I've received several requests to resend the information about the FML 10th
anniversary gathering.  Here's a somewhat shortened and revised version of
the FML 10th party FAQ.
 
Also: If you are a small vendor of ferret supplies or a club and you'd like
a small display at this event, please email me.
 
Somewhat similarly, I expect to give out a decent number of small prizes (or
surprizes?) at the event.  Any suggestions or prize donations are welcome.
 
1) What is the FML 10TH anniversary gathering?
The FML will be 10 years old later this month.  We would like to celebrate
this occasion by meeting face to face (Gasp!).  And it's a good excuse to go
to Walt Disney World in Florida.  The place and dates were set a long time
ago by vote from the subscribers -- sorry -- it's too late to change em.
 
2) Where is the bash going to be held?
In the Walt Disney World area in the Orlando, Florida, USA area.
 
3) What are the dates?
The one cast-in-stone date is Saturday, January 24, 1998.  That will be the
"official" meeting date.  A dinner and a gathering of sorts is planned for
that date.  There will be many FMLers, including myself, in the area before
and after that date (though probably more before than after) as well.  There
will be a "Hospitality Room" set up at a villa at the Disney Institute
starting on Sunday eve, January 18th 1997 and going through Sunday, January
25th.  FMLers are invited to stop by and say hello, leave messages for
others, have some refreshments and hopefully see some ferret-related
displays.
 
4) What events are planned?
The dinner mentioned above (cost about $25 or so), followed by the reception
(cash bar at the reception), both at the Contemporary hotel at Walt Disney
World.  Probably a "Character breakfast" the next day.  There will be a few
large vendors exhibiting the night of the dinner to help pay for the meeting
room.  There will be lots of small little prizes given away.  Small vendors
and clubs will be able to have a small display at the hospitality room
mentioned above.  Certainly there will be trips to the theme parks.  There
is no shortage of attractions!
 
You do not need to buy theme park admission to attend the dinner, reception
or to visit the Hospitality Room.
 
Anne posted a detailed suggested schedule on the FML-10TH list for those who
prefer structured time at Disney World etc.
 
5) Any suggested ways to get to Orlando?
Access to Orlando is very good -- many major and not so major airlines go
there.  Delta is a major ferret friendly airline, in case you want to
support them for that reason.  Access via surface (car, busses, Amtrak) is
good too.
 
6) OK, what about hotels?
Here are 4 suggestions for mid-priced hotels.  These are by no means the
least expensive hotels available (for example, one person already reserved
a room at a Quality Inn for $32/night).  Likewise, more costly but much more
convenient rooms are available on Disney property.  These 4 were chosen as a
sample of mid-priced hotels in case you need to know where to start.  All
rates are per room, not per person -- most hotels in the area allow up to
4 people to share a room.  All have free or moderatly priced transportation
to Disney attractions.
 
If you're looking for a roommate, Anne Ryan <[log in to unmask]>, who has been
extremely helpful in planning this event, is offerring to match roommates.
 
Hampton Inn Maingate                       $69 includes breakfast.  You
3104 Parkway Blvd                          must mention the Ferret Mailing
Kissimmee, FL 34747                        List and reserve by January 5th
407-396-8484                               to receive this rate.
Nice place -- set back from the road quite a bit on landscaped grounds.
Requires a car to get to stores (though there is a lobby store).
 
Travelodge Suites                          Reg $54 lot view/$59 pool view
5399 W. Irlo Bronson Highway               but they will give us a group
Kissimmee, FL 34746                        rate of $48/$53 to anyone who
407-396-7666                               says they are with the Ferret
800--45SUITE                               Mailing List (tell them Chuck
Microwave/fridge in all rooms.             authorized it if questioned).
All rooms are small suites with pull-out
couch in addition to beds.
Walking distance to 24 hour food/shopping.
 
Best Western Eastgate                      Regular rate is $49
5565 West Irlo Bronson Highway             *PETS* $10/extra
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407-396-0707
800-223-5361
Average place, but included here because they allow pets.  Can walk to some
stores.
 
Courtyard by Marriott Maingate             $109.
7675 West Irlo Bronson Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34747
407-396-4000
800-568-3352
Above average ... included here because they have a parrot in the lobby
that greets you when you arrive :-).  Large rooms.  Restaurant in hotel
for breakfast and lunch.  Can walk to some stores.
 
7) Ferrets or No Ferrets?
It's up to you, but most people are suggesting no ferrets.  And most hotels
are less than comfortable with ferrets.  Ferrets won't be allowed at the
events.  Walt Disney World has a ferret-friendly kennel however, which
you can use (for a charge) while you visit the park.
 
8) I don't drive -- how can I get around?
Many people will have cars and several have volunteered to shuttle people
within reason.  Most hotels have free or inexpensive transportation to
the Disney parks.  For the ultimate in car-free convenience, stay at a
hotel on Disney property.  You most definitely won't need a car there.
I will pick up people from the airport or train station when possible.
[Posted in FML issue 2150]