July Mid-Atlantic -- Allentown PA meet

[DebWills]

I want to give everyone a heads up on the MidAtlantic meet which will probably be held in Allentown PA this July (exact data to be announced soon - think middle of the month).

Last year this meet was awesome with over 125 adults plus children in attendance. Special guest speakers included Lou Mongello, John Rick (Central Jersey Pin Traders), Len Testa and myself.

The organizer, Fred Block, did an outstanding job. This year's meet will be even better!!! Lou and I are both confirmed guests....and we have several other Disney notables interested!!!!

Here's the link to last year's festivity reports.
http://allearsnet.com/btp/atown.htm

Hope some of you will be able to attend.

Deb

[Tagrel]

Uh oh... Our trip starts mid July this year. Too bad - I'd LOVE to make this one and Allentown is just a little over two hours from here! Sigh... Maybe next time! :yes:

[DebWills]

The meet is definetly on July 15th. Special Guests confirmed so far are Lou Mongello and myself. However, I KNOW there are other folks who are seriously considering attending (and maybe speaking) at this event. So keep it open on your calendar!

[DebWills]

Will be announced very soon... and one is a Taginator :)

[Tagrel]

This would be great to attend! I read about it last year, and was kicking myself for not going. But, we'll either already be in WDW or on our way! (C'mon Southwest Schedule!) I hope everyone has fun, and this would be a great event for our Northeastern members! So - who all intends to go? I want pictures and stories! :peri:

[Carrie]

This is a definate maybe for me. I could drive there from my parents' house in PA in about 4 hours. Why does PA have to be such a long state anyways?

[Lady]

Carrie - gosh is it ever a long State - for years we had to drive from Phila to Ohio a few times a year!! I'm sure we played every car game known in the World!
Wasn't this event in June a few years back? We are in the PA area in June and can't get back up a few weeks later : ( As you can see I'll be at the coast the following weekend anyway - Have fun!
Hugs Shell

[DebWills]

(copy with permission from the Allentown Mailing list). Fred Block is the organizer:


Hello Everyone!

My name is Fred Block and I am a Disney nut!

Anyway...on to things you DON'T already know....

I'm extremely proud and excited to announce the official 2006 Disney Meet is on! Being that you are on the mailing list, and probably went to last year's event, you get the goods FIRST!

I'm happy to say that on July 15th 2006 we will be returning to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Allentown, PA for a bigger...badder...and better meet than last year!! (A tall order some might say!!!)

Why will this year's meet be better? Well, those of you that attended last year may recall that we asked for your input with a survey after the meet was over. Your voices have been heard and we made lots of changes to make this year's meet even better.

Before I go into that, I should say that based on the 2005 meet survey, 97% of you said the event met or exceeded your expectations!

So with that off of my chest, Let's get to the meat (GREAT PUN!) and potatoes...

Here is a list of the changes we've made for this year's meet. I've started each one with the main issue and then I'll answer with what we did to make it better.

1) It's over already? Where did the day go?
Feedback: We received lots of comments that last year's meet was too short.

Solution: This year we've added 2 hours to the event. We will start one hour earlier and are extending the meet 1 hour later. The official time is from 11am to 6pm. Registration will begin before that to allow for plenty of time to settle down and relax.

2) Oh my gosh...what's the rush? Who's speaking now???
Feedback: I wanted to pack in a fun filled schedule and make the most of the day. Problem was that there really wasn't enough time to do everything we wanted in the time we had and that also meant sitting at the table for a good part of the afternoon.

Solution: This year we've reduced the number of main ballroom speakers to 2. This gives you something great to listen to for a smaller part of the already extended day but also gives you plenty of time to sit back and enjoy your lunch, make new friends, ya know....mingle. We've also gone two steps further and secured two additional smaller rooms for seperate conferences to be held. We hope to have at least three 30 minute presentations per room throughout the day for you to pick and choose which one you want to go to.

3) Speaking of food...you call that lunch? Where's the beef?!?!?!
Feedback: We had a nice sit down meal with a lunch size serving that some people thought was a little on the small side.

Solution: This year we have a grand buffet instead! All you can eat! Anyone NOT get that? Let me explain...eat all you want as much as you want till you explode. Well...I take that back.

4) Those poor kids must be bored...there's nothing for them to do.
Feedback: There were numerous concerns that there wasn't enough for the kids to do last year and they got bored sitting around.

Solution: This year we are sectioning out an area of the main ballroom for kids to have a play area. This will be secured and attended by some meet volunteers. Since it is directly connected to the main ballroom there will be only one way in and out for security. (Parents will be responsible for their children at all times!) Games and activities will be held throughout the day for the kids to keep busy.

5) There's no bar or swimming pool. That's no fun!
Feedback: The hotel sprung it on me last minute that the bar was under renovation so it was closed and the pool was just refilled so the water was freezing.

Solution: The hotel has gone under a complete refurbishment and it is completed. There's a brand new sports bar with numerous big screen Tvs, pool tables, and free internet access workstations. The pool area has been redone and the pool itself was emptied, painted, and refilled with a all new heater. Play time for kids AND adults! Woohoo! Along with the pool and bar, the restaurant on site has been renovated and has a completely new menu.

6) I found a room rate that was cheaper than the meet block rate online. What's the deal?
Feedback: Last year there was some confusion over how the meet room block was handled and the hotel's internet division had cheaper room rates on discount hotel websites.

Solution: This year they brought the room rate down from $99 a night to $83 a night plus tax. A nice drop in price. There will also be a custom internet webpage for people who want to book a room against the meet room block so reserving a room will be even easier than before!

7) When will the prizes run out???
Feedback: Spread out the giveaway activities throughout the event rather than having them mostly at the end.

Solution: Last year, the end of the event was spent doing drawings. This year we'll be doing them periodically throughout the day. Due to budget constraints, there may not be as many prizes as last year but we are doing our best!

8) Who's coming in 2006??
Feedback: In addition to your favorite speakers, you told us you wanted to have different speakers for 2006!

Solution: This year's Main Ballroom Speakers will be attending their very first Disney Fans Meet! You know their names, perhaps even read their work. We'll be announcing who they are very soon! Think you already know? Hrmmmm....you might....you just might....

One more important thing to note is that for this year's meet, I had a custom database system created for meet attendees to use. It allows you to pre-register (this is telling us that you are interested in attending but are not committed as of yet) and when ready, you can go back, log in with your username and password, and pay for your meet registration. You'll then be given a page to use as your meet attendance voucher. The registration system also allows you to easily add and remove additional attendees which I feel is sure to make things easier in the long run.

If you would like to pre-register, please go checkout http://www.dismeets.com/register and be sure to fill out all required fields. Feedback is welcomed. Note that the payment function is currently disabled as we are not prepared to accept payments at this time. More info will come in a future list message when we are ready.

So there ya have it. An intro of what's to come. Stay tuned for more info including official meet pricing, the very special guests that will be in attendance, and much more!

We are also seeking sponsors for the meet. Table and advertising space is available. If interested, please contact me via email. support@dismeets.com

Thanks for being (very!) patient. We're gonna rock Allentown!

Fred

[Rosebud]

Thanks Deb for the info. One of the things I was wondering about was answered - I was thinking it was basically sitting there in one spot all day and that is just not for me.

What was the price last year? Do you have an idea of the price this year?

[DebWills]

Thanks Deb for the info. One of the things I was wondering about was answered - I was thinking it was basically sitting there in one spot all day and that is just not for me.

And that didn't work for many others, hence the change for this year. I'm very excited with how the plans are coming along. They'll be plenty of time to walk around and talk with folks (Lou, myself and other folks will have tables to come by and visit). There will also be the 30 minute seminars...the topics aren't firmed yet, but we're thinking things like pin trading, overlooked attractions, taking a disney cruise, what is dvc, those kinds of things.


What was the price last year? Do you have an idea of the price this year?

I honestly can't remember but I think it was around $45 for adults, not sure at all for kids. I don't know what the price point for this year is yet. I'll be sure and keep you all posted.

Let me know if you have any questions.

And I am really excited about our 2 main speakers...

Deb

[tiggerguy]

We will be going for our 7th anuall 4th of july trip so we will not be able to go this year but next year sounds better.

tiggerguy

[amymouse]

Well, it's official! You can definitely count me in for this meet! In fact, I even have the pleasure of presenting one of the short seminars. Of course, I made sure my time slot didn't overlap Mike's. That would be so embarrasing to have to leave my own presentation to go hear Mike! :mrgreen:

[MikeS]

Well, it's official! You can definitely count me in for this meet! In fact, I even have the pleasure of presenting one of the short seminars. Of course, I made sure my time slot didn't overlap Mike's. That would be so embarrasing to have to leave my own presentation to go hear Mike! :mrgreen:

Wear your name tag....some people have problems remembering names.;)

[DebWills]

Hi Folks. Organizer Fred Block is planning one magical day full of Disney fun! Here's the latest... and be sure to visit www.dismeets.com (http://www.dismeets.com)


Walt Disney World Fans Gather in Allentown, PA

What's the best way to see Mickey Mouse? Where's the best spot for watching the parade? Hey, have you ridden that new coaster, Expedition Everest, yet? Disney enthusiasts will have a lot to talk about this year at the third annual DisMeets.com Disney Fan Meet, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Allentown (PA) on Saturday, July 15, 2006. The meet will bring together members of an enormous worldwide family of Disney fans, many of whom only know each other through e-mail and the Internet. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and requires pre-registration to attend.

More than 170 men, women, and children from all over the country attended last year's event, but meet organizer Fred Block, of New Jersey, expects a gathering of more than 200 this year. "It's so much fun to put faces to names," notes Block, who, with wife Renee and daughters Julia and Hailey, visits Walt Disney World several times a year. "We sit at our computers and 'talk' to each other online almost daily, but this is the time and place where people can really get to know each other. It's all quite magical really."

This year's Disney Fan Meet will feature a full day of activities, including
special guest speakers, contests, breakout session seminars, a kids' play
area, door prizes, and pin trading, as well as plenty of time for
conversation over a relaxing meal. In addition to their special
presentations, each speaker will also be available for personal chats with
attendees at tables set up in the main hall.

"The Crowne Plaza Allentown (located at 9th and Hamilton Streets in Center City Allentown) takes great pleasure in welcoming the third annual
DisMeets.com Disney Fans Meet. We are pleased to have the opportunity to host this magical event for the second year in a row and look forward to it being another huge success!" said General Manager John Boas.

Guest speakers attending this year's event include names immediately
recognizable to those who follow Disney on the internet and in bookstores.
Speaking in the main ballroom will be:

Steve Barrett, author of "Hidden Mickeys, a Field Guide to Disney's
Best-Kept Secrets" and "The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation"
guidebook. Barrett also manages www.hiddenmickeysguide.com (http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/), an online guide to showcase descriptions and photos of Hidden Mickeys, the small images of Mickey Mouse subtly woven into attractions and architecture by Disney's Imagineers.

Mike Scopa, biweekly columnist for the website Mouseplanet.com. Scopa, who has written about Walt Disney World for the website for the past six years, also co-hosts a thrice-weekly internet "podcast" (an internet-based broadcast available for download to MP3 players) on WDWToday.com. "Whenever Disney fans get together they create their own special Disney magic," says Scopa, "so I am thrilled to have been invited to attend this meet. I am looking forward to meeting many new Disney friends and finding out how Disney magic touches their lives."


Other presenters include:

Deb Wills, founder of the unofficial Walt Disney World information website
known as AllEarsNet.com and co-author of PassPorter's Walt Disney World for Your Special Needs. Wills, who also publishes ALL EARS, a weekly electronic newsletter about Walt Disney World that reaches 70,000 subscribers, is widely recognized as an expert on Walt Disney World. This will be Wills' second year attending the event.

Louis Mongello, author of the "Walt Disney World Trivia Book" (and soon to
be released Volume II) and founder of the website DisneyWorldTrivia.com.
Mongello, who has been fascinated by Walt Disney World throughout more than 60 visits, will also try to stump the guests throughout the day with
randomly drawn questions from his book. He is also known as the Co-Host for the extremely popular MouseTunes.com Podcast. This will be Mongello's third year attending the event.

Jennifer and Dave Marx, PassPorter Travel Press, authors of PassPorter Walt Disney World, PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line and its Ports of Call, and the soon-to-be-released PassPorter Disneyland.

John Rick, founder of Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders. Rick, a Disney Fan
Meet participant every year since its founding, will speak on the art and
obsession of Disney pin trading, as well as host an extended pin trading
session at the conclusion of the meet. This will be Rick's third year
attending the event.

Rebekah Mahnken, CTC-MCC, owner of Mouse Fan TravelT
(www.MouseFanTravel.com (http://www.mousefantravel.com/)), the official travel agency sponsor of this year's event. Mahnken has been planning magical vacations for eight years and was named as Travel + Leisure Magazine's A-List Super Agent for Disney destinations. She will have special offers on Disney vacations available, as well as door prizes to give away.

"This event is designed in every way to sprinkle pixie dust on Disney fans,"
Block says, "enough to hold them over until their next trip to their
favorite destination, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida."

For more information on the event visit: http://www.dismeets.com (http://www.dismeets.com/). To
register, visit http://www.dismeets.com/register (http://www.dismeets.com/register) and be sure to fill out all
required fields.

For further information, contact:

Fred Block
DisMeets.com Disney Fan Meets Organizer
EMAIL: support@dismeets.com (support@dismeets.com)

[MikeS]

Well, for those who cannot make the Allentown, PA meet....

...I am pleased to announce that although you may not be able to attend in person, you may be able to attend virtually because....

...WDWTODAY is planning to broadcast LIVE over MouseWorldRadio during that weekend so you may be able to hear Deb Wills, Steve Barrett, Dave Marx, and other speakers :rolleyes: as they do their thing that weekend.

We will also have interviews all weekend as I think my colleagues are putting me back to work as they did at Mousefest.

Also, in a month or so we will be having Fred Block on WDWTODAY to talk about the meet.

[Photographer]

Wear your name tag....some people have problems remembering names.;)

I just choked on my Vitamin Water! :lol:

[MikeS]

As of April 17th 463 people have pre-registered to attend this meet.

That's right!

Four hundred and sixty-three people.

[imagineerwannabe]

Mike/Deb Is there a cutoff number of registrants?

[MikeS]

Good question Ken.

Obviously there is a finite amount of space so the answer could very well be YES!

[DebWills]

Mike/Deb Is there a cutoff number of registrants?

Yes, there is a cutoff number. It's somewhere around 300. The ballroom is set up banquet style - large round tables. I believe it officially holds 350 persons, but Fred won't let it go that high.

Also in the ballroom is a stage and Special Guest and Sponsor Tables along the side and back wall. Also, the kids area.

As of a couple days ago, there were 100 paid participants. The discounted block of rooms at the hotel are going fast. Fred has already had to up it twice... he's not sure they will discount any more after this one.

I"m really looking forward to the event! IT's going to be a BLAST!

Deb

[imagineerwannabe]

Count me in Deb and Fred. I may not know anyone but the some of the presenters, but I plan to go and meet some new people.

[DebWills]

Awesome news Kenny! I look forward to meeting you.

Deb

[DebWills]

I sure hope everyone who wanted to attend the Allentown PA meet is all paid up. As of this weekend, the event is now SOLD OUT. That means 350 Disney fans will be attending a full day of magic and fun.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there... It should be an awesome time.

Deb

[Photographer]

I'll be there thanks to a kind and generous Taginator. :waving:

[MikeS]

Should be an interesting and busy day.

Besides addressing the Disney throng in the ballroom for 55 minutes or so I will also be doing a second 45 minute talk in a breakout room, and will also be interviewing those in attendance LIVE on the internet.

There will also be a Greet 'n' Meet time at the WDWTODAY table.

Luckily I am a 3 year veteran of Mousefest.

[ddoll]

Luckily I am a 3 year veteran of Mousefest.

Luckily you are retired now. How would you ever have fit in all your ativities if you were still working? :p

[WDWDen]

Sounds like a wonderful time guys!! Too bad I didnt see this one earlier. Its about 2 hours from me and I would have loved to go.

I can't wait to read all about it. Be sure to take lots of pics.

[amymouse]

Should be an interesting and busy day.

Besides addressing the Disney throng in the ballroom for 55 minutes or so I will also be doing a second 45 minute talk in a breakout room, and will also be interviewing those in attendance LIVE on the internet.

There will also be a Greet 'n' Meet time at the WDWTODAY table.

Luckily I am a 3 year veteran of Mousefest.

Wow, I'm glad I re-read that post. I thought Mike was saying something about addressing a Disney thong in a bathroom!

My oh my, that would have been an interesting meet and greet.

[Photographer]

Wow, I'm glad I re-read that post. I thought Mike was saying something about addressing a Disney thong in a bathroom!

My oh my, that would have been an interesting meet and greet.

Now will this speech take place in the Ladies Restroom or the Mens? And who's going to make sure he walks into the right one?

[MikeS]

Wow, I'm glad I re-read that post. I thought Mike was saying something about addressing a Disney thong in a bathroom!

My oh my, that would have been an interesting meet and greet.

...and a short one too!:oops:


Now will this speech take place in the Ladies Restroom or the Mens? And who's going to make sure he walks into the right one?


That reminds me....I owe someone!:evilSmile:

[DebWills]

The meet is this weekend! YIPEEE ! I am really excited.

Any Taginaters that are attending, please be sure and introduce yourself to me! I can't wait for the fun.

Deb

[Tagrel]

You all have a fantastic time this next weekend. I'll be thinking of you as I check in at the VWL. Guess I can't be TOO upset that I can't make it, but hopefully next year I'm there! :yes:

[Jimbolini1963]

Hi!

I'm all signed up! Now to figure out how to get from NJ to Allentown without a car.

Jim

[Annette]

Cant wait to see everyone!

Cant beleive the meet is here!

[Beci]

I can't wait!! will be catching the red eye on Thursday - See ya there!!!

BTW - LOVE the new avatar Deb!!! :D

[MikeS]

You all have a fantastic time this next weekend. I'll be thinking of you as I check in at the VWL. Guess I can't be TOO upset that I can't make it, but hopefully next year I'm there! :yes:

Dave,

The WDWTODAY podcast team has plans to broadcast LIVE from the Dismeet this weekend. Exact times have not been determined but my guess is that anytime you go to MouseWorldRadio.com this Saturday between 11:30 and 4:00 you have a good chance of hearing us.

[Kellie19891992]

Don't forget to check out the DisneyWorldTrivia.com silent auction at the Allentown Meet!!

[Photographer]

Place your bets. How many times will I get lost heading to/from PA? Bonus fact: I'll be stopping at a record store in NJ hoping to add to my audio collecton.

[DebWills]

Remember to bring your DVC Membership card if you are coming to Allentown. Stop by my table for a raffle ticket. We've put together a really nice basket with all kinds of DVC goodies!!!

Deb

[Beci]

are we there yet???

24 hours till I get on the plane!!!!

[MikeS]

are we there yet???

24 hours till I get on the plane!!!!

...and 24 hours till I hit the road bound for Allentown.

[DebWills]

WOW! What an incredible day. The energy in the room and the excitement in the air was simply awesome. Kudos to Fred Block, all the volunteers, all the speakers, sponsors and all the attendees for making this the best one yet!

Mike Scopa had the house rockin' with his Disney Magic talk. So much else to share. Did I meet all the Taginators who attended????

Early cell phone photos are at http://allearsnet.com/btp/atown2006a.htm

Starting to work on the others now.

What a day!!!!

Deb

[ddoll]

Oh, the early pics look great, Deb. Looking forward to reading all the details.

[Photographer]

I'm home! I only got lost once driving there and not all coming home. I'm so proud of myself. Mike has 99.5% of all the photos. :D I had a very good time.

[Annette]

Man! How much fun can you have in a whirl wind tour! 8 hour drive both ways, but so much fun! Cant wait for next year!