Nationals

Wayne8348 · July 21, 2003 11:52AM

Only 3 more days until nationals!!! I'm going to put my set registry user id on my bag at the show so if anyone see's me please say hi! I hope to meet a lot of you there.

Wayne

PlayBall · July 21, 2003 12:02PM

I was there today to buy my VIP package. With any great event, everyone I asked for information had no idea, and the ones who did....were all in a "meeting". Finally found a generic booth with an older gentleman who was selling the packages. I have my limited edition worthless GAI lamenated card, so now I can rest.

Show was just starting to get set up, so nothing of any interest. Parking at the convention center is $7.00 for 4 hours, $1 for each additional hour. If your planning on a whole day, you might want to park at a casino and trek the few blocks.

I saw the PSA contingent walking through town. They should be careful, we New Jersey drivers don't pay ridiculous insurance rates for nothing.

Mitochondria · July 21, 2003 12:40PM

Just read an online review of the hotel that I'll be staying at, the "Atlantic Palace Suites". The review was very disturbing to say the least. "Drug addicts, homeless people bothering you, every room smells like smoke". Needless to say, its a bit late in the game to make changes. Are there are any other surprises I should prepare myself for? I am bringing my wife along for the trip and I am regretting it already. I put a lot of trust into Uniglobe Main Events in selecting reasonable hotels to stay at and it is disappointing to run across these online experiences.

Ron

aconte · July 21, 2003 12:50PM

<< <i> Are there are any other surprises I should prepare myself for? >>

Ron,

If you take the Jitney make sure you pay attention and get off when you should!

aconte

GATOR5 · July 21, 2003 1:26PM

Gents,

You guys have fun. Due to a prior plans (wedding)

I will have to
make the journey next year.

Conte:

Hope you find some redmans.

Gator

Mantlefan · July 21, 2003 1:45PM

Presently lodged at Ballys.. Poised to go to pre-show events tomorrow.

Tipem · July 21, 2003 8:52PM

Starting to get pumped up!! Flying in tonight.Staying at Comfort Inn West.
Look me up.

Victor Garvin

FB · July 21, 2003 9:36PM

Driving in on Thursday morning.

Am TOLD that I have a room at Resorts by a friend from work (who has been out sick for two weeks) - fingers are still crossed. If not, I'll be driving the 90 minutes each way Thurs, Fri and Saturday. Either way, it sure beats work!!!!

RayBShotz · July 21, 2003 9:46PM

Ron - I dont know that hotel, but if in AC I wouldnt stay anywhere else but a casino hotel. It's gotten a bit better than say 5 or 10 years ago but it can still be a little scary if your off the beaten path a bit, although during the day its not bad at all.

I'll be there Thursday and Friday and hope to bump into you. If you can possibly change to one of the casino hotels you will be better off...especially considering your wife will be coming along. I hope everything goes well.

Frank - Hope to see you there also. My Mom has comped me in Caesars on Thursday and the Trop on Friday night so I think I'm in good shape. I will be making the 10 hour trip on Wednesday.

All others - I plan to also where some sort of tag ID to identify me as a registry member. If you bump into me please stop and say hello. I would like to meet as any of you as possible.

Warm regards to all. See you there!

RayB69Topps

Cubfan · July 21, 2003 10:52PM

Wow! A Mom with comps. What more could you ask for?

thegemmintman · July 21, 2003 11:23PM

<< <i>Wow! A Mom with comps. What more could you ask for? >>

A mother who didn't throw your cards out

.

Mitochondria · July 21, 2003 11:24PM

Ray,

I followed your advice. I called Atlantic Palace about 15 minutes ago and they confirmed that there are essientially no nonsmoking rooms. In addition, when I asked whether it was safe around the hotel, they replied, "we have security guards around the hotel"! Needless to say, that is all I had to hear. I kindly asked to cancel my reservations and they stated that I didn't have any reservations! (This was done through Uniglobe). This individual was extremely rude over the phone which somewhat validated the impressions of prior travelers. I have now reserved at the Comfort Inn Victorian which I have been assured is a lot safer than my prior reservation. We'll see

Ron

FB · July 21, 2003 11:38PM

OH NO! Not the Comfort Inn Victorian!!!! That place is a slaughterhouse!!!!

Sorry Ron... Couldn't resist!!!

thegemmintman · July 21, 2003 11:44PM

LOL, yeah really FB, the infamous Comfort Inn Victorian Massacre some years back! I thought they condemned that place. The last I heard it was haunted.

gaspipe26 · July 21, 2003 11:49PM

And the fact that all the hookers hang out in the lobby wasnt mentioned I bet! Only kidding Ron, You can also try The Holiday Inn on the strip, its not bad.

Mitochondria · July 22, 2003 12:11AM

Luckily, I spend most of my time at the convention center.

Ron

Pinchdatail · July 22, 2003 12:20AM

Perk up guys. Next year I heard the National was going to be at Attica.

FB · July 22, 2003 12:51AM

Well...

I can't complain too much since Atlantic City is so close for me. But, the city (other that the casino district and Convention Center) is really the pits.

I look forward to Cleveland and Chicago. But, they really SHOULD consider Vegas!

gemint · July 22, 2003 1:37AM

I still wonder if AC is the best place to hold a collectors convention what with all the valuable merchandise being shuttled throughout the city. I hope everything goes smoothly and y'all have a safe show. I'm looking forward to reading all your reports, especially from the '69T gang.

RayBShotz · July 22, 2003 2:12AM

Gemint - I know all this talk sounds nasty but it should be pretty safe for all involved. I have been an exhibitor in an HVAC show at the Convention Center and it was very uneventful as far as riff raff goes. Most of the activity will take place either at the show Convention Center or somewhere on Casino row along the boardwalk. The convention Center is a short walk directly across the street ( a short walk) from the casino's. Spending any time along Casino row is much like Vegas. You quickly get absorbed by the surroundings.

I would recommend for anyone driving around that they park in a nearby Casino lot and hoof it over to the show or park in the Convention Center lot. Dont hassle with long distance privately run lots.
Security is generally very visible around the Convention Center area and during the day most of the lowlife is sleeping it off.

I have rarely if ever felt unsafe...during the day.
Dont let your guard down though if you feel uneasy.

See you all there.
RayB69Topps

Mitochondria · July 22, 2003 2:14AM

Any other suggestions are appreciated. Options in this town are not plentiful. I guess I could scrap the national altogether and divert my trip to N.Y. instead in order to salvage the plane tickets, but this is not an ideal solution.

Sincerely,

Ron

RayBShotz · July 22, 2003 2:27AM

Ron - Dont miss the show.

Unfortunately I can't feedback on any of the non casino hotel choices. Like Bob mentioned the Holiday Inn probably would be ok.
The additional perks like free parking at the casino's makes the extra bucks you'll spend there worthwhile. Maybe some of them offer gambling packages for a reduced rate.

Look forward to meeting with you.
Warm regards
Ray B.

thegemmintman · July 22, 2003 2:30AM

Mitochondria - why don't you contact any of the Hotel Casinos on the boardwalk? If you're staying during the week the prices are $150-200 per night. You pay a little more, but it's totally worth it. If you're staying Friday night or Saturday night then the prices become outrageous.

mikeschmidt · July 22, 2003 2:54AM

Ron:

Here's the best solution: Rent a car once you are in Atlantic City (you are driving, right?). There are numerous hotels, beds and breakfasts, etc. in places like Longport and Ocean City, which are less than 20-30 minutes drive time away. There is no need to stay in Atlantic City if you are only planning on being there for the show. Rent a car, stay in Ocean City (few bad choices there), and drive over and park at the show when you want to attend.

That is my suggestion. Ocean City will be crowded as it is a weekend -- but the hotels should not be sold out.

MS

RayBShotz · July 22, 2003 3:16AM

MS - Right On! We'll get Ron and his wife there yet!
RayB69Topps

PlayBall · July 22, 2003 3:39AM

Having lived in the A.C. area for the past 5 years, I have learned that it is only unsafe if you go looking for trouble. Most people won't see anything out of the ordinary during their stay.

Ron,

Here are some choices.......

No car: Econo Lodge (across from Trop) 609-344-2925
Flagship All Suites Resort (near marina district) 1-800-647-7890
Quality Inn 609-3454-7070

Car: Ramada Limited (shuttle available) 609-646-5220
Seaview Marriott (acowa is staying here?) 609-652-1800
Days Inn - Pleasantville 609-641-4500
Comfort Inn - Absecon 609-641-7272 or Comfort Inn - A.C. West - 609-645-1818

As for casinos, the marina district (Borgata, Trump Marina, and Harrah's) are in the "nicest" location.

Hope this helps

acowa · July 22, 2003 4:37AM

I will indeed be at Seaview. Thus, the only drunk derelict lying in the gutter will be me...and I am pretty harmless (as long as you drop a quarter as you pass by).

Regards,

Alan

ejguru · July 22, 2003 5:23AM

Drunk Derelict? Did someone call?

acowa · July 22, 2003 5:34AM

Make that 2 drunk derelicts, 1 gutter, and 2 quarters.

Regards,

Alan

RayBShotz · July 22, 2003 6:04AM

ejguru - hope to stumble upon you at the show; perhaps at the PSA luncheon. We can swap Maine stories!
RayB69Topps

ejguru · July 22, 2003 7:02AM

Ray: Will certainly be at the luncheon (unless I happen to stay at one of those Combat-zone motels!). I am driving down early Thursday and will be playing some cards before heading over to the convention center. I'll be the guy looking for raw cards--HAHAHAHAHAHA

See you there!

Eric

riccaboni · July 22, 2003 7:15AM

I will be in Atlantic City with mother (dad really doesn't really enjoy me spending boatloads of my money, my mom's money and his money so he will not be attending

) tommorow until Friday. We are staying at the Fairfield in Absecon and my brother will be coming down on Thursday. I look foward to meeting you all there.

Ian

KING KELLOGG · July 22, 2003 8:17AM

I just CAN'T wait.....

See you all there...

Larry

autosoft · July 22, 2003 8:27AM

<< <i>I will indeed be at Seaview. Thus, the only drunk derelict lying in the gutter will be me...and I am pretty harmless (as long as you drop a quarter as you pass by).

Regards,

Alan >>

Hey Alan

We can't have you drunk...We are counting on you for our 1964 Topps set.. We need you sharp and focused...but still having a good time...

Enjoy the show

Garry

Machodoc · July 22, 2003 10:40AM

Will be driving up Thursday and will be staying at the Bagorta. Look for me - the tall guy with the security detail....

riccaboni · July 22, 2003 12:02PM

I was thinking... Should we all get name tags? lol

As silly as it sounds, we are all bound to meet one another and probably not even realize it at one point during the show. Maybe PSA can supply them

.

I could always wear my Giant food stores employee name tag, but that would look rather silly would it not? Anyways, I'm about 6 feet tall, red hair, medium build. Once again, I cannot wait. Tonight will probably be like December 23, with tommorow night being like Christmas eve. The butterflies are in my stomach already.

I do have a question though. I haven't really checked out the signing list lately. Have there been any new additions since April worth acquiring? I'm probably only going to get a few of the VIP signers and Mike Schmidt. I would probably meet a couple of the adult film/Playboy models, but I really don't think the mother would approve of that (Don't mention that to her either,

). Who are you all meeting (as in players/celebrities)? I'm curious to find out.

Ian

Tipem · July 22, 2003 12:07PM

Bummer!!!

My flight out of Jax FL got cancelled tonight and I will have to wait one more day(fingers crossed) to get to AC.Here's to no rain at 5:00 in the a.m.

Vic

Wayne8348 · July 22, 2003 12:16PM

Ian,

Nametags aren't a bad idea. I'm going to put my name on my card case - If you see me stop me and say hi!

Wayne

Mitochondria · July 22, 2003 1:18PM

Bernie,

Thank you for the helpful suggestions. My colleagues here at the University of Florida who reside in New Jersey have strongly recommended Ocean City. However, finding accomodations in Ocean City was not any easier, but something became available tonight. Hopefully, my flight out of Orlando tomorrow will not be cancelled like the Jacksonville flight.

Tipem and others,

Here is a useful link outlining our rights as travelers. The operative phrase is "Rule 240".

Travel Rights

Ron

gaspipe26 · July 22, 2003 1:33PM

Ron,
What time you leaving out of Orlando?

Mitochondria · July 22, 2003 1:39PM

gaspipe26,

Spirit Airlines Flight #1304 @ 6:15PM. What time are you leaving?

Ron

KING KELLOGG · July 22, 2003 1:50PM

Ian...

Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, Fergie Jenkins, Steve Carlton, and myself will be 'ole buddies by Friday afternoon......ha....

They all have agreed to "personally" sign my HOF bat..... Isn't that nice of them?

(I'm sure they will enjoy the $455.00 too......)

Larry

SKINSFAN · July 22, 2003 11:56PM

Can someone tell me the show hrs heading up today.thanks in advance

riccaboni · July 23, 2003 12:01AM

Show starts at 10:00 am Thursday I believe.

I am departing right now however, the Farfield in Absecon is calling me (or is that the yearning to spend lots of money on pieces of printed on cardboard?

)

Ian

FB · July 23, 2003 12:03AM

Skinsfan,

I believe that its 10:00 am for VIP members and 11:00 for the general public.

SKINSFAN · July 23, 2003 12:21AM

thanks frank

wolfbear · July 23, 2003 12:53AM

Oh no !
SKINSFAN is getting there a day before me.

There'll be nothing left but his rejects ...

Buckwheat · July 23, 2003 10:03AM

I'm writing this from Bally's. Looking forward to meeting as many as possible Tomorrow!!

Rob

TheCARDKid · July 26, 2003 7:24AM

Is Atlantic City still kinda of in the dumps so to speak? I've been there twice, the last time in '96. The boardwalk was nice, but the area around the Casino's looked pretty bad.

It's completely different than Vegas.

gemint · July 26, 2003 8:24AM

According to Dan's report, it sounds like it's still in the dumps. I haven't been there since '97 so I don't have any recent first hand knowledge. I still wonder if it's the best place to hold a card convention. We'll have to wait until all the reports are in before we know for sure.

Dan's Set Registry Dinner/Luncheon Thread

RayBShotz · July 26, 2003 8:45AM

Back home in Maine! 9 hours door to door in my truck from AC. My first Nationals and I was thrilled; not only with the experience but meeting all of the gang from the registry and these boards.
You guys are the best of the best!
RayB69Topps

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