Big Shiny N Mango got it right - based on my research.
If you don't go with a group, it going to be a Chevy-Chase-at-the Grand-Canyon-moment ala the film "National Lampoon's Vacation".
It will take most of the day in transport, you'll look around, go "cool", and then what?
Whereas if you go there with a group . . . you've got your crowd of merrymakers to entertain you on the road and at the bar.
Going to the Pelican means investing one whole day.
