RCCGB FORUM Message Board for Members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain to discuss club events and all things theme park related.    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Join! (free) >   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  USA 2008 KOASTER KRAZY Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9  Next          RCCGB FORUM Forum Index -> USA Trips View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message Tom Kiddie Poster Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Bradford, W.Yorks Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:28 pm    Post subject: Does anyone know if ATMs in the US are likely to allow me to make withdrawals on my Maestro card? Mooching around on the net suggests it's part of the cirrus network which is also owned by mastercard and therefore should be ok but if anyone has any other info that would be swish. Back to top amigasat Kiddie Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Haltwhistle, Centre of Britain Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:42 pm    Post subject: Maestro is a worldwide 'Switch' and is treated as such and you should be able to use it at many outlets. The card will be accepted at most ATM's if it has a 'Cirrus' logo on it, which is usually found on the back of the card. The only problem is most banks charge a 2.75% conversion fee so getting currency before you go is usually the best option be it cash / travellers cheques / currency card. Dollar Travellers Cheques are treated like cash in the states, you can cash them in anywhere. Say you have a purchase of $9 and cash a travellers cheque value $50. You simply get $41 change in cash. Hope this helps. Dave _________________ www.amigasat.eu/trips2008.html Next Trip : 3rd October 2008 - Loopathon : Nottingham Goose Fair Back to top bradpeet Junior Poster Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 80 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:43 pm    Post subject: I have used a Maestro card in the States without problem. Although it might be worth a quick call to your card issuer if you have never used it abroad before.  I found that the citibank machines do not charge a fee for withdrawals on my card (most ATMs in the States do make a charge) Back to top Paul H. Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 116 Location: Scarisbrick, Lancashire Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:19 am    Post subject: amigasat wrote: Just to let you all know to get the most value for money or dollars I have found a Currency Card operated by Newcastle Building Society called The Caxton FX Card. It has better rates than Travelex which I found to be the cheapest for cash & travellers cheques. You load the card as if you were buying currency. It operates as a Mastercard so can use it anywhere you see the symbol. There are no charges for using it for purchases, only for ATM withdrawals but this is a one off fee of $3. It isn't a credit card. You can get 2 cards, one for the Dollar and one for the Euro, and my colleague saved over £18 when loading his card with 1000 Euro's!! compared with Travelex's rates. The card costs an initial £10 but this is loaded onto the card when you first load it with currency so there is actually no cost at all. I've ordered both a Euro Card & Dollar Card. Check them out at http://www.caxtonfxcard.com/ Have Fun and see you all soon at Newark! Dave Thomas Cook have a similar card......there is no set up charge and any ATM withdrawal costs $2.50. You can of course use it as a payment card. _________________ RCCGB Mem no 948   Don't look at me I'm a monster Back to top The Judge Kiddie Poster Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 26 Location: North East Lincs Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:11 pm    Post subject: Cedar Point The Rib Shack Thinking of my belly already whos up for the ribshack just off the park grounds near the lake for some tea. I really enjoyed it last time i was there. (hope its still there) although a full belly on TTDC is not reccomended. (but still awesome). _________________ life moves too fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you just might miss it. Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 369 Location: Hampshire Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:17 pm    Post subject: Do you mean Famous Daves Barbeque on the marina, I'm drooling just a the thought of their dustbin lid platter. Incidentally the guy who owns Famous Dave's has jsut opened an indoor water park in Illinois, his first venture into attractions. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Nimmykins Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 548 Location: Brighton Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:44 pm    Post subject: Tom wrote: Does anyone know if ATMs in the US are likely to allow me to make withdrawals on my Maestro card? Mooching around on the net suggests it's part of the cirrus network which is also owned by mastercard and therefore should be ok but if anyone has any other info that would be swish. I'd definitely check with your bank about deals with US outlets. Barclays has a no-fee arrangement with Bank of America and Scotia Bank in Canada. _________________ Sarah RCCGB member - 2132 Plus four travelling coasters including Olympia Looping and Eurostar. Back to top Big Stevie B Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1110 Location: Greenwich, London Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:37 pm    Post subject: Are we stopping off for a park or ride on the first day there? Because i contacted Sesame Place close by to the first two nights hotel and they said it was okay for us to go and tick there coaster. They sent back saying it was a children's/family park but that's cool! lol Its open till 9pm if people are not tired or doing something else. Like sleeping the journey off! lol If we arrive in a decent time to get a few hours in, we are off to grab the tick. I Google maps all the parks we are doing. Close by parks and coasters and WALMARTS! lol (In case i need more replacement cameras! lol) Not long now! Woohoo! Looking forward to my New York trip too. Roll on USA. _________________ www.freewebs.com/big-Stevie-b/ MICHAEL JACKSON! THE LEGEND WILL CONTINUE! Photo Site www.flickr.com/photos/stevie-b/collections/ RCCGB No. 2293 Back to top Rob.Lloyd Kiddie Poster Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Staffordshire Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:21 pm    Post subject: Think its off to Hooters the first night for some boob credits _________________ RCCGB -1937 Back to top coaster-andy Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 184 Location: Crick ,Northants Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:02 pm    Post subject: Rob.Lloyd wrote: Think its off to Hooters the first night for some boob credits I second that thought lol. _________________ El Toro My 200th coaster and first USA coaster (Also member of roll back club on TTD 2) RCCGB Member NO 1960 Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 208 Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:39 pm    Post subject: coaster-andy wrote: Rob.Lloyd wrote: Think its off to Hooters the first night for some boob credits I second that thought lol. I'll 3rd it too   _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top USfriends Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 103 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:28 am    Post subject: Will that count for two credits?   _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top Coaster Police Hyper Poster Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 229 Location: Poole Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:35 pm    Post subject: Big Stevie B wrote: Are we stopping off for a park or ride on the first day there? Because i contacted Sesame Place close by to the first two nights hotel and they said it was okay for us to go and tick there coaster. They sent back saying it was a children's/family park but that's cool! lol Its open till 9pm if people are not tired or doing something else. Like sleeping the journey off! lol If we arrive in a decent time to get a few hours in, we are off to grab the tick. I Google maps all the parks we are doing. Close by parks and coasters and WALMARTS! lol (In case i need more replacement cameras! lol) Not long now! Woohoo! Looking forward to my New York trip too. Roll on USA. Steve, Did they say you could do it for free? We have also looked into this park, and if it's not free, it's $47.50 each for 1 basic coaster. Not the cheapest, but depends on how keen you are for the scratch Let me know, as it's on our agenda also. Thanx _________________ Matt Coaster Police RCCGB : 2163 My Coaster Pics Site:- http://mdw.fotopic.net/ Back to top Big Stevie B Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1110 Location: Greenwich, London Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:50 pm    Post subject: Well if we are all off the same direction thats cool. No, they never said it was free. This is the main part of the reply email. "Thank you for contacting Sesame Place with your questions.  We allow groups into the park at any time.  You can find a park schedule at: http://sesameplace.com/sesame/pa/parkinfo_hours.aspx You might be interested in taking advantage of our Twilight Admission, which on June 7th, on a 10-8PM operating day, would start at 4PM and are price at $29.50 each. I also feel the need to tell you we are geared for children between the ages of 2-13.  This includes our roller coaster, the Vapor Trail.  The Vapor Trail is meant to be a transition roller coaster to slowly introduce children to faster rides they may find in other parks. If you have any questions prior to your visit please feel free to email us or contact us via phone at 215-428-3766." So the price is a bit better for our tick. Plus get to meet Oscar and Big Bird and ELMO! en it! yay. _________________ www.freewebs.com/big-Stevie-b/ MICHAEL JACKSON! THE LEGEND WILL CONTINUE! Photo Site www.flickr.com/photos/stevie-b/collections/ RCCGB No. 2293 Back to top ccp Kiddie Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 29 Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:34 pm    Post subject: steve,matt sesame place the place that has big bird oh no that's hooters on the links below are some pics and info http://www.rcdb.com/id487.htm http://www.rcdb.com/ig487.htm at least it's not mega small! vapor trail.........interesting name  reminds me of the dog fart coaster there's a much better park 35miles ish 1hr away from hotel park is open till 9pm, it has a real top 5 coaster made of wood i have the tick although the coasters name has been changed 3 times! chris Back to top Big Stevie B Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1110 Location: Greenwich, London Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:42 pm    Post subject: If we could arrange transport that fit in with Nev`s plans i would be up for extra coasters and parks. But 35 miles? Is that, that Clairmont Park? _________________ www.freewebs.com/big-Stevie-b/ MICHAEL JACKSON! THE LEGEND WILL CONTINUE! Photo Site www.flickr.com/photos/stevie-b/collections/ RCCGB No. 2293 Back to top ccp Kiddie Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 29 Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 6:55 pm    Post subject: Big Stevie B wrote: If we could arrange transport that fit in with Nev`s plans i would be up for extra coasters and parks. But 35 miles? Is that, that Clairmont Park? steve, i agree it's quite away about 1 hour's drive max. it was just an idea as i know you like your ticks yep it is clementon   the woodie was tsunami then j2 now puma in 06 it was flying chris Back to top Wildthing Kiddie Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Gillingham Dorset Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 11:03 am    Post subject: Hi just for your info Clementon is open until 9pm and the coaster is now called Hellcat(about the 4th name change).  It seems a long way to go for 1 coaster but it is WOOD!!!  Also entry price is $32.99 + tax (about £20)  Hope this helps your decision whether to go or not. Back to top Coaster_Police Kiddie Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 30 Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:11 pm    Post subject: Vapor Trail - Sesame Place If anybody is interested in going to Sesame Place to ride the Vapor trail on the first night in America on the Koaster Krazy tour, I am looking into organising a mini-trip. The park is about 8-9 miles away from the hotel. Looking at leaving the hotel around 6pm, having an hour at the park and getting back to the hotel by 8pm. The park is designed for children under 13, so an hour should be plenty of time to do the coaster and have your photo taken with Big Bird and friends. If enough people are interested, we may be able to negotiate a better rate than $29.50 for our visit. If this is your first visit to the USA, you may want to wait until the following day and ride Kingda Ka as the first coaster on your trip. Unless of course you want the tick/scratch If interested email me at mark_blundellATntlworld.com Replace the AT with @ _________________ Protecting Counts Around The World Specifically Chertsy TTD Rollback Member [TWICE] Back to top frosty Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 165 Location: London Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:01 am    Post subject: As it's my first US trip, club or otherwise, once we were all settled into the hotel I was going to go with the flow and see what Nev and the group has in mind - it's all going to be an amazing adventure for me! Now there's dustbin platters, a vapour trail, hellcat and more to consider _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08 Back to top amigasat Kiddie Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 49 Location: Haltwhistle, Centre of Britain Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:07 am    Post subject: Nev and a few of us will be off to the casino!! Dave _________________ www.amigasat.eu/trips2008.html Next Trip : 3rd October 2008 - Loopathon : Nottingham Goose Fair Back to top frosty Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 165 Location: London Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:51 am    Post subject: I may tag along to that. Perhaps the extra coasters could fit between settling in and the late evening festivities. I'll definitely have to try and get some rest on the flight. Just don't gamble the trip tea-shirt ! _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08 Back to top smiler Mega Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 352 Location: Cheltenham Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:15 am    Post subject: Im going to sesame place as to get that extra coaster tick in as then would be well over the 200 coaster mark by the end of the trip. Well looking forward to it now. Just a quick question I probs ask before. Ive got some rechargable batteries for me camera and the charger unit. If I want to charge them over in america then will that be ok. Ive got the adaptor and everything but will they charge as good as they do over here? See you at the airport everyone     _________________ Naked roller coaster world record holder 2004 Biggest ghost hunter record holder 2006 Photos updated (18/08/0 Carters steam fair Weston / Oakmud Flicr photos update (18/08/0 Video update (11/08/0 Back to top Sir_LANs-a-lot Kiddie Poster Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 30 Location: In a queue line somewhere probably.. Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:52 am    Post subject: As long as you have a suitable UK->US adapter for your camera, it should charge just fine. I took mine over on each trip and had no problems. _________________ [Sir_LANs-a-lot] Back to top Coaster_Police Kiddie Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 30 Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:01 am    Post subject: The extra coaster is designed to fit in between arriving at the hotel and the evening festivities. You should have around a couple of hours at the hotel to relax with a drink or enjoy the pool before going on down to Sesame Place. This is of course subject to everyone clearing immigration and customs in a reasonable time. As for your recharable batteries, is your charger a multi-voltage charger. ie 230V/110V America works on 110V AC. If it's only 230V, then they will not charge to their full potential _________________ Protecting Counts Around The World Specifically Chertsy TTD Rollback Member [TWICE] Back to top coaster-andy Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 184 Location: Crick ,Northants Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:43 pm    Post subject: It sounds good to me but if I add that coaster as my first USA coaster then I need to drop 1 UK coaster as I am at 198 hoping for 200 as first ERS coaster. So I would have to really think on this one but if a load are going then I am sure I can skip 1 UK coaster. I have just thought it is 6 weeks Saturday till we go or 45 days from today not to make anybody think have I done this or that yet   _________________ El Toro My 200th coaster and first USA coaster (Also member of roll back club on TTD 2) RCCGB Member NO 1960 Back to top coaster-andy Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 184 Location: Crick ,Northants Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:54 pm    Post subject: On another subject.I don't now who has insurance sorted yet but I did mine through Moneysupermarket.com and got mine for £10.95 I am with columbus  travel insurance. Might be worth thinking on and something I can pass on to other newbies of the trip. _________________ El Toro My 200th coaster and first USA coaster (Also member of roll back club on TTD 2) RCCGB Member NO 1960 Back to top Rough Rider Hyper Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 208 Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 5:17 pm    Post subject: amigasat wrote: Nev and a few of us will be off to the casino!! Dave Can't wait................as long as there is a bar in there? As if I didn't know.HA!! Not long now guys.....Can't wait  To meet in the bar at terminal 5?..................or will that be 4, 3, 2, or 1? _________________ Were no sissy's.......were "Ruffy Tuffy Rough Riders" DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 369 Location: Hampshire Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 5:24 pm    Post subject: Hey Ryan I hear Hellcat at Clementon is as rough and nasty as the love of your life Clown Coaster, sure you don't want to join Stevie B for a side trip? I hear Advil could do with the extra sales.   Shame I won't be able to join you on this one, still I can ride quality coasters like Flying Fish and Shockwave while you're over there. _________________ Marcus RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. Latest addition: 17/10/07 Oktoberfest 2007 NEW VIDEO JULY 2008 Waldameer video added to You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/MagicProductionsVids Back to top Coaster Police Hyper Poster Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 229 Location: Poole Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:21 pm    Post subject: HAHA! i was wondering when Ryan and Bar would appear in the thread after the seasame scratch, i'll be at the bar also... _________________ Matt Coaster Police RCCGB : 2163 My Coaster Pics Site:- http://mdw.fotopic.net/ Back to top Coaster_Police Kiddie Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 30 Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 7:13 pm    Post subject: Vapor Trail - Sesame Place Just to remind everybody, I am looking into organising a mini-trip to Sesame Place on the first night of the trip if you are interested. The park is about 8-9 miles away from the hotel and has 1 small coaster. Looking at leaving the hotel around 6pm, having an hour at the park and getting back to the hotel by 8pm for the evening activities. The park is designed for children under 13, so an hour should be plenty of time to do the coaster and have your photo taken with Big Bird and friends if you want. If interested email me at mark_blundellATntlworld.com Replacing the AT with @ _________________ Protecting Counts Around The World Specifically Chertsy TTD Rollback Member [TWICE] Back to top Big Stevie B Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1110 Location: Greenwich, London Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 7:42 pm    Post subject: Will send email some time after Tuesday. So look forward to it lol Just been busy with other stuff. How are you going then? Ie, for if we would like longer than one hour in the park? Taxi? _________________ www.freewebs.com/big-Stevie-b/ MICHAEL JACKSON! THE LEGEND WILL CONTINUE! Photo Site www.flickr.com/photos/stevie-b/collections/ RCCGB No. 2293 Back to top