SMD4 -- Official Master Thread

Rates haven't been provided, but the properties are listed someplace around here... I'll go dig it up and update this post.

...Well they are listed at megado.com under the schedule link for SMD4

http://megado.com/blogs/?page_id=21

What kind of charity auctions (and how many) can we expect on the DO? Just trying to budget.

Based on my experience with previous DOs, budget as much as you can afford. It all goes to good causes.

Part of the fun of a MegaDo is blindly jumping in, no?

If doing the TATL, we know the rough cost of the PH ZRH, if paying cash, is about ~$700. Of course, staying at the PH is optional.

And based upon SMD2/SMD3/OWMD domestic rates, I would expect the hotel nights in SFO (1), IAH (1) and ORD (2-3) to run in the guesstimate range of $150/night. YMMV.

I have my Amex gold number memorized and my passport number memorized, so I'm all set.

I checked the PH last night and it only has GUAR Avail open, not sure if they are sold out already or holding rooms back, needless its now $1000ish for the 1 night, the 2 ORD hotels I think is gonna be the Schaumburg since we are having receptions.

Based on history there will likely be some auctions done before the Do starts, for extra events on the Do. In the past these have been Operations Tower visits, water evacuations, flight simulators, & other exciting stuff.

Much like the auctions for the opportunity for pre-booking.

There have also been raffles on board the charter for a range of prizes, some big - like a iPad, some others like holidays, degustation meals, Qantas PJs. Many things aviation / travel, also others.

Everyone has their own financial constraints. The raffles on board will work for anyone's budget & the auctions find their own level, as per pre- booking auctions.

What? Two nights in a row at the same hotel for the Do? That would be against the rules!

"IF" all works out and I get my TC Window, I may let someone hold my hat in the aisle seat thru an charity auction.

Please note however, that all iPads are now being pre-engraved with storyteller's name.

There are three Hyatts in the ORD area so don't panic. You can book Schaumburg for our first night in that city (the official Do hotel it appears for Thursday), then hop over to the Hyatt ORD we stayed at last year (and have another of those wonderful cheese pucks), and then walk over to the Rosemount Hyatt on the other side of the CTA station if you've stay on for the CowDo and heading home on Sunday.

Glad I snagged an award night at the Park Hyatt in Zurich. Pretty steep at 22K GP points but the alternatives at my other program properties were still in the Euro250+ range. As for the others, SFO, Regency Houston and Schaumburg are all moderately priced Hyatts so our group rate should be in the $150 a night range, if not less. Still wondering what the Hyatt bonus will be this year.

A FEW FAQs for SMD4 (ALSO ADDED TO FIRST PAGE):

Q: Where do I go to register for StarMegaDO4?

A: http://megado.com/events/starmegado/


Q: I have a browser problem/my credit card doesn’t work/I’m getting some weird error message. What do I do?

A: The last MegaDO sold out in 17 minutes. So, please don’t expect the magic tech support fairy to weigh in during the 5 minutes you can hold a seat in your cart to fix everything. Have a spare browser/credit card ready and hold on tight!


Q: I didn’t get a seat. How do I get on the waitlist?

A: Send an e-mail to ed@milepoint.com. We’ll process people in the order they were added to the list.

NEWS FLASH: AMEX MAY BE AN ISSUE

We've had two people have problems using AMEX during pre-sales. One of them is reporting that AMEX states the merchant account is not currently configured for AMEX. We've been working with our merchant provider who confirms all the AMEX stuff is loaded properly, but that still doesn't mean your AMEX card will work tomorrow.

Our recommendation is to have a backup card available.

AMEX NOTE:

We have had a whole bunch of people book with AMEX, so we don't suspect this is an issue on the part of our merchant bank. But, never hurts to be prepared.

That is likely a good average number - the midweek, single nights will be higher.
I would expect something in this range (plus add taxes of 14-17%):
13th - Hyatt Regency SFO - $200
14th - Hyatt Regency Houston - $200 (this is downtown - not at the airport - old Hyatt IAH is now a Doubletree)
15-17th - Hyatt Regency Schaumburg - $90-100 (this appears to be the hotel for 2-3 nights)

Not counting PH ZRH - likely need to budget $700-800 with taxes (less if sharing).

Confirm I booked with AMEX with no problems at all. None. Booked, sitting pretty!

When ever I book / dream / travel I have 3 different credit / debit cards available. An AMEX debit, a MasterCard, & a Visa. All different banks.

Like all my cards, occasionally Amex, along with the others, have their security antennae tweaked by my odd spending habits, and they decline a spend.

My advice would be to phone TODAY !!!! at least 2 of your cards to tell them you will be booking a few unusual ( to you) spends in the next day or 2.

That way when you hit the booking site you will have all your ducks in a row.

OK, guys I need your help. I've been away about 10 days, with practically no internet, so I haven't kept up on all the nuances of the SMD4 gossip bickering discussions and planning updates. I know international registration opened but I'd only be interested in the domestic portion. I know US registration opens tomorrow at 10 am EST at the website, and I know the prices and seat classes and mileage awarded therefor. I believe that prices haven't been set up for the hotel portion and that hyatt is still contemplating the challenge terms, and the people here are contemplating that even more. so, with that, and really not joking, I was wondering what important facts or updates I might need to know - especially with the registration opening (and closing) tomorrow. Thank you very much. if anyone wants to email me privately, you can do so here or at willrunformiles@gmail.com.

Kathy

It's why I'm so glad she didn't come to the Kiva Do!

LOL, but we are happy to have her lend to worth Kiva borrowers!

<OTOH, I kept on winning the prizes I donated at the Kiva Do! Guess you wouldn't exchange a GPU for an iPad?!? >

All advance booking promos are done, so you just have to take your chances now. That's all I'm aware of.

Just have your passport and credit cards by you when you start the booking process, with backups in case your credit card don't work for some reason.

1 - yes, indeed to all contributors.

2 - not bloody likely.

Also passport number, Hyatt number, & United Mileage Plus number. All sitting there at the ready.

Stretch your fingers back & forth. Play the scales a few times. A couple of deep breaths. Then twist your neck around & spit over your right shoulder, & scratch ... both knees .. the way the baseball players do...

Good luck!

Should we start a pool on how quickly it sells out?

please NO. we're all nervous enough.

57.3 minutes.