The drive from Orlando to Tampa is easy as long as you don't hit traffic, which in Orlando can suck. Either way you will be there in under 2 hours and likely under 1.5 hours.

MCO is located in a pretty decent spot to avoid the typical Orlando traffic. There's a toll road that goes straight from the airport to I-4 around the Disney area, and then you're headed away from the mess.

It's called everything at Cigar City buddy. If you're willing to sample you might as well give up on sobriety while you're there.

nm the sampling then. name is back in the hat for dd.

I canceled another trip and have booked my flight. It had better be worth going to Tampa instead of LA!

Okay, flight is booked so I am more of a probably than a maybe at this point.

I was just advised that Saturday night, December 11, 2010 is the Blue Key Banquet at U of F. Assuming my daughter is offered membership, which we believe is likely, I will be going to the banquet Saturday night. I'm hoping I can work this out so I can drive over, meet up with my family, attend the banquet and head back to Tampa after it's over.

Al, Peter YGPM

Virgin discount fares need to be booked by end of today.

Cars - via Hotwire, are cheap in Florida (e.g. Mid size (seats 4) 4 days = $116.87 inc taxes, minivan (seats 7) 4 days = $187.69 inc taxes)

Justin - I like the idea of a beachfront hotel ..

Accommodation: Plugged in Dates, airport shuttle, Parking , Pool, Wi-fi to kayak / trip Advisor

Priceline came up with Sailport Waterfront Suites 2506 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607

The Tampa International Airport is 4 miles from this Florida hotel that features an outdoor heated pool and a volleyball court. Guest suites include fully equipped kitchens and free Wi-Fi.The Sailport Waterfront Suites offers barbecue facilities and fishing on the pier. Coffee and Danishes are available each morning in the lobby.Every room at the Waterfront Suites Sailport includes a private balcony and a seating area. A microwave, a refrigerator and a stove are available in each kitchen. Cable TV with HBO is also provided in the suites

Mostly for the suites - to get the per-head / per night cost down

e.g.

$80.77 per night 600 Sq Ft Bay View Suite Sleeps 4-Qn Bd Lv Rm- Sofa Sleeper-Full Kitchen-Pvt Balcony

$91.03 per night 600 Sq Ft Bay View Suite Sleeps 6-Qn Bd-2 Bnk Bds-Lv Rm-Sofa Sleeper-Full Kitchen-Pvt Balcony

$110.26per night 850 Sq Ft 2 Bedroom Bay View Suite Sleeps 6 Lv Rm-Sofa Sleeper-Full Kitchen-Pvt Balcony

This is just an example - I defer to the locals with more knowledge, experience, and the ability to make this happen.

Grahame, Al - Our peeps in Orlando allow two hours downtown to downtown to go to Tampa, so 1.5 hours airport to airport sounds reasonable.

Wayne - if you do rocket over to this side, please be sure to call.

I can ask Bonnie of she knows somewhere we could get a short-run t-shirt for cheaps. Anybody have a design in mind?

Side trip to that kick-ass record store Matt took us to last time, maybe?

Who all is driving over from this side of the state? Carpool?

i was lead to believe there we be punch and pie?

sure

Who all is driving over from this side of the state? Carpool?

Bonnie and me.

Others of the usual crew. I'm going out on a limb here and will assume that only CJ is subjecting himself to the Spirit experience.

>< yes. i know i made a dumb mistake. now can we please find a new noob to rag on?

Flight booked, and I can get to play tourist for a bit If I want to ...

Date Flight From To Stops

09-Dec-2010 300 SAN FRANCISCO, CA (SFO) 10:00 AM ORLANDO, FL (MCO) 06:10 PM 0

13-Dec-2010 305 ORLANDO, FL (MCO) 04:45 PM SAN FRANCISCO, CA (SFO) 07:55 PM 0

>< yes. i know i made a dumb mistake. now can we please find a new noob to rag on?

Spirit Airlines - Flight Reviews and Complaints

Is Spirit Airlines' Refund Policy Heartless? - The Consumerist

http://mgoblog.com/content/spirit-airlines-sucks

Spirit Airlines Complaints - Terrible experience

Travel, Airlines - Spirit Airlines : terrible on-time track record

Spirit Airlines’ CEO flips his customers the bird | Upgrade: Travel Better

I see crappy is going to have a great flight.

Sent from my HTC Magic using Tapatalk

Maybe CJ should just, be a no show, win some more poker to cover his loss(es), and just drive?

Already considering that Grahame. However any poker winnings go towards new MacBook air for mom. Hmm it is only $145. Could probably swing that in like 20 minutes as long as there is some idiot at my table.

I have quit poker 4 times now such a stupid easy way to make money though

I've secured my travel fund, and I've got a green light to take time off, so I'm officially on for this party meet.

Yay for Grahame and yay for Fitz.

Bonnie sez one-color t-shirts in the quantities we're talking about (if indeed we are) should cost about $8 a unit.

Any bets as to who would get to Tampa first if they both left at the same time: Crappy flying Spirit, or Brent driving down?

i was lead to believe there we be punch and pie?

aww man, mikey not going to make it? I might not make it without mikey mike....

Dom, never fear, I am going but if she gets into Blue Key, then I will be gone From about 6 pm until about midnight Saturday night.

Yay for Grahame and yay for Fitz.

This