Seeking Advice for OBH2

[delso13]

Hello Friends-

I am looking for advice about the One Big Holiday experience from someone who attended the event this year. Just a basic overview or rundown about do's don'ts and just what to expect.

I am flying down from NYC, not sure if im going solo yet or with friends.
Cost is definitely a concern, meaning its already an expensive trip but how much should I expect to spend once I'm there?

Would it pay to wait in hopes of someone pops up on here who needs to cancel? Maybe I could help someone out and save a few bucks in the process?

Apologies if this info can be found elsewhere, but I thought connecting here would be a good bet.

Huge fan, have been seeing the guys since 2008 and listening for about 10 years. I have several shows under my belt including NYE in 08 and the Cap Theatre run in 2012

Any advice would be very much appreciated. THANKS!

[gluvmiller]

You should expect to spend more than you want to get to the resort from the airport whehter it's through Cloud9 or a taxi. Both have valuable reasons to choose. I want to say in the $50 range per person round trip through C9. You def want to take a good share of small dollars ($1s, $5s and $10s) for tipping. I have a family of 5 so i need to tip more and more often and I'll take somewhere around $200 - $250. You're told you don't need to tip, but you will get treated MUCH better if you do. I'm a big proponent of Steve Martin's character in My Blue Heaven. I don't belive in tipping, I believe in over tipping. You get better service, stronger drinks, better room & maid service, etc. And then consider "party favors" if that's your thing. VERY accessible on resort. Be aware you'll get less than full portions and charged a little more than expected, but still be completely satisfied. Obviously this perception also is determined by your local sources in the States. Personally coming from Colorado, our sources for all party favors are exceptional. So other than transportation and tipping you don't really need to spend any money. You can go on an excursion that costs extra. And then souvenirs. This year's poster was great. I wasn't so impressed with the shirts, but that's completely subjective.

In the end, you will DEFINITELY NOT regret going. It was nothing short of spectacular. We made friends we met at OBH that I expect will now be friends for life. I would be concerned about banking on someone backing out this late for you to book their reservation at a discount. There are much more rooms sold out at this point than at the point in time this past year.

[delso13]

Thank you. This is exactly what i was looking for.

If anyone has anything else to add please feel free.

I will book through cloud9 and not wait

[APR]

I second the advice from gluv.  About $100 ground transportation round trip to resort (Cloud 9 has the exact figure) plus a lot of small bills for tips.  There is a tax you will pay due to spending the resort credits.  But that shouldn't be much even if you use all of the credits.  No other costs unless you pay for an excursion or merch.

If you really want to go on the trip then book it.  You will NOT regret it.  My wife, who didn't go for the music last year, had a blast and we're going again (even though she isn't going for the music this time around either).

There were a few people last year who couldn't make it and were offering their spot for less than full price.  Like any show or anything people plan for far in advance,  some people will have other obligations and won't be able to go.  That will more than likely happen again for OBH2, and it could be a win win by taking that person's room.

[pattilovesmmj]

When I spoke with Cloud 9 a few weeks ago there was a $69.00 charge to/from the airport.  Supposedly the bus comes straight from the hotel, and again takes you back to the airport.  Seems the safest way and easiest way to get there, though I was not there last year.  I haven't been there since my honeymoon 25 years ago and back then it was taxi's 
They asked that when you book your flight, you go back into your Cloud 9 account and input your flight information so that they know what time to pick you up.
At least, this is what I was told.....

[walterfredo]

how convenient was the bus shuttle through cloud9?  Seems like it would be pain with people arriving at different times.  Also, we decided to arrive in Cancun the day before the first show just in case we had travel issues, so I assume we would then have to make our way from wherever we end up staying in Cancun back to the airport to catch the shuttle?

[gluvmiller]

how convenient was the bus shuttle through cloud9?  Seems like it would be pain with people arriving at different times.  Also, we decided to arrive in Cancun the day before the first show just in case we had travel issues, so I assume we would then have to make our way from wherever we end up staying in Cancun back to the airport to catch the shuttle?

We haven't used the C9 shuttle because we have 5 of us. At $69/person it's more economic for us to rent a car esp because we find a cheap place in Tulum to go to after the music. But this is our 4th C9 excursion and everyone I know that has used the C9 shuttle has been happy with it. Also, they will provide the shuttle the day before the first show. So yeah, that Friday the 30th there will be a shuttle from C9.

[APR]

how convenient was the bus shuttle through cloud9?  Seems like it would be pain with people arriving at different times.  Also, we decided to arrive in Cancun the day before the first show just in case we had travel issues, so I assume we would then have to make our way from wherever we end up staying in Cancun back to the airport to catch the shuttle?

They operate the shuttle a day or two before OBH starts and after it ends.  It was very convenient.  Tons of car services/drivers hassle everyone in the airport trying to get business.  It wouldn't be fun negotiating with them.  It was very easy to look for the guy holding the OBH sign and checking in with him.  We had to wait at least 30 minutes before getting on the shuttle but it wasn't a big deal standing around in good weather getting to know other fans who were also waiting.

[rincon2]

The shuttle is a piece of cake. The only problem is without a car, I felt trapped in an alcohol soaked Disneyland with no access to the beach. Keep in mind first timers, there is no beach there, or within walking distance. I never considered the pee lagoon to be a beach.

[jaye]

how convenient was the bus shuttle through cloud9?  Seems like it would be pain with people arriving at different times.  Also, we decided to arrive in Cancun the day before the first show just in case we had travel issues, so I assume we would then have to make our way from wherever we end up staying in Cancun back to the airport to catch the shuttle?

The shuttle was very easy, and there are hotels close to the airport that have free shuttles to/from the airport so really shouldn't be a problem. 

[gluvmiller]

If you haven't already seen this video recap from this year, it's very well done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UunTRb0LlG0

[MattyJD]

What is checking in like? I know it says you can't check in until 3 and my flight gets in around 11:00AM that day. I was wondering if anyone knows how lenient they are about checking in early? I figured it might be kind of chaotic with lots of people flying in that day and I would like to get settled in before the show that night if possible.

[gluvmiller]

What is checking in like? I know it says you can't check in until 3 and my flight gets in around 11:00AM that day. I was wondering if anyone knows how lenient they are about checking in early? I figured it might be kind of chaotic with lots of people flying in that day and I would like to get settled in before the show that night if possible.

We stayed in Cancun the night before we checked in so we got to the resort between 9 and 10am. We were able to check in to the point we got our credentials/wristbands and hang out until our room was ready which wasn't until early afternoon. We had a place at the check in building to leave our luggage (we did take important items with us) and then we went swimming and went to one of the restaurants and ate. Check in went very smoothly. Cloud9 is very good at what they do.

The one issue was with Furthur's Paradise Waits before OBH this year, but that was due to the resort not being completed with their transition to a Hard rock resort. They had a wicked long wait to check in the day of the first show. This was out of C9's control. Now a year later I expect the resort to be fully up to par.

[MattyJD]

What is checking in like? I know it says you can't check in until 3 and my flight gets in around 11:00AM that day. I was wondering if anyone knows how lenient they are about checking in early? I figured it might be kind of chaotic with lots of people flying in that day and I would like to get settled in before the show that night if possible.

We stayed in Cancun the night before we checked in so we got to the resort between 9 and 10am. We were able to check in to the point we got our credentials/wristbands and hang out until our room was ready which wasn't until early afternoon. We had a place at the check in building to leave our luggage (we did take important items with us) and then we went swimming and went to one of the restaurants and ate. Check in went very smoothly. Cloud9 is very good at what they do.

The one issue was with Furthur's Paradise Waits before OBH this year, but that was due to the resort not being completed with their transition to a Hard rock resort. They had a wicked long wait to check in the day of the first show. This was out of C9's control. Now a year later I expect the resort to be fully up to par.

Awesome. Thanks for the info!

[rincon2]

From landing in Cancun, going through customs, getting my luggage, hopping on the bus, driving to the resort, checking in and getting wristband, and being escorted to my room, I swear it was less than 2 hours. And that includes a 45-50 mile drive.

[walterfredo]

I would highly recommend to anyone who opts to not take the shuttle to have your transportation figured out before you arrive. That airport is a f'n zoo after you go through customs and step outside the terminal. It's no joke, and can be completely overwhelming with people come at you in all directions trying to convince you to come with them. It's intense, and the airport employees are no help in providing info.

[rincon2]

Really the only reasons not to take the bus is if you want your own car to get around the area, or like Garrett, you have a large party and other means are cheaper. Otherwise, the bus is easily the wisest choice.

[gluvmiller]

I would highly recommend to anyone who opts to not take the shuttle to have your transportation figured out before you arrive. That airport is a f'n zoo after you go through customs and step outside the terminal. It's no joke, and can be completely overwhelming with people come at you in all directions trying to convince you to come with them. It's intense, and the airport employees are no help in providing info.

At the same time there is a stand selling cocktails to your right as soon as you walk out of the terminal and I recommend grabbing one to go IMMEDIATELY!

[MMJ612]

Hello Friends-

I am looking for advice about the One Big Holiday experience from someone who attended the event this year. Just a basic overview or rundown about do's don'ts and just what to expect.

I am flying down from NYC, not sure if im going solo yet or with friends.
Cost is definitely a concern, meaning its already an expensive trip but how much should I expect to spend once I'm there?

Would it pay to wait in hopes of someone pops up on here who needs to cancel? Maybe I could help someone out and save a few bucks in the process?

Apologies if this info can be found elsewhere, but I thought connecting here would be a good bet.

Huge fan, have been seeing the guys since 2008 and listening for about 10 years. I have several shows under my belt including NYE in 08 and the Cap Theatre run in 2012

Any advice would be very much appreciated. THANKS!

Looks like you got some great advice from GLuv and APR.  Just to expand on what APR was saying about the credits.  Most rooms come with a $500 resort credit (I think the fancy rooms get a bit more) that can be used at the spa, for excursions, or a few other things.  If you use the credits, there is a 20% tax for each dollar spent.  Thus, if you spend the whole $500 you will be billed $100 when you check out.  If you are flying solo, cut those numbers in half.  It's going to be a blast!!

[slappymoe]

Keep in mind first timers, there is no beach there, or within walking distance. I never considered the pee lagoon to be a beach.

is this the pee lagoon?  doesn't look all that yellow to me.

so the resort is on the water, but no natural sand between the two?