It would be awsome. Everyone would meet down here, We could cross Alligator Alley, and end up in Ft. Laudurdale or Daytona. It would include the same kinds of events, and we could have it right out on the beach! It would be very fun. We could do it during summer, so more people could come. We could have contests, and so on, and If I could set it up we could do live liveo broadcasts for NAM. It would be a fun way to get the Northern's down here for a change. And Ideas, suggestions? I think it could rock!

 

as it does sound like fun. the dragon is not to far away from florida, and we go to drive the twisty roads. i have hear it is 11 turns in 318 miles as to 318 turns in 11 miles... you do the math:smile:

 

Um....where are the mountain twisties, rivers and forests? And, BTW, an awful lot of Floridian folks go to the Dragon Run...so "they" is you! And yeah...the shop at Deal's Gap (at the beginning of the Dragon) sells a tee shirt that has the map of Florida and the text, "11 turns in 318 miles!"

Sure! Plan a Gator Run....but summertime is awfully hot! What about a fall classic? :smile:

Clover

 

Ture, True, bad midnight idea...I should never think before I go to bed...bad idea...

 

Don't be discouraged from planning an event because you have few curvy roads. It is not a pre-requisite for all MINI fun. In 30 years (yes, I'm old) I have attended Mini events from Florida to Toronto and from Charleston to Rockford, Il. We have also hosted the classics here in Tennessee several times. The important thing is to take what is unique about your area and use that in your event. Florida in colder months could be a draw for those north of you rather than hot, hot summer. There is a traditionally classic event called Spring Thing that is going on it's 10th year in FL (Orlando area this year) at the end of February. Those of us who are FORCED to drive the curvy roads just to get to work every day sometimes like to visit MINIs and Minis in other natural habitats to see how they have adapted.

The main thing is to be prepared to work hard, have plenty of dependable, committed helpers, creative minds and time to plan. Be sure and get a thick skin as no matter how hard you work and plan, you can't please everyone. And my favorite rule....it must be fun (for you especially) or it shouldn't be done. I'd probably go to a gator run. :smile:


Donna

 

Honestly, while I'm no longer a big Florida fan (living in South Florida can do that to you...) I got to say, a big event in the summer is much better than one in winter...

Yeah it's hot and humid even at night, but there's also no snowbirds either...

Personally though, I've thought WDW would be a great place for a big MINI event. Disney LOVES groups and has some absolutely AMAZING event planners to help with coordinating such an event. Could probably arrange track time on the WDW track (and probably discounts at the Richard Petty Driving Experience) tix to the Braves farm team that plays there, private party at one of the clubs at Pleasure Island and more...

Don't be discouraged, it's not a bad idea.... It just needs to be fleshed out more.

The trick is, slotting it in between MINI Vacation in Vegas, MINIs on The Dragon, MINIs on Top, and MINIPALOOZA....

 

I'd never go to a mid-summer MINI event in Florida. I'd much prefer milder weather.

:smile: Don't give up, Checkerboy! You have the seeds of a good plan. Go to the Spring Thing and get some feedback from the attendees to see how to plan an event.

Come here and discuss it with us, and we'll offer suggestions!

Clover

 

So the FL folks have to plan their runs around you, Miss Clo????

And I thought you didn't care -- a MINI run occur and Clo must be there. Anyway, when are you going to head off to MINIs on Top? Now, that would be fun -- getting Clo from LA to Maine!! What a cross country "hot flash"!!

Teehee.

And to the FL folks, no matter the time of year -- plan it and "they WILL come" And Queenie is right, twisty roads is the only way to have fun in the MINI.....I mean my MINI can beat up a gator. Oh, and then there's the speed!! (did I say speed???)

Hugs,
PB

 

MINIpalooza was originally planned to rove around annually. It was only our proximity to 129S that made folks consider it a potential Dragon Run. Start working it over Checkerboy87 and it may be something you could take on for 2006 or 2007. It would help to have club sponsorship (or several clubs) somewhere as you will need event insurance. I have a planning guide for events of this type put together from the mistakes of many people

PS I also would not do FL in mid-summer. I am not one of those southern ladies who glow. I SWEAT!!

 

ok, ok, so it's not a total bad idea. I will get with Sunshine MINI's in Tampa and work with them. I too think that Disney would be a very cool place to do a MINI event. I am an Annual Pass Holder, and have freinds that work there. I will do some calls and see whats avalible, they do have that track there that is barely ever used. And yes, summer is a hot time, but well see when we could do it. I guess it would be a good time (winter) to give some of you Northerners (Though I come from MN.) a reason to come down. I'll find somethings out and get back with you guys, thanks for the comments, and ideas!

Ps- I also just wanted to be a part of one of these events because I can't make it to Dragon. So I'll do the Spring event and see what can come of an annual disney event. You never know what it could become. Disney does host huge events such as gradenight for highschool to bandcamp (no jokes please) events.

 

We can call it, "The Mickey and MINI Meetup!"...get it


just a working title......

 

Well, seeing as how I spend quite a bit of time every year in Florida, and am active on the Sunshine MINIs website, yeah....I'd like to be able to attend and not die from heat prostration!

I'd definitely want to go to a Mickey & MINI Meet (great name idea, Checkerboy)! It sounds like fun and I've never been to Disneyworld, having the original Disney in my own backyard.

I'll get to the Northeast one of these days, Babsy. I'd like that sort of "cold flash!"

Clover

 

First off, Clo...you haven't seen Disney until you see Disney World! I to am an annual pass holder and go down all the time.

Checkerboy, events happen all the time in Fl. But they happen because an individual decides to make it happen, so more power to you. SSM has had events in Key West, Disney, Tampa, St. Augustine, Universal Studios, a MINI cruise to the Bahamas, you get the idea. I've hosted a few events and it's lots of work but worth it. Once we get SSM back up and running, bring up the idea over there and we'll see what we can work out.

 

Will do, see ya on the forum (When it gets back up). Thanks for all the input. I think If I work hard enough with everyones help, we can do this.

 

A Gator run would be fun..just a thought to ponder, the loop around Lake Okeechobee is a nice ride..it does have a few turns an is not too heavily traveled..maybe a start time for those of us on the "east" side" and one for the :west" side with a meeting place in the middle..........I would be interested in being involved...

 

I think a meet at WDW would be great. Being new to the 'Mini' club is exciting. (We are still breaking in baby.)
We are also annual passholders for WDW and actually live about 8 miles from property. We can hear the fireworks every night and if we walk to the right place in my neighborhoor, we can see them.
I'm sure my wife and I can help out in some capacity. I suggest doing the month of Sep/Oct. Temps are moderating, kids are back in school, snow birds haven't descended apon us yet, and the Parks are quieter. Nov. would also be great, just stay away from the Thanskgiving time period, very busy. First weeks in Dec. works (except Christmas period, very busy) as does the months of Jan/Feb (except for the occasional 3-4 day weekends) This is also a great time to escape the cold northern areas, I know. We used to come down every year over Presidents weekend from Cincinnati.
LMK if we can help out.

keith & cheryl,

 

I say shoot for late Oct to early Nov so we can plan along with the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

 

I think I got a one up on you Annual Passport holders...

We used to have them...

But... We got married there! More specifically at the Yacht and Beach Club with the Boardwalk Resort in the background...

 

that's very cool. I would love to that that in the future. Iam going to call and find out about the special events rules and such and get more information about the speedway. It might be cool to do it arounf the food and wine festival also. I will find out about the lake idea and the track at disney, It might be cool to see if we could get on their track, might be fun to do a little track driving. I don't know their rules about the track so Im not sure if they rent that out or anything, or how much it would be. It also depends on how long we wanted the event to be but we could plan a day orso at Disney and I might be able to work out a group, like a magical gathering, but they just changed their tickets so I'll find out and update soon. Yeah, well have to tlak about dates and such, Im into the coller months too!

 

We are going to WDW next month, Feb 20th. We are annual pass holders as well and I know a lot of us AtlantaMINIS would love a "Mickey and MINI" Event.

 

One thing I learned about Disney, short of flying a plane over the property or closing part (or all) of a park for a private event, they're willing to do it if you're willing to pay for it!:smile: Not only that, but whatever you propose, they've probably been asked about already by somebody else.

Partning with Disney would be a good idea though, organizing a big event is A LOT of work. But Disney would probably take on a good chunk of that for you.

 

Just got off the phone with the Disney Convention people. I asked them about differant events we could do and they said the Petty track would be out of the question due to the Nascar stuff they do with that. But they said they would be able to plan rooms, convention space (I mentioned parking lot space to disply our cars and perhaps MINI merchendise) and park tickets for two days. Now, I know this is all tentative, but is there s estimate of people that would be interested in coming if It was in Oct or Nov. 2005? It's not offical or ANYTHING bu I just wanted an idea of if people would really come. We could all be booked at the same disney resort and all that jazz. If we have over 10 rooms booked we can have a convention. They said everyting is custom so it really just depends on our budget. Now, I don't want it to be too much for people to come, but it would be cool to all stay together and could be a fun vacation for a family too. If you have any input please let me know. We could also have a drive through Orlando or so. Now don't think Im jumping the gun or anything I just want to find out about priceing and stuff. Want to plan far in advance to give everyone a chance to look at their plans. Any idea's? Disney is willing to work with us on it and make it a VERY fun event.

 

I’d say you’re starting at the right time for an event this size and you know once the SSMs site comes back up we’ll all be there to give you a hand in some way.

 

Ok cool. I'll be getting more info and priceing soon. Thnaks

 

Cool! Disney budget hotels run anywhere from $49 to $100 a night so not bad at all, the moderate hotels run anywhere from $99 to $160 a night and the deluxe resorts run about $150 and up, depending on when you go and what type of discount you get. Single day tickets run around $60 but there are lots of options. If you have any questions please ask, I go all the time and while I didn't get married there I do have three diamond mickey icons on my wedding band and we spent our honeymoon there.