Our Descent Upon the Exhibit! Calling all U.S. PNW Members!

[Aketuan]

Originally Posted by Alan

I've contacted Best Western Executive Inn Hotel thingy place to see if they can do like a group discount even with us booking individually. They've replied back with a phone number for me to ring. So I'll be chasing that up as soon as I can. And yeah, we really need to start thinking about booking now before all the rooms fill up. I get back as soon as I can.

Nice, I hope that they will offer that discount. I agree that we need to book within the next few weeks, but before we do we need to get a definite head count and decide what days/nights different people are staying and whether we will double up for rooms or more than double?

Tentatively I am planning to spend Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night at the hotel in Seattle. And I would like to double up to save on the cost which would equal about 70-80$ per person per night roughly.

Also based on my calculations I will save about $400 by getting an airplane ticket instead of driving up...so I'll see what happens.

But anyway this sounds like an awesome adventure! It is well worth checking out the website for the museum. There is all sorts of other interesting exhibits worth checking out as well, like some cool sci-fi costumes...


and of course the best one:

Avatar: The Exhibition

Get a first-hand look inside the spectacular world of Pandora through AVATAR: The Exhibition organized by Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum (EMP|SFM) and scheduled to open in Seattle on June 4, 2011. Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, AVATAR: The Exhibition will feature authentic props and costumes, interactive displays, concept models, and sketches from the blockbuster film.
June 4, 2011 - September 3, 2012.
Exhibition Highlights:
Artifacts and props used in the film -- including the full size AMP (Armored Mobility Platform) suit.
Hand-made models of Na'vi characters and their wardrobes.
Dynamic interactives demonstrating motion capture and 3D technologies.
In depth looks into the creation of the world of Pandora, revealing the science of the universe, the creatures, the plants and origins of Na'vi culture.

Originally Posted by Sempu

I'm hoping to go around the last week of July. I won't have any leeway in my plans though, if it happens it'll be part of a road trip and pinned down to the hour.

Its too bad you can't go with us, but I'm sure you will have fun!

[Fiyerwall]

I was looking through some Seattle guidebooks and found some hotels that are near Seattle Center. I'm going to post them along with some restaurants listed. I've written down prices slong with what they serve and their websites. This weekend I'm going to do some more hotel research so I can see what fits my budget.
I am going to be arriving at the SEA-TAC airport around noon on June 3rd.

Hotels:

Business Hotel - Airport Hotel - Business Travel Hotel | Hyatt Place $170-209/double

Seattle Washington Boutique Hotels near Downtown | MarQueen Hotel $159-220/double, $200-360/suite

Seattle Hotels Downtown | The Maxwell Hotel | 877.298.9728 $129-199/double, $189-279/suite

Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Seattle Center $159-189/double, $189-229/suite

Comfort Suites Downtown Seattle Center $100-150/double, $110-200/suite (guide said it can be hard to find and should call for directions)

Mediterranean Inn Hotel, located one block west of the Key Arena and The Space Needle in Seattle, affordable and downtown. A non-smoking property. $99-199/double

Budget Hotels in the Downtown Seattle Washington WA Area | Inn at Queen Anne $69-149/double (guide said it can be a bit cramped)

All hotels have breakfast except for the Maxwell and Mediterranean.


Restaurants:

Home Page $12-60, reservations, mostly seafood, awesome view, complimentary limo service

Home - Dick's Drive-In $1.20-2.50, classic fast food

Home | Chow Foods $10-16, menu changes every 3 months, reservations recommended

Home Page $9-14, American

Pagliacci Pizza - Seattle Area Pizzeria and Delivery - Home $10-24, Italian

Other Places of Interest:

Space Needle | Seattle Observation Deck, View Restaurant & Tourist Attraction $17

Pacific Science Center Home $14

Seattle Aquarium $17

The page has moved | Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

[Aketuan]

Originally Posted by Fiyerwall

Restaurants:

Home Page $12-60, reservations, mostly seafood, awesome view, complimentary limo service

Home - Dick's Drive-In $1.20-2.50, classic fast food

Home | Chow Foods $10-16, menu changes every 3 months, reservations recommended

Home Page $9-14, American

Pagliacci Pizza - Seattle Area Pizzeria and Delivery - Home $10-24, Italian

Other Places of Interest:

Space Needle | Seattle Observation Deck, View Restaurant & Tourist Attraction $17

Pacific Science Center Home $14

Seattle Aquarium $17

The page has moved | Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Yeah that is a great collection of information! Thanks. I think some of those restaurants might be worth going to as well as maybe the space needle and the aquarium. Other activities people have mentioned have been a hike up Mount Si and a private viewing of Avatar at the IMAX...

As for when you are arriving at the airport, if I decide to fly to Seattle, I will be arriving at just about the same time you are. Maybe we could meet-up and catch a cab to the hotel together. Oh and about the hotels, we have already somewhat decided on one or two options, probably the Best Western executive that is literally right by the Seattle Museum, and goes for about $160 a night, but with our (possible) group discount and doubling up it should be about $75 per person per night.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Aketuan

Maybe since you and Alan are staying that long you might be interested in climbing Mount Si (not too difficult: 8 miles RT 3,000 ft EG), it looks like some of us are interested in it. I was thinking probably Sunday or Monday...

Sounds interesting. I used to do quite a bit of hiking round Derbyshire where I live when I was in Sea Scouts (Yeah, yeah, we were no where near the sea!) It's been a while.

I have got a visitor guide book on Seattle and it do cover a number of urban hikes too. We'll have to sort out what we are doing closer the date. Right now I'm focusing on places to stay....which leads me nicely on to hotels (Did you like how I did that lead in there? He, he, he)

I rang up the number the Best Western Excecutive Inn organisation gave me this evening and spoke to a couple of people. The last person I spoke to has forwarded a request to the hotel to provide us with their best price in the next 24 hours. In fact I've just received a copy of the query form.

Apparently a group booking comes in when there are groupd of 10 or more. I'll keep you posted.

I'm also going to try the Travelodge which I think is the next street along from the Best Western.

@ Fiyerwall - Irayo for all that research. Quite a list you've pulled together there as well as covering places to visit and eat at. We'll have to take a closer look at them closer the date. Great stuff.

Here's a question for everyone: Who is 90% sure that they will be coming on that weekend? This is just to get an idea of numbers so we can see what the hotels can do for us. At the moment there appears to be CyanRachel, Miss Tammie, James of Terra, Raiden, Aketuan, Fiyerwall and me. Anyone else?

Perhaps someone could post a message on one of the general forums to see if we can stir some more interest from those who don't frequent this meet -up area? Irayo.

Right I'm off to chase up the Travelodge folks...

Kiyevame,
Alan

[Aketuan]

Perhaps someone could post a message on one of the general forums to see if we can stir some more interest from those who don't frequent this meet -up area? Irayo.

Done.
here

Originally Posted by Alan

Sounds interesting. I used to do quite a bit of hiking round Derbyshire where I live when I was in Sea Scouts (Yeah, yeah, we were no where near the sea!) It's been a while.

I have got a visitor guide book on Seattle and it do cover a number of urban hikes too. We'll have to sort out what we are doing closer the date. Right now I'm focusing on places to stay....which leads me nicely on to hotels (Did you like how I did that lead in there? He, he, he)

I rang up the number the Best Western Excecutive Inn organisation gave me this evening and spoke to a couple of people. The last person I spoke to has forwarded a request to the hotel to provide us with their best price in the next 24 hours. In fact I've just received a copy of the query form.

Apparently a group booking comes in when there are groupd of 10 or more. I'll keep you posted.

I'm also going to try the Travelodge which I think is the next street along from the Best Western.



Here's a question for everyone: Who is 90% sure that they will be coming on that weekend? This is just to get an idea of numbers so we can see what the hotels can do for us. At the moment there appears to be CyanRachel, Miss Tammie, James of Terra, Raiden, Aketuan, Fiyerwall and me. Anyone else?


Right I'm off to chase up the Travelodge folks...

Kiyevame,
Alan

Good luck with Travelodge! Right now we don't have the ten people to get the discount... I agree that we should focus on the flights/hotels right now while there is still open rooms/seats...(That was one slick lead in there. )

For the time-being count me in, my percent-sure level is more like 75%-%80 of going, but close enough to say that I'm going...

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Aketuan

Done.
here

Irayo ma tsmukan. You worded that really well, matey. That should get them going. MOWHAHAHA...*cough, cough*...hmm..sorry where was I...

Originally Posted by Aketuan

Good luck with Travelodge! Right now we don't have the ten people to get the discount... I agree that we should focus on the flights/hotels right now while there is still open rooms/seats...(That was one slick lead in there. )

Why, irayo. I like to be as subtle as a f*rt in an elevator ....

Originally Posted by Aketuan

For the time-being count me in, my percent-sure level is more like 75%-%80 of going, but close enough to say that I'm going...

Good-oh!

Just a bit of an update. I've send an enquiry to the Travelodge and also an enquiry to the IMAX cinema just round the corner from the Science Museum about showing Avatar SE 3D on the Saturday evening. I've also asked if they would show our Avatar Fan Communities film too. We'll just have to wait and see what their replies are now. I'll post the responses as soon as I get them.

Alan

[James of terra]

Hello, everyone, I been busy last 4 days and still on plaaning to go, sending passport in this week. I looked at a place and said plane and holtel was about 800 dollars, I will fly in on friday, and leave monday or tuesday. Let me know on what holtel, you giys want. Thanks, look forward to meet everyone.

[Aketuan]

Originally Posted by Alan

MOWHAHAHA...*cough, cough*...hmm..sorry where was I...

Yes...yes we will... Quite the evil laugh you have there.

Originally Posted by Alan

Just a bit of an update. I've send an enquiry to the Travelodge and also an enquiry to the IMAX cinema just round the corner from the Science Museum about showing Avatar SE 3D on the Saturday evening. I've also asked if they would show our Avatar Fan Communities film too. We'll just have to wait and see what their replies are now. I'll post the responses as soon as I get them.

Alan

Once again thanks for putting all the effort into finding out information! I hope they reply with good news...


Also, just for fun I started a "Seattle Trip Flight Plan" Map. Everyone can put a pin on where they are and add their flight plan to Seattle with username/dates/anything...

I already added mine as an example.
Here is the thread with the instructions.
and Here is the direct link to the map.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Aketuan

Once again thanks for putting all the effort into finding out information! I hope they reply with good news...

Hey, no worries. If it helps bring us together and save a few pennies, it will be all worth it.

I rang up the Best Western Inn folks up with the number that they gave me and they took the details. Anyway I got a response back, but they think I'm a tour operator with a bus!!! HAHAHAHA. So I've sent a reply back to them explaining things so clearly you could call it a window! Lets hope it comes good this time.

I've also contacted the Travelodge, which is a coupls of streets away, last night by email, but haven't heard anything yet.

The other correspondence I've sent was to the IMAX in Seattle regarding the showing of Avatar SE 3D. Again I haven't heard anything from them yet. I also mentioned the forum film too and sent a link. You never know. It would be cool to see our forum film up there to share with everyone with Avatar. That would be a just an outstanding night if we get Avatar shown that weekend. It would be a real opportunity for them at the IMAX. Still, we'll have to see what happens.

Originally Posted by Aketuan

Also, just for fun I started a "Seattle Trip Flight Plan" Map....I already added mine as an example.
Here is the thread with the instructions.
and Here is the direct link to the map.

Well, I've added my blue line. Think we need a few more.

I'll get back as soon as I here anything from the hotels and IMAX.

[Alan]

Kaltxi Folks,

I just had to post this up straight away for you. I've had a response from the IMAX in Seattle and here's what they have to say:

"I am responding a recent inquiry from you about the possibility of running Avatar SE in 3D at the Boeing IMAX Theater in Seattle in conjunction with the opening of the Avatar Exhibition at the Science Fiction Museum. We are currently looking into the possibility to do this, however it would be a great challenge to do this because of other film obligations we have during the very busy summer months. At this time it is impossible to say whether or not we’d be able to do this. I will keep your email on hand so that I can keep you informed with any updates."

So it's not definie, but they are looking into it. Let's beg the help of Eywa...

[CyanRachel]

Originally Posted by Alan

Kaltxi Folks,

I just had to post this up straight away for you. I've had a response from the IMAX in Seattle and here's what they have to say:

"I am responding a recent inquiry from you about the possibility of running Avatar SE in 3D at the Boeing IMAX Theater in Seattle in conjunction with the opening of the Avatar Exhibition at the Science Fiction Museum. We are currently looking into the possibility to do this, however it would be a great challenge to do this because of other film obligations we have during the very busy summer months. At this time it is impossible to say whether or not we’d be able to do this. I will keep your email on hand so that I can keep you informed with any updates."

So it's not definie, but they are looking into it. Let's beg the help of Eywa...

Yes, definitely!
This sounds promising, Alan. Irayo, tsmukan, for contacting the IMAX, and posting their response.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by Alan

Kaltxi Folks,

I just had to post this up straight away for you. I've had a response from the IMAX in Seattle and here's what they have to say:

"I am responding a recent inquiry from you about the possibility of running Avatar SE in 3D at the Boeing IMAX Theater in Seattle in conjunction with the opening of the Avatar Exhibition at the Science Fiction Museum. We are currently looking into the possibility to do this, however it would be a great challenge to do this because of other film obligations we have during the very busy summer months. At this time it is impossible to say whether or not we’d be able to do this. I will keep your email on hand so that I can keep you informed with any updates."

So it's not definie, but they are looking into it. Let's beg the help of Eywa...

Excellent! I sent mail to them two days ago but haven't received a response yet. Perhaps if others do the same, they'll be further encouraged.

Eywa, pleeaaase!! (Envisions streams of sea gulls and crows descending upon IMAX theater--hmmm... seems a bit more like Alfred Hitchcock than Avatar, but it'll do!)

[misstammie]

Originally Posted by Alan

Kaltxi Folks,

I just had to post this up straight away for you. I've had a response from the IMAX in Seattle and here's what they have to say:

"I am responding a recent inquiry from you about the possibility of running Avatar SE in 3D at the Boeing IMAX Theater in Seattle in conjunction with the opening of the Avatar Exhibition at the Science Fiction Museum. We are currently looking into the possibility to do this, however it would be a great challenge to do this because of other film obligations we have during the very busy summer months. At this time it is impossible to say whether or not we’d be able to do this. I will keep your email on hand so that I can keep you informed with any updates."

So it's not definie, but they are looking into it. Let's beg the help of Eywa...

WOW....what a AVATASTIC idea!! HAHA! Would that not be the ultimate or what if they would be willing to do this. I hope they might consider looking into it seriously, if anything maybe just play it one night that opening weekend perhaps. Irayo ma tsmukan for going above and beyond making this a trip we will all never forget! Looking forward to meeting you in person along with all my fellow Avatarian friends from here, AF, TYPE and the other forums. Eywa ngahu!

[misstammie]

Originally Posted by Alan

Sounds interesting. I used to do quite a bit of hiking round Derbyshire where I live when I was in Sea Scouts (Yeah, yeah, we were no where near the sea!) It's been a while.

I have got a visitor guide book on Seattle and it do cover a number of urban hikes too. We'll have to sort out what we are doing closer the date. Right now I'm focusing on places to stay....which leads me nicely on to hotels (Did you like how I did that lead in there? He, he, he)

I rang up the number the Best Western Excecutive Inn organisation gave me this evening and spoke to a couple of people. The last person I spoke to has forwarded a request to the hotel to provide us with their best price in the next 24 hours. In fact I've just received a copy of the query form.

Apparently a group booking comes in when there are groupd of 10 or more. I'll keep you posted.

I'm also going to try the Travelodge which I think is the next street along from the Best Western.

@ Fiyerwall - Irayo for all that research. Quite a list you've pulled together there as well as covering places to visit and eat at. We'll have to take a closer look at them closer the date. Great stuff.

Here's a question for everyone: Who is 90% sure that they will be coming on that weekend? This is just to get an idea of numbers so we can see what the hotels can do for us. At the moment there appears to be CyanRachel, Miss Tammie, James of Terra, Raiden, Aketuan, Fiyerwall and me. Anyone else?

Perhaps someone could post a message on one of the general forums to see if we can stir some more interest from those who don't frequent this meet -up area? Irayo.

Right I'm off to chase up the Travelodge folks...

Kiyevame,
Alan

Kaltxi Alan,

You know me, I am going FOR SURE, 100%! ;-) Thanks for all your dedication and time you have spent finding out such great info on Seattle my sweet friend and a huge thanks to everyone else sharing info too!! Love ya guys!

[Aketuan]

Originally Posted by Alan

Kaltxi Folks,

I just had to post this up straight away for you. I've had a response from the IMAX in Seattle and here's what they have to say:

"I am responding a recent inquiry from you about the possibility of running Avatar SE in 3D at the Boeing IMAX Theater in Seattle in conjunction with the opening of the Avatar Exhibition at the Science Fiction Museum. We are currently looking into the possibility to do this, however it would be a great challenge to do this because of other film obligations we have during the very busy summer months. At this time it is impossible to say whether or not we’d be able to do this. I will keep your email on hand so that I can keep you informed with any updates."

So it's not definie, but they are looking into it. Let's beg the help of Eywa...

NICE!! At least they are thinking about it. I will send an email to them stating my interest in seeing the movie. The more of us that tell them we want to see Avatar, the more likely it is...

EDIT: I contacted them with this:
Hello,
I am planning to visit the Science Fiction Museum during the opening weekend of the "Avatar Exhibit." I was wondering what the possibilities were for having a few showings of Avatar in the IMAX theater during that first week. I realize that your IMAX schedule is probably filled for the summer, but I am sure that if you have a few viewings during that first week (June 4th), there would be a lot of interest from the visitors at the sci-fi museum.

Thank you for help,
-Kevin

Lets hope it works...

Also everyone should add their pin to the trip google map (thread here)


So I think here is where we are at...
People Attending (90% sure):
-Alan
-Eywa's Pet
-James of Terra
-Aketuan
-Misstammie
-Cyanrachel
-Raiden
-Fiyerwall (?)



HOTEL:
Two possibilities:
-Best Western Executive (group discount at 10 people)
-Travelodge (waiting on response)

Possible Activities:
-Avatar Exhibit at Sci-Fi Museum
-IMAX viewing of Avatar SE 3D (Waiting on information)
-Other Sci-fi exhibits
-Seattle aquarium
-Mount Si hike
-Space Needle
-other ideas??