SolidWorks World 2009: Get Your Bearings

by Josh on February 2, 2009 · View Comments

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So, this year’s illustrious SolidWorks World is being held at the Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. That’s a small dog kick* away from the Epcot Center and Disney World.

Some of you could be dropped in the everglades, legless and blindfolded and still make it on time to the first general session Monday morning. The rest of us like maps and familiarity with our surroundings in case a quick escape is needed.

Here’s the break-down for where all the Conference activity is happening. Print and pack with ya. If there’s something you’re still wondering about, like secret entrances or Starbucks, ask away.

Area Maps
If you’re flying in, you’ll most likely land at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Here’s the route to the Swan and Dolphin. It’s about 20-25 minute drive in good traffic.

View Larger Map

Here also is an Interactive map of Disney and surroundings. This can show you where Orlando area restaurants and shopping are.

The Swan and Dolphin Resort and Hotel
Here’s the overview of the hotel area. The Dolphin is the building at the top. The Dolphin Meeting Space is where the Conference will be held. Click to enlarge and print.

The Dolphin Conference Center
Most of your time will be spent in the Dolphin Conference Center. Three levels – Ground, Lobby and Ballroom level. You’ll probably get a map of everything there. In the meantime you can familiarize yourself with bathroom locations and emergency exits. Click to enlarge and print.

dolphin-levels

Other details
Weather – The forcast for February
Airport Info – Orlando International Airport
Discount Shuttle Coupon – Round trip transportation to and from the airport to the Swan & Dolphin (save you $4 off the $33 price/adult and $26 price/kids (4-11) – yourself $29 rountrip. You and wife – $58. Taxi would be about $60

*I don’t endorse kicking small dogs… unless it’s a cartoon or done graphically as a commercial for soccer

{ 17 comments }

Rod_Uding February 2, 2009 at 7:35 am: Seeing this post causes a big sigh. Since I won't be there, I will be dependent upon the twitter feeds and blog posts from everyone. Just wait till 2010 though.
Charles Culp February 2, 2009 at 8:18 am: What size bearings do we get? are they Timken?
bigmikeo February 2, 2009 at 8:37 am: I'm pretty excited about going, never been to a SolidWorks World. I'll be in town for another conference so I'm doing both, alternating days. Should be good an tired Thursday night on my way home.
Josh M February 2, 2009 at 9:03 am: We'll keep you covered Rod! At least you'll know where we're reporting from!
Josh M February 2, 2009 at 9:05 am: I prefer NTN or Swiss for skateboard wheel bearings. at least these are free bearings Charles and they don't taste greasy when you put'em in your mouth.
Josh M February 2, 2009 at 9:07 am: Knowing how busy you'll be at just SolidWorks World, that sounds INSANE. ha! good luck man. see ya there!
Rod_Uding February 2, 2009 at 9:34 am: You will be reporting from a place that is much warmer than Saint Louis and
will be hanging with a very, very, very large group of SW geeks. I am so
jealous and yet happy for all of those who will be there. I'll just have to
console myself each evening with a cold and frosty adult beverage.
bigmikeo February 2, 2009 at 9:52 am: Is there a SolidSmack meeting?
diverso February 2, 2009 at 10:03 am: Thanks fpr doing our homework Josh, see you there.
Josh M February 2, 2009 at 10:46 am: we'll tip one of those beverages your way as well!
Josh M February 2, 2009 at 11:02 am: Nothing official. If we did have something we would just sit there staring each other or laughing at everyone else. ask me for a sticker, they're beautiful.
Brian February 2, 2009 at 12:07 pm: Cool, thanks for doing the research on this! Now I won't have to wander around aimlessly until I see someone I know! LOL!

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!
TX80 February 2, 2009 at 3:50 pm: never been to SWW before and i'll be there this year. im local so this post is redundant BLEHHHH
Josh M February 2, 2009 at 4:21 pm: hey man! well let me know if I missed anything! See ya there!
TX80 February 3, 2009 at 12:01 pm: heo yeah. we'll go grab a beer or something.
TX80 February 3, 2009 at 1:01 pm: heo yeah. we'll go grab a beer or something.

talk about aerospace crap, honeycombz, discontinued nas parts lol.
TX80 February 3, 2009 at 6:01 pm: heo yeah. we'll go grab a beer or something.

talk about aerospace crap, honeycombz, discontinued nas parts lol.