So we've got the pax trains to Boston, how about organized trains home? Or does everyone just sorta do whatever for the ride home? It'd be nice have a set line to ride home to hang out with fellow paxers on.
What line you will be on: Megaman -> Metal Gear
Name: Tom "TOGSolid" Loughead
Location: Ketchikan, AK
Boarding Stop: Seattle, WA
Ticket Purchased: N (Waiting for an east coast buddy to verify that he has a hotel booked. I payed for it last time damnit.)
TOGSolid on
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited December 2010
People do their own thing for the way home, because different people spend different amounts of time in Boston after PAX. Some leave the next day, and other stay for an extra day or four. It's impossible to have a set line to ride home because of this. There are, however, only so many trains home (depending on which way you're going), so the chances to be riding home with other PAXers is high, especially if you leave the day after.
Line: Sonic
Name: Lady Amalthea (aka. Tara) and four others
Location: Rockville, MD
Boarding: Washington, DC
Purchased Ticket: Yes
We are all really excited to go! This will be our first Pax trip. Quick Question: Everyone says to bring a DS, what games should we have with us?
I'm from Rockville too
Last time we played a TON of mario kart, so that's essential. After that bring any multi-player game that allows downloading for people without the game.
My East Coast buddies have all bailed on going to PAX and decided to go to MAGFest instead. Due to this, I will not be attending PAX East so scratch my name off the train list.
Besides, I need to save my duckets so that I can move to a different city (not for work, mostly just to party more).
Name: kevindoc
Location: Deptford, NJ
Boarding: Philly, PA
Purchased Ticket: Not Yet
Haven't bought tickets yet. Since I'm going solo this year, I'm waiting on a room share and someone, or a group, to make the trip with. Also posted in the toom share thread, send me a message if you have an opening! Thanks!
Yes. We are going to be forcing you to stay before we fly to chicago. Their handles are Zedarius, Bitstream, and qapf, btw. Zedarius doesn't post on forums. And we probably won't train the entire way cuz we has jobs.
but... US Domestic air travel is scary. There's porno scanning and cavity searches and invasive groping and... Wait... I've just shot my argument in the feetz haven't I?
<ahem>, think of poor lonely prof. pangloss, alone in the train without any company, mustache (cos in my head all professors have a big white mustache) drooping in despair. Can you live with that on your conscience?
ColdbrewDown in Front ProductionsLake Stevens, WARegistered Userregular
edited December 2010
Moe, you might as well remove me from the list. As much as I want to do this again, it's going to cost way too much. A sleeper room from Seattle-Chicago went up at least $100 since last March and there's no way I'm sitting in coach the whole time.
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Goose!That's me, honeyShow me the way home, honeyRegistered Userregular
edited December 2010
The PAXTrain going from NY has to arrive in boston at 8pm?
The PAXTrain going from NY has to arrive in boston at 8pm?
I think I'll be missing out again.
This is exactly how I feel. I was debating taking the train since I flew in for East 2010. I just don't want to arrive at 8pm. Too many things can go wrong with the train/hotel/etc and I don't think I want to deal with that the night before PAX.
Still debating though because it seems really fun. I'd love to be more social at 2011. However it looks like I'll probably fly again or possibly drive up if my other half is here. I don't see the point of taking one of the earlier trains if no one else from here is on it.
Alright, this is my first PAX East, and first major train trip. My family took the Amtrak to Chicago, the Blue Water Line, which I don't think counts. I'm also a Rail Fan, so this trip is right up my ally. Anyhow, I don't get the format, so I'm going to kind of do my own thing. I promise it will be readable. Just a couple questions though. Are the line names for group discounts? Also, what day are you all planning to be in Boston? I'm looking at Thursday night. In addition, which station?
Tickets Purchased: No.
Line: Blue Water 365
Name: Phantom of Night
Location: East Lansing, MI
Boarding: East Lansing, MI on Thursday morning
Layover in Chicago
Line: Metal Gear (48 Lake Shore Limited)
Location: Chicago Union Station
Boarding: Wednesday Night
Layover at Albany-Rensselaer
Line: Metal Gear (448 Lake Shore Limited)
Location: Albany-Rensselaer
Boarding: Thursday Afternoon
Thanks in advance for the help. I will bring Fluxx, and I think I still have some Fluxx Blanx. That ought to make things interesting. I look forward to seeing you on the train!
Line: Metal Gear (448 Lake Shore Limited)
Name: Luigi
Location: Rochester, NY
Boarding Stop: Rochester, NY
Ticket Purchased: Once I get my room situation all sorted out.
What line you will be on: Sonic Line
Name: Squill2k4 + 3 others (girlfriend, her friend, and SidiousX)
Location: Richmond, VA
Boarding Stop: Washington, DC
Ticket Purchased: Not yet, will be doing so soon.
Moe, or someone in the know - is it OK to start a separate thread for each train line, or should we keep any/all posts related to ETA in here?
I'm thinking of posting a thread for the Sonic line to figure out who is planning on bringing what games. I have Mad Scientist University, Munchkin (+Need for Steed), Fiasco, maybe a few others. I could bring my D&D books, but I have a ton of them and they start to get heavy real quick. REALLY wish they had pdf versions I could put on my iPad (like Shadowrun).
I also have a DS Lite, with Dragon Warrior (haven't started yet) and Pokemon SS (although I stopped playing about halfway through). I could bring some magic cards but I only have a few of the duel-decks, I stopped buying boosters and whatnot around the time Mirage came out.
flatline on
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
@zerzhul and @bigsassy - Thanks for the recommendations! I'll be sure to look for a cheap Dragon Quest (I already have Mario Cart). See you on the train!
If anyone's on the Metal Gear line, I noticed when I was going in to book the return trip that the price actually decreased from what it was a few months ago when I bought my ticket. Might be worth checking again. You can cancel and rebook (probably in the other order) and get your money back within a few days.
Brand new here, excited to be going to my first PAX. Long time train rider though... it should be quite fun w/ this many like-minded people!!
What line you will be on: Metal Gear Name: David Moffitt (Dave is fine) Location: Rochester, NY Boarding Stop: Rochester, NY Ticket Purchased: Today! W00t
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ProprietyPAX Pokemon League Leader!Registered Userregular
edited January 2011
Listen up, Sonic Liners! I don't know why it's not on the advertised specials page, but apparently, there's a 20% off promotion for all Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and Lake Shore Limited trains going to Massachusetts.
Listen up, Sonic Liners! I don't know why it's not on the advertised specials page, but apparently, there's a 20% off promotion for all Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and Lake Shore Limited trains going to Massachusetts.
Ugh, it looks like the price for the 176 Northeast Regional (Sonic Line) just increased :-(
Not for me it hasn't. It's still saying 49 dollars for Newark to Boston, which is what it was a few months ago.
It went up if you're coming out of Washington DC, went from $70 to $93. Blah, I had to skip out and switch to a plane ticket, it's cheaper. I didn't want to but the people coming with me couldn't afford the $23 price increase.
Bought my tickets! And for less than if I had gotten them earlier. Now I just need to figure out what to use my leftover plane tickets on.. maybe the next Prime in the fall.
Listen up, Sonic Liners! I don't know why it's not on the advertised specials page, but apparently, there's a 20% off promotion for all Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and Lake Shore Limited trains going to Massachusetts.
That's the link. Hit the "Book It Now" button on the right to get the discount.
It only works for the train TO Boston... but for me, the return train was much cheaper anyway. Hope that helps!
ANYWAY. I have purchased my train tickets! So I am an official YES for the Sonic line!
I'm getting higher price quotes when using this deal then I do otherwise. I get the feeling that the 20% MA discount is overriding the 25% Early Booking discount, which seems to be applied automatically otherwise.
Listen up, Sonic Liners! I don't know why it's not on the advertised specials page, but apparently, there's a 20% off promotion for all Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and Lake Shore Limited trains going to Massachusetts.
That's the link. Hit the "Book It Now" button on the right to get the discount.
It only works for the train TO Boston... but for me, the return train was much cheaper anyway. Hope that helps!
ANYWAY. I have purchased my train tickets! So I am an official YES for the Sonic line!
I'm getting higher price quotes when using this deal then I do otherwise. I get the feeling that the 20% MA discount is overriding the 25% Early Booking discount, which seems to be applied automatically otherwise.
Except, for some reason, I don't get this when I choose Philly to BOS.... I get $85, instead of the $59 it says it should be. What's curious is the RETURN trip was indeed $59 dollars.
There's something seriously shitty about the Amtrak website... the fact that they don't give you the lowest price of all available promotions is some serious stupid. I might have to call in and check. If they're advertising a rate, they'd best honor it... we could probably get the difference charged back to our cards.
EDIT: there's also this bullshit: "Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all trains at all times." Which means because we're all booking on the 176 Northeast Regional, we may be reducing the number of seats and driving the price higher automatically.
Propriety on
That guy with the ridiculously long scarf at PAX. Say Hi!
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
I live in Allentown, PA and I'd love to hit up the PAX Train. However transport to philly is an issue. IF anyone is going by Allentown on the way down there, or past A-Town to NYC, and is willing to pick me up, let me know and I'll pick up a ticket. Otherwise... I fly alone.
Thanks,
ZHH
P.S. Send me a PM because I'll notice it faster.
P.P.S. Also: If a philly resident would be willing to pick me up either wednesday or thursday morning, or if anyone picks me up, I'll be willing to throw in gas money for the trouble.
My apologies to those who waited too long to buy their tickets...
That said, for those of us who are going to be on the train, is there a plan for food yet? I will probably have some snacks on the way up, but we are getting in too late to participate in the Pre-PAX Dinner on Thursday night. Anyone up for our own semi-organized dinner+drinks?
flatline on
East 2014 Status: Badge [ Friend got it ] Hotel [Crappy] BYOC [YES] Transport [ ] Name on Forum Badge [ ] Challenge Coin [ ]
Out of curiousity are we going to try and get the rides back scheduled this year? We never got around to it last year, and I for one would like to have one last bit of gaming goodness for the trip home.
Lugh Lamfhada on
Too much paprika.
Shit! Too much paprika! WHY IS THERE SO MUCH VOMIT IN THIS HAT?!
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited January 2011
We don't do that because different people have different schedules coming back. Some stay an extra day or more, some fly back, etc. Scheduling people rides back would be logistically impossible.
Posts
What line you will be on: Megaman -> Metal Gear
Name: Tom "TOGSolid" Loughead
Location: Ketchikan, AK
Boarding Stop: Seattle, WA
Ticket Purchased: N (Waiting for an east coast buddy to verify that he has a hotel booked. I payed for it last time damnit.)
Location: Union City, NJ
Boarding Stop: New York City, NY
Ticket Purchased: N
Name: Lady Amalthea (aka. Tara) and four others
Location: Rockville, MD
Boarding: Washington, DC
Purchased Ticket: Yes
We are all really excited to go! This will be our first Pax trip. Quick Question: Everyone says to bring a DS, what games should we have with us?
Though I won't be on the train, I'm guessing Mario Kart and Dragon Quest IX will likely be popular.
I'm from Rockville too
Last time we played a TON of mario kart, so that's essential. After that bring any multi-player game that allows downloading for people without the game.
Besides, I need to save my duckets so that I can move to a different city (not for work, mostly just to party more).
Location: Deptford, NJ
Boarding: Philly, PA
Purchased Ticket: Not Yet
Haven't bought tickets yet. Since I'm going solo this year, I'm waiting on a room share and someone, or a group, to make the trip with. Also posted in the toom share thread, send me a message if you have an opening! Thanks!
I think almost 3000 more Kilometers is simply a bridge too far at amtrak speeds for most people, which is a great shame.
<sad smerk wipes tear>
What line you will be on: Sonic
Name: Nullzone
Location: Manassas, VA
Boarding Stop: Washington, DC
Ticket Purchased: Not yet. Soon!
A list of things, should you be of the gifting persuasion
A list of things, should you be of the gifting persuasion
I think I'll be missing out again.
This is exactly how I feel. I was debating taking the train since I flew in for East 2010. I just don't want to arrive at 8pm. Too many things can go wrong with the train/hotel/etc and I don't think I want to deal with that the night before PAX.
Still debating though because it seems really fun. I'd love to be more social at 2011. However it looks like I'll probably fly again or possibly drive up if my other half is here. I don't see the point of taking one of the earlier trains if no one else from here is on it.
Tickets Purchased: No.
Line: Blue Water 365
Name: Phantom of Night
Location: East Lansing, MI
Boarding: East Lansing, MI on Thursday morning
Layover in Chicago
Line: Metal Gear (48 Lake Shore Limited)
Location: Chicago Union Station
Boarding: Wednesday Night
Layover at Albany-Rensselaer
Line: Metal Gear (448 Lake Shore Limited)
Location: Albany-Rensselaer
Boarding: Thursday Afternoon
Thanks in advance for the help. I will bring Fluxx, and I think I still have some Fluxx Blanx. That ought to make things interesting. I look forward to seeing you on the train!
Name: Luigi
Location: Rochester, NY
Boarding Stop: Rochester, NY
Ticket Purchased: Once I get my room situation all sorted out.
Name: Squill2k4 + 3 others (girlfriend, her friend, and SidiousX)
Location: Richmond, VA
Boarding Stop: Washington, DC
Ticket Purchased: Not yet, will be doing so soon.
Name: Lugh Lamfhada
Location: Fairfield, VA
Boarding: Charlottesville, VA
Ticket: Yes
And I am now joining the traveling circus. I shall be the sad clown.
Shit! Too much paprika!
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH VOMIT IN THIS HAT?!
I'm thinking of posting a thread for the Sonic line to figure out who is planning on bringing what games. I have Mad Scientist University, Munchkin (+Need for Steed), Fiasco, maybe a few others. I could bring my D&D books, but I have a ton of them and they start to get heavy real quick. REALLY wish they had pdf versions I could put on my iPad (like Shadowrun).
I also have a DS Lite, with Dragon Warrior (haven't started yet) and Pokemon SS (although I stopped playing about halfway through). I could bring some magic cards but I only have a few of the duel-decks, I stopped buying boosters and whatnot around the time Mirage came out.
Not for me it hasn't. It's still saying 49 dollars for Newark to Boston, which is what it was a few months ago.
What line you will be on: Metal Gear
Name: David Moffitt (Dave is fine)
Location: Rochester, NY
Boarding Stop: Rochester, NY
Ticket Purchased: Today! W00t
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Content_C/1246042714351/1237405732514
That's the link. Hit the "Book It Now" button on the right to get the discount.
It only works for the train TO Boston... but for me, the return train was much cheaper anyway.
ANYWAY. I have purchased my train tickets! So I am an official YES for the Sonic line!
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
Thanks - I've been trying this discount unfortunately on the Downeaster it seems to not be working on the days I'd need for PAX.
It makes me jealous that my Maine to Mass railroad adventure doesn't have a swanky videogame themed nickname.
It went up if you're coming out of Washington DC, went from $70 to $93. Blah, I had to skip out and switch to a plane ticket, it's cheaper. I didn't want to but the people coming with me couldn't afford the $23 price increase.
@Durinthal
I'm getting higher price quotes when using this deal then I do otherwise. I get the feeling that the 20% MA discount is overriding the 25% Early Booking discount, which seems to be applied automatically otherwise.
Except, for some reason, I don't get this when I choose Philly to BOS.... I get $85, instead of the $59 it says it should be. What's curious is the RETURN trip was indeed $59 dollars.
There's something seriously shitty about the Amtrak website... the fact that they don't give you the lowest price of all available promotions is some serious stupid. I might have to call in and check. If they're advertising a rate, they'd best honor it... we could probably get the difference charged back to our cards.
EDIT: there's also this bullshit: "Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all trains at all times." Which means because we're all booking on the 176 Northeast Regional, we may be reducing the number of seats and driving the price higher automatically.
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
I live in Allentown, PA and I'd love to hit up the PAX Train. However transport to philly is an issue. IF anyone is going by Allentown on the way down there, or past A-Town to NYC, and is willing to pick me up, let me know and I'll pick up a ticket. Otherwise... I fly alone.
Thanks,
ZHH
P.S. Send me a PM because I'll notice it faster.
P.P.S. Also: If a philly resident would be willing to pick me up either wednesday or thursday morning, or if anyone picks me up, I'll be willing to throw in gas money for the trouble.
That said, for those of us who are going to be on the train, is there a plan for food yet? I will probably have some snacks on the way up, but we are getting in too late to participate in the Pre-PAX Dinner on Thursday night. Anyone up for our own semi-organized dinner+drinks?
Name: Daniel Frueh
Location: Schenectady, NY
Boarding Stop: Schenectady, NY
Ticket Purchased: No
Shit! Too much paprika!
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH VOMIT IN THIS HAT?!