FIAT FREAKOUT 2018

FIAT Club America is the largest and most active FIAT brand enthusiast group in North America, with local chapters holding yearly events that draw attendees from all over the world. Founded in 1983, this is a real club with a solid history of success, with name recognition by FIAT. Our prominence was recognized by Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand, North America, as she chose our National Convention in Asheville in July 2010 to announce the Prima Edizione, the first new FIAT to be sold in North America in 27 years. We have always met the needs of new owners (back when ‘82 FIAT were new!) and of course vintage car enthusiasts. We are thus uniquely qualified to be the umbrella organization for all FIAT fans. Our club produces a full-color magazine packed with member-written articles, technical tips and news relating to Italian car ownership.

2018 FIAT CLUB AMERICA FREAKOUT NATIONAL CONVENTION

We’re gearing up to host “The Most Magical FreakOut On Earth” August 15-19, 2018
The 2018 Fiat FreakOut will be known as “The Most Magical FreakOut On Earth” as we host it in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

This event, which brings together the most enthusiastic Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo owners will be in its 35th year and is sure to pack more excitement, more energy, and more magic than ever before as attendees literally play the day away at the “Vacation Kingdom of the World”!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!! HAVE FUN AT FREAKOUT!! Important to know…

Our host hotel is Disney’s Coronado Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Our specially-arranged nightly rate is $139 (single/double adult occupancy, max 4 per room, under 17 stay free in same room). Please note we have a finite number of rooms at this price, best to register early while this room rate is available, first come, first serve. Note that our discount rate covers the nights of August 10th thru the 24th…

Should you wish to visit the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, specially-discounted ticket options are available to Club members who are registered for FFO. After you complete your FFO registration an email will be sent you with links to access the discounted hotel rates and discounted park tickets.

All events and meals require registration in advance, buying additional wrist bands and simlar on site is not possible
If you do not wish to process your registration online, you may print and mail your completed registration form to:

Fiat Club America
P.O. Box 563
Coldwater, MI 49036If mailing your form in, it must be received no later than 7/25/18.
Contact Membership@fiatclubamerica.com should you have questions or need assistance.

Before you register…
Your Fiat Club America membership must be current through 8/31/18. Visit fiatclubamerica.com to check your membership status before registering.

Register one time only…either online or by mail.
There are no refunds at any time for any reason.
Adults are considered ages 10 and up. Children are considered ages 3-9.

After your register…

Once we have processed your registration, you will be sent an email with a link to our Disney hotel registration page so you may book your room(s).

The discounted hotel room rate is only available to registered Fiat FreakOut participants until our room block is full. Therefore all hotel room reservations must be made in the same name as the club member registering for Fiat FreakOut itself.  Any hotel reservations made under a different name will be cancelled by the hotel unless prior arrangements have been made with Fiat Club America Fiat FreakOut registration team.  Contact membership@fiatclubamerica.com for more information.

Important Dates…

7/15/18 – Hotel reservation window closes. You may still register for FFO18 after this date, but with the understanding that you will be responsible for booking your own hotel and it will not be at our specially-arranged rate.

7/15/18 – $50 LATE FEE charged if registration not received by midnight.

7/25/18 – Reigstration closes. No exceptions.  All registrations must be received by midnight.

Full-Day Event Tickets

We’re pleased to introduce full-day event tickets this year! This new ticketing format will ensure our participants get the most out of our event. Each day’s event ticket includes all scheduled club activities PLUS one meal (specified in the provided description for each day).

Please review the below daily descriptions and indicate how many adults (ages 10+) and how many children (ages 3-9) will be attending for each day.

All events and meals require registration in advance, buying additional wrist bands and similar on site is not possible.

FFO18 Base Ticket

Let’s get this party started right!  One FFO18 Base Ticket is required per party/family and includes the following:

One FFO18 “Rite of Passage” Souvenir Lanyard to be used at this and future Fiat Club America events.

One adult Friday and one adult Saturday event ticket for yourself OR two adult Saturday event tickets so you can bring a spouse/friend on the day of our main event.*

One Concorso vehicle field entry.*

Wednesday, August 15th – Early Arrivals

Please note all events this day are pay as you go at the event, there is no pre-registration

AMPHICAR/WATER TAXI CRUISES & DINNER

Departing from Coronado Springs Resort, we’ll take a short drive to Disney Springs. Upon arrival, we’ll park our cars and take in the sights and sounds of Walt Disney World’s bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.  With so many different celebrity-owned establishments, it won’t be hard to find something unique for dinner.  From restaurants specializing in locally-sourced ingredients to bars and lounges, there will be plenty of places for our group to choose from.

Dinner costs and location are “on own” and “attendee choice”.

Costs vary from location to location.

While you’re there, we invite you to take a “car cruise of a different kind” aboard one of the Boathouse’s fully-restored Amphicars! These rare and amazing vehicles can transition from daily driver to casual water-cruiser with just a flip of the switch!  Each car can accommodate up to three people for a leisurely cruise around Lake Buena Vista.  It’s an auto enthusiast’s dream to experience a ride in one of these vintage vehicles!  For those who are interested, this is your chance!

Amphicar costs are “on own”.

Amphicar rides are booked day-of at the Boathouse.

$125 per 20 minute cruise…Up to 3 Guests per car. (Not $125 per person…$125 per carload.)

If you’d rather do something a little more special with other members of your chapter in order to kick off the event in style, your group can book the “Venezia” for a champagne and dessert cruise! This 40-foot Italian water taxi will take you on a 30-minute casual cruise of Lake Buena Vista and includes chocolate covered strawberries and a champagne toast for the group.

Venezia cruises are “own own”.
Venezia cruises are booked in advance via 407-939-2628.
$75 per adult/$50 per child (13 and under) for a 30 minute cruise.

OTHER OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: For those not interested in experiencing the magic of Disney Springs, an optional activity is offered at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. This new and exciting venue offers a wide array of excitement in the form of arcade-style gaming and karting.  For more information or to book your experience, visit andrettikarting.com and select Orlando as your location.

Karting and arcade costs are “on own”.
Karting is $21.95 per adult for a 7-minute race on either their multi-level track or their road course-style track with banked turns and long straightaways.

Thursday, August 16th: ‘LUIGI’S CRUISIN’ CUGINI’ GUIDED DRIVING TOUR OF THE WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Join a specially-trained Tour Guide for a driving tour of the Walt Disney World Resort! Following a brief orientation and video about the history of the 48-square mile vacation kingdom, you’ll start your engines for a guided tour including facts and figures, stories behind the magic, and special points of interest.  On your driving tour, you’ll see the spires of Cinderella Castle and the gleaming slopes of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth at Epcot, and more!  Whether this is your first time visiting Walt Disney World or your one-hundredth, this overview of the property is sure to entertain and inform!  At the end of your tour, you’ll make a stop in Radiator Springs at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for a photo opportunity with everyone’s favorite Fiat 500, Luigi from the Disney-Pixar film Cars!

Included in Thursday’s all-inclusive event ticket.

Noon – 7 PM at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center – Registration Desk Area.

Tours depart at the top and bottom of the hour.

Nine cars per lead car for manageability. Multiple lead cars may be dispatched at a time.

Scripted spiel will be delivered via two-way radio (brought by attendees).

EXPLORE WALT DISNEY WORLD/REST AND RELAXATION TIME

So many of our attendees will have driven many miles and hours to be with us. We’ll be giving them time to rest and enjoy all the amenities Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has to offer.  From lounges to shopping to splashy pool-time fun or sun bathing, our host hotel has much to offer.  We’re going to give you a chance to enjoy it!

For those of you who would rather remain more active until dinner, we hope you’ll take this opportunity to check out some of the areas you learned about during ‘Luigi’s Cruisin’ Cugini’ tour! Areas like Disney Springs offer plenty of shopping and entertainment to help you stretch your legs after your long journey.  Complimentary Disney transportation is available from the resort lobby so you can let someone else do the driving for a change!  For those of you who would like to visit the Theme Parks, specially discounted park admission options are available.

‘MIX AND MINGLE’ : Enjoy casual cocktails with your fellow Fiatsi prior to dinner at our well-stocked cash bar.
Alcohol, cocktail, and soft drink costs are “on own”.
6 PM – 7 PM at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center – Outside Fiesta Ballroom.
‘FRESH FROM FLORIDA’ KICKOFF DINNER AND EVENT OVERVIEW

Join your host chapter for an all-you-care-to-dine buffet dinner featuring menu items inspired by the Sunshine State’s bountiful harvests! During dinner, members of your Florida family will go over the exciting itineraries for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Included in Thursday’s all-inclusive event ticket.

7 PM – 10 PM at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center – Fiesta Ballroom.

Menu:  Caesar Salad with Grated Parmesan and Herb Croutons with Smoked Tomato Caesar Dressing.  Orrechiette Pasta with Rosemary Infused Olive Oil, Asparagus, Wilted Spinach, and Blistered Tomatoes, Green Beans with Carrots.  Parmesan Breaded Chicken Breasts with Prosciutto, Mushrooms, and Roasted Garlic Cloves.  Marsala Sauce.  Herb Slow Roasted Pork Loin with Pearl Onions and Thyme Pan Gravy.  Parker House Rolls and Butter.  Espresso Panna Cotta.  Valencia Blood Orange Cake.  Adult (Ages 10+) will include buffet dinner.  Child (Ages 3-9) option will be a pre-plated, single-serving option.

Cash Bar.

Friday, August 17th  FRANCE – LAKERIDGE WINERY IN THE HEART OF FLORIDA’S WINE COUNTRY
Time: 9 AM(First Group Departs)

We’ll leave the Walt Disney World Resort for a drive through the rolling hills of Florida’s citrus country and into the heart of Florida’s wine country as we visit Lakeridge Winery for a tour and tasting. You’ll feel as though you have been transported to France as we enjoy the winery during the height of harvest season!Included in Friday’s all-inclusive event ticket.

Departure groups will be assigned when our attendees first check-in at Registration Desk.
Departure groups will leave every 15 minutes starting at 9:00am.
Ten cars per lead car for manageability. Two lead cars dispatched at a time.
Tour is open to all ages.
Tasting is open to Guests 21 and over only.
Optional souvenir bottle of Lakeridge Winery product with special event label will be available for purchase separately (see below just after t-shirts).

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNGER ATTENDEES: Florida Showcase of Citrus. Monster Truck Rides, Citrus Groves, Florida-themed souvenirs.

GERMANY – YALAHA BAKERY – Time: 11:30 AM (First Group Arrives)

After your group has concluded your tour and tasting, you’ll enjoy a leisurely drive through some of Florida’s wide open countryside along hilly backroads to Yalaha Country Bakery. There, you’ll enjoy a fresh authentic German lunch in their outdoor biergarten, surrounded by nature.  As you dine, you’ll be able to watch the cars roll in as an almost endless parade…giving you a wonderful preview of the cars which will be featured in tomorrow’s Concorso di Eleganza!

Included in Friday’s all-inclusive event ticket.

Due to the nature of how we have dispatched groups from the Resort to the Winery and from the Winery to the Bakery, we’ll already be pacing the influx of diners (20 cars about every 15 minutes), making for a smoother experience and Guest flow for both ourselves and the bakery. Once parked, attendees will be encouraged to go straight to the beirgarten to pick up their lunch.

Individual attendee departure will be “on-own” with directions for returning to return to the Resort.
We’ll encourage attendees to depart from the bakery for Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort by 16:30 at the latest.

Menu: There are three options:  One bratwurst option with side and drink.  One pork schnitzel option with side and drink.  One vegetarian option with side and drink.  Please select your choice above, one per wristband purchased (if you buy three wristbands you should make a total of three choices, etc.)

We’d like to encourage all cars to display their Concorso cards while parked in the beautiful setting. This will give everyone an opportunity to preview the cars for the next day’s concorso.  We’ll also encourage attendees to bring their concorso ballots to take notes on what they see.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY: Florida moonshine distillery tour and shop next door!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY: Orange grove photo op around the corner

‘DECOMPRESSION’ TIME Time: 4 PM
Upon your return to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you’ll have a little bit of time to rest and decompress before our final stop on the ‘Taste of Europe’ tour! It’s been a long day…take a breath! Cars will be pre-staged for Saturday’s Concorso upon arrival at the Resort.
Should you wish to eat dinner, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort features several casual and full-service restaurants or lounges for your convenience.
Dinner costs and location are “on own” and “attendee choice”.

Prices vary from location to location. 

ITALY – EPCOT CENTER’S ITALY PAVILION/FIREWORKS DESSERT PARTY

Time: 7 PM

Our final stop on the ‘Taste of Europe’ will be the country of our cars’ origin… Italy! Dressed to impress, we’ll gather near our event’s registration desk at 7:00pm.  There, a fleet of Disney Cruise Line busses will pick us up and take us to Epcot.  We’ll be escorted from our busses through Epcot’s Italy pavilion, past their re-creations Doge’s palace and St. Mark’s Campanile to our private dessert party at the edge of the World Showcase Lagoon.  Surrounded by Italian gondolas and with the Italy pavilion as our backdrop, we’ll enjoy unlimited desserts and two cash bars.  The real magic will begin at 9:00pm when we experience Epcot’s amazing fireworks spectacular, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” from our unblocked view at the water’s edge.  At the conclusion of the fireworks, we’ll have a little time to mix and mingle before our busses arrive to take us back to our Resort.

Included in Friday’s all-inclusive event ticket.
Includes busses, Epcot admission, Event Guides, Event Hosts, venue, décor, desserts, soft drinks/tea.
Cash Bar will be available for those wishing to enjoy cocktails/beer/wine/champagne.

Saturday, August 18th: CONCORSO DI ELEGANZA Time: 10 AM – 3 PM

Our annual peer-judged Concorso Di Eleganza will take place just steps away from the air conditioned comfort of our ‘Expo Italiano’ in the parking lot of the Disney’s Coronado Springs Convention Center. There, you’ll find examples of some of the finest rolling artwork ever produced by Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo!  Attendees will have the honor of judging these cars and submitting their votes for several categories.
Cars will have been pre-staged upon return from previous day’s activities.

Once your car is parked in its spot on the show field it cannot be moved until you leave.  Reminder to wash your car at the hotel before leaving for the show field, there are no car wash facilities at the show field.

Ballots must be submitted by 1:00 PM as directed by show field announcements.

Please Note:  Concorso awards will be given out at the awards banquet Saturday night only and car owners must be present to win.

EXPO ITALIANO 2018 Time: Noon – 6 PM

Join us for a collection of enthusiast-driven showcases like you’ve never seen! Each chapter of Fiat Club America has been invited to set up a small display to tell us all about themselves and what they have been up to in the past year (including any special events, examples of chapter-specific products or projects).  Fiat Studios throughout Florida and beyond have been invited to set up displays to introduce themselves and let us introduce ourselves to them.  Vendors with automotive and Florida-themed wares have been set up to help you find that special gift for the Fiatsi in your life.  Enthusiasts from all over the country will present small symposiums about restoration projects, tech sessions, and more…all designed to educate, inform, and entertain you!  You’ll also be able to sign up to “Tame the Gator Tail”, a section of tightly-winding Florida back roads!

Chapter Showcases – Tri-Fold ‘Science Fair’-style displays with photos are preferred for each chapter represented at FreakOut (these can be brought easily with members and don’t take up too much space).

Studio Showcases – Studios have been invited to set up tables and backdrops to introduce themselves. It will also give us an opportunity to show them what we are all about and establish a stronger relationship between the club and Fiat Chrysler Automotive.  This is also an opportunity for us to show the studios that their hard work is appreciated.
Vendors – 8 “lifestyle” and 8 “automotive” vendors in addition to our traditionally involved sponsor vendors (i.e. EuroCompulsion, Auto Ricambi, etc.) with products for the most discerning enthusiast as well as Florida-themed products which would make wonderful souvenirs will be on-hand.<br>

Symposiums – On the hour each hour, sit back and enjoy conversations ranging from “Tech Sessions” to “Restoration Tips” to “Getting the Most out of Your Fiat”. There might even be a few surprise visitors!

“Tame the Gator Tail” – Departing from the Expo at various times throughout the day, interested drivers will be able to experience a Florida backroads drive through twisting roads and hilly terrain. It’s our own little version of “The Dragon”!  Weather permitting.  Departs 3 PM, 3:30 PM, 4 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5 PM.  Maximum of 9 cars with a lead car for each departure.  Spaces are limited and sign-up will take place at the Registration Desk starting at 10 AM when the Registration Desk opens.<br><br>

‘MIX AND MINGLE’
Enjoy casual cocktails with your fellow Fiatsi prior to dinner at our well-stocked cash bar.
Alcohol, cocktail, and soft drink costs are “on own”.
6 PM – 7 PM at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center – Outside Fiesta Ballroom.
‘FEAST OF A HUNDRED FIATS’ DINNER AND AWARDS PRESENTATION

Join your Board of Directors for an all-you-care-to-dine buffet dinner as we celebrate the close of yet another successful event! During dinner, our Board of Directors will present their closing statements and awards from the day’s Concorso Di Eleganza will be given out.
Included in Saturday’s all-inclusive event ticket.

7 PM – 10 PM at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center – Fiesta Ballroom.
Menu:  Court Bouillon Poached Shrimp with Yellow & Red Tomatoes.  Green Chile Vinaigrette.  Mixed Field Green Salad with Zinfandel Vinaigrette and Smoked Tomato Ranch.  Asparagus and Baby Carrots.  Individual Gratin Potato Dauphinoise.  Seared White Fish with Dill Tomato Nage.  Marinated and Seared Beef Tender Steaks with Whisky Flashed Mushrooms and Onions.  Bordelaise Glaze.  Rolls and Butter.  Triple Chocolate Cake andWhite Chocolate CheesecakeAdult (Ages 10+) will include buffet dinner.  Child (Ages 3-9) option will be a pre-plated, single-serving option. Cash Bar.

Sunday, August 19th
BRUNCH AND RAFFLE: Join your Fiat family for brunch and our annual raffle.
Included in Sunday’s all-inclusive event ticket.
9:00 – 10:00 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center – Fiesta Ballroom.
Each person who purchases the Sunday all-inclusive ticket will receive 5 complimentary raffle tickets.
Additional raffle tickets can be purchased in advance below and may also be purchased at our Registration desk any time during the event through Saturday at 7 PM.<br>

Menu: Coffee, Hot Tea, and Orange Juice.  Cinnamon Rolls.  Multigrain Rolls.  Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar Cheese and Chives.  Grilled Turkey Sausage.  Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Country Style Hash.  Mickey Waffle Bar with Assorted Toppings:  Cinnamon Orange Infused Maple Syrup, Whipped Cream, Mixed Berries.  Chicken Tenders.<br><br>

VACATION PLANNING ASSISTANCE
For anyone planning on visiting the theme parks as a way to close out the FreakOut, we’ll have a knowledgeable Disney Cast Member on hand to help them plan their day!<br><br>

THEME PARK EXCURSION
For those interested in heading to the parks together, we’ll board our complimentary Disney transportation from Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Now that you read the Overview – You have to be excited to register!