Most liked posts in thread: Dragon Draggin' 2012!

I always wanted to go to the Dragon when I owned my old (2002) Mini but never got the chance. It sounds like it is a blast. I'll have to take some time off to get there!
So where is the preferred place to stay? Do most people stay the whole time? What are the "must do" things at MOTD for a newbie?

 

Most folks do attend from Wed to Sunday. Some of us even get there earlier. Some folks just come on what ever day they can.

Fontana Village is the best place to stay. That's where the vendors are, the dinners and the day drives start. They are probably booked but you can get on their wait list. Topoco lodge is the second closest place to stay. You can find a complete lodging list HERE

The must things are going to vary from person to person. For me, it's the Welcome and Farewell Dinner. The meals are not everyone's liking, but there are not too many times you can chow with 400 fellow MINIacs. Bingo and Brewswap are very popular as well. From there you can pick and choose which day drives you like. And of course try to take in one of the "Newbie Orientations" and one of the night drives on Saturday

 

I had promised myself NOT to start really thinking about MOTD until after the holidays. Then Dixon starts this thread and now I'm thinking about it already. :mad2:

Jim

 

Jim, the MoM house will be awaiting your visit in 2012.

 

Do you plan to have it on Friday again???

 

I'll be there Mark. Any chance of picking up some MY mirror caps when I get there?

Jim

 

Last year was my first year, I'd really try hard to get into Fontana if you can that is the best place to be since you're close to everything and everyone.
Last year we signed up for so many things we pretty much had a packed schedule.

Next year we've decided to only sign up for the Welcome/Farewell dinners, brewswap, and maybe a day drive or two (plus helping out at the PittStop events). There's lots of stuff to do in the area and we want to do a little exploring on our own. (Last year we detoured away from one of our drives on the way back and went to find Bridal falls and also found an awesome little coffee shop.) We also learned not to sign up for things before 10 am, because we're not morning people and ended up sleeping through them anyways. It's vacation - I'll sleep as late as i want!

 

Snooter and amberback - Thanks for the information. I reserved a room and made my plans and scheduled the time off. I am looking forward to getting down there for my first MOTD.

 

Where and when is this MINI Pine Wood Derby?

Where and when is this MINI Pine Wood Derby?

 

Where: MINIs on the Dragon 2012 Most likely in the Rec Hall.

When: May 2nd - 6th. Probably on the Friday in the morning, not to early though but ending early enough for the Burger Run.

 

The pinewood derby aka "Draggin Dragons" is scheduled for Friday May 4th from 10:00am-1:30pm in the Rec Hall at Fontana Village

 

I may get in on this next year- gonna make a pink derby car

 

Dang, the year the wife and I were both in it, it was held on Sat. then the next couple of years we haven't been able to come till Sat morning but it has been held on Fri. so this year we were hoping to make either late thursday night or butt crack of dawn Fri morning to also make this event again, guess we're miss out on it again... :cryin:

 

Opppss :blush2: Just noticed that I had posted the wrong day.
It is on the Friday the 4th of May :biggrin5:

 

We just might make it then!!!!

 

Just found out that Uncle Sam may be sending me to Virginia for a class starting on the 7th so if I go, I'll fly in early for this!
(And this time I'll make sure my axles are actually GLUED IN, lol :blush2

 

Retirement + The Dragon

Being retired myself, I can fully appreciate the advantage when it comes to doing things like the Dragon, going away for a week or more is soo easy when you're retired.

Of course if you happen to have pets then you need to make sure they are well taken care of, but that doesn't stop us!

 

Last year I attended my 1st MOTD. It's very addicting. I reserved my site for 2012 before leaving Fontana in 2011. I suggest you take off as many days as possible. Try to attend the entire event. You will not be sorry. Make a list of all possible events, and sign up as fast as you can for as many events as you can cram in each day. The roads in the area are fantastic!
Start your planning now

 

Imagine my surprise when I come here to start the official Draggin Dragon Smack Talk Thread and see that one was started months ago. I see 25 others have already signed up to lose to me. Cant wait!

 

Cant wait should be lots of fun