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  #1  
Old 01-29-2009, 01:11 PM
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Default Sun-n-Fun on a budget

I've never been there. But I would like to go this year. I was reading their official website and different accounts of people who visited Sun and Fun previous years. What I would like to know is how much approximate budget could be this year?
Is it comparable to Oshkosh or should I plan more money?
Are there accomodation types like they have in Oshkosh? College dormitories, private housing or other affordable options?
Is it possible to commute to/from the grounds without renting a car?

I like to plan all my trips and visits in advance. This way I can arrange my vacation time at work and find the best way to get to Lakeland from New York/New Jersey area. Also if somebody is heading down south, please let me know, I would gladly share expenses.
Would appreciate any tips from seasoned visitors.
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  #2  
Old 01-29-2009, 01:56 PM
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Well, here's my thoughts, YMMV.

-- Costs are about the same for food and such (at least the last time I went which was 2003), so if you use the same numbers you used for OSH you should be fine
-- IMO housing is kind of an apples and oranges comparison to OSH (I use to live only 30 mins away form Lakeland so admittedly I haven't explored all the possibilities), because Lakeland is roughly 45 min East of Tampa on I-4 and 45 min West of Orlando on I-4 so there's a bajillion hotel rooms available. Also, as it's a Spring event (and not Spring Break) school will still be in session so dorms are a non-player. It's also a smaller event (maybe a 1/3 to 1/2 of an OSH attendance depending on whose numbers you believe) so the competition for housing is much less.
-- The Hotels around the area may have shuttles, otherwise there's not that much around the immediate vicinity of the airport -- I'd recommend renting a car if your budget can swing it.

That's sort of a "local's" perspective, so hopefully a veteran attendee that's traveled to be there will chime in with solid advice.
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  #3  
Old 01-29-2009, 02:03 PM
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Default S&F

Camping is very popular also.Food is available on the grounds.
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  #4  
Old 01-29-2009, 02:13 PM
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I've always stayed in Orlando, it's an easy drive to Lakeland, about 40 minutes and a bunch more hotels and dining. Plus if you add a few days you can do the Disney/Epcott thing. Food on the airport is your usual overpriced but not bad quality. The coffee lines in the morning are too long!! I always liked Sun n Fun, it was much easier to get to talk to the vendors but some don't attend, I think Stein sat out last year. It's a nice show, parking isn't bad as long as someones catalytic converter doesn't set the parking lot on fire
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Old 01-29-2009, 03:17 PM
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First, I'll admit I haven't been to S&F for a while, but I believe it isn't the value that Oshkosh is. Kinda like paying the same for half the product. Perhaps the best thing is getting away from the weather here up north, but it is improving by that time anyway. Not bashing S&F, but if you can afford the time and money for only one (and why else would you be asking) I would consider Oshkosh. NOTHING tops Oshkosh!

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  #6  
Old 01-29-2009, 03:37 PM
wvshooter wvshooter is offline
 
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Default sun and fun

I've never been to Sun & Fun but I did visit the museum once. Gotta say it was disappointing. Guess I was expecting too much. FWIW the Dayton Ohio air museum is a show stopper and its free.
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  #7  
Old 01-29-2009, 04:01 PM
Ron B. Ron B. is offline
 
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Rick S.
No chance of grass fires last year, parking lot would more closely resemble a swamp.
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  #8  
Old 01-29-2009, 04:18 PM
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Bob,
I am going to Oshkosh anyway, I stayed there the whole week in 06 and 07, but I missed 08 and it was enough. Going this year. Budget of twelve hundred is already approved Why I am asking about S-n-F? I would like to see myself what it looks like at Lakeland.

RickS,
Excellent idea about Disney. JSC is just around the corner too. But all this requires a car. Gotta think.
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  #9  
Old 01-29-2009, 06:29 PM
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Default Sun-n-Fun

Vlad I have been to Sun-n-Fun every year sense 1995. I have only been to Osh 3 times in that same period. It seams to me that SNF has a grass roots feal to it that Osh doesn't, at least for me.... Camping is the way to go for me.. If you stay in the Orlando area the hotels and food are much better but you will need to plan for the Rental car....You have to plan to be there for the Night Air Show on Friday night it is always awsome...Jet Blue Air Line has some affordable rates from JFK to TPA book ahead I fly back and forth from TPA to JFK they have free direct tv at every seat. Fly Jet Blue it pays my bills thank you!!!!!!
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  #10  
Old 01-29-2009, 06:50 PM
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Default Thanks for tips Richard

Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberpilot10 View Post

... Camping is the way to go for me.. If you stay in the Orlando area the hotels and food are much better but you will need to plan for the Rental car....You have to plan to be there for the Night Air Show on Friday night it is always awsome...Jet Blue Air Line has some affordable rates from JFK to TPA book ahead I fly back and forth from TPA to JFK they have free direct tv at every seat. Fly Jet Blue it pays my bills thank you!!!!!!
Never flown JetBlue though, gotta try.
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