28, 2008 22:59:52 GMT -6
Thanks for the correction, Hank! I haven't been to KW in about 18 years. I guess it seemed bigger in retrospect.....Jake
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Post by edie2u on Jun 29, 2008 0:38:06 GMT -6
I am soooo jealous!!!! I will be in Galveston for the last BIG show of the year. But next year I hope to be at FF!!!!! I hope everyone has fun and has a drink for me!
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Post by Hank on Jun 29, 2008 5:32:23 GMT -6
Like Hank says--it's a small island! When I was there about 5-6 years ago, the price from the airport to Duval as about $7 including tip, so I'm guessing/hoping it's still under $20. A few weeks ago my truck was a little on the naughty side and had a few too many adult beverages so to punish it I made it stay down town by it's self all night. The taxi ride home with a generous tip was $22.00. Hank P.S. Still way cheaper then a DUI !!!!!
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Post by Christinko on Jun 29, 2008 8:00:27 GMT -6
Bad mother trucker, naughty naughty naughty! I'm glad you showed your truck who was in charge--nice move, Hank! (and thanks for the $ tip!)
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