Florida hockey classic (Estero) FAQ

ebilmes · November 20, 2006, 10:05:06 PM

[quote judy]
A couple of years ago, I wore jeans, t shirt, and flipflops. By the end of the second game each day, I was freezing wearing my fleece jacket and my feet were frozen. Maybe it will be better this year.

Are we doing a roll call yet?[/quote]

I seem to remember it typically being pretty warm until last year, when I froze in shorts. Maybe we'll wait for the roll call until after the RPI/Onion weekend?

las224 · November 20, 2006, 11:10:25 PM

[quote ebilmes][quote judy]
A couple of years ago, I wore jeans, t shirt, and flipflops. By the end of the second game each day, I was freezing wearing my fleece jacket and my feet were frozen. Maybe it will be better this year.

Are we doing a roll call yet?[/quote]

I seem to remember it typically being pretty warm until last year, when I froze in shorts. Maybe we'll wait for the roll call until after the RPI/Onion weekend?[/quote]

Last year I wore a skirt, t-shirt, and flip flops to go to the game, but then threw on jeans once I got to the rink (still just a t-shirt and flip flops though). I was fine like that.

The beaches were a little breezy but still a nice change from Ithaca, and I managed to get a nice tan. The last day we were there was GORGEOUS and warm and beautiful (after the hour long squall in the morning, that is). Wish I could go again this year...

Josh '99 · November 21, 2006, 10:58:59 AM

[quote judy]Are we doing a roll call yet?[/quote]I'll go if you pay for my plane ticket. ::drunk::

BCrespi · November 21, 2006, 11:16:47 AM

Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.

Josh '99 · November 21, 2006, 11:30:46 AM

[quote BCrespi]Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.[/quote]It probably could be done. There's an Embassy Suites within walking distance of the arena and the outlet mall, probably not more than a half mile away, and there are places to eat around there as well. You can get a cab from the airport to the hotel - not cheap, but less expensive than renting a car. You'd basically be limited to the hotel, the rink, and the area immediately around the outlet mall, but for a couple of days I guess that's not such a big deal.

Jordan 04 · November 21, 2006, 12:31:28 PM

You might have already done it, but I'd check with some off-airport Enterprise locations. In the past, I've found those the most reasonable (both in either not having an under-25 policy or having a reasonable fee) for renting cars "under age."

Or, if said 23-year-old graduate works for a company with a corporate rental agreement or code, renting under that code may eliminate the age restriction.

Rita · November 21, 2006, 12:54:07 PM

[quote BCrespi]Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.[/quote]

I'll be down there for Christmas and my parents live ~ 15 minutes from the airport. If you find you are in need of transportation from RSW airport to a hotel in the south Ft. Myers/Estero area, let me know.

RazzBaronZ · November 21, 2006, 01:37:26 PM

[quote Jordan 04]
Or, if said 23-year-old graduate works for a company with a corporate rental agreement or code, renting under that code may eliminate the age restriction.[/quote]

If you do a quick google search for rental codes, you'll find a gajillion that will save you a lot of money. Sometimes they check that you're actually affiliated with the company, but it hasn't happened to any f my friends so far.

Here's a good list: http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?act=ST&f=304&t=238

See the post about the national business fraternity, which removes the age restriction and is probably hard to check for (they don't ID for business fraternities, right? Secret handshakes?)

Jacob 03 · November 21, 2006, 05:46:48 PM

[quote Jordan 04]You might have already done it, but I'd check with some off-airport Enterprise locations. In the past, I've found those the most reasonable (both in either not having an under-25 policy or having a reasonable fee) for renting cars "under age."

Or, if said 23-year-old graduate works for a company with a corporate rental agreement or code, renting under that code may eliminate the age restriction.[/quote]

Other ways around the 25 year-old price bump...

1. Call your (or your parents' if you're still on their policy) insurance company customer service line. Hang up, and keep calling until you get someone pleasant and helpful. Ask first about their coverage for auto rental, then steer them towards specific state deals (they need a lot of help finding this information). Certain rental companies have certain deals with certain insurance companies for certain states that allow those <25 to rent at a reduced rate.

2. If that doesn't work, check out the membership benefits for every organization you've ever joined, especially if you've joined a professionals organization/guild/union. They often have hotel and rental car deals, and the discounts sometimes bypass the <25 price bump. Make sure to call the designated phone number at the rental company for your specific organization.

3. Same as #2, but with any credit card that offers some rewards program. They often have deals with specific rental car companies, and these can also bypass the under-25 rule.

4. Same as #2 and #3, but with any frequent hotel program to which you belong.

5. Follow the pattern.

KeithK · November 21, 2006, 06:27:15 PM

Option #6. Plan on attending the Estero tournament in 2009. :-P

billhoward · November 21, 2006, 07:07:13 PM

[quote BCrespi]Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.[/quote]
It would be difficult. Do-able if you went airport-to-hotel on a Super Shuttle, got a cab or friendly Cornell to take you to the rink, then a ride or cab back.

It is tough being an under-25 renter.

If you work for a Fortune 500 kind of company, sometimes they cut deals with Hertz/Avis to let all employees rent (and be covered) regardless of age, figuring how much damage can a couple accidents by 22-year-olds do to GE's earnings that can't be done by a 45-year-old who's had a couple drikns too many.

If you can get a cheap enough flight, it's a pretty decent vacation. It's a lot better vacation if Cornell plays the late game both days.

BCrespi · November 22, 2006, 10:00:13 AM

Thanks everybody for all of the suggestions. Turns out the trip isn't working out anyway, due to several circumstances. Hopefully we'll get down there next year! Thanks again for your thoughts, esp. Rita's generous offer. You'll all have to yell enough for me, b/c we need a great effort down there! LGR

Will · November 22, 2006, 10:10:00 AM

[quote BCrespi]Hopefully we'll get down there next year![/quote]

I tell myself that every year, and every year I find myself unable to go. Argh.

jtwcornell91 · November 22, 2006, 01:13:44 PM

[quote KeithK]Option #6. Plan on attending the Estero tournament in 2009. :-P[/quote]

Option #7: meet me and Judy in Tampa. I call shotgun.

DeltaOne81 · November 22, 2006, 03:05:01 PM

Just did some ticket checking:

I avoid TicketMaster on general principle, but just for laughs, they have a $3.50/ticket convenience fee. For two people, two days - that's 4 tickets, or $14.

Cornell sells the $16 tickets, one $3 per order shipping charge.

Germain arena doesn't sell them over the phone, but there are no charges or fees if you buy them in person at the box office.

So I guess for $3 you can guarantee Cornell section, not that you probably cant just sit there anyway from everything I've heard.