We're not really sure what we're putting in David's gift bag. We have a few ideas. Right now we're putting a shirt, CD of fan videos that people on IdolForums and here have contributed (you can still participate if you want!), and just a few other little things that we'll probably get from the dollar store or Target.

PS.. less than a week!!!!! WOW.... this is going to be the slowest week ever.

Okay ladies, I just called IHOP and they actually answered!

Anyway... they don't seem real accommodating. They don't take reservations on the weekend because they're too busy. I told them we have a group of about 20 coming and if there's any way they can reserve a table for us at 9:30 on Saturday and they told me no. The girl I talked to said it'd be best if we called early in the morning (probably around 8) and tell them that we're coming and try to seat us right away when we get there at 9:30.

I really hope this all works out and we get to the venue on time and don't have to wait for a table. Maybe they can split us up in small groups but be in the same area. Hopefully we can do tables of 5-6 or something.

Maybe we could have a back up plan/alternative place?
Then if IHOP falls thru, we could leave a couple of people to stay there a bit and
wait on any of us that arent there yet to tell them where we've gone?
Plus, if IHOP sees a group of 20 customers they might lose, they just might
be a little bit more accomodating at that point!

Also, when would you need any video by? how do I get it to you? would love to include
the kids I watch that arent coming to the show, but watch AIdol. In fact, the little peanuts
bugged me all season to watch it b/c they do, and were really happy when I finally tuned in
cause then we could talk about the show.

I then converted they and their mom from Archie/Ramiele fans to David Cook fans of course!!

I think a back up plan would be a good idea, just bc IHOP seems so up in the air right now.

If all else fails, there's a Krispy Kreme on Manheim. We could all just get donuts and coffee and chat until the busses arrive.

I'd be down with Krispy Kreme if we can't get into IHOP at a reasonable time!

Videos will be due no later than Thursday! Just take a video on your camera or whatever and convert it into .mpg format if you can and upload it on sendspace and PM it to me!

Well, count me out if we can't get reservations. The last thing I find pleasant is being shuffled by a grouchy waitress on a Saturday morning. I think we'll ( my group)just start by having breakfast here in the neighborhood and heading out to the buses later. Thanks for letting us try to be a part of this. If we see a group with a bunch of signs huddled by Krispy Kreme I'll know to pull up and say Hi! ( Oh dear?? what if it's Archies? Or some political rally?? Oh dear! LOL)

Maybe we can just stop by Krispy Kreme and pick up a ton of donuts and coffee to share will everyone and head over to the Allstate around 10? It could be like a picnic! Maybe bring a few small blankets to sit on?

I think this is a good alternate plan.

I still think we should try IHOP and call around 8 to "put our names on a list" or whatever, if all else fails we could also split the groups up into smaller parties to be seated faster. If one group gets done earlier they can always run to allstate to get our spots for the buses.

But if the wait is going to be too long..then we go with the Krispy Kreme plan, and a few people run over there pick up donuts, coffee, etc while the rest head to allstate to stake our claim.

Another idea would be to run to McDonalds and get a bunch of breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, oj, coffee, etc and have the picnic at allstate.

I used to work up in this area, and it was usually pretty dead on weekends. Most of the area is office bldings, etc. So I wonder how busy everything will actually be.

"Doh-nuts...mmmmm" drool, (Homer voice).

Ok, but if I cant stop eating them & go into a sugarcoma, someone call 911 M'Kay?!



Love my coffee!

And yay, picnic...mimosas anyone?! (just kidding); altho' it might be possible... it's just o.j. & a little champaign.

I'm actually starting to think that the Krispy Kreme and coffee plan will be much more effective and efficient. If we get there at 10, we'll have a better chance at a good spot for the busses. We could all still meet up at 9:30 at KK..IHOP..Target..where ever.. get aquianted, then go.

Sounds like a plan! I'll be parking at the Wyndham. So I guess I'll just meet you guys there? I'll be there around 9:30. I wouldn't mind picking up a few dozen Krispy Kreme before hand and just carrying them over to Allstate. How far of a walk do you think that is? I know the parking lot is HUGE.

I was driving past Allstate yesterday on I-90 (on my way to Algonquin), and I noticed like 6 police cars parked all around the arena. I wonder what that was all about?

I like the Krispy Kreme idea better. I think it'd be cooler to go get food between meeting them and the show itself

I agree, I think I'll be much too anxious to enjoy a meal. I'd rather get to the "fences" as soon as we can so we'll have the best spots and chance of meeting DC and the other Idols. I'm going to bring granola bars and lots of water for sustinence! In all honesty, is anyone going to eat donuts if I bring them? I know that I tend to get pre-concert anxiety/jitters and can't really eat because of it. I don't wanna waste them, and I know that we can't offer them to the Idols!

Yeah, that sounds good. I have no clue how far the walk is..I can't picture the hotel, parking lot and KK all in my head.. We can power walk..

I passed Allstate yesterday too! I didn't see any police cars though..when I passed it, I think I was too giddy thinking about how we'd be there in a week.




I'd definitely eat some donuts. I'll be anxious, but I'll need to eat SOMETHING of substance to make it through the day. It's a shame that we can't offer them any, but I'd understand why.

Nic and I were thinking that maybe instead of trying to get all of us together at a restaurant again, that we'd just bring snacks for the day. What do you guys think? I thought someone mentioned bringing a cooler..

I'm liking this KK plan!

We're going to NEED a power walk after we eat all that Krispy Kreme!



Haha, me too! I'm sick with excitement!



Okay, I'll grab a few dozen. Do you think that will be enough?



I think this is a perfect idea. In addition to the donuts, I'll be bringing some granola bars and other snacks. I can share that stuff with everyone. I will be carrying way too much stuff to be able to bring a cooler, so I'll probably just pack a couple bottles of water in my bag. But if anyone else can bring a cooler, that would be awesome. I just checked weather.com and it's supposed to be 86 degrees on Saturday! We'll need to drink plenty of water so we don't get dehydrated. Also, it'll be partly sunny, so everyone should bring sunscreen!

Do you want us to put in a few dollars, Stacey? I'd feel horrible if you bought everything.

Yeah.. one Krispy Kreme=lots of walking. I think a few dozen should be just fine..and we'll have other snacks too. Nic and I will go shopping at some point before.

Yeah..I'm definitely bringing water too. That was my mistake last time. I got one bottle at Target, and it didn't last me very long.

Okay, I just looked up the address for Krispy Kreme and it's very close to the venue. The address for KK is 7050 Mannheim and the venue is 6920.

http://web.sa.mapquest.com/krispykreme/?tr...mp;x=5&y=11

Agreed.



Great!!

Stacey, I ended up finding gifts for the Idols today. David is gonna love his!

I can't wait to see his face, Nic!!

KK sounds like a good plan, a few dozen donuts should do. I can also stop at dunkin donuts, it's 2 minutes from my house to get a dozen donuts. I was also planning on bringing bottles of water, and I can bring some snacks too. Any suggestions, besides granola bars?? I will need to eat something...because not eating and being in the sun all day won't be a good thing for me. Don't want to be passed out or in a super pissy mood when meeting Dave.

Someone from this thread is bringing a cooler, just don't remember who exactly, and I did think of the sunscreen also.

Carebear, I love the mimosa idea A little cocktail to calm the nerves .

So what did you find for the Idols and Dave in particular??

Maybe we can get some chips..pretzels..fruit. We should have something healthy.

Does anyone in here have an AIM name?

Maybe somebody could bring some fruit that's easy to eat like grapes, cherries, or peaches. Also, pretzels would be good like Jul suggested.

Here's everything we got David:

Sorry it's a little blurry.

We got squirt guns for all the guys, and I also bought some silly string that I'm probably going to give to Michael. I also got Michael a box of Mike n Ike candy and Dodgeball on DVD. Hopefully he doesn't have it.

For the girls, I got them really cute stuffed animals and candy as well.

Nothing too big, just small things.

David is going to LOVE everything.

Anyone up for picking out the magic rainbows?

Very cool. They're going to love it. I was thinking for the girls maybe running to bath and body and see if they still have their little lotions and stuff on clearance and getting them that. Nothing big, just something, along with some candy. I plan on going shopping tomorrow.

I like the fruit idea.. I can pick up some grapes and strawberries, peaches.
I don't have an AIM handle. Just microsoft communicator and yahoo.

And i like the idea of getting to allstate earlier so we can get right by the gates.

Hi girls...I'm the one who mentioned bringing the cooler. I've got one that folds down on wheels that I bring to Ravinia sometimes and is great for picnics and stuff. It'll hold 10-12 bottles of water with an ice pack or two, so I'm happy to bring water!

I think the KK idea is a great one b/c I'm nervous that there's going to be a huge crowd waiting to see DC and the rest of the Idols. This season was so popular and the fact that the concert is on a Saturday means that more people have the time to wait around to catch a glimpse of them.

So, that being said, what time are we planning on meeting? 9:30 still?

*Maria*

I think we should just give him the whole box of cereal.

Jul and I can probably bring some chips/pretzels.

Oh, and I'm bringing a mini iPod speaker that I got back in May at the finale after party. We can listen to our boyfriend as we wait in the heat for hours!


Hey Maria! That'd be great. As long as everyone brings a little something, I think we'll have a lot to hold us over for the day and not pass out/get grouchy in the sun. A few of us are parking at the hotel and meeting there at 9:30 and we'll head to the Allstate around 10 after we all get acquainted and everything.

Sounds like a plan! See everyone around 9:30 at the hotel...the Wyndam, right? I'll keep checking the board for any changes...

9:30 at Wyndam!! OMG I'm so excited!!!

Hey! Coming back to say hi. I'm not very good about posting in here am I? Sorry!

I feel so left out. hahahahahahahahaha

I think someone's mentioned it before, but where do you pay for the parking at Wyndham? Right when you drive in..or inside?

I think that Sammi said there was a paybox? You just stick cash inside of it according to which space you're in. I'm guessing, anyway.

Don't worry about paying for Krispy Kreme. I've got it. We're all sharing stuff, so that'll be my contribution (along with granola bars).

There's either a person or a box, can't remember which, but you pay outside without having to walk in.

I am so frustrated right now I don't even want to go anymore. I can't find the shirt I want, or even a (satisfactory) shirt, every idea I come up with of a gift someone's already got or I can't afford, and I have nothing to get signed. This is like the least excited I've been since I got tickets to the show months ago.

I already posted about this back on IDF a few minutes ago but I'll post again over here, mostly because this is where most of the planning is going on. Me and Heather work at a grocery store and were planning on stopping there before we hit the road and getting some goodies My friend also told me she could bring a cooler. If anyone wants me to bring them anything in particular, let me know Sangria would be good too


Sounds like a good solid plan Good weather, Great friends and David... Couldn't ask for a more perfect day

Okay, sounds good.

Are you sure?? I feel bad. That's a lot of donuts!




Aww, Sammi!! Just take a deep breath. It'll all come together. I'm sure whatever you get Cookie, he'll LOVE...:hug: You can have ANYTHING signed..even a piece of paper.

I really don't have anything for them to sign either.. just the TV guide but that's only the top 3. I'm thinking about printing off a top 10 picture, though.

Hey everyone! I'm kind of new to these boards & it's the first time I'm posting on them, although I did sign up on here a couple months ago & haven't posted anything since, but anyway, I have a few questions about this Saturday. (Don't get annoyed with me, cause I'm probably going to sound way stressed w/ this)

So I'm planning on getting to the Allstate around 10:30-10:50ish, is that enough time to get a good enough spot, since I heard about how many of you are planning a meet up, plus the other fan groups?
-I'm leery on what to wear, since I've heard about people making or buying t-shirts, but there probably isn't enough time left to buy a shirt like on cafe since shipping & all that other good stuff.
-Are some people planning on making & bringing signs? I'd like to make a sign, but I don't want to be the only person there holding up a sign, looking kinda weird, ya know?
-And, I'm not sure about getting David some sort of gift.

*If anyone can respond to this chaotic-sounding message, I'd really appreciate it, plus it'll calm my nerves down a bit.*

Thanks!

I'll be at the Wyndham at 0930 then - will bring a portable cooler with as much water as it will fit I will also chip in for donuts! (laughs)

One question - since we are going to be out there for hours it seems, is there a Bathroom??? LOL

PS - i plan on making a book for david filled with letters from fans - i posted it on my site if anyone wants to add their congrat's note to David!! The link is here. (send the letters to David to my email and i will put them all into a book )

I'm sure we can just run in McDonalds, IHOP, Target or wherever to use the restroom.

I would think we could run to the Wyndham since we're paying to park there!

I'm not taking a bathroom break unless it's an absolute emergency. I don't want to miss anything!

Penny, I'll write something up for that book before Saturday. Just remind us!

2 dozen at Krispy Kreme won't be that much. Don't worry about it!




I agree, don't feel bad, Sammi! I don't really have anything special for them to sign either. I'm just printing out some pictures from the internet. I'm also not wearing a DC or Idol related shirt. I'm wearing my regular clothes. So, you will not be alone if you decide not to make a shirt. This is going to be lots of fun! And like Jul said, anything you give DC or anyone will be appreciated. It really is the thought that counts.





Me either!! I hope the Wyndham will allow us to use their bathrooms before we head over.

We can officially count the days down on ONE hand!!!!!!!

I'm not wearing a DC related shirt either, just regular clothes. I couldn't find a DC shirt that I really liked, and didn't have time to design one.

I already bought the photo album for him. I just need to inscribe the inside.

I will try to take as many pics of him with all of us that are meeting together to cut down on how many people need to get photos developed before the show. We don't need to overload Target. And since we'll all be in the same place it should work. I'll try to keep track of who I get so everyone can autograph their page. I'm just nervous about getting to see him after the show to give him the album. Is everyone planning on going back to the buses after the show?? We'll have to try and pick a designated spot to meet after the show. All i want at that point is to give him the gift and then I'll get out of the way for people who still want to meet him.

I can't believe the show is only a few days away!! It's going to be so much fun. I need to get a list together of all the stuff I need to bring. I was also thinking of bringing a few of those camping chairs?? Is anyone else bringing some?

I bought some high quality photo paper and I'm going to print out some pics for him and MJ to sign, and then a pic of the top 10 for the rest to sign. Also I burned a copy of Analog Heart and one of MJ's CD's pre-idol and I'm going to have them both sign those.

I'm wearing a Cook-related shirt to almost every concert. If, for some reason the one that we ordered online doesn't come, I have a backup. Jul and I are making 2 shirts that we were going to wear in Indy and Cinci/Detroit. If the one doesn't come that we were going to wear to Chicago, we're going to have to wear normal clothes to one show (or wear a shirt twice.. don't worry, we'll wash it).

We'll definitely have to pick a meeting spot after the show because it's going to be chaos. The best way to get a spot after the show is to leave during the last song, so we may have to do that.

How many of us have the blue Allstate tickets? I know Jul and I do. I'm going to call them on my break at work today and see if they allow us to upgrade and pay the price difference.

What are the Blue Allstate tickets???? Not sure what I have...I know I'm in section 210, right by the stage.

They're blue and white with the Allstate logo printed on them instead of the peach/orange and yellowish ones from Ticketmaster. The blue and white ones are from the Allstate box office and you should be able to upgrade and pay a price difference, but the ones from Ticketmaster, you cannot. You have to buy totally new tickets. I'm calling the Allstate today to find out what their upgrading policy is.

This is the first I've heard of this upgrading. I bought my tickets through ticketmaster, but they're still blue/white..

I found a lead on the shirt I want(not a Dave related shirt) so hopefully I'm able to find one in store since getting it shipped to me on time is impossible!! Wish me luck!!


And btw Joy, I am in love with your photo album idea. and I will be outside after the show as well!

Sammi, I can't remember or not..will you be there before the show with all of us? If you are, then you will be included in the photo album...