Boston DISmeet--June 13th--Final details listed--Important message pg. 6

[TLinden16]

Castlegazer: If everyone decides that they want to go this route, the deposit would be required as soon as we booked the room. I can't remember if she said it was refundable or not.

She didn't indicate where they sit large groups. I also found out that we couldn't make reservations, and then just order off the regular menu. If we just tried to walk in, she said it is unlikely that the would seat us. That's a tourist trap for you

I'd like to see what other folks think about the Cheers idea, and I hope people will jump in and say something. If people are up for it, I'm happy to organize it. We would have to have an exact head count the first week in June.

My only concern with doing it this way is if the weather is lousy, and people decide they don't want to go, we would still be responsible for paying for the meals.

I will try to send a PM out to everyone tonight or tomorrow, and ask for everyone to respond to me with input on what they would like to do for lunch, and whatever gets the most will be the final decision. How does that sound?

Karen

 

[Mouseteacher]

Karen~ I would recommend not locking yourself into any financial commitment with the restaurant in case of cancellations. Would a restaurant not in Boston proper cut down on the expense (dining and parking) and accept reservations without a deposit be an idea? I don't know of any place off hand that would be convenient to all. Perhaps others have suggestions.

 

[goofy4tink]

Can we just brown bag it? I can't remember if they let you picnic on the Common or not. Then those that want to prolong the day could have drinks/dinner someplace later maybe? Just a thought.

 

[CamColt]

At first I thought the Cheers idea was really good(thanks castlegazer), but now seeing that we have to have a set menu and a fixed price, Im not thrilled about it. If I were to go there, Id probably just get an appetizer or salad or something like that. I know I wouldnt want a full meal.
With my picky kids, my vote still goes to picking something up in a food court. I figure that way people who want to have something to eat can and those who dont want to, dont have to.
But thats just my opinion. Whatever everyone wants we can work with.

 

[antkim]

O.K. I've changed my mind! I'm thinking that maybe the food court is the way to go- maybe meet up, go our own ways for food, then meet up again There are so many options in that area that I am up for anything-even picnicing in the park. I'm just glad to go!

Kim

 

[castlegazer]

I am with everyone else. The managers of Faneuil Hall Marketplace may have an idea of how to reserve tables for the amount of people we will be bringing or what they do with a tour group meeting.

Here is their contact info:

Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4 South Market Building, 5th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Phone: 617-523-1300
Fax: 617-523-1779
Web: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Email: faneuilhallmarketplace@therousecompany.com

Eating with food court options is totally fine by me - I just worry about a place to meet and seat everyone. How many do you estimate we are talking about, Karen? (I haven't been counting)

I am sorry to throw things out there each time hoping someone else follows up but I just can't do it from work. I am sorry. I can investigate options through the web but that is about it. Thank you Karen so much for looking further into all these ideas.

 

[NHAnn]

I'm in agreement with the most recent comments from CamColt and antkim....with the food court idea people can get what they want or brown bag...sit-down arrangements requiring reservations and financial commitment are risky under these circumstances JMHO

It's been quite some time since I've visted Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. Is the food court set up such that the first arrivals can sort of stake out a bunch of tables in a certain area depending on the last review of commitments the day before?

 

[mickeyfan1]

I'm all for the more casual approach (food court). Just because it allows people the freedom to pick and choose. And a lot less trouble than trying to organize a restaurant, menu, etc.

I will have to get some really good directions for this. Being born in Mass doesn't mean I know my way around.


I can't wait to meet you all. I told my DH that I was doing this, his reaction: he is one who doesn't get it! But he is happy I am getting out of the house and doing something fun for a change. He worries because I stay home all the time alone (well with the dogs) and never "do" anything. He doesnt get that I am retired and doing nothing is my new job! Too bad, he is going to miss out on a lot of fun.

 

[Mouseteacher]

The latest idea sounds great. The only concern is having a place to sit where all can be together. A nice day on a Sunday in June can be quite busy in Fanueil Hall. Maybe it will be cloudy!

I have never been to a meet but I would love to meet everyone. I will be at a meet in WDW in July with other Swan/Dolphin fans. That, too, is exciting.

 

[TLinden16]

Castlegazer, thanks for your help on this! It's great to get ideas and feedback from others when planning something like this.

Faneuil Hall will not reserve tables for group. Their seating area is pretty small for the size of the food court, and the amount of people who go there. They get a lot of tour groups, so they really couldn't hold tables for folks.

As of right now, there are about 25 people who said yes, and if all of the maybes ended up coming the total is 48 if I counted right. I'm guessing it will be somewhere in between that

I'm glad that every has nixed the Cheers idea. I really wasn't all the comfortable with making a ressie that we couldn't change or cancel at the last minute without a penalty.

As I mentioned in my initial post, I think that the food court at the Corner Mall in Downtown Crossing would be the best bet for lunch. It's on the way from Faneuil Hall to the Swan Boats, so it would be convienent. There are lots of options, and plenty of seating. Lots of long tables, and it doesn't get very crowded on weekends. There is a Chinese place, a Japanese place, a Thai or Indian place, McDonalds, Sbarro, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, a great Greek place for Gyros or salads, and a few others.

So, here's what I'm thinking the plan should be if people are agreeable. Meet in front of Houston's restuarant in Faneuil Hall at 11:00, check out the Mickey statues, walk to the Corner Mall for lunch (about a 10 minute walk), have lunch, walk to the Swan Boats.

I will plan on wearing my DIS shirt. Some of you may know what I look like if you ever noticed the picture I used to have in my signature. I will also bring some name tags so that everyone can know who is who I have a Disney software program, so I'm sure I can throw something cute together. I will also PM everyone about a week before the event with a reminder and send my cell phone number to everyone so that you can contact me if you get lost or totally miss the group or something.

I think that's all for now, but I will post more later.

Karen

 

[philaround]

That sounds great Karen. There will definitely be 4 in my group
Me-Phil
DW-Brenda
DD-Tara
DGS-Billy
and maybe DSIL-Bill

Cthia of course you can come. See you there.

 

[CamColt]

Boy are you organized, Karen! Youre plan sounds perfect. I love the name tag idea.
This is exciting!

 

[TLinden16]

I am too organized sometimes, Katie. I'm a records manager. I have to be organized

Karen

 

[goofy4tink]

Karen, very cool ideas. We are really looking forward to this...even dh George!! Katie is thrilled to see 'that nice lady from the plane' again!! So, count on 3 of us. Might even be able to squeeze in a family visit in either Quincy or Mt. Vernon St. too!!!

 

[NHAnn]

Sounds like a plan Karen!! Thanks for organizing!!

I too am looking forward to meeting everyone!

(Mouseteacher.......the CB Swan/Dolphin thread meets the RB Swan/Dolphin thread!! )

 

[mickeyfan1]

Yea for Karen. I, too, am an over organizer. I love the plan. Per Karen's PM to me, I will be arriving via the Orange Line T, which will be another new thing for me! Greek food............YUM. Swan boats, a warm up for the cruise? WIll I get seasick or airsick?

I have a name tag pin that Towncrier made for Discon II, along with a nice lanyard. Because I recently moved here, and am moving again in July, all my Dis stuff is..................... in a box. As is most of my life! A new name tag will be good.

You guys are the best, can't wait to put faces and names with Dis IDs. I should have my digital camera, I love to take pictures, so everyone be "Clean and Pretty"! On with the show.

Karen, that picture of you and Scott? He is related to the Dis, his grandmother is sister to the grandmother of The LK 4 and Shamrockbunch. How cool is that?

 

[antkim]

Where exactly is Houston's in FH? I'm thinking of taking Castlegazer's advice and parking over at the Common and walking to FH. I know we will end up down the end where the flower shop is-know where I am talking about?
The plan sounds great. I just wanted to let you know that my Mom is coming. She had some pretty major surgery on her back last year so every once in a while I may need to take a break with her. We won't hold anyone up-I promise!! Other than the occassional break she's young and chipper!! LOL Hope this is O.K.!! We always do things together on the weekends-we were just in FH a few weeks ago!

Kim

 

[Mouseteacher]

[Quote}

(Mouseteacher.......the CB Swan/Dolphin thread meets the RB Swan/Dolphin thread!! ) [/B][/QUOTE]

I think jmcross from RB S/D sorority is coming, too.

 

[castlegazer]

Believe it or not I lost weight eating every day at the Corner Mall Food court prior to my wedding. I ate the bourbon chicken at one of the places as an Atkins meal and it worked - probably wouldn't work anymore. I should add that I was a member of the Boston Sports Club next door too - that may have had something to do with it.

So I am excited to go eat there again! Thanks Karen for humoring me with all my crazy ideas.

Just as an introduction to everyone if we do end up going, which at this point I am determined to make happen, I currently live in Worcester but spent five years working in the Legislature on Beacon Hill as a Chief of Staff to a Commitee. I am 33 and my son is 2. I met my husband while working on Beacon Hill as he also worked for another Chairman and was a Chief of Staff. I now work in corporate commercial real estate in Metro West.

 

[TLinden16]

Glad to see everyone likes the plan. I will be updating the initial post at some point today with the exact information, and meeting location.

Looking forward to meeting everyone

Karen