As Lisa said, you'll know a whole bunch of people. In October of 2008 when I booked for the first podcast, I knew absolutely nobody. Then I started posting and got to know people. DP & I went to a meet at Doorway to Dreams in Chicago and met Jason and Shanan (and some other DISers, too). By the time May 8th (the day I arrived in Orlando) I knew a whole bunch of people. And by the time May 16th (the day I left

) I knew even more. We are from every walk of life and from differing segments of society, put everyone is warm and friendly. Like Paul was saying before dinner at the Poly on Saturday before the cruise: "The boards are great. Without them, the chances of us ever meeting are non-existent."
So in short, book it. You'll have fun. And you have 18 months to get to know people. You won't be sorry.