Who's going?

[STXMINI]

We initially thought we weren't going to make it to MOTD this year, but our plans changed, and when I called Fontana they had a cabin open, so looks like STXMINI is returning to the Dragon this year! Anyone else heading down?

[SusieQ]

I wanted to go 2025, this would be my first year. Where do I start? A place to stay right? Alright then what else? 

 

Do we have a beginner's guide for introverts to MOTD and going out of their zone for social/big group activities?  

[STXMINI]

On 12/17/2024 at 8:27 AM, SusieQ said:

I wanted to go 2025, this would be my first year. Where do I start? A place to stay right? Alright then what else? 

 

Do we have a beginner's guide for introverts to MOTD and going out of their zone for social/big group activities?  

 

The best place to start is the MOTD website. A little dated in the looks department, but very well laid out for information!

 

The most fun place to stay is at Fontana Village because that's where all the action is. I'd start by giving them a call to see if they have any rooms or cabins available (I got lucky last week and snagged a cabin) don't forget to tell them you're coming for MOTD because they offer a discount. If they don't have anything available, ask to be put on the waiting list, but keep checking back with them. Cabins & rooms open up all of the time as reserved rooms get released leading up to the event. 

Next: Register on the MOTD website between Jan 17th-Apr 13th. And register your hubby too because on a lot of the day drives there is a "Person" limit (Not a MINI limit) so each "Person" will need to RSVP separately to any day drive you want to join

Next: Read over all of the day drives and events and be ready to sign up for the runs you want when drive registration opens on Feb 15th. Some of the more popular drives (Like Corey's Hellbender drive) will fill up immediately, so try to snag those first

 

I am not an introvert, but I do have anxiety to the max, I create a spreadsheet of each day's activities so that I'm not overwhelmed. There's so much fun to be had!

[SusieQ]

I love all the info! THANK YOU!

 

I'll sit down and look over the MOTD website and give Fontana a call to see what they have.  

[1975_mini]

@STXMINI,

That is AWESOME that you guys will be joining again this year. We missed you last year.

 

@SusieQ,

Lorri hit the good starting points, I would review the new join info on the website about the event and the area.

I can confirm there are some cabins and a few rooms in the lodge available, I should have the exact number and type soon. I recommend calling and locking one down if you are thinking of going. The deposit is about $200 and fully refundable up to 30 days out I believe (I will have to check mine).

Some Corey tips (for what that’s worth):

-          You will have a bunch of DCMMers down there, just ask to be a third wheel and everyone will let you tag along, you will likely see a familiar face at every event.

-          One sign up for one drive a day, if you try to do more you will be worried about getting to the next drive instead of enjoying the one you are on.

-          The welcome and farewell dinner can be a bit overwhelming over 300 people in the hall, but you will be sitting with friends. There are plenty of folks that use those evening to do dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants instead (DCMM often does a dinner at Tapoco one evening)

-          Bingo is fun but can be a bit loud, I would recommend attending (great prizes)

I typically create a calendar that shows how the runs overlap and share here. It is just easier for me to see. There are all different drives to eat, some have adventure, something for everyone. Popular runs do fill up last, but it is not as bad post covid. I think the record for my drive was 10 minutes from it going live, and it is capped at 20 people.

 

I do find it odd the number of people that drive 8 hours to TN/NC and end up on a Corey run. You can do that all year long here, lol.

 

If you have any question please do not hesitate to ask, I might know a guy with some inside info.

[STXMINI]

On 12/18/2024 at 10:05 AM, 1975_mini said:

I do find it odd the number of people that drive 8 hours to TN/NC and end up on a Corey run. You can do that all year long here, lol.

Mike refused to go unless I promised we could do the Corey Hellbender again 

[1975_mini]

11 hours ago, STXMINI said:

Mike refused to go unless I promised we could do the Corey Hellbender again 

If you are there early there is Corey’s test run. Imagine that road with me not making sure people are keeping up.