Site Update 2/21 || Interim Board Seeks Help || Posts for Donations? || BIPOC board minutes #21

Home > United States > Florida > Orlando

Orlando, FL  —  Organizer: cereselle

Orlando Planning Thread
May 8, 2009 7:40 AM   RSS feed for this thread Subscribe

We need to pick a date and time between July 17 and July 19 and a location.

I'm also open to Tampa/St. Pete, if someone on that end wants to help organize. I know there are a lot better bars and restaurants over there!
posted by cereselle to Orlando, FL at 7:40 AM (64 comments total)

I'll probably take a trip for metafilter's 10th. I'd be driving from Gainesville, so I have little to add regarding location.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:30 AM on May 8, 2009


I will be in New Smyrna Beach makin' art at this time. Not being totally familiar with FL geography, is Orlando a reasonable drive?
posted by speicus at 12:11 PM on May 8, 2009


If it's the 17th or 18th I'll be in town (Orlando), but I head out for vacation on the 19th.
posted by ThatSomething at 7:35 PM on May 8, 2009


I live in Clearwater. Would love to make the meetup this time, missed the last one as I was out of state.
posted by blackout at 8:21 PM on May 8, 2009


St. Pete. Ceviche and then the Independent.
posted by photoslob at 9:12 PM on May 8, 2009


I'd prefer a venue in O-town... just for the record. Not that there's anything wrong with the Tampa/St. Pete area... it's just a longer drive.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 2:46 PM on May 9, 2009


Yeah, Orlando would be a smidge more convenient for me, too.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:14 AM on May 10, 2009


Ooh, I live in Gainesville and might travel to any one of these places.
posted by inconsequentialist at 8:55 PM on May 11, 2009


So, does anyone have any idea as to where to meet up at? Orlando is by no means small. Do we make allowances for our fellow under 21 mefites?
posted by PROD_TPSL at 2:17 PM on May 13, 2009


Speicus, New Smyrna Beach is about an hour's drive from Orlando, and about 2.5-3 hours drive from Tampa/St. Pete.

Do we have any under-21 MeFites who will be attending? Anyone reading this, if you're under 21 and you want to come, speak out!

It looks like the majority so far votes for Orlando. We have two major options: park-related, or non-park-related. Park-related would be somewhere in Universal Citywalk or Downtown Disney, so there's at least no admission fee. Non-park-related means hunting for someplace interesting, probably around downtown or the university area. Thoughts? Suggestions?

I definitely lean toward the 17th or 18th, as partying on Sunday is not nearly as much fun.
posted by cereselle at 10:28 AM on May 14, 2009


Citywalk now requires you to pay to park ($12 before 6 or $3 after), unless you're an annual passholder.

Still, Citywalk does have a little more variety (generally with less wait time) than Disney.

Other non-park options...maybe the Ravenous Pig or Fiddler's Green in Winter Park? The Harp/Celt downtown? Brick & Fire Pizza on Orange Ave?
posted by ThatSomething at 5:49 PM on May 14, 2009


Orlando is definitely a better option for myself being in Fort Lauderdale and the other likely option, Tampa, being a longer drive. Best would be Ft. Lauderdale but that won't happen; every meetup brought up since I've lived her fizzled out. My concern would be getting BACK as I hate driving too late. I have no preference for park or non-park related. I am over 21.
posted by Green With You at 7:05 PM on May 14, 2009


HEY-OH! I'm glad to see Orlandotch getting some action. I assume people like to enjoy libations at these sorts of things, yet some people may shy away from them, so these suggestions try to include places that have a) character and b) booze. PS I'm in!

1) Village Tavern - by Millenia/Conroy I-4
2) McCormick & Schmick's - similar area, picking cause it seems kind of central
3) White Wolf Cafe - might not be full bar..? I'll check. More arugula ish, Thornton Park area.
4) Fiddler's Green - Winter Park, dark and loud but hey it's a pub?

Nice to see some Orlando folks coming together!
posted by cavalier at 7:10 PM on May 14, 2009


I'm going to put my trust in those more familiar than I am with what Orlando has to offer, put my name down on the list for that show. I'm over 21 and I know how to get there. The one thing I have to say against park related venues, especially Citywalk, is that food and drink is really expensive. That doesn't mean I won't pay for it if I have to.
posted by inconsequentialist at 12:14 AM on May 15, 2009


I'm over 21--will also defer to more Orlando-experienced types, since all I know is IKEA.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 6:11 PM on May 17, 2009


OMG - meetup at Ikea! Swedish Meatballs for everyone!!!!!

I kid. I think. Anybody else out there? (Not that I'm complaining, 4 is great, last time I tried to make a meetup I got.. uh... 0! Woot!)
posted by cavalier at 4:08 PM on May 18, 2009


I'm about 90% sure I'll be there-I can find my way around Orlando pretty well. I'll be coming from Jacksonville so I'll probably stay the night somewhere.
posted by hollygoheavy at 4:38 PM on May 18, 2009


I'm good with anything, but I'm only 16. I'm more than willing to go to a bar for a meetup, but I know some bars won't even let me in for being <1>
Just my .02 but don't change any established plans because of me. I'm also for non-park options.
posted by seandq at 4:57 AM on May 21, 2009


So, the non-park-related suggestions so far:

Winter Park
The Ravenous Pig -- technically in Winter Park, but on the border with Orlando and fairly easy to find from I-4. Full bar, under 21 welcome.
Fiddler's Green -- also in Winter Park, also easy to get to, reasonable amount of parking. Full bar, under 21 welcome.

Downtown-ish
White Wolf Cafe -- North Orange/Antique District, not far from I-4. Beer/Wine for sure, and they're advertising cocktails now as well; under 21 no problem.
The Harp & Celt -- Downtown on Magnolia; close to Lake Eola. Not sure about under 21 on the bar side.
Brick and Fire -- South of Downtown (right by ORMC). Beer/Wine, more restaurant-y. Under 21 welcome.

Millenia Area
Village Tavern -- right off I-4 & Conroy, next to (not in) the mall. Full bar (large bar area & outdoor seating [not that it would be pleasant in July...]), under 21 welcome.
McCormick & Schmicks -- in Millenia Mall (separate external entrance), full bar, under 21 welcome.
Ikea is in this area as well.

Anything else? Maybe East/West side, though the I-4 corridor is probably more convenient for most?
posted by ThatSomething at 10:18 AM on May 22, 2009


I am very open to a non-park venue. Hopefully it allows us to find a quieter and more personable place to hunker down for a few hours. I'm open to any of the Winter Park and Down Town locations. I'd like to stay away from any Mall like construct... so the Millenia locations are right out... at least for me

I'll be coming down the 95 from JAX to park in Titusville. My grandparents own a very modest home there so that's where I'll be coming from on the day of the meetup.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 1:50 PM on May 23, 2009


Thanks for ThatSomething for finding out under-21 information. I'm always a fan of Fiddler's Green, fwiw, it's the closest to me, but I'm willing to drive if there's popular demand for anywhere else.
posted by seandq at 8:12 AM on May 25, 2009


Fiddler's Green sounds fine to me. If we're not going to IKEA, that is.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:12 AM on May 26, 2009


Village Tavern unexpectedly closed, so it's off the table regardless.

I am also totally good with Fiddler's Green.
posted by ThatSomething at 3:59 PM on May 31, 2009


I think I'll be in Florida (Gainesville) around that time- seems silly not to attend my first meetup especially such a special one!

Sounds like Fiddler's Green is the spot, but is it the 17th or 18th?

(Also, I would die to go to IKEA with a bunch of MeFites :)
posted by Mouse Army at 6:12 AM on June 7, 2009


18th would work better for me.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 9:14 AM on June 7, 2009


Fiddler's Green looks awesome.

I wouldn't mind driving to Winter Park instead of just going to Ybor. We definitely have better bars here in Tampa/St. Pete, but Orlando is more central, and if we have a number of people in Orlando and on the East Coast wanting to meetup, then why not?
posted by taumeson at 11:54 AM on June 7, 2009


I'm in Orlando and actually pretty close to Winter Park, so ofc I'm partial to Orlando =) Is Fiddler's seriously under 21 friendly? Any time I've been there in the evening they card. It can get really packed, too, but is still one of my favorite bars.
posted by kableh at 3:20 PM on June 11, 2009


The Fiddlers Green looks like a good place to meet up. I am officially "Down with that", as the vernacular goes. How about the 18th?
posted by PROD_TPSL at 4:49 AM on June 12, 2009


Is it the 18th, then? We need to nail down a place & time. I'm on the fence 'til its officially scheduled, but leaning heavily towards making the ride down.
posted by torquemaniac at 9:51 AM on June 13, 2009


I vote for the the evening of the 18th... if we are voting.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 1:54 PM on June 16, 2009


Aw crap. Here I am, late. Of course I remember one or two days behind. Hope it was wonderful!
posted by dozo at 8:55 AM on June 20, 2009


Wait! What happened?

If it's after today, I'm in. I suspect I missed it. :(
posted by cmiller at 6:22 PM on June 21, 2009


Wait, what? Guys, guys, July not June.

That being said, how do we get the date for this actually set? It seems like the 18th, Fiddler's Green, is the consensus.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 6:32 PM on June 21, 2009


Working charity event at Jax in Lake Mary the afternoon of 18th for my GF. Will try to make it if I'm still sober enough to drive. If you're on that side on town Saturday afternoon please stop in it will a blast for a good cause. Link
posted by white_devil at 2:16 AM on June 22, 2009


So - July 18th - Fiddler's Green, who nominates themselve head head? We got a count of what, 10-12, maybe 8 show up, maybe 12? Should be easy cheesey. If no one's already volunteered I'll give Fiddler's a call this week to make sure this isn't an issue or something we should try to book in advance. I don't see this being a private party, I assume we can just take a corner of the bar or some such. Thoughts?
posted by cavalier at 5:31 PM on June 28, 2009


Oh man, just found this. I would love to meet up with the locals here in Orlando. Put two more on the list, my husband is also a mefite.
posted by Jazz Hands at 9:48 PM on June 28, 2009


Hey all. Sorry to be gone for so long-- I went out on medical leave for a while. (I'm okay now!)

I suck at calling and arranging stuff, so if someone (cavalier?) wants to make the arrangements, that sounds great. July 18th at Fiddler's Green-- 8 pm too early? Too late?
posted by cereselle at 5:37 PM on July 6, 2009


Also, I have no idea how this gets moved from Planned to Actual. If anyone else knows how, shout out.
posted by cereselle at 5:38 PM on July 6, 2009


Aaaand I figured out the moving thing. Okay, I'm going to stop replying now.
posted by cereselle at 5:48 PM on July 6, 2009


Yeah, y'all shout out whether ya want to start up 8 or 7 or what have you -- I'll try to give them a call today. I probably need to stop by as I haven't been there in a decade and I wonder what the space looks like.

Also what's the ratio of drinky drinky to sippy sippy? I don't think it would work good for conversation to string us all up on the bar but maybe that's peoples thing. I seem to recall a few large tables that could hold us banquet style...
posted by cavalier at 6:07 AM on July 7, 2009


Fiddler's is happy to host us, the size of the party won't be a problem, I'm hesitant to make an actual reservation till we have some more opinions...
posted by cavalier at 12:56 PM on July 7, 2009


I pitch my full support for the Fiddler's Green. It sounds like a good place to meet for a night of dining. I'll try not to be boring.

I promise.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 2:39 PM on July 7, 2009


Throwing 7pm out there.. 7pm.. any takers...
posted by cavalier at 3:08 PM on July 7, 2009


7PM is a good time for me. Does anyone else find the time objectionable? If so... Speak up. I'll be there regardless. My schedule is an open book.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 5:17 PM on July 7, 2009


7 PM sounds awesome. I'm excited!

How will we recognize each other?
posted by taumeson at 8:25 PM on July 7, 2009


also, the map came up at the wrong place for me. it looks like fiddler's green is at the intersection of fairbanks and orange:

map
posted by taumeson at 8:29 PM on July 7, 2009


Good question, Taumeson. Any ideas people? Shirt or blouse colour? Funny hats? Flaming red hair?

Maybe would should all report how tall we stand, and just rally around "The Tallest"?
posted by PROD_TPSL at 6:45 AM on July 8, 2009


7 pm sounds great.

I will be wearing some sort of metafilter themed-shirt if I'm not feeling lazy.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:09 AM on July 8, 2009


Well gosh, the person I spoke to yesterday was much more service oriented then the guy I spoke to today, but having said that we have a standing reservation for a party of 12 @ 7pm @ 7/18. I'll stop by or call that day to clarify.
posted by cavalier at 1:47 PM on July 8, 2009


Okay... I dropped by the Swapmeat and picked up a pair of MetaFilter T-shirts. I believe that I will by wearing that, or maybe my neo-retro Activision t-shirt.

If not just look for a tall blonde haired guy with blue eyes and a Romanesque snchoz. I'm goofy looking, so ya can't miss me. Oh, and the glasses. I can't be seen without my glasses.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 2:56 PM on July 8, 2009


...schnoz. Yeah. That's the ticket.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 2:57 PM on July 8, 2009



Anyone interested in splitting a motel room with a 72 yr old guy hoping to come in from Fort Myers?
posted by notreally at 4:16 PM on July 10, 2009



Uh oh. Just saw the 'reservations for 12'.
posted by notreally at 4:18 PM on July 10, 2009


Ok aside from PROD, where is everyone staying that's coming from out of town? Priceline is showing some very cheap rates for next Sat night, but seeing that I'm currently on vacation right now in SC, I still can't say for 100% sure I'll be there-I'll have a definate answer by Monday at the latest.
posted by hollygoheavy at 7:59 PM on July 10, 2009


Reservations can be flexible. I am certain that the Fiddler's Green will welcome the idea of more money. Cavalier, do you really think it would be a problem to add more guests to the reservation should more MeFites make plans to join in?
posted by PROD_TPSL at 11:27 PM on July 11, 2009


I am now certain that I can come with my husband, Mefi member Lokheed. I did notice that the marker on the map above is not correct with the location, but the linked to map is correct. Make sure you guys who aren't familiar with the area are aware the correct place.

Looking forward to meeting you guys.
posted by Jazz Hands at 1:13 PM on July 12, 2009


Yeah, more people will not be a problem -- we'll take over the place if we have to!! Rawr!! I'm more concerned about us just being able to sit near enough/together enough to be engaging. I'll call back this afternoon and hope that nice lady picks up..
posted by cavalier at 8:27 AM on July 13, 2009


REMINDER!!
FIDDLER'S GREEN!
TONIGHT! 7:00pm!
Try asking the hostess for Jason - Party of 12 :p

posted by cavalier at 9:24 AM on July 18, 2009


We had such a great time out with you guys. You were all very cool people to meet, I look forward to the next gathering. We are completely serious about doing a thing at our house.
posted by Jazz Hands at 9:03 PM on July 18, 2009


Awesome time, guys! Can't wait for the next one. The dude is saying he wants to post more now--success!!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 6:36 AM on July 19, 2009


Photos here!! Woo!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:46 AM on July 19, 2009


i'm truly looking forward to a rock band gathering. awesome!
posted by taumeson at 9:50 AM on July 19, 2009


It was an awesome gathering... and well worth the 95+ MPH run from Jacksonville to O-Town. I look forward to the next meet-up. I'm certain that there will much rejoicing. Pho, totally awesome photos. Take care all!
posted by PROD_TPSL at 11:37 AM on July 19, 2009


That was so great. :) I had the best time.

I went to check on prices for a ps3 so I could practice for the next meetup, but the price just about killed me dead. I hope someone else has a ps3 or wii!
posted by cereselle at 7:23 AM on July 20, 2009



You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments