Orlando Vic

Visit the Florida Aquarium http://www.flaquarium.org/ followed by lunch at the Columbia restaurant in Ybor City. http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor.asp

How long does it take to drive from Jacksonville airport to Port Canaveral? We will be flying in Friday from the UK to take a cruise on the Saturday.bso ideally need a place to stay too, not sure if it will be better to stay near the airport or drive straight down to Port Canaveral depending how long it would take.

You are looking at about 175 miles of driving. I urge you to drastically curtail your driving on the day you land at JAX. It is simply not safe (because of fdatigue & jet lag) for you and for all the other drivers. Anywhere in Jacksonville (Southside) or just outside St. Augustine along I-95 would make sense. Although it would be great to see the historic district of St. Augustine, you simply would not have enough time. If you do opt for near St. Augustine, there are several motels near the outlet malls at State Road 16. The I-95 exit guide may possibly help you make a choice. http://www.i95exitguide.com/

we don't travel to eat pizza except Italy or bar food.

I don't either, but the pizza at Moose's Tooth is exceptionally good. My other three suggestions are fine dining quality, but Southside Bistro requires a car.

Here are my best recommendations:

1. Ginger
   
2. Moose's Tooth
   
3. Southside Bistro
   
4. Orso
   

I am not a big fan of Glacier Brewhouse. I went there once and got the impression from our server that "we're so cool" and "you should be glad that you're here". There was much more emphasis on the brews than on the food. That's my very opinionated opinion.

Any restaurant recommendations for the fort lauderdale area?

If you're willing to drive about 10 miles south via I-95, there is a wonderful, authentic Cuban restaurant about one block off I-95 in nearby Hollywood. It is called Laura's Cuban. Good food and even better prices. This is not a chain. Check out their Tripadvisor reviews. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34296-d1849657-Reviews-Laura_s_Cuban-Hollywood_Florida.html

Was planning on Exit glacier, but that may be an issue too. Originally planned arriving in Anchorage, going as far as Girdwood or Portage and then turning around to head to Talkneeka for the 1st night. Thought it would be too long of a drive for an arrival day. Keep hearing about the Seward highway and thought that was a "must see".

Actually, driving south along Turnagain Arm to Girdwood is not a bad idea. You could visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and/or take the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska. Drive back, spend the night in Anchorage and continue on to Talkeetna the next day.

In Ketchikan, I have two recommendations.

1. Annabelle's Famous Keg & Chowder House

326 Front Street

Ketchikan, AK 99901

Must Try: the Seafood chowder

2. the Heen Kahidi restaurant at the Cape Fox Lodge Hotel (just above Creek Street. They have the absolutely best views in town!

Are you doing anything while you are in Seward? A Kenai Fjords cruise?

I was going to suggest Exit Glacier, but you may be too early for the road to be open. I'm not sure I would drive all the way to Seward to stay the night and then turn around.]

 

My thoughts too. What is the point in going there?

Orlando Vic, I followed your link to Amazon. One of the sellers is offering this model for just under $27, shipping is nearly that much on top. My daughter is ordering it right now. When going about with friends she has trouble getting her Rollator into their cars. This one should be just what is needed. Thanks for posting!

Unbelievable. $27 is a steal. Take it!

It fits very easily into the trunk of your car or even the back seat.

Tripadvisor

Fodors Forums

Flyertalk

Where does everyone see these prices? Is it on the Princess website? If that prices go down on the website, my contact says that isn't my level room or our deal is better. What am I missing?

It's a good idea to monitor the website daily (My dentist does it 4X daily). I saw a reduction, called my TA immediately and saved $300+. :)

I use a Healthsmart Rollator, available from Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/HealthSmart-Aluminum-Lightweight-Rollator-Titanium/dp/B00742JUUI

I have also received a lot of comments and questions about it because it's not at all clunky like all the rest that seem to be out there.

We arrive early at PC Our flight is not till 4:30.MCOThinking we could rent a car near port and we would have about five hours. What do you recommend. NonDisney. Do you actually see alligators airboat. Kids might be to tired to appreciate space center.

Here is what you can do in the area:

1. Brevard Zoo

2. A 2-hour boat ride on the Indian River Lagoon with Island Boat Lines http://www.islandboatlines.com/Home_Page.php

3. An airboat ride at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/

4. Kennedy Space Center (However, you may be pressed for time)

5. Ron Jon's Surf Shop (for looking or buying)

Do you actually see alligators? There is no guarantee. Your chances will be better at dawn or dusk in the summer, not winter. You may get lucky however.

If you are not driving during rush hour, I see no problem. Rush hour traffic in South FL on I-95 can really slow you down.

Since our tour in Lima with Aaron Leyton a few weeks ago, I have done a lot of thinking about what constitutes a great tour because this was a very good one. First, it was a small group, compared with one of those big bus tours of a city. Second, it was highly individualized and tailored to the interests and needs of our particular group of four people. This requires the tour guide to be very flexible. Last, and most important, we not only saw the cultural differences between our own two countries and Peru , but actually experienced them as well.

Let me give several examples of what I mean and explain why Aaron’s all day of Lima tour was one of the best tours I have ever taken – anywhere. Aaron knew that I have mobility problems and walking even short distances is very difficult for me. On his own initiative, he brought a wheelchair in his van for me and his brother came along to push it for me. I was able to get around so much better and faster this way. Second, the highlight of the tour was when he brought us back to his house and his mother prepared a wonderful home-cooked meal for us. While she cooked, Aaron showed us how to prepare the perfect pisco sour and then we all enjoyed a glass. But, back to the meal. This was an authentic Peruvian meal and every dish was beyond delicious. How many tourists to a foreign country get to do something like this? Not many, in my estimation. This was far better than eating in a local restaurant. It was the best way to experience, and not just observe, the cultural differences between our two countries and to really appreciate them.

Well done Aaron. It was a very memorable day thanks to you.

Should you want to contact Aaron about a future tour in Lima or elsewhere in Peru, here is his contact information.

Email: aaron@tourguideperu.com

Web site: www.tourguideperu.com

Phone: (+51) 997898502

Thanks Vic so pretty much no shuttles or taxis from cruise port..Ok I am off to look for car rental info do you know of car rentals close to the pier..I am starting to think maybe I should just book it through the cruiseline..

If it's just one person, it may be easier to book through the cruise ship. Otherwise, it will be cheaper to do it yourself. You will also gain flexibility to do other things with a car.

Which car rental companies serve PC? You can do a simple search of past posts, as this is a frequent question here.

Perhaps 25-30 minutes away, at the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, is the Twister Airboat rides. We have takes guests there from Orlando and they all have enjoyed the experience. You will need a rental car for this. Just drive south on A1A to SR 520 and then west to the St. Johns River. Here is the URL: http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/

You would be seriously selling yourself short.

Leo Cuzmar can do this for you. We used him in 2012 and are using him again in several weeks I can't say enough good things about him. Take a look at his Tripadvisor testimonials: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294305-i2020-k6000810-Leo_Cuzmar_Guides_Chile-Santiago_Santiago_Metropolitan_Region.html

Contact information:

email: guideschile@gmail.com

His Mobile # is: +(569) 9139-0672

I'm not sure of the local alcohol selling laws. Can I buy wine on a Sunday morning in Orlando or do I have to buy it Saturday after we fly in?

 

No blue laws here. Sunday is O.K.

 

Also, where is the best/cheapest place to buy wine before our cruise. We're staying in Orlando then driving to Port Canaveral the morning of our cruise.

That depends on where in Orlando you are staying. Orlando I know. Port Canaveral/Cape Canaveral I don't.

I had 30% off Radisson which determined where I'm staying pre cruise in two weeks and post our b2b cruise!

Country Inns and Suites is a Radisson (i.e. Carlson) property, so that same discount should apply to both.

Country Inns and Suites offers a good breakfast. I'm not sure Radisson does.

Just stay to the far right lane to pay in cash. Do not attempt to go through the SunPass lanes on the left. Here is a map of Central Florida toll roads. https://www.oocea.com/Portals/0/Images/temp/ExpressMap2009.pdf

What port are you talking about?

With a family of four, the one-way car rental will almost certainly be cheapest.

rent a car in Canaveral and return it the same or next day in WDW

 

one day rental

 

done all the time and typically the least expensive option

Agree, agree, agree!