Oh, by the way, I hear that American Airlines is having an airfare sale and that as of last friday they are offering some really good deals to Chicago ( in case anyone else is still interested ).


Don Cardi

So what's the "verdict" on the tour??? I have a feeling we'll just decide when we get there .

It seems no one seems to want to commit. We won't know unless we go on one of them. The worse that can happen is it really sucks, but hey, we can all laugh and talk about how it sucked. :p We'll still enjoy the experience.

Any other members that definitely decided to go?

Thanks for the info on airfares DC. I am flying American, and already have booked. But for those of you still considering going, check it out. You may be surprised at the fares.


TIS

Only $123 R/T now from NJ on Continental, American, United, Delta and Northwest: The problem tho is you cannot depart on Thurs or Friday! $143 to leave on Thursday or Friday

Think fares will go down more when it gets closer?

TIS - I guess we're not gonna commit to the tour. When I spoke with Harry Lawrence (the organizer) a few weeks back he said they'd probably downsize the bus' capacity because of a lack of response. There will be some seats available, but I guess we'll play it by ear.

Geoff- I can't believe those airfares! I wished we had waited to buy our tickets, but I'm not gonna cry over spilled milk (except while in the BB thread).

Well I purchased my ticket before this airfare war, and just checked to see what they are today, and fortunately, the price is the same flying out of Ontario to Chicago. So , for me anyway, makes no difference.


TIS

SC only does his cryin' over at the fantasy baseball thread! :p

O'Hare Airport is definitely closer to the hotel that's hosting the convention, but you might consider flying into Midway Airport. ATA and Southwest are two options that might offer more reasonable fares from Midway Airport.

tony b.

Just thought I'd bump up this topic. Time's getting close guys! A little over a month.

Anyone else make a decision to join us?? Surely for anyone in the Chicago area or anyone who's willing to drive a couple hours, it'd be a nice trip no?? For those in the Chicago area, but on tight schedules, let one of us who are going know, and maybe a lunch or dinner can be arranged. Just a thought!

TIS

TIS is right! If we could get a good idea as to who is going to be there I can try and organize a dinner or a breakfast (if there are enough of us) with the hotel.

Don Cardi

Sounds like 3 or 4 of us... :rolleyes: But in any event, I'm sure it will be fun!

Hmm, maybe I'll just take a road trip ...

Geoff what day are you flying in??? Maybe you can meet up with SC/Lori & I at the airport.

If my count is correct then, the definites beside myself, it's Don Cardi & his friend, SC, Lori, Geoff and Don Sicilia. That's 7.

I haven't been to Chicago in years and look forward to not only the convention, and meetin up with all of you, but I'm up for eating good Italian food and shopping as well.

Won't all you guys who miss out be darn sorry when we come back and post a picture of our group with Pacino and/or Deniro eh????


TIS

Anyone else want to go the Cubs game on Saturday (the 11th)? We need to come up with a game-plan now (about how we get tickets).

I think we're too late - There are apparently no tickets left for that weekend according to their schedule ... should've known, against the defending World Champs

There are plenty of ticket brokers with tickets available. Sure, we'll pay through the nose but I figure I won't be going back to Chicago anytime soon and I'd really love to see a game at Wrigley. I'm prepared to pay $100 a ticket for the game. Anyone else?

Here's the deal-yo on Cubbies tix:

Since no one really responded with much enthusiasm when I previously asked about the Cubbies game (totally understandable since everyone's primary reason for going to Chicago was the convention ), I didn't try too hard to get tix. The thing is every single ticket all year has been sold. The only way to get them is through brokers, scalpers or ebay.

I did get a few responses (identities withheld for fear of retribution ), so on a whim, I bought what I could - four bleacher tix for the Saturday game through a contact of mine (all four are accounted for).

So SC and whoever else wants to go to the game, I'll be on the lookout for cheap tix as well. Hopefully, with our researching skills, we can find some good deals.

Thanks, DB. I found a few brokers on the net and I think I'll deal with them by this coming Saturday (to assure I can get tickets). If anyone who doesn't have tickets yet and wants to go to the game, contact me (by pm or email) and we'll see what we can do about getting tickets together. Note: the tickets will probably go for $100+.

It would be cheaper if you took a job as a peanut salesman and just watch the game and didn't sell the peanuts.

True.....plus I'd be able to say that I worked for peanuts just to see the Cubs play :rolleyes:

That is the best idea ever!

Just an update for those interested :

American Airlines lowered thier fares a significant amount!

For those who still may be interested in attending the Convention, you just may want to get in now while the fares are cheap.

For those who have already purchased thier tickets, you need to call American Airlines and complain, and they will adjust your fare price in the form of issuing you a voucher for the difference in price which you may use on a future flight.

Thanks to our " Most Valued and Trusted Friend " SC and his wonderful lady Lori, for providing me with all this information!

Don Cardi

I know that some have made plans to attend a Cubs game on Saturday, and other's may be doing a tour after the game, so I was thinking that maybe we could get together for a FRIDAY afternoon lunch at Shula's Steak House, which is 1 mile from our hotel, possibly around 2:00 on Friday (sept 10th ). Is anyone interested? If so I woul be willing to make reservations for us. Post a reply so that I can get a count of how many are interested.


Don Cardi

1.1 miles
( 1.77 km )
Shula's Steak House
400 Park Blvd
Itasca,IL 60143-1212

Don Cardi,

I forgot what time the game/tour are. It's fine with me, as long as we are safe with the time (2:00), because I am not sure when the game/tours are over.

Also, anyone who lives in the Chicago area (Don Sicilia and I think Yo Tony B, and others), can take note of this and hopefully arrange to meet us for lunch, if they cannot make the convention.

TIS

TIS,

I believe that the tours and Cubs game are on SATURDAY ( please correct me if I am wrong ), this possible lunch would be on FRIDAY afternoon.


Don Cardi

Don C.

You're right. The game is Saturday (SC's post) and the tours were running for more than one day I think (at least the Untouchable tour is, but the Ghost tour may only be one day). Let's see who else is interested. I'll go along with whatever you guys want.

TIS

Don't forget that there's also a convention that will have three days of its own events, possibly on a timetable. So I'd rather not make many firm plans until we get there, or, at least get the convention timeline, because I don't think the special guests will necessarily be there all three days.

Good point Geoff! I didn't think of that. If we check out the convention schedule when we first get there, we'll be able to work around it. I wouldn't think we'd have a problem making reservations somewhere nice though, no???

Btw, can we please please at some point, also go to an Italian restaurant?? :p Like NYC, I hear Chicago has great Italian food and...well, I'm prejudice, I loooove Italian food! :p


TIS

Excellent point Don Geoff. As TIS said we probably will NOT have a problem getting reservations. I too love Italian food, but being an Italian I tend to get afraid to eat in an Italian restaurant out of town that is NOT known or has not been recommended! LOL! But I'm up for it if everyone else is.

Don Cardi

Ok, I believe that this is an Italian Restaurant that is close by :

1.5 miles
( 2.41 km )
De Marco's
5n105 Il Route 53
Itasca,IL 60143-2544
630-285-9200


ANYONE from Chicago Familiar with this joint?


Don Cardi