30th National Garden Railway Convention (NGRC 2014)
30th National Garden Railway Convention
Monday May 5,
Visit beautiful Tavares, Florida to begin your journey back in time. Our station, on the shores of Lake Dora in Wooton Park, is where you’ll get you will board the train. You will travel in vintage coaches pulled by our 1907 2-6-0 steam locomotive.
We make memories! Our staff is dressed in period costumes and you are stepping back in time. Take photos, enjoy the stories and narration of the Tavares, Eustis & Gulf Railroad Conductor, and return with priceless memories to share for a lifetime. Our movie train gives you the opportunity to ride on the actual train that starred in many award winning motion pictures including: “True Grit”, “Appaloosa”, “3:10 to Yuma”, “There Will be Blood”, “Rosewood”, and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”. Ride in the coaches where famous stars such as Robert Redford, George Clooney, Patrick Swayze, Jodi Foster, Ed Harris, Renee Zellweger, Vigo Mortensen, and Hailee Steinfeld once posed. Great family entertainment!
Tuesday May 6,
*The Magic behind Our Steam Trains tour grants railroad enthusiasts an once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch as the Magic Kingdom theme park train crew prepares the Walt Disney World Railroad steam trains for their daily operation.
The 3-hour tour starts with a unique opportunity to enter Magic Kingdom theme park before it opens to the public. You'll accompany the railroad engineers as they ready the massive steam trains for another day of active service. Get the chance to see the backstage roundhouse where the trains are stored and serviced to keep them in impeccable working condition. Ride the rails as your guide shares with you how Walt Disney's lifetime love of steam trains led to his decision to give them a starring role circling Magic Kingdom theme park.
The Magic Kingdom railroad trains are all meticulously restored antique freight trains. The 4 trains—named Lilly Belle, Roy O. Disney, Roger E. Broggie and Walter E. Disney—were built in the United States around the turn of the 20th century and taken to Mexico. They enjoyed long careers working for the United Railways of Yucatan hauling sugarcane, until they were spotted by Disney scouts in 1969 and brought to Walt Disney World Resort for opening day on October 1, 1971. They have been happily circling the 1.5-mile track around the Theme Park ever since.
Please keep in mind that The Magic behind Our Steam Trains is an outdoor tour, so be sure to check the weather report and dress appropriately.
The Magic Kingdom at Disney World features some of the most iconic and classic rides. From Dumbo to It's a Small World to Space Mountain, this park has an attraction for every member of the family. Divided into six themed lands (Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, and Main Street USA), this park closely resembles the layout of the happiest place on Earth: Disneyland in California. The Magic Kingdom is not only the most visited park at Disney World, but also in the entire world.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is an old-fashioned dinner show that includes foot-stompin' music, nostalgic comedy and an all-you-care-to-eat dinner at Pioneer Hall in Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Get ready for good, ol' country fun!
A long-time family favorite, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is hosted in a rustic dance hall, with rousing Wild West dancing, singing, and zany vaudeville comedy. You never know what to expect from the high-spirited Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long and Jim Handy.
As the Pioneer Hall Players perform skits and early song standards, equally sassy Cast Members serve your countrified feast. Between laughs, chow down on pails of all-you-care-to-eat American favorites like fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, seasonal vegetable, baked beans, fresh baked corn bread and strawberry shortcake. Unlimited draft beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks are included for Guests 21 years of age or older (proper ID required).
As the performance rounds out, you may be asked to join in the finale—a musical tribute to Davy Crockett. Your inner bumpkin just might emerge. Bring your whole clan of kin folk and join the frolicking fun of this folksy extravaganza.
*Children must be 10 years of age are older to participate on this outing.
This tour is very limited, make your reservations now.
Wednesday May 7,
Busch Gardens is a thrilling African safari and a sun-soaked Florida vacation all rolled into one. Experience up-close encounters with wild animals, and explore fascinating attractions based on cultures and legends of faraway lands.
A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring nearly 3,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.
Dealer Hall opens, Ice Cream Social, Gravity Races, Train Knowledge contest
Thursday May 8,
Layout tours – See some of the country’s finest G-gauge layouts anywhere. These layouts are located on the west coast and in central Florida. This is a unite experience to visit with the people who have constructed and maintained these model Railroads. There is a small charge to ride on the bus or you can visit them for free if you drive yourself.
Dealer Hall opens, Gravity Races, Train Knowledge contest
Friday May 9,
Layout tours – See some of the country’s finest G-gauge layouts anywhere. These layouts are located on the west coast and in central Florida. This is a unite experience to visit with the people who have constructed and maintained these model Railroads. There is a charge to ride on the bus or you can visit them for free if you drive yourself.
Dealer Hall is open to the public, Train Races, Train Knowledge contest
Saturday May 10,
Garden Railroad Tours, Take this time to visit more of the finest layouts you can see anywhere. Enjoy a beautiful drive in Central Florida seeing a lot of historic land marks.
Dealer Hall Open to Public
Banquet: The Banquet will add the finishing touches to the week’s events with lots of entertainment. Please
Plan to attend and have a wonderful visit to the Tampa Bay area.
HOTEL INFO
This event is hosted at the Embassy Suites Tampa –USF located near the University of South Florida. A half mile from Busch Garden - Adventure Island, Tampa Bay Theme Parks, James A. Haley Veteran Hospital, Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and University Square Shopping Mall.
Here is our list of included amenities during your stay at Embassy Suites Tampa USF:
• Complimentary Cooked-to-order Breakfast from 6:30am to 9:30am Mon-Fri, and 7:00am to 10:30am Sat-Sun
• Complimentary Manager's Reception in our Comp Area each evening from 5:30pm to 7:30pm • Complimentary State of Art Fitness Center, • Complimentary Business Center, •Complimentary USA Today® (M-F), • Complimentary High Speed internet access in our public area, • Two Flat Panel televisions, one in each room, • Two line telephones with voice mail,
Embassy Essentials™ Bedding Collection provides luxurious comfort and support, • Microwave Oven, • Mini Refrigerator,• Coffee Maker (with Coffee and Tea), • Iron and full size Ironing Board, • Outdoor pool
There is Complimentary Self-Parking. Check in is 3:00pm with check out at 12:00 noon. No pets are allowed at this hotel. The Hotel does provide a free shuttle service up to 2 miles from the hotel.
If you are flying into Tampa International Airport there is a Bus and Super Shuttle service to the hotel prices are very reasonable.
Directions & Transportation: From I-275 traveling north (from Tampa International Airport) or traveling south, exit on number 51 (old exit 34) Fowler Ave. Travel east 2 miles. Hotel is on the left after the intersection of Fowler and 30th street. From I-75 traveling north (from Sarasota/Ft. Myers/Naples) or traveling south (from Gainesville/Ocala) to exit 265 (old exit 54) Fowler Ave. Travel west 4 miles. Hotel is on the right after the main entrance to University of South Florida. From Orlando take I-4 West to I-75 North and exit 265 (old exit 54) Fowler Avenue and follow directions above.
Cost for your stay is $129.00 per night. Make your reservations early. The room blocks go off March 6, 2014. The cost of the rooms after March 6 will become the Going Rate.
Embassy Suites Tampa – USF
3705 Spectrum Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33612
Tel: 1-813-977-7066 Fax: 1-813-977-7933
You may contact Joyce Turner Director of Sales at Embassy Suites USF to reserve your room. Here is her information:
Joyce Turner
Director of Sales
Embassy Suites Hotel
3705 Spectrum Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone: 813-977-7066 ext. 2020
Direct Line: 813-903-6620
Fax: 813-903-6600
For more information questions please e-mail Michael Setzer at setzermichael@hotmail.com or Wendy Setzer at wendy.setzer@yahoo.com. You can also check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/events/108772135883287/ or https://www.facebook.com/#!/2014NationalGardenRailroadConventionTampaFl
