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Orlando Vic

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Posts posted by Orlando Vic

    Fort Lauderdale to Orlando - Help Me Figure This Out

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    I'm a married man. Two reasons for not renting in FL (although that could change):

     

    1). Rates seem to be much cheaper if I just rent in Orlando ($20 per day as opposed to $45 (might do better with more research)

     

    I bet you can get the rate down. Try http://www.autoslash.com/ and http://www.carrentalsavers.com/ Thrifty also has a very good rate when you enter CD# 004M001010 in the corporate field on the reservations page. This is the Orlando Magicard rate and available to all.

     

    2). We live in a fairly quiet area of Central NY. My wife doesn't like the idea of watching me navigate Florida traffic for a four hour drive!:rolleyes:

     

    The Florida Turnpike is a high-speed, controlled-access road that has no traffic to speak of. It is one-way, doing the speed limit or better, all the way.

     

    PS: I'm Hertz Gold but I don't use it much - will give them a call and see what they offer.

     

    PPS: Flights from FLL to MCO cost about the same as Amtrak, but it would require hanging around FL all day (nothing against FL, but did a post-cruise tour last year there)

     

    Hope you enjoy your trip!

    Formal Night Attire

    in Princess Cruises

    Posted

    Oh why would anyone want to avoid formal night?!? We love formal nights, we look forward to them. They are so fun. You get to dress up and have cocktails with other people that look as good as you do. You walk around and see everyone in their glitz and glam. It's a wonderful atmosphere.

     

    Speaking for myself, I wore a suit or coat and tie every day at work. Now that I am retired, I wear what I like. What I do like is no neckties. I don't need a coat and tie to impress anyone when I'm on vacation.

    Which ship for first time seniors?

    in Alaska

    Posted

     

    We are a group of 2 couples in our 60s.. fairly active, would prefer a more "mature" crowd (translation - less children if possible). Looking for a 7 day cruise - not sure whether to do roundtrip or one way.. Prefer one that is more relaxed and less formal - no dressing up for dinner..

     

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    Normally, I'd recommend Princess or HAL for Alaska ... but, while there are other options for dining on either, you would need to dress for dinner on Formal Nights in the MDR.

     

    I dislike formal nights myself and we usually go instead to one of the Princess specialty restaurants or the buffet at the Horizon Court. This issue should not be a Princess deal breaker for you.

    Shuttle to Orlando airport with over 7hrs before flight leaves help!

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    Agree with Eng23. Having a rental car in lieu of a shuttle has several advantages. It's cheaper (for 4 people). It provides storage for your bags. Finally, it provides transportation to several activities in the Cocoa Beach area that are quite interesting and help pass all that time.

     

    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

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

     



    Miami or Orlando for hotel and parking

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    I would not leave my car in any unsecure area like an open hotel parking lot for 14 days and certainly not 28 days.

     

    If you do opt for Orlando, FastPark and Relax http://www.thefastpark.com/location/orlando/ is the best off-site airport parking place I have found. It is totally secure and every parking space is covered. With Orlando's harsh summer weather, that means a lot to me. The daily parking rate is very reasonable and they give an AAA discount of 15% (but you must remember to ask for it.)

    Questions about Cocoa beach and St. Augustine.

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    After the cruise we are staying at the St. augustine vilano beach hampton inn. I have never stayed in this area so any suggestions for restaurants or sights to see would be appreciated.

     

    Here are my restaurant recommendations, based solely on my personal preferences... and 22 years of enjoying their cuisine:

     

    For Lunch

     

    Café Alcazar (25 Granada St, Saint Augustine, FL 32084-4387) is a true hidden gem…and is definitely off the main tourist path. It is a small restaurant located in what was once the deep end of the world's largest indoor swimming pool, now the Lightener Museum building. The food is quite good (I love their curried chicken salad.) and the atmosphere is absolutely unique and very conducive to conversation. They don't take reservations and only serve lunch. If you have trouble finding them, you can phone them at 904-825-9948. Check out their Trip Advisor reviews: http://*******.com/5qlvrq

    http://www.thecafealcazar.com/

     

    For Dinner

     

    Old City House http://www.oldcityhouse.com/

    Outstanding breakfasts and dinners. Located just steps away from the Casa Monica.

     

    The Raintree http://www.raintreerestaurant.com/

     

    The Reef http://www.thereefstaugustine.com/index.html?

    The food is very good, and the ocean views are even better. Be sure to arrive before sunset (or for Sunday brunch) for best views. Request a window table when making your reservation.

     

    Saltwater Cowboys

    (My personal favorite for ambiance and value combined)

    http://www.saltwatercowboys.com/

     

    Gypsy Cab Co. http://www.gypsycab.com/

     

    Creekside Dinery http://www.creeksidedinery.com/

     

    Le Pavillion http://www.lepav.com/

     

    Purple Olive http://www.purple-olive.com

     

    Casa Maya

    This tiny restaurant offers fresh, organic ingredients to make the most delicious Mayan dishes.

     

    17 Hypolita St

    St Augustine, FL32084

    (904) 217-3039

     

    And, for a special treat...you should try Collage http://www.collagestaug.com/ It is strictly a special occasion restaurant, but if you like good service, warm & relaxing ambiance and a creative, eclectic menu, this restaurant is a wonderful experience. They do everything right!

     

     

    Honorable mention

     

    O'Steens

    (Perhaps the best shrimp in town. ZERO ambiance, no reservations, reasonable prices)

     

    http://*******.com/2qtxgd

     

     

    You'll notice that I did not mention the Columbia restaurant. IMO, their food is good, but not as good as any of the other restaurants I have mentioned.

     

    Also, it is somewhat of a tourist trap and one of about 6-8 other Columbia's around the state. This may qualify them as a chain restaurant. I know a lot of people eat there, but the other restaurants I have given you are all better.

     

    Now, what to see? Here are some links you can go through.

    http://www.staugustine.com/visit/

    http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine

    http://www.getaway4florida.com/

    http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/st-augustine/

    http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/florida/st-augustine/orl-pg-st-augustine-pictures,0,7332212.photogallery

    South Excursions

    in South America

    Posted

    Emu,

    We will be using South excursions in just 4 weeks for two and half days while in Santiago and Valpraiso. Did you go to any wineries while with them? What did you visit in this area?

     

    I think you mean Emo. An Emu is a large Australian bird. :D

    Iguaza Falls NOW I FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT

    in South America

    Posted

    Great answer. I agree 100%.

     

    If the OP is an independent traveler, it is possible to book an excursion on your own for less money. If not, go with Princess. Either way, get ready for to view one of the world's great wonders.

     

    There is an added advantage with Princess....if there are delays getting to the ship, Princess assumes responsibility for flying you to the next port. Not so if you are on your own.

     

    This can be an issue depending on which airline you fly. Aerolineas Argentinas is often unreliable and a late arrival is a distinct possibility. However, if you have the time, it's very easy to visit the falls on your own without a formal tour.

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