mac2501 0 #1 April 20, 2011 Hi Guys, looking for some advice I'm looking to fly to the states next week and can't make up my mind between Deland or Z-Hills, i have been to Deland a few times and have enjoyed myself but I'm taking a few mates on this trip to do an AFF course so I'm looking at the best option also which is close to the theme parks and close to cheap accommodation many thanks Mac Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 801 #2 April 20, 2011 Deland is closer to the theme parks (why people go to those places is totally beyond me though ). Both locations have awesome staff and good AFF instruction, all amenities needed on site, and local to very affordable accommodations. Z-Hills has showers so camping or rv'ing is more comfortable. Also rental campers although they are usually booked well in advance. Doesn't hurt to call. Take into consideration the airport you fly in and out of as well. For Deland, Sanford or Orlando are your airports and Z-Hills is Tampa. Both are awesome dropzones, have a fun trip! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #3 April 20, 2011 What Normiss said. I'll add that at Deland there aren't RV rentals on the dz but there are skydivers who own bunk houses nearby with affordable rates.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
missbrz 0 #4 April 21, 2011 Actually Zhills is closer to theme parks (busch gardens and adventure island) but Deland is closer to more theme parks (Universal, islands of adventure, all the disney parks). jus' sayin' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bolas 5 #5 April 21, 2011 Deland had showers last time I was there. Not as numerous or as nice as ZHills but they did have them. Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefalle 0 #6 April 21, 2011 z-hills, that is all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 801 #7 April 21, 2011 While YOU might consider showering there, I certainly wouldn't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #8 April 21, 2011 Hey, I shower there! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 801 #9 April 21, 2011 Are there showers I'm unaware of? The ones I know of are out by the large tent, to the left of the packing hangar...just inside the fence. I cannot imagine you using those. And I can imagine you doing a lot of things. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #10 April 21, 2011 I've used the one in that bathroom and I've also used the one in the bathroom on the other side of the building by the restaurant. It's just a shower, I'm not that prissy! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #11 April 22, 2011 Quote I'm not that prissy! Oh yeah....Ms "I'll go camping when I can figure out how to get the fridge, the dishwasher and my makeup table into the 5-star cottage." My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick 67 #12 April 22, 2011 Quote I'm not that prissy! You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsaxton 0 #13 April 22, 2011 QuoteTake into consideration the airport you fly in and out of as well. For Deland, Sanford or Orlando are your airports and Z-Hills is Tampa. Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) is only 15 minutes from DeLand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 801 #14 April 22, 2011 Agreed, but typically flights into/out of MCO or SFB are more frequent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glandu 0 #15 April 22, 2011 Z-hills !!!!! I won't elaborate..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #16 April 23, 2011 Having visited Z Hills and Deland in the last week, I'm gonna suggest Z Hills.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glandu 0 #17 April 23, 2011 ... and Daytona Beach Airport , the closest to DZ DeLand..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mirage62 0 #18 April 23, 2011 DelandKevin Keenan is my hero, a double FUP, he does so much with so little Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain1976 0 #19 April 24, 2011 Quote I've used the one in that bathroom and I've also used the one in the bathroom on the other side of the building by the restaurant. It's just a shower, I'm not that prissy! There are 3 for the guys anyway. The ones by the tent at the side gate entrance, the one skymama mentioned by the restaurant and one in the mens room. I don't think any one of them is unsanitary as they do a pretty good job of keeping them clean. I would wear shower shoes in any public shower anywayYou live more in the few minutes of skydiving than many people live in their lifetime Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
faulk04 0 #20 April 27, 2011 Which of these is more newbie friendly? I am taking a tunnel trip to FL in may and would like to do some jumps after the tunnel but I've heard no one wants to jump with newbies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #21 April 27, 2011 Quote Which of these is more newbie friendly? I am taking a tunnel trip to FL in may and would like to do some jumps after the tunnel but I've heard no one wants to jump with newbies! I can't comment on Deland because I've only been there for a canopy course (and thus wasn't looking for anyone to jump with), but ZHills has organizers who will put together jumps for all skill levels. All you need to do there is look for someone with an organizer t-shirt or ask at manifest - there may be several organizers working with folks of different skill/experience levels, but they're great about finding you a group that fits. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #22 April 27, 2011 Quote Quote Which of these is more newbie friendly? I am taking a tunnel trip to FL in may and would like to do some jumps after the tunnel but I've heard no one wants to jump with newbies! I can't comment on Deland because I've only been there for a canopy course (and thus wasn't looking for anyone to jump with), but ZHills has organizers who will put together jumps for all skill levels. All you need to do there is look for someone with an organizer t-shirt or ask at manifest - there may be several organizers working with folks of different skill/experience levels, but they're great about finding you a group that fits. +1 There are always 2-3 organizers out on the weekends, small to large groups, and they work together very well. I'm always up for a jump with a newbie too, if I'm there!"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 801 #23 April 27, 2011 Excellent comment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick 67 #24 April 27, 2011 Quote Which of these is more newbie friendly? I am taking a tunnel trip to FL in may and would like to do some jumps after the tunnel but I've heard no one wants to jump with newbies! Look me up when you get to Z-Hills or drop me an e-mail ahead of time (my e-mail address is in my profile). I will make sure you get on some organized loads. There are usually 3 or more of us taking all diffferent experience levels. Unfortunately you might be forced to jump with me You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 10 #25 April 27, 2011 For fun, I'd go to Zhills. They have organizers all the time for just about any experience level. If I was looking to bang out a bunch of jumps or team training, I'd go to DeLand. Both have good student programs. Fun: Zhills Training: DeLand"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites