|
Post by Bonobochick on Dec 2, 2009 18:17:50 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Django13 on Dec 2, 2009 18:54:41 GMT -5
Thanks Bonobochick for creating this thread! Here is another great video of visitor9627. So please take that once in a lifetime chance and meet your favorite actors in one place! Go to our website at : www.gaysofourlives.orgWe would love to meet you in New York!
|
|
sozment
Junior Member
Forget regret or life is yours to miss
Posts: 648
|
Post by sozment on Dec 3, 2009 8:41:11 GMT -5
First of all, thank you to Bonobochick for setting up this thread for the event! ;D Over in the VL Event thread, some of you were discussing the fact that Jo and Thore would not be at the Saturday night party and didn't want to come. We, the event staff, tried to make the events different with different actors "featured" in each one. However, if you noticed, we added "with special guests". Jo, Thore and Gregory are invited to the Saturday night party just as Dennis, Igor, Felix and Nicholas are invited to Friday night's party. It is up to the individual actors whether they decide to come or not. (although, we believe they will at least make an appearance). We wanted the actors to have a little free time in NYC as well. To have some fun in the city. And we all know that Jo and Thore are VERY excited to come to this event..so I can assure you, they will be all over the place. Also, we have invites out to other celebs in the NY area. Soooo...there might still be others to confirm later on. So, if you want to come to the parties, I would not stop myself because I thought one person might not show up. You never know who will end up at that party. As for the cost, NYC is a very expensive place. Please know that we, the event staff, tried very hard to keep it as low as possible for the weekend rate. Upon noting the weekend amount, we decided to break it into events that might work for everyone. Also to let you know. We added a topic to our website. Titled "New York". We will be blogging about different things- New York. First up...hotels. Hope that helps. Have a good day everyone! Shirley
|
|
|
Post by riboflavinb2 on Dec 3, 2009 9:27:01 GMT -5
Shirley! Thank you so much for your insights. Personally, I think the VIP cost is reasonable considering that two of your meals for the weekend are taken care of. I also think the quality time spent with all the actors is a bonus. I know that the event planners labored over how to make the cost and event available to people with different budgets...and that's not an easy feat in NYC. One thing I was thinking of last night, for people like Zam or others who don't live in the NYC area... this board is a tight knit community...and I wonder if it might be possible for those that do live in the NYC area to let some of the far away travelers stay with them, it'd help lower their cost. I'm going and I won't need a place to stay... but it might be another way for this group to get to know each other and really connect. I would encourage those who can do that to think about it. Another possibility is sharing the cost of a hotel room with other board members or online friends. There's no reason why you can't find ways to be creative in how you get there and where you stay. I'm really excited for this event. I'm really excited to meet all of you and, you too Shirley! I think it's going to be so much fun... Edit: Have you guys read the "about" page on the site... it should give you some perspective if you have any doubts.
|
|
scarpien
Junior Member
Olli & Christian Forever
Posts: 491
|
Post by scarpien on Dec 3, 2009 10:18:44 GMT -5
First of all, thank you to Bonobochick for setting up this thread for the event! ;D Over in the VL Event thread, some of you were discussing the fact that Jo and Thore would not be at the Saturday night party and didn't want to come. We, the event staff, tried to make the events different with different actors "featured" in each one. However, if you noticed, we added "with special guests". Jo, Thore and Gregory are invited to the Saturday night party just as Dennis, Igor, Felix and Nicholas are invited to Friday night's party. It is up to the individual actors whether they decide to come or not. (although, we believe they will at least make an appearance). We wanted the actors to have a little free time in NYC as well. To have some fun in the city. And we all know that Jo and Thore are VERY excited to come to this event..so I can assure you, they will be all over the place. Also, we have invites out to other celebs in the NY area. Soooo...there might still be others to confirm later on. So, if you want to come to the parties, I would not stop myself because I thought one person might not show up. You never know who will end up at that party. As for the cost, NYC is a very expensive place. Please know that we, the event staff, tried very hard to keep it as low as possible for the weekend rate. Upon noting the weekend amount, we decided to break it into events that might work for everyone. Also to let you know. We added a topic to our website. Titled "New York". We will be blogging about different things- New York. First up...hotels. Hope that helps. Have a good day everyone! Shirley Thanks Sozment. When you put it like that it gives me even more reason to buy the VIP Package, since from a unit cost standpoint you're getting a better buy. Riboflavinb: That's a great idea about fellow members living in the NYC area hosting out-of-town guests and even sharing the cost of a hotel room. It would be great to finally meet other Chrolli fans and hang out for a weekend.
|
|
thunderkat
Full Member
By Scissorknot
Posts: 2,053
|
Post by thunderkat on Dec 3, 2009 10:44:03 GMT -5
Thank you sozment! It's great that there will be a possibility of mingling even if the celebs aren't explicitly stated to be there, and you've actually made my decision a bit easier. Fabulous idea re: playing host, and I assure you, if i have my own apt. by March, one and all are invited. However I offer my services as a native new yorker/ tri-state area person for anyone planning a trip who has logistical questions! just PM away.
|
|
sozment
Junior Member
Forget regret or life is yours to miss
Posts: 648
|
Post by sozment on Dec 3, 2009 11:11:12 GMT -5
Awesome!! I'm glad it helped and thank you Riboflavinb2 for your insights.! If anyone has any questions, leave them and we'll try to respond the best we can.
And thunderkat....thank you! We may be asking you questions ourselves. ;D
|
|
Zam
Full Member
Posts: 1,805
|
Post by Zam on Dec 3, 2009 13:42:58 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info so far. Even though I can't afford to go, here's some unsolicited travel advice, since I work in that industry.
Start shopping for air fares NOW. There really is no such thing as a "last minute deal" these days. With the economy the way it is, airlines are charging fees out the wazoo for the littlest things. Travel websites will not include those fees, you will pay the airliine directly. They may not even have a comprehensive list of those fees, check the airline websites directly for a list of those fees.
Check which airlines charge what fees for baggage check (each way). Budget that into your total costs. Pack accordingly. Don't count on a meal on the plane. The least expensive flights tend to be at the least convenient times, and tend to involve connections.
EVENT PLANNERS: What sort of dress is required at each event? Attendees need to have an expectation of what to pack. Is the Friday VIP party black tie or dressy? Can they get in wearing shorts and flip-flops? It’s best that we know now so people who need to shop can figure that in also.
Are you flying into Laguardia (LGA), Kennedy (JFK) or Newark (EWR)? All three serve the Metro NY area. Find the best rates. On travel sites, put NYC in as the airport code to find out which of the three is less expensive (for YOU) unless you have a favorite airport.
Also, how much will it cost to get from the airport to the hotel? Most taxis have flat rates (is it $45 from JFK to midtown?). Is it less expensive to get a shuttle or to get on the trains? I prefer to fly into LGA, take a taxi to the nearest train, buy my MTA pass and not worry about taxis again until I'm ready to leave, but that's me.
If you live on the east coast, check train and bus fares. Maybe it will be less expensive. Those trips will take much longer, but maybe it's worth the time to save the money.
Try to book your travel items together (Hotel + Flight), because that's when your travel discounts will begin to add up.
If you are using sites such as Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. ALWAYS click the "book it" function on that site to see what the hotel taxes will bring the cost to.
Hotel fees in NYC have been climbing lately despite the tourism slump. You need to know exactly what you'll be paying above the nightly rate. See what the hotel charges for the room based on occupancy. Is it based on single, double, etc. Are you paying an extra guest fee for a second person, etc? Check the star-ratings on the hotels you plan on booking. Read reviews (TripAdvisor.com). If you book yourself into a 1-star hotel, you are going to get what you pay for. (*shudders*) Older hotels in NYC can have very small rooms. I hardly ever look at hotels in NYC that are 3 stars or less, just because I don’t want to be in a disintegrating old building.
Travel insurance might be a good purchase for you. Especially if it allows you to cancel for any reason prior to your departure. Just in case of sickness, jury duty, etc. Read the fine print before you click.
NYC is my favorite travel destination in the world, so here’s some tricks I’ve learned. I always buy an MTA pass. A seven-day pass gives you unlimited rides on busses/trains. It’s my favorite way to get around. (Those who live in the area, what’s the going rate for those? Can you buy 3-day passes these days?) I almost never eat at “touristy” places. Find out-of-the-way restaurants where locals eat. They are cheaper than eating on Times Square, and the portions tend to be larger. Beware fancy restaurants that have a la carte menus. When you’re riding the trains, turn off the phones when you’re underground so your batteries don’t die. Check online to see what “touristy” things you want to do before you go. Find out prices, times, and plan accordingly. If you want to go to the Met and the Empire State Building and the Natural History Museum and take a Circle Line Tour and whatever else, see if there are travel sites that offer combo/discount passes to these things. If you smoke, bring cigarettes with you. You can’t smoke in bars in NY, or really anywhere other than the sidewalk. Look very closely to see if your hotel will let you smoke, too. Some have a very high fee if you smoke in your room when you’re not allowed.
EVENT PLANNERS: What part of the city are the events taking place? Midtown, Chelsea, the Village, etc? It might help people start to check rates for that part of the city. -- ETA: I just read the NYC page on the site. (yay! TIMES SQUARE!) I have a strong suspicion I've stayed at that hotel before. If that's the case, I LOOOOVE their lobby.
|
|
thunderkat
Full Member
By Scissorknot
Posts: 2,053
|
Post by thunderkat on Dec 3, 2009 15:42:41 GMT -5
Hey all The cost of one ride on the subway or bus is 2.25. A one day "fun pass" is 8.25, a 7 day unlimited is $27 They don't have, as far as I know a 3 day or a weekend pass.
Just as an FYI, JFK does have an air-train/monorail thing that connects to public transportation. It's a bit of a hassle, but you can avoid cab fare, so you have to weigh convenience with budget. Can someone please sponsor zam? I'm sure there's some eccentric howard hughes type billionaire lurking on these boards somewhere....c'mon, give the guy a chance!
|
|
scarpien
Junior Member
Olli & Christian Forever
Posts: 491
|
Post by scarpien on Dec 3, 2009 17:13:25 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info so far. Even though I can't afford to go, here's some unsolicited travel advice, since I work in that industry. Start shopping for air fares NOW. There really is no such thing as a "last minute deal" these days. With the economy the way it is, airlines are charging fees out the wazoo for the littlest things. Travel websites will not include those fees, you will pay the airliine directly. They may not even have a comprehensive list of those fees, check the airline websites directly for a list of those fees. Check which airlines charge what fees for baggage check (each way). Budget that into your total costs. Pack accordingly. Don't count on a meal on the plane. The least expensive flights tend to be at the least convenient times, and tend to involve connections. EVENT PLANNERS: What sort of dress is required at each event? Attendees need to have an expectation of what to pack. Is the Friday VIP party black tie or dressy? Can they get in wearing shorts and flip-flops? It’s best that we know now so people who need to shop can figure that in also.Are you flying into Laguardia (LGA), Kennedy (JFK) or Newark (EWR)? All three serve the Metro NY area. Find the best rates. On travel sites, put NYC in as the airport code to find out which of the three is less expensive (for YOU) unless you have a favorite airport. Also, how much will it cost to get from the airport to the hotel? Most taxis have flat rates (is it $45 from JFK to midtown?). Is it less expensive to get a shuttle or to get on the trains? I prefer to fly into LGA, take a taxi to the nearest train, buy my MTA pass and not worry about taxis again until I'm ready to leave, but that's me.If you live on the east coast, check train and bus fares. Maybe it will be less expensive. Those trips will take much longer, but maybe it's worth the time to save the money. Try to book your travel items together (Hotel + Flight), because that's when your travel discounts will begin to add up. If you are using sites such as Expedia, Hotels.com, etc. ALWAYS click the "book it" function on that site to see what the hotel taxes will bring the cost to. Hotel fees in NYC have been climbing lately despite the tourism slump. You need to know exactly what you'll be paying above the nightly rate. See what the hotel charges for the room based on occupancy. Is it based on single, double, etc. Are you paying an extra guest fee for a second person, etc? Check the star-ratings on the hotels you plan on booking. Read reviews (TripAdvisor.com). If you book yourself into a 1-star hotel, you are going to get what you pay for. (*shudders*) Older hotels in NYC can have very small rooms. I hardly ever look at hotels in NYC that are 3 stars or less, just because I don’t want to be in a disintegrating old building. Travel insurance might be a good purchase for you. Especially if it allows you to cancel for any reason prior to your departure. Just in case of sickness, jury duty, etc. Read the fine print before you click. NYC is my favorite travel destination in the world, so here’s some tricks I’ve learned. I always buy an MTA pass. A seven-day pass gives you unlimited rides on busses/trains. It’s my favorite way to get around. ( Those who live in the area, what’s the going rate for those? Can you buy 3-day passes these days?) I almost never eat at “touristy” places. Find out-of-the-way restaurants where locals eat. They are cheaper than eating on Times Square, and the portions tend to be larger. Beware fancy restaurants that have a la carte menus. When you’re riding the trains, turn off the phones when you’re underground so your batteries don’t die. Check online to see what “touristy” things you want to do before you go. Find out prices, times, and plan accordingly. If you want to go to the Met and the Empire State Building and the Natural History Museum and take a Circle Line Tour and whatever else, see if there are travel sites that offer combo/discount passes to these things. If you smoke, bring cigarettes with you. You can’t smoke in bars in NY, or really anywhere other than the sidewalk. Look very closely to see if your hotel will let you smoke, too. Some have a very high fee if you smoke in your room when you’re not allowed. EVENT PLANNERS: What part of the city are the events taking place? Midtown, Chelsea, the Village, etc? It might help people start to check rates for that part of the city. -- ETA: I just read the NYC page on the site. (yay! TIMES SQUARE!) I have a strong suspicion I've stayed at that hotel before. If that's the case, I LOOOOVE their lobby.Danke Zam!! Gee!! You're like a living, breathing, walking, talking travel advisory/guide!! That info, especially the tidbits about getting around NYC, were very helpful. I've visited NYC twice but I've always rented a car and I found out that NYC isn't too car-friendly, unfortunately. So, I guess this time around I'm gonna chew the big apple like a New Yorker.
|
|
Zam
Full Member
Posts: 1,805
|
Post by Zam on Dec 3, 2009 18:22:46 GMT -5
We'll need people who live in the City to offer the best suggestions. It's been years since I've been there. I can only offer the few things I've learned travelling there.
It is important to remember that the little costs can add up tp a lot.
I would love to live there, however. ;D After I win the lottery.
|
|
|
Post by flippa on Dec 3, 2009 19:37:16 GMT -5
I'm totally loving the way the events have been broken down! Whenever I've looked at stuff like that before it's been unbelievably expensive (for example, last year my friend asked me to go to an L Word convention- it was in a really shitty town in England- so no-where NEAR the glamour and fabulousness of NYC- and it was over £300!!! that's POUNDS!)
The thought of being able to hang with SO many of the guys at whatever I select is wonderful- thanks so much for the thought that's obviously gone into it... although I want to drool over the VL AND AWZ guys so.... hummmmmm tricky tricky tricky!!)
|
|
|
Post by brownsugar on Dec 4, 2009 0:08:42 GMT -5
First of all, thank you to Bonobochick for setting up this thread for the event! ;D Over in the VL Event thread, some of you were discussing the fact that Jo and Thore would not be at the Saturday night party and didn't want to come. We, the event staff, tried to make the events different with different actors "featured" in each one. However, if you noticed, we added "with special guests". Jo, Thore and Gregory are invited to the Saturday night party just as Dennis, Igor, Felix and Nicholas are invited to Friday night's party. It is up to the individual actors whether they decide to come or not. (although, we believe they will at least make an appearance). We wanted the actors to have a little free time in NYC as well. To have some fun in the city. And we all know that Jo and Thore are VERY excited to come to this event..so I can assure you, they will be all over the place. Also, we have invites out to other celebs in the NY area. Soooo...there might still be others to confirm later on. So, if you want to come to the parties, I would not stop myself because I thought one person might not show up. You never know who will end up at that party. As for the cost, NYC is a very expensive place. Please know that we, the event staff, tried very hard to keep it as low as possible for the weekend rate. Upon noting the weekend amount, we decided to break it into events that might work for everyone. Also to let you know. We added a topic to our website. Titled "New York". We will be blogging about different things- New York. First up...hotels. Hope that helps. Have a good day everyone! Shirley Thank you Bonobochick for this thread. And thanks Shirley for clarifying some of the informations, especially about the party package. It looks like I might go for the youtube event and party event deal. To be honest...I'm fortunate in that money isn't an issue, it's more my field of work and having to schedule around the events. As for the prices...I think they are very reasonable for what you are getting. The VIP event will have you meeting the stars up close and personal, provides food and you even get to party with the stars. The prices are actually very good. So well done in keeping the cost down. And of course the event is to raise money for important projects. Again...i'm so excited and still can't believe i'm going to meet Jo and Thore. And I'm really looking forward to meeting up with fellow fans from this site. This is so brilliant! ;D
|
|
|
Post by MtnDewCodeRedFreak on Dec 4, 2009 3:16:08 GMT -5
Sigh ..... I would absolutely L-O-V-E to go, just a couple teeny tiiny problems.
1) Spring semester 2010 is my last one at Ind State Uni .... (and before you ask, the occupation in my signature is actually internship - OIT manager at ISU) - so I dunno if I can squeeze that event in with classes.
2) Finance .... ! *sobs* WHY?! (mind you, that's a rhetorical question, so don't answer that! lol)
However .... if someone'd be willing to help this poor guy (me) out, I'd be FOREVER grateful.
It'd be totally awesome to meet the actors and most of all, the fellow fans from this forum.
As for my attire, hmmmm I'd be wearing a pink or white, long-sleeved, buttoned-up Hollister shirt .... are name tags appropriate? I think it should, if you want the actors to remember you later on, you know what I mean?
|
|
|
Post by flippa on Dec 4, 2009 5:59:01 GMT -5
.... are name tags appropriate? I think it should, if you want the actors to remember you later on, you know what I mean? I only have experience with Jo and Thore, but you'd be AMAZED at how good they are at remembering your name (even months after they first met you!)- so there's no worries there
|
|
|
Post by TOMfromHUN on Dec 5, 2009 14:32:40 GMT -5
Hi everybody! Just registered to be in New York next year... If you want to read a bit more about me, you can do that in the new members' introduction topic. Best,
|
|
|
Post by Django13 on Dec 6, 2009 9:55:06 GMT -5
Hai Tom, Welcome to the board here and thank you for registrating for the New York Event! It will be a great experience and we look forward to meet you! Greetings, Patricia
|
|
|
Post by TOMfromHUN on Dec 6, 2009 10:52:03 GMT -5
Hi Patricia! Thanks so much, it almost feels like home already. Some really nice people here... hope to get to know you girls&guys better in the coming weeks & months I'll try. Later on would be nice to know from which countries are fans coming from!? The student events I used to participate in always had badges with name & national flags on them... it is really an amaizing thing to have a conversation on a special topic with a guy from Ghana, a girl from Japan & some others from Germany, Czech Republic or even Korea. Hope this event will have some diversity as well. Don't get me wrong: I'd like to know some american people as well, cause I don't know any by person. Bye, Tom
|
|
|
Post by flippa on Dec 6, 2009 17:35:24 GMT -5
the lovely ladies at EKP have made a vid with their trademark twinkly sparkliness!
|
|
|
Post by MtnDewCodeRedFreak on Dec 6, 2009 18:04:10 GMT -5
the lovely ladies at EKP have made a vid with their trademark twinkly sparkliness! Grr - private video. Any other way?
|
|
|
Post by chrolliforever7 on Dec 6, 2009 18:06:41 GMT -5
Ughhhh I don't think I can go now because I can't pay for the damn ticket!! why are they so expensive?!??!?
|
|
|
Post by Bonobochick on Dec 6, 2009 18:19:52 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by flippa on Dec 6, 2009 18:44:08 GMT -5
the lovely ladies at EKP have made a vid with their trademark twinkly sparkliness! Grr - private video. Any other way? Wait a bit- I think they're just changing something on it It's very cute!
|
|
|
Post by flippa on Dec 6, 2009 18:47:31 GMT -5
Ughhhh I don't think I can go now because I can't pay for the damn ticket!! why are they so expensive?!??!? Ooooooh it would be so sad if you can't find a way- this really is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity- these guys will NEVER be together again, and certainly not in the USA! (and you'll never get so much time with them either ) I know it seems expensive, but just think of the cost of flying 5 actors from Germany, American actors from outside NYC, putting them up in a hotel, and then hiring a venue, providing food- and all in the heart of one of the most exciting (and expensive!) cities in the world! Plus- it's ALL for charity, not for profit I hope you can come ))
|
|
|
Post by flippa on Dec 6, 2009 18:49:04 GMT -5
Thanks so much for that info! I actually stayed at the YMCA (YEARS ago, to be fair) and that was fine TBH I don't think the standard of hotel is that important for me, cos I'll be spending every minute partying ;D
|
|