It's the new year. Time to start thinking about Allentown. I just booked a couple of rooms at the HoJo's near Dorney Park. CAA price is $80/night. This hotel is relatively clean, has a heated pool, free breakfast and wireless. There are cheaper places out there, but for the extra $10/night, I'll take the perks, cleanliness and security of knowing what I'm getting myself into. This will be the 3rd time I've stayed there.

Howard Johnson's
3220 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA
610-439-4000

Hope to see some of you at the show again this year. Sparky, Medvet... I'm looking at you!

Corey

I would like to go this year for the first time. When is it?

Quoted from wbradley

I would like to go this year for the first time. When is it?

April 30th, May 1, 2, 2010

Quoted from cooke

It's the new year. Time to start thinking about Allentown. I just booked a couple of rooms at the HoJo's near Dorney Park. CAA price is $80/night. This hotel is relatively clean, has a heated pool, free breakfast and wireless. There are cheaper places out there, but for the extra $10/night, I'll take the perks, cleanliness and security of knowing what I'm getting myself into. This will be the 3rd time I've stayed there.

Hope to see some of you there again this year. Sparky, Medvet... I'm looking at you!

Corey

I was just thinking about that this weekend!!! I will book as well...

Do you really need to book that early? I have no idea who I will go with yet ! Renting a minivan also probably a good idea for me, if anyone will rent to drive to the US and without a dumb mileage limit.

Apr 30, my birthday. I guess I will the be allowed to buy a machine while down there!

I'm so in...

Quoted from wbradley

Do you really need to book that early? I have no idea who I will go with yet ! Renting a minivan also probably a good idea for me, if anyone will rent to drive to the US and without a dumb mileage limit.

Apr 30, my birthday. I guess I will the be allowed to buy a machine while down there!

You don't have to book that early ... but you can cancel without any issues if you decide not to go, so for a place like the Hojo it might be worth it. I;ve stayed at a couple of different places and right now I'm not 100% sure if I'm going or not.

Anyone in my area interested to tag along and split a room?

   I'm going back this year for sure...booking today! I really missed not going in '09.

I won't be going this year....bouh!!!

Have fun.

tartagliag

Actually, I have no choice to go this year... delivering a refurbished Fathom.

Ian si tu y vas je partagerai bien la chambre d hotel avec toi...j y suis jamais allé, ca serait l occasion d avoir un bon guide....et toi d avoir un boulet a trainer...lol

Any leaving from Ottawa and would like to have an additional passenger?

I might be in to go.... but being a non driver i can only contribute financially. and with my sparkling personality!

guess i gotta get my passport renewed!

Quoted from cooke

Hope to see some of you at the show again this year. Sparky, Medvet... I'm looking at you!

Corey

I am SO THERE!!!! I pre-booked that weekend off as well as the TO Gameroom show 2 weekends later. I will be kidless again so let the social times begin! (Altho I still won't keep up with you London crew at the party . I'm getting old you know! !

Now the only question is what will I bring home this year?

I'm skipping this year ... had enough !

I'm thinking of going this year as I skipped last year.  However I ain't doing the 7 idiots in 1 room at the cockroach-inn routine again.  I have money now (divorce is great for that) and I'm gonna get a decent hotel room.

I think I'll do the Medvet thing...  Come back with some large 'items'.

Mike

Quoted from MrMikeman

I have money now (divorce is great for that) and I'm gonna get a decent hotel room.

Discretionary spending is much better when you have the discretion.

Quoted from necro_nemesis

Discretionary spending is much better when you have the discretion.

It also helps that my bank account isn't consistently at the overdraft limit.  Funny how that resolved itself.

Mike

Quoted from MrMikeman

It also helps that my bank account isn't consistently at the overdraft limit.  Funny how that resolved itself.

Mike

I can arrange this...if you allow me....

tartagliag

I'm going this year. Just need to discuss with my wife and see if she and kids will want to attend. I think they will get bored of the show, but the heated pool might keep them interested.

Duane

   Booked at the Holiday Inn  Dorney Park...$90 CDN/nt. I stayed there 2 years ago and it was clean and convenient. By then I'll be ready to bring something home too...going Thursday so that I can be there early Friday to get the jump on medvet!!  

I'm in too...

I usually go every second year, ...so 2010 is my year !

Also,
1- I have an "item" to pick-up in the part of  PA.
2- For the first time in 7 years, my wife won't be imminently due with a baby, and/or dealing with a newborn,
    so I've got a bit more "breathing" room to travel...

I'll be leaving from Ottawa on the Friday morning (8:30am), and returning late Saturday afternoon ( 1 night stay only).
I might be open for a travel buddy, but will not have space to bring back "big" items...


Steph

If all goes as planned, I will be there enjoying all the pins that I can handle.

Quoted Text

  1- I have an "item" to pick-up in the part of  PA.

Hmm, let me guess...either a dirty bomb, a package of high grade fertilizer, or ummmm, an arcade machinbe??

Quoted from wbradley

Hmm, let me guess...either a dirty bomb, a package of high grade fertilizer, or ummmm, an arcade machinbe??

Close .....

It's likely only of interest to me,
but since I had Chexx hockey game with a nice base,
but a "well-worn" bubble and ice surface,
... this seemed like a divine find...  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270495963965

I'm just not sure how I'm going to fit that in my Honda Civic....    

Steph

Great find! Don't know why but had a feeling it was something to do with the Chexx. I helped you load it into your trailer in Toronto, so I know what you mean about the condition. Looks like it will be a completely new unit with that top.

Who knows, maybe I can help you load that into your Civic (how the h#%ll would you do that?).

Warren

Quoted from shoeguy

   Booked at the Holiday Inn  Dorney Park...$90 CDN/nt. I stayed there 2 years ago and it was clean and convenient. By then I'll be ready to bring something home too...going Thursday so that I can be there early Friday to get the jump on medvet!!  

  

Quoted from medvet

I am SO THERE!!!! I pre-booked that weekend off as well as the TO Gameroom show 2 weekends later. I will be kidless again so let the social times begin! (Altho I still won't keep up with you London crew at the party . I'm getting old you know! !

Now the only question is what will I bring home this year?

How bout something BIG , BULKY , with a couple of flippers....since it is your birthday today as well....make tha wish....  


I would like to go as well...gonna look into carpooling for the trip but own room for sure.

I see a few people going form Ottawa, who has a extra spot? I have 6 days of vacation left...sounds like a good time to use them

Quoted from shoeguy

   Booked at the Holiday Inn  Dorney Park...$90 CDN/nt. I stayed there 2 years ago and it was clean and convenient. By then I'll be ready to bring something home too...going Thursday so that I can be there early Friday to get the jump on medvet!!  

this holiday inn is only 69.00$

is it a roach motel?


http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/HISpecial.html

Quoted from Pharoah007

this holiday inn is only 69.00$
is it a roach motel?

http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/HISpecial.html

Reviews on it are all over the map  (good / bad, etc ... )

The general feel is that it's "OK"
but perhaps not in the best part of town  
(...or so the reviews seem to indicate )

But the price seems right...


Steph

Quoted from crazy canuck

How bout something BIG , BULKY , with a couple of flippers....since it is your birthday today as well....make tha wish....  


I would like to go as well...gonna look into carpooling for the trip but own room for sure.

We should go together..we could get drunk!
(and spoon you big homo!)

I am going to attend this year...and I plan on bringing back a machine or two...I may have room for 2 border friendly passengers...but may need some help bringing back some machines...is there anyone going with a trailer or cube van that i can reserve a little real estate with?

Quoted from b1buwg97

We should go together..we could get drunk!
(and spoon you big homo!)

Yes, Yes we could.  But that sounds gay to me. But your wife looks better than me (imho) so i feel kinda special you may think that way....tickle tickle


so double bed or 2 super singles slammed together?  

Quoted from Pharoah007

this holiday inn is only 69.00$

is it a roach motel?


http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/HISpecial.html

How bout THIS place B1?    only^69  per nite.  

AWESOME! Book it

7th time I say this, but I really MEAN IT this time... I might be going .  I might consider either giving a ride or if there's a spot with someone else, might ride shotgun (since I haven't been there before, might be cool to drive with someone who has).

Let me know if anyone has a spot open, if not, then I might have one.
edit:  I would of course share with any "road" costs, I'm fair .

Question: I understand the new border rules do allow to cross over by car using just that enhanced drivers license, correct?  No passport required?

If you are referring to the Nexus pass, I think you need a passport to get one. Nexus coxts $50. I am told but you get thru much faster.

Quoted from wbradley

If you are referring to the Nexus pass, I think you need a passport to get one. Nexus coxts $50. I am told but you get thru much faster.

I'm not sure, but I better get my butt in gear to get the passport just in case!

lol, i don't even have a driver's license!


So, expired passport (8-9 years old) and a water bill won't cut it?

To cross the border you need either a passport OR an enhanced license. Info on the enhanced license here:
http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT05_017865

For what it's worth, getting a passport if very easy. The process requires only a couple of references and a current passport holder as a guarantor. You don't need the signature of a doctor or priest or whatever like in the past. And the days of 6 hour line-ups at the passport office and two month delays receiving your passport are long gone. I submitted my passport application and received my passport in the mail in under 10 days a few months ago. Total cost is $85, I think. Passport photos can be taken at Wal-Mart for like $20.  
Passport application and information is here:
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx

I recommend using hotwire.com to reserve. If you request 3 star accomodation there won't be any suprises as the only one in their system is a hotel near the airport, 15 min. drive to the Agriplex. We stayed there last year, it was clean, had free wireless/wired internet and a breakfast incl. for $60 a night. Perhaps Sens Freak remembers the name of the hotel

Quoted from cheg

I recommend using hotwire.com to reserve. If you request 3 star accomodation there won't be any suprises as the only one in their system is a hotel near the airport, 15 min. drive to the Agriplex. We stayed there last year, it was clean, had free wireless/wired internet and a breakfast incl. for $60 a night. Perhaps Sens Freak remembers the name of the hotel

Microtel

WOOHOOOO! Microtel!

I've stayed at a few of them, they are nice little rooms, but would be tight with a "friend" and a Pinball machine!!!!

I stayed at the Microtel in 2005. Small rooms, no breakfast, but clean, quiet and cheap (was under 60$). Close to a few good restaurants.

Quoted from cooke

To cross the border you need either a passport OR an enhanced license. Info on the enhanced license here:
http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT05_017865

For what it's worth, getting a passport if very easy. The process requires only a couple of references and a current passport holder as a guarantor. You don't need the signature of a doctor or priest or whatever like in the past. And the days of 6 hour line-ups at the passport office and two month delays receiving your passport are long gone. I submitted my passport application and received my passport in the mail in under 10 days a few months ago. Total cost is $85, I think. Passport photos can be taken at Wal-Mart for like $20.  
Passport application and information is here:
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx

Passport photos at Costco are like 8 or 9 bucks (or they were last year)

Im going again. Sparky if you need someone to tag along and split room, gas, I'll come with ya.

let me know

Quoted from Sparky

I stayed at the Microtel in 2005. Small rooms, no breakfast, but clean, quiet and cheap (was under 60$). Close to a few good restaurants.

It wasn't Microtel, Ian. I know that for a fact. I've got cobwebs in the ole' noggin but I'll figure it out sooner or later! All I know is that normal rates were over $100 but when you went through Hotwire you could get a room for $60 and definitely with breakfast.

this is a printout of available rates on that weekend

the hotel we stayed at was the Four Points Sheraton Hotel & Suites Allentown Airport... not bad for $60 a night!

OK! I have Azatotht and Splitskull tagging along! Sorry to the others that inquired... they were first in line.

I will have room for a pin on the way back for Az...

Looks like lots of members are heading down this year!  I know in the past there was the get together the Pinball Parlor ( not sure if that still exists?). It'd be fun to get as many members as possible together one night for beer, etc..  I always end up at Rookies when I'm there where the wings are more than decent ( and the beer's cold). Maybe the Friday or Saturday night?  Usually hockey playoffs are happening then too.

Quoted from shoeguy

Looks like lots of members are heading down this year!  I know in the past there was the get together the Pinball Parlor ( not sure if that still exists?). It'd be fun to get as many members as possible together one night for beer, etc..  I always end up at Rookies when I'm there where the wings are more than decent ( and the beer's cold). Maybe the Friday or Saturday night?  Usually hockey playoffs are happening then too.

I'm sure there'll be a bunch from London/Toronto as well, I'm about 75/25 so hopefully I'll be able to get back after missing last year

Quoted from shoeguy

Looks like lots of members are heading down this year!  I know in the past there was the get together the Pinball Parlor ( not sure if that still exists?). It'd be fun to get as many members as possible together one night for beer, etc..  I always end up at Rookies when I'm there where the wings are more than decent ( and the beer's cold). Maybe the Friday or Saturday night?  Usually hockey playoffs are happening then too.

I believe there are still open. You can contact Paul at the Parlour and ask him for availabilities.  

tartagliag

DUnno how i am getting down, but the missus just let me know that she is probably heading to vegas for a "girls weekend" with some co-workers in may, so i think that is enough leverage to let me go to allentown!

Quoted from axe

heading to vegas for a "girls weekend" with some co-workers in may

You realize how bad that sounds??    What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... right??  

Mike

Quoted from axe

DUnno how i am getting down, but the missus just let me know that she is probably heading to vegas for a "girls weekend" with some co-workers in may, so i think that is enough leverage to let me go to allentown!

Watch the movie "The Hangover" and get back to us...

Can someone explain what this is about? I have looked at the site(http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/).  What is the draw for this?  Just wanting to know what this is about and why stuff like this can't happen out west....

Quoted from Cobra99

Can someone explain what this is about? I have looked at the site(http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/).  What is the draw for this?  Just wanting to know what this is about and why stuff like this can't happen out west....

It's a great time lots of parts ... pin flea market outside ... alot of dealers inside plus about 150 machines on free play, usually alot of socializing as well

Quoted from Cobra99

Can someone explain what this is about? I have looked at the site(http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/).  What is the draw for this?  Just wanting to know what this is about and why stuff like this can't happen out west....

The closest thing out west is the PPE (October in San Fran).  Not sure if it has the vendor markets like Allentown and Expo though.

Quoted from Cobra99

Can someone explain what this is about? I have looked at the site(http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/).  What is the draw for this?  Just wanting to know what this is about and why stuff like this can't happen out west....

Don't ask me, I can't be bothered to go to Allentown, nothing worth seeing there IMO.

There aren't any shows near Calgary at all Closest you have is the NW Show in Seattle.  

There is only one pinabll/game room show in Canada and that is the Toronto Pinball and Gameroom show which is happening this May 2010.  

Not sure if Alberta could support a pinball show or not.  

Quoted from Vengeance

Don't ask me, I can't be bothered to go to Allentown, nothing worth seeing there IMO.

There aren't any shows near Calgary at all Closest you have is the NW Show in Seattle.  

There is only one pinabll/game room show in Canada and that is the Toronto Pinball and Gameroom show which is happening this May 2010.  

Not sure if Alberta could support a pinball show or not.  

For Calgary Seattle might be the closest but probably EXPO in Chicago would be more interesting and not that much farther

Quoted from Cobra99

Can someone explain what this is about? I have looked at the site(http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/).  What is the draw for this?  Just wanting to know what this is about and why stuff like this can't happen out west....

"Out west" there's the Pacific Pinball Expo and the Northwest Pinball and Gameroom show.    

Quoted from MrMikeman

You realize how bad that sounds??    What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... right??  

Mike

ROFL

And what happens in Allentown, stays in Allentown, unless i somehow finagle a pin coming home with me


Its all good, she needs time away from me!!!

Quoted from Cobra99

Can someone explain what this is about? I have looked at the site(http://www.pinballwizardsconv.com/).  What is the draw for this?  

Personally,  I find the flea market the most fun.

The pins are OK, but I can play those anytime,
and I'm spoiled by living near Medvet who has the best collection anywhere around.

I also enjoy the socialize aspect of it.

That said I usually only for for one night, because I've seen all there is to see.
There really isn't much to see on the Sunday unless your scavenging for deals
as vendors try to clear the left-over pins.

I go every second year, which is usually enough for me...

I'll be there this year...

Cheers,
Steph

I think I can arrange my work schedule and get out to Allentown this year, play some pins, buy lots of stuff and add a pin to my world map.

Oh and of course say hi to all of the MAACA members and have a beer with all of you!

65 days to go!

Just booked at the Howard Johnson for Sparky, Splitskull and i  

Still considering going this year but need a ride.  Might also consider bringing a pin back if there is room and the driver is OK with this.

Quoted from sensfreak

Still considering going this year but need a ride.  Might also consider bringing a pin back if there is room and the driver is OK with this.

I suggest sending a PM to DavidC, he was here yesterday and wanted to go but he didnt feel like driving alone..

PBR has posted their Allentown pre-order suggestions page:
http://pbresource.com/news.html

Lots of cool/heavy items you'd normally not want to ship. I picked up a NOS Punk backglass for Speedy Mike last year and it was stunningly perfect. Great wall art.