Magical Mystery Tour 2017 (Wed/Thu prePAX adventuring)

punzie

2017 Magical Mystery Tour of San Antonio!
Twitter: @PAX_MMT

Who: You! And me. And other PAX peeps. AKA your future friends.
What: Visit interesting places in and around San Antonio.
Where: Schedule will be posted below.
When: The two days before PAX: Wed 1/25 and Thurs 1/26. Traditionally runs from 9am to 5pm but you don't have to do the whole thing. (Follow the twitter feed for live updates of where we are.)
Why: See something of San Antonio other than the convention center and your hotel. And do it with cool people!
How: Walking and San Antonio's public transit

Schedule
Wednesday:
09:30a meetup- Grand Hyatt front doors (600 East Market St)
Mission Concepcion
lunch at Schilo's http://schilos.com/?page_id=10
Japanese Tea Garden

Thursday:
09:30a meetup- Grand Hyatt front doors (600 East Market St)
zoo
lunch at Augie's http://www.augiesbbq.com/menu.html
Mirror Maze
Ripley's


Potential stops:
As new places are suggested, I'll add them here. Read them over, visit the websites, form an opinion, discuss their merits in this thread. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST NEW DESTINATIONS!
Prices listed are per each adult. Discounts are often given for children, seniors, students, and sometimes military.
Any notes about reservations are for my benefit.

13th Floor

What it is: a haunted house
Price:
Hours: 7pm-10pm
Additional Notes: I expect the usual jump scares. Not recommended for pregnant women or children under 12. Some rooms are able to be bypassed (in case they're too scary).

The Alamo

What it is: A mission and site of a battle between Texans and Santa Anna.
Price: free!
Hours: 9am-5:30pm

Alamo City Ghost Tours

What it is: An hour long walking tour of downtown San Antonio with ghost stories
Price: $15
Hours: 9pm
Additional Notes: They provide ghost hunting equipment, which is a cool bonus. But their website hurts my eyes and they apparently don't know the difference between "hung" and "hanged." Discounts for groups of 10 or more.

Amazing Mirror Maze

What it is: a mirror maze and laser obstacle course
Price: $11.99 for 1 attraction, $14.99 for both
Hours: 10am-7pm

Japanese Tea Garden

What it is:
Price: free
Hours: dawn to dusk

K1 Speed

What it is: indoor go-karting
Price: $19.99 for 1 14-lap race
Hours: 12pm-10pm

McNay Art Museum

What it is: an art museum housed in a Spanish Colonial-Revival house
Price: $10
Hours: Wed 10am-4pm, Thurs 10am-9pm
Website: http://www.mcnayart.org/

Natural Bridge Caverns

What it is: primarily 2 caverns to explore, this place also has a giant maze, canopy challenge, and some other activities.
Price: Depends on what you do. Most individual activities are around $20.
Hours: 9am-5pm
Website: http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/
Additional Notes: this requires some physical activity. Walking, stairs, and reduced lighting are involved.

Panic Room

What it is: a room full of puzzles. solve it and escape the room in the hour time limit. or not.
Price: $20 + tax
Hours: 2pm-8pm, rooms start every 2 hours
Website: http://texaspanicroom.com/sa/
Additional Notes: rooms can manage 4-10 people. if we don't fill a room, randos may purchase the other spots.

Rio San Antonio River Tour

What it is: 35-minute boat ride through the Riverwalk area of the San Antonio River
Price: $8.25
Hours: 9am-9pm
Website: http://riosanantonio.com/rivertours/

Ripley's Believe it or Not

What it is: a collection of oddities, wax museum, and a "4D" theater
Price: $20.99 for one attraction, $23.99 for 2, and $28.99 for all 3
Hours: 10am-8pm
Website: http://www.ripleys.com/sanantonio/
Additional Notes: discounts for groups of 12 or more

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

What it is: 38-acres of gardens. Look at the plant life!
Price: $10
Hours: 9am-5pm

San Antonio Zoo

What it is: A zoo. Look at the animals!
Price: $14.25
Hours: 9am-6pm

Sister's Grimm Ghost Tour

What it is: 1.5 hour walking tour of downtown San Antonio, with ghost stories.
Price: $15
Hours: 8:30pm
Additional Notes: Total walking distance is about 1.5 miles

Spring Loaded

What it is: a trampoline park. bouncy bouncy!
Price: $12 for 2hours
Hours: 3pm-9pm
Additional Notes: you have to watch a safety video and sign a waiver before you can play

Tower of the Americas

What it is: 750foot-tall tower with observation deck. Also has a 4d movie
Price: $10.95
Hours: 10am-10pm

Witte Museum

What it is: a museum about natural history, science, and south Texas
Price: $8
Hours: 10am-5pm
Additional Notes: Admission looks to be cheaper right now because of construction. That probably means fewer exhibits than usual.

punzie

As you finalize your travel plans, don't forget to come in early and wander the city with us!
Where do people want to go this year?

Note to self: don't have lunch at County Line again. They are delicious, but slow.

Christopher Huff

*Facepalm* This like seriously interests me. Like seriously. I already planned to arrive late Thursday conveniently when I can check in to my hotel and leave the day after PAX South ends but I guess I made a rookie mistake. My only goal of attending PAX is to have fun and this can only add to it.

freemantim

Wow, K1 Speed looks awesome. Too bad this year I'm coming in mid day Thursday

DigitalCarnage

sounds like fun but we will be traveling late Wed and getting in 22 hours later. :bigfrown: so It will be resting for us before PAX

GhostDan

You can always catch up with the tour mid-tour. Punzie is great about keeping the twitter up to date with where we are.

Christopher Huff

Actually, you can count me in for Thursday. I can shift some stuff around to leave earlier. Having never been to San Antonio before, I am extremely open minded as to whatever the events may be and a lot of them sound exciting/enjoying/relaxing in their own ways. How big have the groups been in the past? (Trying to gauge how the schedule is ultimately formed) I assume any outdoor events would have a alternate in case of inclement weather.

DigitalCarnage

we may be leaving around 2 pm now on Wed. so we will get there around 12 or 1 pm on Thursday. We may be able to join up after all albeit late.

punzie

We usually have around 10 people. It fluctuates throughout each day. I'll make a preliminary schedule beforehand (so speak up if there's something specific you want to see or do) but things tend to change during the tour depending on mood, weather, how cool a place actually is, etc.

cabsy

Punzie always does a bang up job on running these and I always feel guilty when I miss one, so we'll see what ends up getting chosen and maybe I'll actually get my ass out of bed on time this year

Christopher Huff

After much thought, I split the list into 5 different categories and listed my preferences from highest to lowest in each category. Hopefully that helps.


"Must Have" Group:
Panic Room
Amazing Mirror Maze
Spring Loaded
K1 Speed

Exploration:
Natural Bridge Caverns
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
San Antonio Zoo
Japanese Tea Garden

Museum:
Ripley's Believe it or Not
Witte Museum
McNay Art Museum

Chill:
Rio San Antonio River Tour
The Alamo
Tower of the Americas

Night Only:
Alamo City Ghost Tours
Sister's Grimm Ghost Tour
13th Floor

---

PS: Thanks for the err, "recommendation" regarding County Line. After looking it up, I decided I just can't resist eating there at least once during my stay.
Edit: K1 from top to bottom

GhostDan

punzie wrote: »

We usually have around 10 people. It fluctuates throughout each day. I'll make a preliminary schedule beforehand (so speak up if there's something specific you want to see or do) but things tend to change during the tour depending on mood, weather, how cool a place actually is, etc.

Yes. We will all forever call the museum of modern art the 'meh' visit.

StinkyTurd

Hmm hopefully you do ripleys on later on Thursday I'd love to go I still have my ticket from last year never made it to the Ripley's part only the wax museum which was great.

punzie

People always (ok all 2 years we've done south) seem to want to go to Ripleys beforehand and then when it comes time they decide not to. I don't have any interest so I'll maybe throw it in last thing in Thursday again (since I'll likely have to leave early again that day).
The zoo though is very cool. I think I'll plan on spending another half a day there again this year.
County Line really is delicious, they're very nice, and it's nice and convenient on the river walk. Just make sure you have 1.5-2 hours free.

StinkyTurd

Hmm maybe I'll see if my Ripley's ticket is still valid it is supposed to be good for 1 year and then hit that county line buffet thing. Also the was museum portion of Ripley's is a good 40 minutes - 1 hour long and really cool can't speak for the Ripley's part though since I ran out of time with the prepax game night.

Christopher Huff

Haha, well had I found out about PAX earlier, I would of at least put a dent in your negative history. :P I don't bail out of plans once I make them. I'll rather be dead honest with somebody and say that I'm not interested rather than make promises I can't keep.

T-minus 3 weeks and counting! I look forward to the final cut on what makes the Thursday block. So excited!

GhostDan

punzie wrote: »

People always (ok all 2 years we've done south) seem to want to go to Ripleys beforehand and then when it comes time they decide not to.

I went to the riples in san antonio last year. I've been to the one in vegas and the one in NYC. The San Antonio one is in 3rd place to those other 2. Just not as much stuff and not as well presented.

punzie wrote: »

The zoo though is very cool. I think I'll plan on spending another half a day there again this year.

You just want the cock to keep yelling at me.

edit: fixed bbcode

punzie

GhostDan wrote: »

You just want the cock to keep yelling at me.

Hashtag: cocks against ghostdan

Puritysan

Oooh, ooh! I have a suggestion! There's a little place known as Bier Garden on the riverwalk, underneath ripley's (it's even near their gift shop). They have beer, and HUGE Royal Bavarian Pretzels served with Beer Cheese that is to DIE FOR.

The food's prettty good too. And it's not a wallet breaker.

Krathoon

I will not be able to do this until the second day. Put the cool stuff on the second day. :P

I may be able to catch part of the first day. It just depends on how early I get in.

Is there free travel around downtown San Antonio?

TylerDLutz

Hey Errbody!

If y'all are interested and can make it to the Castle, I can give y'all a tour of Rackspace. Just let me know before hand and I can schedule something.

Also, if you're going to eat BBQ, don't go to County Line. There is a place on Broadway not too far from downtown called Smoke Shack that is pretty damn good. Also, Dignowity Meats on Houston st. is fantastic as well.

Also, if you like books, there is a string of book stores all within walking distance of each other on Broadway by Smoke Shack that are great for used/rare/interesting books:
Cheever Books
Half Price Books
Antiquarian Book Mart

For fancy cocktails/ambiance try:
The Last Word on Houston St. downtown

For beer:
Big Hops on Austin st.
Burleson Yard Beer Garden on Austin St.


I'm also part of the Alamo Beard Club if anyone beardos wanna hangout!

Just wanted to stop in and drop some of my favorite places as a local. Hope you enjoy San Antonio!

Cheers!

chibiachika

Panic Room sounds great to me. Sadly I won't be there until after noonish on Thursday

MagnusCarter

I shall once more be around for the MMT and as always, happy to do whatever.
If we're doing the panic room again, can we do the one we didn't do last year.

punzie

Good News! The panic room changed its stories/puzzles/events/scenarios/whatever. So we can escape from jail or find the blueprints for AI. That was a good time. I'd like to go there again. As long as I don't have to be the person with the walkie talkie again.

So, about K1... Do you want to go bad enough to spend 1.25hrs on the bus each way and pay $20/race? I suspect not, but I could be wrong.

Ok, here's what I'm thinking for a schedule:
Wed:
Japanese Tea Garden
lunch at Augie's http://www.augiesbbq.com/menu.html
zoo

Thu:
???
lunch at Schilo's http://schilos.com/?page_id=10
Panic Room
Mirror Maze
Ripley's

StinkyTurd

Mmm schools hmm maybe I can meet up with the tour there I was planning to go for lunch when there when I get up on Thursday anyway and the panic room seems super cool.

Jaym4n

It -really- depends on when it ends up being, but I've always wanted to do a panic room. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on it.

Christopher Huff

punzie wrote: »

So, about K1... Do you want to go bad enough to spend 1.25hrs on the bus each way and pay $20/race? I suspect not, but I could be wrong.

Assuming this was targeted at me, no my desire is not that great when you factor in the commute time and cost for about a 5 minute race. I may have let the Mario Kart/competitive side of me get the best of me when listing my preferences in my "Must Have: Group" category. I'll go ahead and edit my previous post to correct for that.

GhostDan

While I'm sad I'll probably miss the zoo on wednesday (although I may swing by after I check in) I'm looking forward to thursday

AztdkMom

I would love to be included Thursday Afternoon, but depending on when lunch is, I might need to catch you guys at panic room.

zeale

Missed the West one due to a late Thursday arrival time but I should get to see you guys this time around!

punzie

Good news: Ghostdan found a groupon for the zoo.

Bad news: It looks the panic room is in a new and inconvenient location. 1 hour 15mins on the bus?? We just walked to it from the convention center last year.
I'm looking into either pairing it with K1 (if they're in the same direction) or visiting some of the missions that aren't the Alamo.

punzie

OK we can take the bus to Mission Concepcion to take the 10:30 guided tour. It's in a national park with some other missions so we can hang around there until we feel done. https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

New proposed schedule:
Wed:
Japanese Tea Garden
lunch at Augie's http://www.augiesbbq.com/menu.html
zoo

Thu:
missions
lunch at Schilo's http://schilos.com/?page_id=10
Mirror Maze
Ripley's

Do we like that? Do we want the days swapped? Opinions! I need them!

cabsy

punzie wrote: »

OK we can take the bus to Mission Concepcion to take the 10:30 guided tour. It's in a national park with some other missions so we can hang around there until we feel done. https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

New proposed schedule:
Wed:
Japanese Tea Garden
lunch at Augie's http://www.augiesbbq.com/menu.html
zoo

Thu:
missions
lunch at Schilo's http://schilos.com/?page_id=10
Mirror Maze
Ripley's

Do we like that? Do we want the days swapped? Opinions! I need them!

swap days so I can go to the zoo!

chellers

You can sub the panic room with http://greatroomescape.com/san-antonio/ ? They have a groupon, too.

Krathoon

I might be able to catch up with you guys at the zoo. I will probably be getting in at 1pm on Wed.

Krathoon

Do you guys ride the bus to the zoo or is there some other kind of transport?

punzie

punzie wrote: »

How: Walking and San Antonio's public transit

Yep, we'll be using the bus. I just google directions as we go, so that's my suggestion to you as well

This was an excellent reminder for me to tell everyone to bring cash. Small bills and change are very helpful on the bus, since normal 1-way fare is $1.30 and they don't give change. I also found this link to buy day/week passes. I'm buying 2 days passes now so I'll be set for Wednesday and Thursday: http://www.viaonlinestore.net/

Christopher Huff

I found this on the website:

"If you purchase your e-fare Day Pass on the bus, you must let your driver know you want to buy a Day Pass before inserting any money into the farebox. Your Day Pass will be dispensed, activated and stamped with an expiration date on the back. On subsequent trips that day simply swipe and go."

You still need cash, but can bypass having a card mailed to your home if the postal service isn't too good in your area and/or avoid paying shipping fees.

Christopher Huff

punzie wrote: »

OK we can take the bus to Mission Concepcion to take the 10:30 guided tour. It's in a national park with some other missions so we can hang around there until we feel done. https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

New proposed schedule:
Wed:
Japanese Tea Garden
lunch at Augie's http://www.augiesbbq.com/menu.html
zoo

Thu:
missions
lunch at Schilo's http://schilos.com/?page_id=10
Mirror Maze
Ripley's

Do we like that? Do we want the days swapped? Opinions! I need them!

What if I told you I wanted the days swapped? :P I haven't had bbq in a long time and would love to visit the animals! 8-)

Nah, but I'll remember that MMT is a two day event for all future PAX conventions

punzie

The only people who spoke up are those who want the days switched. So consider them switched! Will update schedule in OP later.

punzie

I rekajiggered the schedule again. I'm not so interested in Ripley's so I want it Thursday afternoon when I'm least likely to be there. (I usually have other things to take care of on Thursday.)

Wed:
missions
lunch at Schilo's http://schilos.com/?page_id=10
Japanese Tea Garden

Thu:
zoo
lunch at Augie's http://www.augiesbbq.com/menu.html
Mirror Maze
Ripley's