I'm arriving Thursday, thanks to the insistence of my buddy who wanted to take things easy rather than arrive the day of. But now he had to bail on me, so I'm looking for stuff to do / people to join Thursday evening and Friday pre-show. I noticed there's the National Videogame Museum: how is that, is it worth checking out? I know about the meet and greet but there's still plenty of time before that on Friday.

Anyone else staying at Staybridge Colony? I'm a sucker for hot buffet spread...

What happened? I could use this, Thursday night might be the time to check one of these places out. I may have to go scan last year's thread.

Are there any natural wonders in the area or a good hike? I might want to do something outdoors if the weather is nice Friday morning: would be so refreshing versus the long dreary season in the PNW.

On GB, wondering what -exactly- might be interesting to ask... Maybe if we formulate something just right we can get something more than the SOTU answer, it's on the schedule... I haven't looked at the seminar, are the right people there to address this?

It was a big seller, so lots have a vested stake for sure. I'll ask if I'm in that seminar, haven't figured out my plan yet.

I haven't followed the issue closely, let me know if you have something specific to ask. What would you say is the major feature or problem missing from the game that I might reference? I want to be ready if they challenge back that "it's pretty much complete, what else do you want" type of response, ha.

Otherwise, I'll just ask about it being on the SOTU for so long, and nothing seems to be happening. Can they provide any insight on timing and whether it will be minor bugs or more substantial updates and why hasn't it got more priority as it was a big seller and many are looking forward to it.

Thanks. I will have a car. Is there any kind of route you'd recommend for a driving tour that has outdoor points-of-interest to stop at and would give me a good feel for the area? I'll probably do enough gaming at the show, want to do some regular vacation stuff Friday before the show, as who knows if I'll ever be back.

I'm kind of wondering if they'd do anything but tow the company line from SOTU too. But the fact it's been on there for so long in a kind of delayed / pending state is kind of a mystery warranting a question too. Doesn't hurt to ask I guess.

Ohh, sounds cool, but that's probably too big of a time investment: need to get to the show for opening.

What is the deal with the tollways in the area? Do I need to prepare somehow with my rental car, or can you always pay manually?

Just found Thrifty's policy. $15 administrative fee per toll + the toll. Ha, what a joke! You can opt-in to PlatePass daily rate instead but I can't find how much it is, just says to ask at the counter.

Found more details about PlatePass. Pretty lame, but it sounds like you can get it as a precaution, and if you avoid all tolling, there's no charges.

You will be charged for each toll at the highest, undiscounted toll rate plus a $5.95 convenience fee for each calendar day when tolls are incurred. There is no maximum PlatePass convenience fee.

I miss throwing coins in a basket.

I got a mid-size car for $17/day, with fees totals $82 for the weekend. I don't know much about the ride-shares but I imagine that's tough to beat.

By the way, if any need a ride from there, I'm arriving at DAL / Love field, Thursday at 5pm. Then I'll be heading to the Arcade Museum for the pre-party.

I looked into this option some more, looks like Dinosaur Valley is less than 2 hours away, and sounds like a good place to get a feel for Texas outdoors versus Washington State. My current plan is to head out there Friday morning. I'm going to stop at a bike rental place and see if a mountain bike will fit in my rental car. If not, depending on if there's appealing trails right there, I may bike there, otherwise continue to Dinosaur Valley for hiking adventure. Best case I will be mountain biking around Dinosaur Valley.

Anyone interested in joining me? Or any suggestions about this plan or where to rent a bike (sounds like Mellow Johnny's) or ride some trails? Outdoor recreation during the day, and pinball at night is the perfect day for me!

Also, going to be at the Videogame Museum pre-party Thursday night. I'll be wearing camo pants (for serious gaming only!) and black Stern tee if any pinsiders want to meet up, say hi, or interested to discuss above or similar activities for Friday morning.

4am in Seattle, just grabbing breakfast before heading to the airport.

Safe travels to you too, Rob and everyone else.

You on SW 2247 too? Seemed like the best deal. I'm already at the gate, way early...

Come to think of it, there were some really early flights that were cheaper, but the SW one was $310 all told, not bad.

I was wondering if any other Seattleites were attending. Will you have a name badge? I'm keeping my eye out for fellow pinsiders...

Argh, flight delayed... "routine maintenance"... wouldn't routine maintenance be done on a schedule that doesn't interfere with flight timing? Sounds fishy...

Can't thank you enough for this recommendation, loved checking out DV on Friday morning. I didn't get back for the show until around 9, but it was worth it!

Even managed to rent a mountain bike and throw it in my rental car, so I could tour around the whole park.

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