RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

Midwest => Minnesota Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: Drac on August 02, 2011, 09:43:38 AM

Title: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on August 02, 2011, 09:43:38 AM
Hi all,

Know I'm a bit of a lucker here but Amy and I just got all our stuff for a visit up there for Labor Day weekend.

Any insider advise, recommondations or warnings?

Thanks,
Drac
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: tcindie on August 02, 2011, 10:43:35 AM
Drink lots of water. Judging by the rest of the summer so far it's going to be a scorcher this year.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on August 02, 2011, 10:58:47 AM
Here's where I live  ;D -

(http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg804/scaled.php?server=804&filename=weatheri.png&res=medium)

Drac

Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Sitara on August 03, 2011, 06:21:27 AM
Yes, that is warmer than it gets here, but our humidity level is double that or more. It really does make a difference.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Will Gamwell on August 03, 2011, 08:28:32 AM
Quote from: Drac on August 02, 2011, 09:43:38 AM
Hi all,

Know I'm a bit of a lucker here but Amy and I just got all our stuff for a visit up there for Labor Day weekend.

Any insider advise, recommondations or warnings?

Thanks,
Drac

In my opinion:

1.  Show up early to the front gate before opening.  You'll get better parking & get in quicker.
2.  Getting through the gate:  No outside food or beverage.  You will be asked to dump, eat, or return it to your vehicle.  Weapons securely peace bound.
3.  Bring some food and water to keep in a cooler in your car (not only does it save money, but if you can take a break to eat a decent meal it will help).
4.  Don't forget to get your hand stamped on the way out if you plan to return.
5.  Grab a map & a schedule.  There are a million things going on in a million different places. 
     Heck, if you can, pre-print out the schedule from the MNRF website.  It usually gets posted there sometime during the week before each weekend.

And lastly I would like to reinforce what Sitara said.  Having been a member of Safety Services here at MNRF as well as having spent time in Phoenix, drink lots of water.  The humidity will sap your energy and dehydrate you just as much as the extreme sun & heat of the southwest.  The only difference is that because of the humidity, you usually don't realize that you are dehydrated until it is too late and you have heat exhaustion.

Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: andy on August 03, 2011, 12:37:54 PM
I know the weather can change, but look at this from accuweather.com. Wow

Saturday
Aug 13
Clouds and sun 82°Lo 64° Sunday

Aug 14
Colder with showers 75°Lo 64°
more Monday

Aug 15
Sunny and warmer 83°Lo 58°
more Tuesday

Aug 16
Sunny 75°Lo 57°
more Wednesday

Aug 17
Mostly sunny 77°Lo 47°
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: tcindie on August 03, 2011, 04:27:12 PM
That would be great, but...
I'll believe it when I see it.  ;D
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Kiss-me-Kate on August 03, 2011, 07:01:21 PM
Quote from: andy on August 03, 2011, 12:37:54 PM
I know the weather can change, but look at this from accuweather.com. Wow

Saturday
Aug 13
Clouds and sun 82°Lo 64° Sunday

Aug 14
Colder with showers 75°Lo 64°
more Monday

Aug 15
Sunny and warmer 83°Lo 58°
more Tuesday

Aug 16
Sunny 75°Lo 57°
more Wednesday

Aug 17
Mostly sunny 77°Lo 47°


It will change ten times before then.   It had a similar forecast the week before last, and it was 98+ and humid (heat indexes up to 108-115)
Today is the first decent day since I can remember.

Will is right, the humidity and dew point will be killer.  You are sweating, and can't cool off because there is no way for your sweat to evaporate.   
Let us hope, the weather makes a liar out of all of us.   ;D

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.  For all we know it could be snowing that weekend.  LOL  There I said it.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 03, 2011, 09:25:13 PM
Good gravy, that's better than it was when I went to Sherwood in February!  After today's weather here (115°), that sounds positively CHILLY! I plan to do Minnesota, but I don't think this year is doable. There are some lovely ladies up there that give great hugs! (Trish! MG! MMmmm!)
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Ms Trish on August 04, 2011, 06:38:50 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 03, 2011, 09:25:13 PM
Good gravy, that's better than it was when I went to Sherwood in February!  After today's weather here (115°), that sounds positively CHILLY! I plan to do Minnesota, but I don't think this year is doable. There are some lovely ladies up there that give great hugs! (Trish! MG! MMmmm!)

Merlin, you're so sweet! I would love to see you (and your beautiful wife of course) up here! Hugs to you!
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: saphire_glade on August 04, 2011, 11:45:06 AM
If you plan on being at teh festival towards evening.... BUG SPARY.... mosquitos are a bumper crop this year.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 05, 2011, 02:55:42 PM
  :D  I'll be sure to bring my Bug Spary. All I gotta do is figure out what it looks like... is that a sweater or a hat?    ;)
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on August 25, 2011, 10:37:36 AM
Well, with just over a week until we fly out it looks like the weather maybe breaking enough for use to make our way around fairly comfortably. 

Plan is to fly in Friday, cross off a Bucket List item Saturday with the Great Mall and head out to the Fair Sunday.

Amy is finishing up a new gown that she hopes to have done in time.  I will be able to break out my tank as long as it is below 90F. 

So are there any can't miss shows, food or attractions?  We've been to a few fairs and each has something that makes them unique.  For Scarborough, at least for me, one thing that jumps out is the ribs.  Only place that I've been to that serves beef ribs. 

Thanks,
Drac
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Tom on August 25, 2011, 11:47:58 AM
Quote from: Drac on August 25, 2011, 10:37:36 AM
Well, with just over a week until we fly out it looks like the weather maybe breaking enough for use to make our way around fairly comfortably. 

Plan is to fly in Friday, cross off a Bucket List item Saturday with the Great Mall and head out to the Fair Sunday.

Amy is finishing up a new gown that she hopes to have done in time.  I will be able to break out my tank as long as it is below 90F. 

So are there any can't miss shows, food or attractions?  We've been to a few fairs and each has something that makes them unique.  For Scarborough, at least for me, one thing that jumps out is the ribs.  Only place that I've been to that serves beef ribs. 

Thanks,
Drac

Shows:

Danger Committee, Tortuga Twins and the new Puke & Snot.

Food:

Whatever floats your boat :). There is a lot to choose from, I am a traditionalist. I like the lamb on a stick and of course turkey legs, I'm sure others will chime in also.

Attractions:

Well let's see, there is the joust, Queen's Tea and several other things going on. Some, such as the Queen's Tea have an added fee.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 25, 2011, 11:59:44 AM
The Dreg-a-long at Mac's pub is fun

Vilification Tennis - get there early if you want to sit.

I like Pizpor the magician (at the mead booth) - not your typical magic show  :P, plus you can play the Pipor drinking game


Quite a few meet up at SOTS 'pub' around 10 ish.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on August 25, 2011, 12:43:17 PM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 25, 2011, 11:59:44 AMQuite a few meet up at SOTS 'pub' around 10 ish.

Quite a few of?  This a morning role call?

Thanks for the recommondations.  This will be our first time at this fair and we are looking forward to it.  We've been to about 7 different faires.  We are starting to enjoy having the time to travel a bit to check out other fairs.

Drac
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: DeadBishop on August 25, 2011, 07:30:10 PM
Be sure to stop by Willing Soles, just down the path from SOTS and the Legend Stage (Puke and Snot).  There's a large crew of us R/F members there as well!
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Storm on August 25, 2011, 08:28:38 PM
Quote from: DeadBishop on August 25, 2011, 07:30:10 PM
Be sure to stop by Willing Soles, just down the path from SOTS and the Legend Stage (Puke and Snot).  There's a large crew of us R/F members there as well!

That and just look for the R/F pins. You will find R/F members all over MNRF!.....
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Capt. Bacardi on August 26, 2011, 07:46:45 AM
Quote from: Drac on August 25, 2011, 12:43:17 PM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 25, 2011, 11:59:44 AMQuite a few meet up at SOTS 'pub' around 10 ish.

Quite a few of?  This a morning role call?

Thanks for the recommondations.  This will be our first time at this fair and we are looking forward to it.  We've been to about 7 different faires.  We are starting to enjoy having the time to travel a bit to check out other fairs.

Drac


Nope just a way for everyone to meet up in the morning to say Hi. plus several of us work there.......at sots.  ;D
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on August 29, 2011, 07:20:33 AM
Weather for Amy and my visit is looking perfect -

(http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg843/scaled.php?server=843&filename=renfair.png&res=medium)

How are the grounds?  Since the forecast is a lot of rain this week most fairs I've been to this means mud.  Lots of mud.

I'll have my R/F pin on!  Though it is a bummer I have to leave my new dirlk behind.

Drac
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Kiss-me-Kate on August 29, 2011, 09:46:58 PM
It hasn't rained much this season.  So the grounds may be a tad muddy on Saturday.   

Definitely want to stop in at Willing Soles, after you hit Sots.  There are seven or eight of us RF members that work there, and if we are lucky Willin' will still be around too.   And by the time you are done with your visit, you can head over to Foaming for another breakfast beer.




Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on September 02, 2011, 07:59:01 AM
Well it looks like we had one major SNAFU.

Amy made the tickets for 7AM instead of PM.  Looks like we aren't making it.  It would take $1000 to get a new flight, on top of the current tickets.

Drac
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Random Girl on September 02, 2011, 08:23:23 AM
You aren't making it at all because of a 7am flight?  RUN!!!
Title: Re: Re: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Jon Hanslow on September 02, 2011, 08:47:33 AM
Quote from: Drac on September 02, 2011, 07:59:01 AM
Well it looks like we had one major SNAFU.

Amy made the tickets for 7AM instead of PM.  Looks like we aren't making it.  It would take $1000 to get a new flight, on top of the current tickets.

Drac
OH NO!!!!  :(

Sent from The Droid... The one you were looking for...
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Muffin on September 02, 2011, 09:07:47 AM
Quote from: Drac on September 02, 2011, 07:59:01 AM
Well it looks like we had one major SNAFU.

Amy made the tickets for 7AM instead of PM.  Looks like we aren't making it.  It would take $1000 to get a new flight, on top of the current tickets.

Drac

Oh No!!! Can you get on stand by or anything?
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on September 02, 2011, 10:01:14 AM
No standbys available. 

The math was add $1000 to the $800+ and get a new ticket on another flight or loose $300 to change ticket fees and use the ticket on a Thanksgiving flight home.  Since I have a $300 voucher it isn't too bad, we break even.

What we ended up doing is grabbing some sale price tickets (through the airline) to Orlando.  With my military discount on the park and hotel it ends up being about the same price as this trip was planned to be. 

More up front but by the end of the year the trips will be a wash.

We are disappointed on missing the fair and the mall.  Both are on the bucket list and we WILL be trying again.  Probably next Labor Day weekend.  Since it is Amy's birthday we always try for some trip.

Drac
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: DeadBishop on September 02, 2011, 01:09:14 PM
That really bites! 
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Michael on September 04, 2011, 01:06:43 AM
Villification Tennis is my absolute favorite however we never make the noon cutoff. I wish this was performed multiple times per day. Anyway, the MN RF has so much going on that you can almost always find good entertainment. It's one of the biggest and best for a reason.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Butch on September 04, 2011, 09:06:17 AM
Leaving from Kansas City in a few minutes, I will see everyone tomorrow!
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Marietta Graziella on September 05, 2011, 05:02:20 PM
Quote from: Butch on September 04, 2011, 09:06:17 AM
Leaving from Kansas City in a few minutes, I will see everyone tomorrow!

Fuss and Damn, Butch!  Ms Trish and I were looking for your fluffy blue hat and grand smile on Sunday!  Hope your trip up went smoothly and you  enjoyed the day.  Hope to see you next time.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Kiss-me-Kate on September 06, 2011, 11:24:19 AM
Butch did stop by WS looking for you and Miss Trish,  MG.   He was so sweet he offered to buy us a drink.   It was lovely meeting him, his friend, and the fun blue hat.
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Drac on September 06, 2011, 11:30:02 AM
Bummer we missed being there.

We will be plan for next year.

Jim
Title: Re: Got all the tickets
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on September 07, 2011, 05:40:42 AM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on September 05, 2011, 05:02:20 PM
Quote from: Butch on September 04, 2011, 09:06:17 AM
Leaving from Kansas City in a few minutes, I will see everyone tomorrow!

Fuss and Damn, Butch!  Ms Trish and I were looking for your fluffy blue hat and grand smile on Sunday!  Hope your trip up went smoothly and you  enjoyed the day.  Hope to see you next time.

It was quite joyous hanging with Butch and Joe (and your lovely wife and daughter - did she spend all your wealth? :) )

Butch, will see you in a couple weeks (24th and 25th).