Quote:
Originally posted by Don Knight
Sounds to me like alot of people were attending the Nationals for the wrong reason... not for the competition but to see WDW.
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Please see
FIRST and Success: A Question of Defintion. Thanks.
I went to Nationals to see Walt Disney World. It was the vacation I owed to myself after working long, hard hours for well over 6 weeks. I can't speak for others, but I doubt I'm entirely alone. Having the Championship be there was just an additional benefit.
Now, onto bigger fish . . .
Houston is a major metropolitan area. It can handle an influx of 20,000 people. There is
no question of this. There are more than adequate hotel rooms.
We are competing in a large arena and convention center-style complex. They are experienced and equipped to handle large events. This is why FIRST chose Houston and not Oconomowoc, WI. (
) Getting teams to and from the competition, organizing and putting on the show, and holding a first-class event are givens. Astroworld isn't the greatest theme park on Earth. It's not even close, really, but it is entertainment. If I were in Houston, I wouldn't skip Astroworld, but now I must decide if Astroworld + FIRST is the killer combination of vacation goodness that Walt Disney World + FIRST was. For me, Walt Disney World won't be the same without FIRST and FIRST won't be the same without Walt Disney World. It may, however, be just as good.
I envisage that transportation to other area attractions
may be difficult. I don't know to what extent Houston has public transportation nor how convenient it may be. The Astrodome complex's proximity to I-610 indicates to me that's reasonably far from the city center, and thus walking doesn't seem to be an adequate option.
I worry about food some. Epcot provided many varied and unique eating opportunities. I can't live off Stadium food for a day, let alone three. I echo that sentiment wholeheartedly.
Six Flags' food isn't something to write home about.
Disney's 'Event Fee' was in no way unfair, exploitative or manipulative. It was paid by everyone. It was necessary. Last year's packages were cheaper than in previous years, even, if I recall correctly. I do not want to go into this again in detail. I've already made
several lengthy posts that explain, item by item, how Disney arrives at their pricing.
The event will be top-notch. I have no doubts about that. FIRST puts on a good show. But, being part of an even-numbered team, I'm viewing this from what may be a unique perspective among
many of the posters in this thread. Our team isn't banking on qualifying for the Championship, as we value our experience moreso than our victory, and we're glad to be fortunate enough to attend three regionals. So, due to that, I am decided whether or not to attend the Championship as a
spectator. So, right now, I'm exactly what FIRST is looking for - and I'm less than impressed. There's not enough in it for me just yet, and I'm already in love with FIRST. In Houston, barring something amazing, how many people is FIRST really attracting to come see their show? There's no vacation destination in Houston. There's very little that will draw a family from half-way across the country. What is FIRST doing to make itself more palatable to the masses? As a considerably biased spectator, I think they could do more.
I think the competition will be as exciting as ever. I don't know if the trip will be.
Now - has anyone called Continental Airlines yet to see exactly what sort of airfare rates they're holding for us? Again, I am pleased to see that as an individual traveller, these rates are available to me. That, despite everything else, is an incentive to get me there.