Orlando Vic

I'm not completely sure what kind of place you're looking for, but here is one idea.

Padrino's Cuban Cuisine

13586 Village Park Drive Suite 304 Orlando, Florida 32837

http://padrinos.com/locations/orlando

It's somewhat near the Disney area, but not too close either.

Anyone know of a "round trip" service that will take us to DW instead of back to the airport?

I am sure someone knows, but have you considered a rental car?

There is not much between the airport and the port.

Indeed. About 50 miles' worth.

Any one know what the available packages (Grand Princess) are and costs?

10 minutes

Item #6034 – $49.50

Internet access

Perfect for those who like to stay in touch or need to manage their

affairs on a daily basis in order to put their minds at ease. Help a

passenger relax and fully enjoy their Princess vacation by giving them

Internet access for news, information and web-based email.

120 minutes

Item #6038 – $72.95

(Includes $69.00 for Internet time plan + $3.95 One time activation fee) Includes 20 bonus minutes for prepurchasing an Internet

time package.

240 minutes

Item #6039 – $102.95

(Includes $99.00 for Internet time plan + $3.95 One time activation fee) Includes 40 bonus minutes for prepurchasing an Internet

time package.

http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/gifts_services/Gifts_Services.pdf

I allow a minimum of 1½ hours to get through MCO security and get to the gate. So, if you can get to the airport by 9:20, you'll make it. However, it will be tight. To be safe, allow 45-60 minutes to get from the port to the airport. You may need a shuttle rather than a rental car to do this.

We are arriving via cruise ship. I did not see that as an option on the Tienda Leon website.

You are correct and I did not read carefully. In that case, contact your hotel for a remise to meet you at the cruise port.

More on this scam here http://www.fodors.com/community/south-america/taxi-scam-leaving-buenos-aires-port.cfm

Should we set up a pick up with a car service?

You have done your research well. I, personally, would ask my hotel to send a car (i.e. a remise) to meet me at the airport. As an alternative, Manuel Tienda Leon, is a reputable transportation company. http://*******.com/qfau53d

A one-way car rental is your best bet, but make sure you get a SunPass (Turnpike toll transponder). Shop around for prices on this because they vary from rental company to rental company (as do drop off fees).

You may find this thread informative. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/argentina/1514791-where-how-get-dolar-blue-exchange-rate.html

In Argentina, US dollars are now king! Research this using the term "blue dollar".

You can check the "oficial" versus the "informal" or "blue" rates here: http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

Obviously, you need to be careful with the cash, keeping it in a safe, money belt, or inner pocket.

So I would like to know: a) a good hotel close to the airport, b)the closest car rental to the port (I figure they'll all be by the airport) and c) are we nuts for thinking of doing it? Thanks!

a) You have many good choices here http://*******/maps/u117L In addition, there is the Hyatt Regency INSIDE the airport (A on your map).

b) Most of the majors are located in Cape Canaveral and provide free shuttles to the port.

c) Not at all. It's done all the time.

Re: The link I posted. For some reason it's not printing. Just go to Google Maps and type in MCO hotels.

Hi

 

We are spending 3 nights in Santiago before boarding a Cruise. I need some advice:

 

1. Best ways to get to Valparaiso from Santiago (limo, taxi etc)

 

2. Suggested tours pre cruise such as wine country etc

Combining both concerns, you could get transportation plus a customized tour through Leo Cuzmar and his associates. We have used him twice and he is the best. Here are a few testimonials: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294305-i2020-k5194022-Leo_Cuzmar_Chile_Guide-Santiago_Santiago_Metropolitan_Region.html My comments are #4.

We had a specialty restaurant off on our latest cruise. They assigned us a restaurant but left the date and time blank so we could make our own reservations.

Thanks, Janice. Nice "hearing" from you again. But did you have to apply for these promos or rebook in order to get them? Or was it all automatic?

-Vic

Pardon my ignorance but I am wondering if this offer is targeted to selected 2015 Coral Princess cruises only? We are booked on a partial transit Panama Canal cruise departing April 1, 2015 and this is the first I've heard of these offers. I'm especially interested in the specialty restaurant dinners.

Earl of Sandwich gets good reviews. http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com/

Bahama Breeze at 8849 International Dr. is always a good bet. https://www.bahamabreeze.com

We planned on doing putt putt at the Hollywood Drive In. Our hotel is very close to there.

And where is the Hollywood Drive In?

I-Drive area?

Lake Buena Vista area?

or?

Try http://www.carrentalsavers.com/ or http://www.autoslash.com/

A one way car rental to "Cape Canaveral, FL" would probably be cheapest and most hassle free. The major car rental companies have free shuttles to the port.

We really enjoyed the Denali Dome Home B&B in Healy http://www.denalidomehome.com/

Reasonable rates with AAA discount, large rooms, excellent breakfasts and friendly, gracious hosts.

I like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and I think you will too. With your car, you can drive over to the Alyeska Resort and take the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska where you an also have lunch. As previously mentioned, the drive along Turnagain Arm offers spectacular scenery. On one trip, we even saw a pod of 20+ Beluga Whales swimming in the water.

I haven't used travelers' checks in 20-25 years. Why not simply use a credit card (fee free or rewards)? You'll get an excellent exchange rate and have protection in case of emergencies (medical, travel, or whatever)?

Thanks for the feedback.

-Vic

Hello, we were on the Oct 29th Coral sailing to the Panama Canal. I'll do a review soon but if anyone is going shortly and has questions I'd be glad to answer. I learn a lot from this site and would be glad to help anyone out if I can. We really enjoyed the ship and the cruise.

Many thanks for the offer. We go April 1st and I have several questions for you.

1. In Puerto Limon, is there an internet cafe at the cruise terminal (Terminal de Cruceros) called Internet Cinco Estrellas)?

2. In Colon, is there an internet cafe at the Colon 2000 pier?

3. Did you happen to notice before you boarded in Fort Lauderdale, if the if the one bottle of wine per person (without corkage fee) policy is enforced?

I ask this because on our most recent 2014 cruise on the Golden, it was not. Ditto for the Star in 2012.

I always thought debark is what de dog does.

If you're going to be touring independently Grayline does operate in Santiago, I used them to book most of my tours, being solo it was more than worth it to know I was with a U.S. based company with English speaking guides.

Yes, Grayline usually does a good job, but there is nothing like a local (Leo Cuzmar & his associates). Take a look at a few endorsements. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294305-i2020-k5194022-Leo_Cuzmar_Chile_Guide-Santiago_Santiago_Metropolitan_Region.html