For our second project, Chris and I have decided to create a WikiTravel Itinerary for the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut. The theme of our itinerary will be along the lines of "A Day at Foxwoods"- a planned a day at the largest casino in the United States. We toyed with the idea of targeting the guide towards the under-21 age group, but we thought that may limit the amount of content we can include in the itinerary.
The itinerary I was assigned to analyze, "Culver City and Palms on Foot", is a scenic walking tour of a historic area of Los Angeles. The guide plans a fairly short but detailed look at this less-explored area of the city and neighboring Culver City. This itinerary is targeted towards travelers familiar to Los Angeles or people with a love of historic Hollywood. The strength of this itinerary is in its focus: although not dense in content or actual activities, the author lays out a complete route through this seemingly beautiful part of Los Angeles. Because of the concise structure of the itinerary, it does not leave much room for criticism, since it details your trip step by step.
The 'Understand' and 'Prepare' sections of the itinerary are left blank, most likely because of the detailed subject of the guide. Perhaps the author could have included a brief history in the 'Understand' or a few local tips in 'Prepare' section. The 'Get In' section is well-done, displaying multiple routes from many directions. The majority of the article is the 'Walk' section, which is a step by step tour of Culver City and the Palm. Because of the guide's detail, it is able to discuss and explain the importance of each stop on the tour. Many of the sites have to do with Hollywood and movie history, which gives form to the itinerary's target audience. My only qualm with the guide would be that it only gives things to see rather than do.
Draft:
Understand:
Opened in 1986 as a Bingo Hall, Foxwoods Resort Casino has come a long way in its thirty-five year history. Now the largest Casino in the United States, Foxwoods serves as an entertainment destination for thousands everyday. Although the title "Resort Casino" typically invokes thoughts of gambling and adult entertainment, Foxwoods is a destination for all ages. Between the dozens of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, Foxwoods has something for everybody. Whether you are trying to hit it big on one of the 7,200 slot machines or just play in the hotel's two-story arcade -- Foxwoods Resort Casino has enough to keep you coming back for more.
Prepare
If you plan on staying the night (and you should) remember to book your room well in advance. There are three separate hotels adjoining the casino and a number of others in the surrounding area. While the hotels neighboring the casino often times have more affordable rooms and offer coupon books with your stay, the convenience of having a room on-site can be invaluable. Reserved a month in advance, rooms in the adjoining hotels can be had for as low as $129.00 per night with longer stays resulting in a discount to the nightly fee.
Bring a few outfits or, if you prefer, do some shopping while you're there. There's no dress code per se (at least not on the main floors of the casinos or the concourse) though some of the dining establishments and clubs do require "proper attire".
Remember, this is a casino. The proprietors want to get as much money out of you as they possible can. While you don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself here, it's pretty much the name of the game. Please keep that in mind.
Getting There:
From Boston:
Take I-95 South to Exit 92 in Connecticut. Go straight at the stoplight. At the next stoplight, turn right onto Route 2 West for eight miles. Take the Foxwoods Blvd exit.
From New York:
Take I-95 North to Exit 92 in Connecticut. Turn left onto Route 2 West for eight miles. Take the Foxwoods Blvd exit.
From Providence:
Take I-95 South to Exit 92 in Connecticut. Go straight at the stoplight. At the next stoplight, turn right onto Route 2 West for eight miles. Take the Foxwoods Blvd exit.
Morning (Afternoon)
Check in is at 4PM every day of the week, except for Sunday, when it is at 5PM. Take this into consideration when deciding on the time you'd like to arrive. While it's nice to get there in the morning and grab breakfast or hit the spas you'll have to keep anything you can't carry on you in your car until check in. Is it worth arriving late the night before so you don't have to worry about that? That's up to you. In any case, both self and valet parking are available, another consideration if you'll be bringing more to the hotel than you can carry on your person.
If you've spend a considerable amount of time on your way here you may want to relax a bit before you head into the casinos or decide to dine. Take a shower (or a bath), relax for a bit, and think about what you'd like to eat tonight and how you'd like to dress. After that's taken care of, make your way to the hotel lobby and ask the concierge about any specials events or promotions. These can range from anything from free shows to free game play when you sign up for a loyalty card.
Evening
If you enjoy gambling, now is the time to be heading to the gaming tables (or the slots, if that’s more your cup of tea). Now that everyone has had a bite to eat and satisfied their hunger they’re heading to the tables to satisfy their need to gamble. This is when the casino is at it’s liveliest and -- arguably -- most exciting. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll win and the odds are almost always against you, listen to what the dealers have to say. The dealers are hoping that you’ll win big and tip them when you do, so your losing is almost as bad for them as it is for you. Additionally, so long as you’re at the tables (or slots) waitresses will be coming by to take orders for refreshments. The drinks are free as long as you’re playing and while tipping isn’t compulsory it is expected.
After you’ve had your fill of rolling the dice, there are still a number of things to do. If you’ve left the gaming areas and you’re up a few dollars most of the shops in the complex are open until 11pm or so. You might consider heading to one of them and buying something nice for yourself or someone you care about. If there’s anything that’s not in short supply here it’s nice, expensive stuff.
If you’ve left the tables down a bit (or a lot, as the case may be) you may want to drown your sorrows with a drink or two. There are bars one the casino floors if you’re not in the mood to wait for the waitresses, though you do have to pay for the drinks. Additionally, a few of the restaurants become night clubs after the dinner rush. Shrine is an example of this restaurant during the day / night club at night business model. Keep in mind, if there was a dress code at dinner, it typically applies after hours as well.
Stay Safe:
As you will quickly notice, it is impossible to take a step onto the gaming floor without seeing signs reminding you to know when it is: “no longer a game.” Although these signs may seem redundant; gambling addiction is a serious problem affecting thousands of Americans. It is extremely important to play responsibly. Unfortunately, some people will not realize they have a problem until it is too late. Foxwoods Resort Casino provides several recourses – including hotlines and counseling—to assist those struggling with gambling addiction. But aside from the security of your bank account and the risk of second hand smoke in some of the casinos, Foxwoods is a safe environment for the whole family to enjoy.
I feel our draft took a different approach to the itinerary than the one we analyzed. The Culver City on Foot guide was an exact step-by-step guide, while in our itinerary, we presented and explained the many entertainment options available at Foxwoods. I feel out take on an itinerary is much more effective, because people like to choose what they do with their time, and out guide allows flexibility for the user.
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