2008 Greater Toronto Regional!

[Graham Donaldson]

It's confirmed! Team 1676 is coming to GTR (provided we pay, of course). The trip was approved by our superintendent sometime in the past few days, and we should be listed as registered for the competition, so we'll be there!

[Elgin Clock]

Originally Posted by MWTrek

Anyway, Aces High is making sure that we don't run into any problems and all team member going to GTR must have a passport. We don't want to have any problems at the boarder.

2008 will be 176's second year straight going to GTR if I remember correctly?

I'm curious what led to GTR being one of your choices for a regional with your team being from CT (as my team is), and picking an out of country regional choice as your "travel regional". Usually we do a "travel regional" but stick with one a few hours/or states away.

PM me, or post here if you're cool with sharing why you chose GTR.
Thanks.

[AcesPease]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

2008 will be 176's second year straight going to GTR if I remember correctly?

I'm curious what led to GTR being one of your choices for a regional with your team being from CT (as my team is), and picking an out of country regional choice as your "travel regional". Usually we do a "travel regional" but stick with one a few hours/or states away.

PM me, or post here if you're cool with sharing why you chose GTR.
Thanks.

Last year we were looking for a second regional that wasn't consecutive with the CT regional and was reasonably close. The closest were full (and are again this year). Toronto was brought up because we had heard about it at the BAE one year and had kept the idea on the back burner. Two reasons we would like to go back are that we would like to check out the City and Niagara and we had a great time at a really well run event. Our pit guys were already making plans to return before alliances were picked last year. The bus ride was very smooth and not tiring like we feared. If you can, check it out

[Graham Donaldson]

Hey, a question from me to all teams out there who have attended Toronto previously. When I visited Mississauga over winter break to check out the layout of the city for when we come up as a team (I was up visiting family & friends), I stopped by the Playdium as well. The representative at the hotel said he knew that a lot of teams went there, and when we talked to a manager at the Playdium, he said that the place was mobbed on Friday night, and that they had special pricing available for FIRST teams.

So, after that background, here are my questions:

1. Does your team go to the Playdium?
2. Is it well received by team members (do they enjoy it)?
3. How long do you recommend staying there?
4. For your time recommendation, how much can you expect to spend per person?

Thanks for your help, guys.

[Karthik]

Originally Posted by robotcanuck1676

1. Does your team go to the Playdium?
2. Is it well received by team members (do they enjoy it)?
3. How long do you recommend staying there?
4. For your time recommendation, how much can you expect to spend per person?

1. We've gone in the past, but not ever year.
2. Most enjoy it, although some are tired after a day of competition and practice and would prefer to go rest at the hotel.
3. 2-3 hours.
4. I think we've typically gotten the $20 all inclusive play card, but purchased at a group rate.

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by robotcanuck1676

So, after that background, here are my questions:

1. Does your team go to the Playdium?
2. Is it well received by team members (do they enjoy it)?
3. How long do you recommend staying there?
4. For your time recommendation, how much can you expect to spend per person?

Thanks for your help, guys.

1. When attending the Canadian/Greater Toronto Regional, 48 traditionally went to the Playdium Thursday evening from 2002-2007. Not only did this avoid the big crowds on Friday (I don't believe the regional arranged for team group rates in the early years - we just picked Thursday on our own and stuck with it), the fact it's the evening of a practice day helps keep it from interfering with the "chi" of the actual competition days and the scouting/strategy activities which typically occur on Friday nights at the hotel.
2. Most team members did enjoy it, although some of the video games, most notably the linked Grand Prix racing system (each person has his/her own car and display, competes against the rest of the field), have not been upgraded since we've been going there and are therefore old hat to returning team members. The first time is the most fun time, however. I have many great memories (and pictures) of the Playdium from back in the day. You guys should enjoy it.
3. I believe we stayed for around 2 hours. That coincided with the time limit of the all-inclusive cards, I think.
4. Like 1114, we also purchased the all inclusive card at a group rate. Play as many games as you want for a fixed amount of time. The clock starts as soon as you swipe your card in the first game machine. As long as you don't spend too much idle time in between games, you will feel like you got your money's worth.
5. FYI, we always had time to stop in Niagara Falls, ON, for about 3-4 hours on the Wednesday before the competition. I highly recommend investigating such a side trip if you can fit it into your schedule. Makes for a great team picture photo op, and there are a lot of things for kids/mentors to do, see, and eat while you're there. If you need any further details, feel free to PM or email me.

[T3_1565]

so I'm going to dig up this old thread and ask who all is coming to toronto and anyone got big plans at toronto for that weekend?? Has your team come up with anything special for the toronto regional this year??

[1337Nerd]

Team 1006 will be there. If you wanna come say "hi" I'm our team's videographer so I'll have the camera with me everywhere...and I'll also be the only person on our team with a fedora.

[Vince lau]

Originally Posted by AcesPease

Last year we were looking for a second regional that wasn't consecutive with the CT regional and was reasonably close. The closest were full (and are again this year). Toronto was brought up because we had heard about it at the BAE one year and had kept the idea on the back burner. Two reasons we would like to go back are that we would like to check out the City and Niagara and we had a great time at a really well run event. Our pit guys were already making plans to return before alliances were picked last year. The bus ride was very smooth and not tiring like we feared. If you can, check it out

glad you guys had fun last year, and look forward to seeing you back at GTR. what day are you guys heading up?

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by 1337Nerd

Team 1006 will be there. If you wanna come say "hi" I'm our team's videographer so I'll have the camera with me everywhere...and I'll also be the only person on our team with a fedora.

Oh my God you copy cat! I was the guy last year with the fedora at the GTR and Waterloo!!! lol. its ok though, we can be fedora buddies!

See you in GTR

[AcesPease]

Originally Posted by Vince lau

glad you guys had fun last year, and look forward to seeing you back at GTR. what day are you guys heading up?

Heading up Wednesday and leaving Sunday morning. Just now finalizing evening plans. See you then!

[scirobotics]

yeah you wanna gat those early because it can take quite awile.

[scirobotics]

Originally Posted by 1337Nerd

Team 1006 will be there. If you wanna come say "hi" I'm our team's videographer so I'll have the camera with me everywhere...and I'll also be the only person on our team with a fedora.

a fedorah hmm? well that is easy... btw that banner thing you haveve totally blew my mind

[1337Nerd]

Originally Posted by T3_1565

Oh my God you copy cat! I was the guy last year with the fedora at the GTR and Waterloo!!! lol. its ok though, we can be fedora buddies!

See you in GTR

Awesome! I'll be at Waterloo too. See you there.

[1337Nerd]

Originally Posted by scirobotics

a fedorah hmm? well that is easy... btw that banner thing you haveve totally blew my mind

The penguin?