I wish I had known you were in the KC area! We've been having meets since last year here.
I'm not a
D23 Gold or Gold Family member but an hr is a decent distance just to get to the The Elms Hotel & Spa which is located in Excelsior Springs, MO (which isn't really what I would say is Downtown--it's over 30mins east from the Sprint Center) from my house. And there isn't too many hotel options in Excelsior Springs. BUT I suppose on the upside they were probably trying to stay somewhat in the KC metro and yet be closer to Marceline (which is still 1 hr 45mins or so from the The Elms Hotel & Spa where the tour originates).
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For you though I would say if you really want to it may be worth it to you. I know we KC DISers would eventually like to go together for a meet to Marceline but it would be a lot different in terms of information given, etc than going with the D23 event that's for sure.