Cooperstown/DreamsPark NY - info needed please

[njmom47]

There is no outlet mall anywhere near cooperstown the closest is over two hours away in lee mass

Southside Mall

Oneonta, NY

I believe this is the one I went to as it had a Rue 21 there.
It was certainly nothing like the types of malls near where I live, but I did take my girls shopping at Rue 21 when we were there.

 

[cntrygal]

Southside Mall

Oneonta, NY

I believe this is the one I went to as it had a Rue 21 there.
It was certainly nothing like the types of malls near where I live, but I did take my girls shopping at Rue 21 when we were there.

LOL...ya definatly not an outlet mall, but it does have rue 21, a tiny JC Pennys, bath abd body works, radio shack, two shoe stores, claires, TJ MAXX, a six screen movie theater, a pizza place, subway, a bank and applebees along with a couple of kiosks. There is also a bed bath and beyond, office max, game stop in the same parking lot and a Dick's under construction

The nearest real mall is in Albany an hr and a half from cooperstown

 

[Rylee]

Looks like we might be making a trip to Cooperstown next summer with my DS's baseball team. Anyone have advice to share? I'm starting from scratch on this one.

I know it's not a major WDW alternative destination, but I'm hoping there are more than a few of you in the DIS's vast community with some experience.

Best airport to fly into? Hotel vs. VRBO homes? Restaurants? Side trips within reasonable travel distance? Any & all advice is welcome! Thanks!

I'm not sure what you consider a reasonable travel distance but I highly recommend...

Adirondack Mountains -
This vast area, (6 million acres) is breathtakingly beautiful. Whitewater rafting, parasailing, zip-line aerial adventures, hiking, easy tubing river floats, swimming in crystal clear lakes, etc.
Two of our favorite places in the Adirondacks... (From Cooperstown)
1) Lake George, NY - 2 hours, 15 minutes.
2)Old Forge, NY - 2 hours
http://visitadirondacks.com/adirondack-mountains/adirondack-park.html
If interested, Lake Placid, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics is 3.5 hours from Cooperstown. Tour the Olympic sites.
http://www.lakeplacid.com/do/family-fun/olympic-sites

Saratoga Springs - (1 hour 45 minutes.)
The inspiration for the Walt Disney Resort! Sidewalk cafes to fine dining and great shops.
SPAC - Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Summer Home to NYC Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra, major concerts, etc.
Saratoga Racetrack.
http://www.saratoga.org/visitors/top-saratoga-attractions.asp


Niagara Falls - (4.5 hours, but once you are on the NYS Thruway it's an easy drive.)

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Seriously though - you can not do Niagara Falls from Cooperstown in one day. It would be over 9 hours in the car.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

You've gotten great advice. Probably my best two cents worth is to rent a house or two or three for your baseball families. The hotels are few, expensive, loud and no kitchen.

Plenty of parking at the Dreams Park.

BRING AN UMBRELLA

Two of the three times we went, we combined a trip to NYC with it. The first time we did a round trip into NYC, drove up immediately to Cooperstown, then drove back down, turned in the rental car and did 4 days in the city. The third time we flew into Albany did the games at Cooperstown, drove down to NYC and turned the car in before our stay and flew out of Laguardia. That worked out great. (our in between trip was part of a road trip that included Niagara Falls -but the boys didn't play in that trip)

Oh, on our third trip we went with a family who suggested we dine here:
http://www.otesaga.com/Hotel/index.shtml
Always drove past it, but going in was a real treat. It has incredibly beautiful grounds and views of the lake. Be sure to go to the lake!!

The boys will be done earlier in the week than you might think. I believe the championship game is Wed. night. Most parents take their kids out of the dorms (look more like Tuff Sheds on steroids) on Wed. to leave Thurs morning.

It is a great time. Since I had just boys, we spent lots of time at the Dreams Park just watching baseball. Oh and we did make sure to eat at Brooks BBQ in Oneota every trip -what a cute place. Big, stuck in the 60's or 70's -just classic.

 

[cajunmommy]

Oh my goodness! Y'all are just awesome. I was away over the weekend, unable to check for updates, and I'm thrilled so many of you responded.

Although I'm not the one responsible for planning this trip for the team, my Disney-planning brain has gone into overdrive! Most of our team families have never been to this area of the country, and I, for one, want to be sure we take full advantage while we're there.

From what I can tell the boys will be at Dreams Park, so the more details you can share, the better. I've heard the barracks are un-air conditioned, which ought to be interesting for a bunch of So. Louisiana boys!

The side trip info about Niagara Falls, the Adirondacks, NYC - this is so helpful! I can only glean so much from map-reading & internet research. Having realistic driving times & real-world experiences will help me decide what we can actually accomplish.

Please, share away! I'll follow up with some specific questions.

 

[cajunmommy]

My DS played in Field of Dreams tournament a couple of years back so the whole family was up there.

We rented a house for the week (very limited hotel options) and there were many options to chose from, with all price ranges and distance to downtown and/or Dreams Park.

You've gotten great advice. Probably my best two cents worth is to rent a house or two or three for your baseball families. The hotels are few, expensive, loud and no kitchen.

I'm guessing the team will look to house rentals instead of attempting a hotel stay for that duration. Any suggestions as to which areas are within decent driving distance? We don't necessarily need to be within 10min of the park. Just as important - any areas to avoid?

Colorado Mom & SSBob - How did the team manage arrangements? Did everyone plan flights & accommodations separately or was it done as a team?

For all of you who had 12yo playing - Just how much time did you actually get to spend with your child? Are their entire days planned with baseball-related activities? I'm hearing expect to only see them about 1 hour/day. Exaggeration or close to the truth?

We have right at a year to plan....I'm anxious & excited & overwhelmed with questions. Thanks for helping me sound like I know what I'm talking about when the rest of the team moms start asking questions!!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We went I guess about 6 years ago with our then 12yo son. We drove up since we're driving distance and did a house rental with another team family. The whole experience was incredible....didn't know that it would be such an emotional experience seeing our kids take part in that. Or maybe it's just because I was perimenopausal. We really didn't do a lot of other things....went to the Hall of Fame, I think a winery, and poked around the town. One night our boys asked to stay with us since they wanted a relaxing family night (and probably some sleep ), but overall they had a blast staying with the teams. The pin trading was a lot of fun for all of us. Have fun and enjoy the experience!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Since you have a year to plan and your boys are staying at Dreams Park, then I am going to go with poster cybrkitn who mentioned the B&B - Inn at Cooperstown. It would be a wonderful place for the parents and depending on the number of parents, and the time you have you could book the house for yourselves. It really was that beautiful.

Are there any teams in your league that have been before? Hopefully they can let you know how much free time your son will have.

If he does not have free time, how about staying a day or two after and using your skills, plan some family time that you will all enjoy.

Good Luck!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I haven't been to Cooperstown proper since I was a kid. We stayed in a cabin on a lake.

More recently, though, I have been to Howe Caverns, and definitely agree with the PP's recommendation to see that if you have time. It was a great tour, and just so amazing to see! Bring a sweatshirt or jacket if you go. - It will be cold under ground even if you are missing the AC up top.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Seriously though - you can not do Niagara Falls from Cooperstown in one day. It would be over 9 hours in the car.

I agree. We were able to do it from Rochester, but I can't imagine driving from Cooperstown.

 

[cajunmommy]

Inn @ Cooperstown B&B - wow! If it was just DH & I, that would be a front-runner. Most of the team have families of 4, so we'll need to find places that will handle parents plus a sibling. Access to outdoor/water activities a definite plus!

Tinker'n'fun - Because of the distance travelled, this trip will have to be about more than just baseball. That's why I'm trying to figure out whether we can squeeze day trips around the actual tournament time or if we'll need to bookend the trip with some family-only time. Vacation days are at a premium, so we'll have to plan very efficiently!

At 9 hours round trip, Niagara Falls is obviously not something we could do during, but that wasn't even on my radar as a side trip! Keep the suggestions coming!

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Colorado Mom & SSBob - How did the team manage arrangements? Did everyone plan flights & accommodations separately or was it done as a team?

For all of you who had 12yo playing - Just how much time did you actually get to spend with your child? Are their entire days planned with baseball-related activities? I'm hearing expect to only see them about 1 hour/day. Exaggeration or close to the truth?

OK, IMHO I would stay far away from doing the actual travel plans there as a team. Everyone has different ideas, budgets, plans. We had one family fly into Boston, another Buffalo and did Niagara Falls first, we flew into Albany once and NYC once. But start early on the housing arrangements, and split that as a team.

Since we spent time at the Dreamspark, we spent a lot of time with our sons. We watched all the opening skills competitions together, went to the gift store, watched other games, got ice cream at the snack shack. You can't go back to the dorms with them during the week (only at check-in to help unload), and they must have a coach with them to go back themselves, so that takes some coordinating. But once they are on the field side of the complex, they can "roam" with their families. They will also be able to visit the Hall of Fame for free, and you can tour that with them, spend time in town eat lunch or dinner out before they return to the Dreamspark. You have to sign them out - there is security at the gate.

A few families with younger sibs went to the Farmer's museum one afternoon - it was a true highlight for them.

 

[SideshowBob]

We did fly together as a team as one particular Southwest flight from Orlando made sense for us all. It was nice as some "team" time before the week started and we had nice/fun parents on the team. I also agree on the umbrellas as we did get a good bit of rain over the week. They do sell nice looking/sturdy Dreams Park umbrellas as well.

May have already been mentioned but a big thing is "pin trading" to try to acquire as many of the other team's pins that you can over the week. This kept my DD and younger DS interested over the week as their "mission".

I hope that you have a GREAT time! I SO miss my kids playing baseball as both of my sons are done playing now ... alas.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

We stayed at the KOA up there..

Smaller site, but very nice and wonderful view. It is 20-30 min drive away though.

We went to http://www.flycreekcidermill.com/ for a few hours and that was fun.

Picture from our cabin.

Cooperstown 2010 024 by ec1014, on Flickr

Love this place! Use to be a small neighborhood cider, it has grown so much.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

OP this site (see below) should be helpful re: the amount of time you will have with your child. Below is a mock schedule. You may want to note that I read each team plays 2 games every day for 4 days, then the playoff/tournament as stated below starts. So if it is a family vacation, I would consider days before or after. Have fun!!!

2012 Daily Itinerary

MEALS

6:30 - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast
11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lunch
5:00 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner

*Thursday Dinner 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

ALL MEALS ARE SERVED IN THE BASEBALL VILLAGE DINING PAVILION.

GAME TIMES:

8:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:45 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.

Championship Tournament Seedings are posted approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the last 7:00 p.m. game on Tuesday. The single-elimination Championship Tournament begins Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

NIGHTLY ACTIVITIES

Pin trading, movies, etc.
Sunday 8:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. in the Baseball Village Dining Pavilion


10:30 p.m. Lights Out

At COACHES DISCRETION

Team warm-up and practice
Trips into Cooperstown and surrounding area attractions
Train ride on Scenic and Historic Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad.

Teams and umpires MUST wear their Cooperstown Dreams Park apparel into Cooperstown.

All meals will be served at scheduled times. Plan your day around the scheduled meal times. Team representatives can be issued and fill out a Late Team Meal Request Form at the Baseball Operations Center in the Parents Pavilion. Meals are saved only for teams in a game that finishes past a scheduled meal time due to a delay situation and must be approved by Baseball Operations. All team members must eat at the same table and clean up their dining area when finished.

http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/familyguide.html
http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/coach.htm




*This schedule is subject to change!

 

[SideshowBob]

Love this place! Use to be a small neighborhood cider, it has grown so much.

We enjoyed as well ... a nice place to visit!

PS: My son did think that the food during their stay at Dreams Park was good (at the Pavilion)

 

[cajunmommy]

OK, IMHO I would stay far away from doing the actual travel plans there as a team. Everyone has different ideas, budgets, plans. .

CoMom - You & SSB bring up valid points about travelling as a team. I loathe being subject to someone else's ill-planned schedule, so I'd prefer being responsible for our own travel plans, especially if we're going to add on days. However, we've got a great set of parents that love spending time together. This part of the planning process will definitely take some compromising!

Tinker'n'fun - Thanks for those links! The coaches had already referred us to the site, but I hadn't really explored them enough. And the intinerary... ...just what I needed to help put things in perspective! We'll be the first team from our organization making the trip., so no local experts to which I can turn. That's why I came to the DIS community's experts!!

I can't imagine there's too much variation in the itinerary (barring rain delays) to keep this program running smoothly. So, my question of the morning - Did you really turn your boys over to the coaches on Sat a.m. & not have to worry about them again 'til closing ceremonies on Thus?

Pin trading - A definite yes! DS graduated from character meet & greets to pin trading over our last two Disney trips. Needless to say he was a pin-trading machine this past summer at the Global World Series the team attended!

SSB - Question of the morning #2 - You said your other children participated in pin trading as well? This would be great for our team siblings if it's not limited to just players!

 

[SideshowBob]

CoMom - You & SSB bring up valid points about travelling as a team. I loathe being subject to someone else's ill-planned schedule, so I'd prefer being responsible for our own travel plans, especially if we're going to add on days. However, we've got a great set of parents that love spending time together. This part of the planning process will definitely take some compromising!

Tinker'n'fun - Thanks for those links! The coaches had already referred us to the site, but I hadn't really explored them enough. And the intinerary... ...just what I needed to help put things in perspective! We'll be the first team from our organization making the trip., so no local experts to which I can turn. That's why I came to the DIS community's experts!!

I can't imagine there's too much variation in the itinerary (barring rain delays) to keep this program running smoothly. So, my question of the morning - Did you really turn your boys over to the coaches on Sat a.m. & not have to worry about them again 'til closing ceremonies on Thus?

Pin trading - A definite yes! DS graduated from character meet & greets to pin trading over our last two Disney trips. Needless to say he was a pin-trading machine this past summer at the Global World Series the team attended!

SSB - Question of the morning #2 - You said your other children participated in pin trading as well? This would be great for our team siblings if it's not limited to just players!

Yes ... lots of siblings trading pins and even many of the adults! Due to the busy schedule of games and practices for the players I think tough for them to be able to collect/trade many of them. It was great to see all of the different designs from all over.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Picture of Fields:
http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/images/2009_Pictures/Park/CDP_Field17_600.jpg

Picture of Dorms:
http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/images/2009_Pictures/Park/CDP_VillageInfirmary_500.jpg

I just checked our schedule when we played, and it was like this:

Day Time (EDT) Field Home/Visitor Opponent
Sunday 1:45 P.M. 21 Home West Cobb Wildcats (GA)
Sunday 7:00 P.M. 5 Visitor Marquette Jr. Mustangs (MO)
Monday 11:00 A.M.2 Home W. Boca Panthers Orange (FL)
Monday 4:30 P.M. 8 Visitor Monroe Swarm (OH)
Tuesday 8:30 A.M. 17 Visitor Olympus Titans (UT)
Tuesday 1:45 P.M. 13 Home Black Hawks (FL)

Bracket play starts early Wed. The championship game started like around 9:30 that night after closing ceremonies.

Yes, the siblings would run into the other teams viewing area to ask for pins. The boys go crazy the first night trading.