2012 Winter Weekend  FAQs

How do I register for the event?

You can register for the event once invitations have been mailed in August.  Simply return the Guest Response Form (PDF) to Jay Beck, along with your payment in the envelope provided with your invitation. Download the credit card form (PDF) >

What happens once I register?

When your Guest Response Form is received, you will be sent a Guest Support Form.  This form asks for your preferences for air travel and room accommodations.  Please complete the information requested for each person who will be attending the event, even infants.  If you have special dietary needs, preferred flights, would like first class seats, need a handicap accessible room, or will only be attending part of the event, you should indicate this on the Guest Support Form.

What kinds of clothes should we bring?

The event is casual/resort casual.  Depending on the temperature (usually about 60-80 degrees in the day and 40-60 degrees at night) people bring shorts or casual pants, and perhaps rain gear.  Some people like to dress up a bit more for dinner, but it is not required.  On Friday evening, everyone gets an individual/family photo with the Carters and some people dress up more for that occasion as well.  Bring a jacket or sweater, as the evenings may get cool.  Sport warm-ups or sweat pants, etc., are a good idea to have, and bathing suits for the water sports.

Are there activities for children?

Yes, Hotel Del Coronado has facilities for children.  Visit www.hoteldel.com/Activities-and-Recreation for more information.  Nearby Coronado Beach was recently named the second best beach in the nation in an annual survey by Florida International University professor Steven Leatherman.  There are also other family-friendly activities in the San Diego area, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Sea World Splash, and many other activities. Things to do in San Diego (PDF) >

What is the cost for an infant or toddler?

Although there is no cost for an infant or toddler (age 4 or younger), they must be registered for the event.  However, babysitting services and other similar needs may incur additional costs.

I paid my deposit, when will the balance be due?

We prefer that all balances be paid prior to the trip.  If you have a balance due on Dec. 30, 2011, you will receive a reminder letter in January 2012.

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

We understand that plans do change.  If you have to cancel your plans to attend the event, you can receive a full refund of any deposit that you have paid, minus any costs incurred by The Carter Center for your attendance.  If airline tickets have been purchased, you will be charged for the ticket, and it will be sent to you.  Most airlines will allow you to apply the value of an unused ticket toward a new one within a year of the date the original ticket was issued.  However, this is subject to individual airline policies.

What is the food and beverage like?

The food for each meal is wonderful, plentiful, and artistically presented.  There are also hotel snack options during the day, in-room dining, and off-site options.  However, these will not be covered in the trip package.

Can we come early or stay late to have more days at the resort?

Yes, based on hotel space availability.  When we arrange your air travel, we can schedule you to arrive at the resort prior to the event or remain afterwards.  In most cases this will not change the cost of your package.  However, there will be a cost for the additional nights at the resort, and payment must be made directly to Hotel Del Coronado.

I am arranging my own transportation or driving to the event.  What is the closest airport to the resort and what time should I plan to arrive at the resort?

The closest airport to the Hotel Del Coronado is San Diego International Airport (about 30 minutes away).  Standard check-in time for Hotel Del Coronado is 4 p.m.  The welcome reception for the event will begin around 6 p.m.  With this in mind, the best time to arrive at the resort is mid-afternoon on March 7.  If you arrive earlier than 4 p.m. there is a chance that your room will not be available.

Do you have a schedule of activities?

A schedule of activities and other event information will be sent to you with your airline tickets about two weeks prior to the event.  There will be both organized group activities on- and off-site, as well as time for individuals and families to plan excursions on their own to places of interest in the San Diego area.

A reception for the group is held around 6 p.m. every day.  On Wednesday night after dinner, there is a presentation about the resort to help orient guests.  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after-dinner programs include a Town Hall meeting with President and Mrs. Carter, presentations on Carter Center programs, a review of the Camp David accords, and the Winter Weekend live auction. Things to do in San Diego (PDF) >

How will we receive our airline tickets, etc.?

You will receive your travel information and other items in the mail about two weeks prior to the event.

If we have friends who would like to come, can they?

To request that an invitation be sent to friends or family members, please print and complete the referral form (PDF). Completed forms should be faxed to (404) 420-3816 or e-mailed to dmbryan@emory.edu.

Will we get to meet the Carters and talk to them?

Yes.  President and Mrs. Carter look forward to greeting our Winter Weekend guests.  They are very accessible during the event, and we limit the number of attendees so that as many as possible have the opportunity to meet and spend some time with them.

Do we need any particular type of identification?

The identification required for air travel is sufficient for the resort.  When you arrive, you will be provided with a credential to wear during the event that identifies you as one of our guests.  As we will be at a hotel with other guests and there are security issues to consider, we request that you wear this credential for the duration of the event.

Can I travel on the charter flight if I am not in Atlanta?

Yes, you can travel from other cities to connect with the charter flight in Atlanta.  When you register for the event you will receive a Guest Support Form to complete and return.  You should indicate your preferences for air travel on the form.  Your flights will then be arranged according to these preferences.

We will book you on the most direct route to San Diego if you are in the middle or western United States, unless you indicate on your Guest Support Form that you wish to travel on the charter flight with President and Mrs. Carter.

Why do you need my jacket sizes?

Each guest at the Winter Weekend will receive a gift bag.  The gift bags contain some clothing items as well as information and other gifts from our sponsors.  We ask for your sizes on the Guest Support Form so that we can put the correct items in your gift bag.  This includes children's sizes as well.

Why do you need my date of birth?

In addition to contact information and your preference for room accommodations, the Guest Support Form asks for your full name as listed on your identification, date of birth, and gender.  As of Nov. 1, 2010, the TSA now requires that airlines collect this information for every passenger.  Since we will be making your airline reservation, we must ask for this information to pass on to the airline.