The Boston for Orlando in 2001

F[requently] A[sked] Q[uestions]

Q. Why didn't you fold your bid when you found out you couldn't run it in Boston?

A.  There was just too much enthusiasm and momentum to do that. We all enjoy working on conventions and helping them run successfully. We were investigating the OCCC (MagiCon site) when the Swan and Dolphin hotels approached us. We had to check this out; the more we saw, the better we liked it. We also felt we owed this new approach to the more than 1,000 fans who've supported our bid since 1992. Their response to our mailing told us we should go ahead and bid for this new site.

Our continued bid means you still have a choice for the 2001 Worldcon.

Q. Why did we pick this particular site in Orlando?

A.  The Swan/Dolphin complex (the third largest hotel-convention facility in the U.S.) allows us to run a seamless convention day and night. We do not have to shut down a convention center at 6 p.m. and scatter the evening events to non-contiguous hotels. Everything will be compact--in two adjacent hotels with a covered walkway between them. Walking time (and effort) will be minimized. There will be a central area for fans to gather--not multiple hotel lobbies scattered around a convention center. The hotels' ambiance is much more pleasant than the "airplane hanger" feel of a convention center.

The hotels, in addition to large ballrooms for big events, have numerous smaller breakout rooms and suites for programs, meetings and parties (140 total suites alone).

Choosing this site allows us to keep the traditional labor Day weekend.

If we were to run a convention using the OCCC, the base cost for the convention center is $81,620 (in 1998 dollars). This is just the space cost using their minimum calculations; it doesn't include rental of rugs, furniture, etc. All of these amenities are standard in the hotel meeting space. The money we don't spend for facilities, we will spend on areas of the convention for everyone.

The average cost of hotel rooms at the Swan and Dolphin is slightly lower than the cost of hotels used for the OCCC. We will also book budget-rate rooms at another Disney property.

The clincher is--we got a tremendous response from our mailing to our Friends and Pre-Supporters; they voted for the Swan/Dolphin site 70% to 30% for the OCCC. You spoke, and we listened.

Q. What is the room rate?

A.  The final Swan & Dolphin rate is $119 S/D and $129 T/Q in 1998 dollars with a guaranteed maximum 2001 rate of $137.75 (although it may be less). The rate is the same at both hotels.

Q. Are there cheaper hotels? Where are they? How much do they cost?

A.  The All-Star Resorts on Disney will block rooms one year out, at a lower cost ($79 in 1998 dollars). We expect to have a block of rooms there. The All-Star Resorts (about 2 miles from the Swan & Dolphin) are connected to the convention facilities by the free Disney transportation system.

Off-Disney hotels in Kissimmee (the area near the main Disney entrance) can be as low as $39 a night; almost all hotels have their own shuttle or are on one of the transportation routes into Disney. You can investigate those hotels online at http://hotelorlando.com/framekissimmee.html

Orlando is rumored to have the largest fleet of rental cars in the world. With $40 rooms just off site, the cheapest car rental in the U.S. (lows of $10-$20 a day) and free parking at the convention site, this will be one of the most economical Worldcons in years.

Once you are on Disney, transport is free. You can get to all 4 parks and all of the restaurants and stores free.

Q. What control does Disney have over materials sold in the hucksters room and art show?

A.  Disney has no control over anything we do in the convention hotels. Licensed materials aren't a problem. The hotels (a Sheraton & a Westin) are not Disney owned.

Q. What control does Disney have over costumes in the hotels, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, other sites on the property, transport? And just what is considered a costume?

A.  Disney has no control over costumes in the hotels; the Masquerade will be in our hotels. We have a compact site--two adjacent hotels--with reasonably priced rooms. It will be easy for costumers to get to the Masquerade without involved and tedious travel arrangements, worrying about rain, or crossing a busy city street.

Costumes are not allowed in Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, etc., including Disney transport to those locations. Just as at L.A.con III or MagiCon, don't plan on wearing a Mickey Mouse vampire costume into those areas. Note that medieval garb is not considered to be a costume--just a very retro style.

Q. How much is parking?

A.  Parking is free (even for people driving to the convention from outside Disney). No Disney admissions are charged to get to the Swan & Dolphin.

Q. Talk about restaurants. Where are the cheap ones? How far away are they?

A.  The Swan & Dolphin themselves have 17 restaurants, ranging from cheap (including buffets) to expensive. There are also a number of restaurants on the nearby Boardwalk. There are many eating options that do not require you to leave the central site of the convention. Two of the restaurants are open 24 hours/day; that's standard--we didn't have to fight for it.

Free and frequent Disney transportation vehicles--boat, bus, monorail or tram--go to Disney properties, parks & shopping areas. And, with free parking and no in-out charges at our hotels, you can drive off-site to any of Orlando's restaurants. We feel we have a better variety and number of restaurants near the Swan & Dolphin than at the OCCC site.

Q. Are there discounts to DisneyWorld? Are they available to people staying off-site?

A.  They are definitely available for people staying at the Swan & Dolphin. We're looking into getting this extended to all convention members.

Q. If I don't drive to Orlando, how do I get to the site (air, train, bus)?

A.  The Orlando airport is 25 minutes from the site. Again, Orlando is the cheapest place in the U.S. to rent a car. Public transport and shuttles from the air terminals are easy options. We'll have information for you, or you can check with your travel agent.

Boston for Orlando in 2001
PO Box 1010
Framingham, MA 01701-1010
USA

or email us at info@noreascon.org

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