St. Augustine Hotel and things to do in the area...

We are booking the St. Augustine for 1/9/09 for 2 nights. It is located around 4th street and Washington Avenue. We would like to know of some nice places to visit pertaining to these categories in the area:

1)Seafood Restuarants

2)Lounges/Clubs

3)Lunch Cafes

4)Sushi Spots

Preferably any suggestions would include your particular favorite or something you consider the best in the area. Or if its not in the area but no more than a $15-20 cab drive, Id really like to hear those recommendations as well.

For example, we are expecting to visit Barton G%26#39;s. We find the setup and menu really interesting and cool. Suggestions of this caliber would be very much appreciated even if not in the area. Thanks!

St. Augustine Hotel and things to do in the area...

senunit%26gt;

1. Joe%26#39;s Stone Crab, Monty%26#39;s at the Marina

2. Fifth, Heathrow, Room, Opium/Prive, Nikki Beach, LOVE/HATE, Jason%26#39;s, Cozy, Abraxas

3. Big Pink, Prime 112, Las Olas, Clarke%26#39;s

4. Bond Street

Here is a guide I posted online for you:

SoBe Area%26gt; http://tinyurl.com/2vojh6

AG

Family trip one teenager and a 9-year-old boy

We are going to Orlando at the end of Sep.

Is Fantasy World a nice place to stay or are there others in the same category, that are better.

Thanks

Family trip one teenager and a 9-year-old boy

Not at all familiar with this place, but it is located on I-Drive up near the Wet %26amp; Wild end if the maps are correct.

http://www.fantasyworldcondo.com/

revlon lipstick

Free quilt patterns for baskets

South Beach Pearl Lounge...

Hi we are coming to Miami on 1/9/09 for two nights. We are a couple and visited Miami 2 years ago. We loved Pearl but wanted to know the probability of us actually getting into Pearl on either Friday or Saturday. We went last time on a Wed or Thurs?, got in no problem. But the door on Saturday was incredibly slow moving and no one got in. We really want to go and just wanted to know if its possible to get in and if anything%26#39;s changed.

Also if you can make the same assessment about the likes of Prive, Mansion, etc. it would be greatly appreciated.

South Beach Pearl Lounge...

senunit%26gt;

If you time your arrival before midnight you will get in more easily. Couples do better than single men... Packs of wild girls do best.

: )

AG

quick breakfast near Swan

Going to Disney in 2 weeks (my 1st time) and we are not big breakfast people. Please suggest a place or two where we can pick up a bagel or muffin on our way out of the Swan and on our way into the parks. A.M. visits will be Epcot, MK and AK. Thanks for your help!

quick breakfast near Swan

You could wait til you are in Epcot and stop by the Sunshine Seasons, they have a very nice assortmant for a Breakfast treat. You could also stroll over to the Boardwalk Bakery, YUM :) Or grab a little something right at the Swan at the Garden Grove

quick breakfast near Swan

This will be easy. You can get a quick muffin, croissant, or other breakfast pastry from the small bar in the lobby of the Swan. Similar pastries and fruit are available at the bar in the lobby of the Dolphin. The Dolphin also has a cafeteria-style spot - Picabu - with more expanded fare, including good donuts (I think they%26#39;re Krispy Kreme). If you get bored with the Swan%26#39;s offerings, you could walk over to the Dolphin, and just catch the bus to the MK or AK from there.

On your way to Epcot, there%26#39;s a pastry shop on the Boardwalk, but that%26#39;s more likely to have lines than the Swan or Dolphin.

I thought there is an express line for TA members at The Boardwalk Bakery?

I am not familar with the baked goods at the Swan, I am sure they are good. The Boardwalk Bakery is as good as anything in Boston, and that is worth the line.

Thank you all for your input. It will be nice to have a couple of places to chose from!

its all just too exhausting!!

i finally get to say ';im going next week'; hurray! thing is tho, i cannot for the life of me get some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzeds!! im exhausted! God knows what im gonna be like next week but im too excited to sleep right now. im practically falling asleep at my desk in work and this morning, i woke up only to find a sty perching cheekily on my eye! oh the excitement...i cant bear it !

its all just too exhausting!!

Know how you feel and I have 71 more sleeps (or not) to go yet

Hope you have a great time

its all just too exhausting!!

If you are exhausted now, just wait until about your 3rd day in Orlando!! :%26gt;)

I understand completely, but usually my sleeplessness is due to ';fretting'; over what I%26#39;ve forgotten to take care of before I leave home.

yeah...but it%26#39;s a ';good'; tired!

Night life at Disney

Hi,

I just wondered where was available to go out of a night time in Disney, as I heard they were closing places in Downtown Disney?

In particular were looking for like music and dancing - not necessarily a club - but anything close, if it exists?

Also, has anyone stayed late for the City Walk at Universal? If so, what is that like, and are there taxis readily available after everywhere closes?

If anyone has any info I would sincerely appreciate!

Happy Travels!!!

;0) Mango

Night life at Disney

Yes, Disney is closing down Pleasure Island on the 28th of this month, so there will be no longer be anywhere on the Disney campus which is similar to a nightclub.

I%26#39;ve not been to CityWalk in the evenings personally, but there are definitely taxis readily available from there any time of the evening.

Night life at Disney

Citywalk looks interesting, but we have a 19yo in our group, so we will be visiting the open mike club on Thursay for 18+ night. Whoopie. ;)

There is the dance hall over at the Boardwalk. Have never been to it (always have kids with us), so can%26#39;t comment on what type of music/dancing they have. Anyone else?

Nightlife in all of orlando is rubbish ... trust me its just full of tourists, and is just a very bizarre not normal night life.

You can%26#39;t compare it to say a regular clubbing night out in the UK, or some clubs in Vegas, etc

joey - aren%26#39;t we all tourists??? Unless you live in Orlando permanently, you are also a tourist.

you%26#39;re just doing it wrong and going to the places you%26#39;re supposed to (as a tourist)

as for the OP%26#39;s questions, here%26#39;s my recent review of Citywalk%26#39;s Rising Star, very entertaining night out anyway (that includes us locals)

http://nopixiedust.wordpress.com/

Thanks for all your responses! I really appreciate it!

We%26#39;re not looking for like a hardcore club or anything, just maybe somewhere to go for a different scenery one night or 2!!

Thank you for all the info!!

:0) Mango

Just a quick question - does cover charge mean entry fee?

Because when I have paid a cover charge it usually means all drinks included - so I am guessing in this instance cover means entry?

;0)

cover means entry fee, drinks are separate (and expensive) I%26#39;ll be taking a flask next time ;)

I had planned a few heavy nights out at Pleasure Island!! (Us Northern English dont tire easily :)) I was gutted when I found out it had closed for more shops and restaurants!! havent they enough of them? haha. However I have been doing my homework and I believe the Boardwalk offers you the likes of a ';sports bar'; cocktails, piano playing you know, a more relaxed, chilled out atmosphere. The city walk I believe is a bit more lively with places playing a range of music from reggea to dance etc, however I hear the costs of the drinks is similar to those in ';Paris';!! so best get a few drinks in your hotel before heading out! :0)

Paula x

residence inn downtown

We are suppose to be staying at the Marriott Waterside next week for a week. They just called and said they were renovating the hotel and have oversold the rooms and for our first night only they would be moving us to the Residence Inn Downtown. They will pick up the cost of this night. Does the trollet run by this hotel also? Is it conveinant to Channelside? Help?

residence inn downtown

No, the trolley stops close to the Waterside Marriott and the Residence Inn is about .75 of a mile North of the Waterside location.

Maybe, as it is only for one day, they would use their shuttle bus to bring you back to the Waterside location when you need to catch the trolley.

residence inn downtown

Does anyone know of any fun places close to this hotel. We want somewhere close for drinks and dinner or some place with a patio?

TAPS is pretty close and has tons of beer and wine by the glass. They have pretty decent food also. It%26#39;s at the bottom of the Skypoint Condos. Fly is also good for drinks and a bite to eat. Both aren%26#39;t very far from Residence Inn Downtown.

Oh, and both have outdoor seating.

There is a trolley that runs every 10 minutes throughout downtown and harbour island and goes right by the Residence Inn and Marriott Waterside and the streetcar to take you to Ybor City and Channelside. The purple line runs 6am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm Monday Thru Friday. The green line also runs every 10 minutes on Friday and Saturday evenings(6pm to 2am) throughout downtown, channelside and harbour island.

Check the In town Trolley here%26gt; http://www.hartline.org/

For fun and eats walk over to Fly or TAPS. There is also Malio%26#39;s too! On harbour Island I enjoy Jackson%26#39;s for some drinks and great views, Cafe Dufrain for great eats and drinks with a nice view as well.

.net

Help - hotel near convention center

Hi,

I%26#39;m flying in from Canada in a few weeks and am looking for an inexpensive hotel for a few nights fairly close to the Convention Centre. I am a girl travelling alone so a good part of the city would be helpful.

I have been looking at Hyde Park Hotel.......and suggestions about that?

I had looked at a few motels on North Dale Marby but the reviews say it is in a bad part of town.

Also, how far is the convention centre from the airport?

Please help!

Help - hotel near convention center

I don%26#39;t know much about the Hyde Park Hotel, but you will need a rental car to get to the Convention Center from there. I would consider it too far to walk.

If you are on a budget, I would try doing priceline for a downtown hotel. I believe others have won the Sheraton Riverwalk for less than $100/night in the past. It is walkable to Convention Center and seems safe. You can look at www.betterbidding.com or www.biddingfortravel.com for tips on how to bid.

The Embassy Suites Convention Center, Marriott Waterside and Westin Harbour Island are all an easy walk and very safe, but are not inexpensive. You may win them on priceline, though - never know!

The airport is about a 20 minute drive to Convention Center depending on traffic. There is a flat rate for taxis from the airport to downtown of I believe $25.

Help - hotel near convention center

Hi FSUFUN,

Thanks for those tips.......I%26#39;ve never ';bidded'; but I will definitely check it out!

Even though it may be a bit further, can you tell me about the neighborhood that the Hyde Park Hotel is in........I%26#39;ve been trying to search and it ';sounds'; ok but would love some first-hand opinions.

Also, I%26#39;m sure taxis are fairly easy to come by, what do you think the average fair would be from the Hyde Park to the Convention Centre (is it ';fairly close, a few miles?)? Or would it be cheaper just to rent a car?

Thanks again!

Hyde Park Hotel is nice, had a friend stay there for a month, they are small apartments..excellent part of town, Hyde Park/SOHO, you can walk to everything, from Starbucks, Panera, to over a dozen great restaurants all along Howard Avenue, grocery store, walgreens, etc...grteat part of town, and a cab would be a flat fare of $3.00 per person each way since you are ';intown';.

Yaaaaay! You just made my day!!!! Thanks so much for the reply. I%26#39;m so glad to hear that Hyde Park is a great part of town!

I can%26#39;t wait to visit!!!!!

Thanks again!

Hyde Park is actually one of the MOST desireable areas to live in Tampa, by the way. ON the Natinal Register of Historic Places..make sure you walk around the Hyde Park Village neighborhood, homes form the late 1800%26#39;s early 1900%26#39;s, and also Bayshore Blvd.

I think that the $3 rate only applies if there are 2 or more passengers. If you are taking a taxi alone, I believe they will use the meter. I take taxis from Harbour Island to Howard Ave. and back often and it is about a $10 cab ride. It should be about the same or a bit less from that hotel to the Convention Center.

IN that case, I would probably just take the city bus(#4 goes up Howard Ave and Swann Ave to downtown, about 10 min., ). It runs every hour. $1.50 each way.

hartline.org

Oooohhh yes, a $10 cab ride each way is a bit more pricey than $3. I%26#39;ll have to check into that for sure.........

The bus sounds ok, is there a bus stop near the hotel?

I wonder if it would be just cheaper to rent a car?

The bus runs less than a block by the hotel along Howard Ave(the #4)..clean and convenient, $1.50 each way. The Hyde Park hotel can tell you the times it runs by them.

Car rental would be good if you needed to go outside of In town areas, but you will also pay to park at the convention center daily.

revlon lipstick

watch this topic

hey when did this button appear? will we have spell check and an edit button?

watch this topic

The ';watch this topic'; button has been on here a while now; they added it back in early summer, if memory serves correctly.

Boy, do I ever need that spell-check button!!

watch this topic

Gosh I wish there was a spell check, or even and edit function!

I type too fast and always have typos.

I think this forum definitaly needs a spull check function. The standerds of english is appawling.

i need the edit button quick. i meant to type in will we have an edit and spell check button next? lol.

can%26#39;t believe that i never noticed the watched topic button.

What button?

Where is it?

Having problems finding it?

80)

If you have firefox, it comes with a spell check :) No grammar check, but at least I spell words right!

tallandglam, i%26#39;m with you.... I can%26#39;t seem to see it either! Where is it....?

As for spell check, at home on my Mac any mis-spelt words have red lines under them, no such help in work though.... :(

But would the spell check be in English, English

or that new version

American English?

its next to the reply button underneath the posts.

hey thats not fair, i%26#39;ve just noticed i was on .com not .co.uk and on the uk version you don%26#39;t get button!!!

Is it enough ??

I%26#39;m heading to Orlando with my fiancee with car rental, hotel and park tkts already pre-paid..will spend 10 days..3k is enough ?? Thx in adv !!!

Is it enough ??

As a family of 5 we spend 100 to 150 USD a day.

I would have thought 3K is plenty.

Is it enough ??

Assuming your talking about US $, then you should have well enough for 10 days. Last year we spent around that amount in 10 days, and we didn%26#39;t skimp on anything. We did do alot of shopping too.

Have fun!

$300 a day is loads. Maybe too much, depends what you wanna do, where you wanna eat and how much shopping your going to do. We did half that amount last year in 14 days.

More than enough! Have a great time!

Best American Beer

Hello,

What is the best widely available american beer in pubs and bars etc.

Many thanks.

Best American Beer

Opinions vary, but IMO, Sam Adams is the best - most bars have it on tap. You%26#39;ll find Miller and Budweiser products on tap everywhere.

Best American Beer

I vote for Bud. I think it tastes better in the US than it does in the UK. I don%26#39;t know if there is a real difference or not. Its kind of like have a Guiness at your local pub and then having one in Dublin - much better!

Sam Adams is pretty tasty too. Coors is not so good.

Sam Adams is good and widely available, but ask at the bar what micro brews they have. Beer in America has come along way in the past 10 years, there are many,many great micro brew beers around. Ask what they have and try one. SweetWater, AnchorSteam, Sierra Nevada ,Red Hook to name a few. Stay away from Bud, Millers, Coors if you like decent beer IMO!! Just ask the staff,they%26#39;ll tell you what micros they have and can recommend.

Thanks for the replies.

I like the idea of Sam Adams as I have never tried it before. I am also glad Bud taste different in Orlando than home, is it still 5%?

I will look out for micro brewes but as I am staying in tourist heaven (I-Drive) I don%26#39;t think there will be any places doing them.

I%26#39;m more of a wine drinker but here%26#39;s my list:

Boulevard Pale Ale (with a wedge of lemon, mmm)(I think this is brewed in America)

Coors Light (cold and crisp just like the Rockies)

Miller Chill or I believe Budweiser has a version like this with lime also.

I am partial to our local brew Abita Amber but that%26#39;s only available on tap here. In Orlando I usually go with Sam.

Jennifer

Definitely Sam Adams Boston Lager but their seasonal beers are also good (right now is Sam Adams Octoberfest).

Budweiser isn%26#39;t even a contender!

warning: copy and paste this in your notepad or somewhere where the owls can%26#39;t delete it

Ok, the answer to that VERY on topic question is:

Budweiser!

BUD %26amp; MIC for me tke top spots, strange people say SAM ADAMS as I am not fussy. On the other side the wife loves it, but wouldn%26#39;t try a dark beer at home.

It all nice after a long day in the parks.

If you get a chance on your way out of Universal sit on the kerb with a bottle of BUD and watch the world go by...great way to finish the day off.

Only have the one if driving..

Well as a Scotsman My opinion is simple ;-)

If its chilled and the sun is shining and its got an alcohol content,,,,,,,,,,, Drink It ;-)

btw my poison is cider ;-)

Cheers ;-) Wullie

Polynesian or Floridian

Thanks to everyones advice re my last post on the best diney pool. We have narrowed down or hotel choices to these two. We really want to be on the monorail. Also think we are going to go in March instead of February. Which hotel would you pick?

Thanks!

Polynesian or Floridian

I have stayed at The GF and only visited the Poly.

I think if you have never stayed at either, go for the GF. The lobby of the main building is very nice.

There is a map of the grounds. You may want to look at it to request the building you may like.

Partypa is pretty good at this.

Do visit the Poly if you go with the GF.

Polynesian or Floridian

www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/grandflomap.htm

Hi Cab,

Both hotels are fabulous.You really can%26#39;t go wrong. I have stayed at Poly,and have eaten and visited GF. If you%26#39;re bringing children,I would probably vote for Poly. My reasons would be 1. A bit less money

2. Feeling like you%26#39;re practically in the MK.

3. The theme of the Poly is a little more ';laid back,and kid friendly'; (IMO).Breakfast w/ character is a blast.food is great.

You%26#39;ll have a great time at either..Hope your trip is WICKED GOOD! :+))

Yes, think I would have to vote for the Poly of these two as well.

The volcano pool is awesome there, and the beach is a wonderful place to watch both the Wishes fireworks as well as the Electric Water Pageant on the lagoon at night.

IMHO,the Grand Floridian is the better choice. The Polynesian pool is very nice but pretty cramped while both pools at the GF are pretty great. GF is a prettier hotel and the rooms are nicer. It%26#39;s as deluxe as Disney gets;for the money,we would pick the Floridian anytime we choose a monorail hotel.(though the AKL is our favorite resort)

Are you the one with the 5 year old?

This is my opinion...if you have a girl, stay at the GF. If you have a boy, stay at the Poly.

We LOVED the Polynesian. It had a very relaxed and vacationy feel and the kids loved Kona. A big plus for us was the transportation. At the Polynesian we could walk to the TTC to catch the monorail to Epcot. I have to admit, though, that I%26#39;m not a big fan of gingerbread architecture and have never stayed at the Grand Floridian.

Jennifer

I would pick the Poly, only because the GF is the best Disney has to offer and you will probably spoil yourself right off if you go there first. I can promise you that being on the monorail will spoil you to not wanting to stay anywhere off the monorail and as nice as Poly %26amp; Contemp are, the GF will probably spoil you to never ';stepping down'; to these resorts. Of course, if you think you will always be content going back to the GF and budget will allow for it, then go straight to the top, but there is alot to be said for working your way up thru the many Disney resorts, they all have something special to offer, but just like with cars, it%26#39;s hard to trade down to a Chevy after driving a Mercedes.

Here%26#39;s another vote for the Polynesian - it is just a fun resort! Here is some good information:

Resort Photos - including the pool: buildabettermousetrip.com/images/鈥ndex.htm

More Polynesian information: http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/index.html

The Grnad Floridian, no question. Better pools, better food and Disney%26#39;s flagship resort. You can%26#39;t go wrong.

handling exceptions

birthday restaurant fort lauderdale riverfront

can anyone recommend a restaurant with great food and service for my birthday 12/28? Two adults. we will be just off a cruise and are staying one night at the Hampton Inn ';downtown'; and will not have a car. Understand you can walk to the riverfront area from the hotel, but if there%26#39;s a super place that requires a cab ride, that%26#39;s fine too. Many thanks and Merry Christmas to all!

birthday restaurant fort lauderdale riverfront

JSN - while the name of the hotel is Hampton Inn downtown, you should know that it%26#39;s not in a good neighborhood - at least at night. During the day it%26#39;s safe, but I would cab it at night.

If it were me, I%26#39;d head to the Grill Room at the Riverside Hotel. It%26#39;s on Las Olas Blvd., and while it%26#39;s walkable from the Hampton Inn, again I say I would probably cab it. The reason I picked the Riverside is because the hotel and the boulevard will be all decorated for the holidays....not to mention that the food is great as well! It%26#39;s a place for a celebration :)

After your dinner, stroll the boulevard and head to Kilwin%26#39;s for some chocolate and ice cream. Yum yum!!

birthday restaurant fort lauderdale riverfront

As I re-read my post, I realized that I should probably explain my verbiage about the hotel being in a not-so-good neighborhood. Between the hotel and the New River, there%26#39;s a park where there are typically homeless people and older kids - which translates to me not wanting to walk there. Better to be safe than sorry, so I would take a cab - or perhaps the trolley. The trolley does have a weekend schedule and it runs right by the Hampton Inn. Check it out at www.suntrolley.com

Many thanks for the great info! We will have fun on the trolley and hopefully a great birthday dinner.

Tarpon Bend. The crab crusteed mahi mahi is awesome!

Tarpon Bend .... have you read the reviews? My request is for a special birthday dinner; this place sounds like alot of fun for drinks after work.

If anyone else has some ideas for a nice dinner in the FTL RiverFront area, I%26#39;d welcome them.

JSN, there aren%26#39;t many restaurants in the New River area. River House is still there and while it is a lovely place, the recent reviews haven%26#39;t been all that great. It%26#39;s pricey for great ambience but just so-so food. They do have their menu on line, but no prices are listed.

I still think I%26#39;d head to Las Olas but it%26#39;s your birthday and I wish there were more New River options.

Lulu, Pat, Sue - any suggetions?

None except to agree with Abby that you%26#39;ll likely be better served heading to Las Olas Blvd, not Riverfront , as most of the Riverfront complex is pretty dead.It%26#39;s basically a matter of heading east, rather than west, at the foot of the Andrews Ave. bridge. Tarpon Bend and Himmarshhee , among others , are not really in Riverfront- they are in Himmarshee Village right near it- and both get good reviews for their food, but Las Olas would have a really wide selection of restaurants. Himmarshee Village is a street near Riverfront that has many restaurants and bars , but you may find the stmosphere too ';clubby '; rather than sophisticated, from what I read in your post. I haven%26#39;t been down in so long to see what may have closed, as restaurants do come and go around here , but Johhny V%26#39;s is a celebrity chef place there that has excellent food, Riley McDermott%26#39;s is a newer place run by a few Emeril relatives and associates , and I think Abby already mentioned the Grill Room at the Riverside.

I have celebrated at the tiny, romantic Las Olas Cafe , which has great food and very atmospheric courtyard dining. I hope it is still there ( the Rack of lamb is lovely) but it is tiny and I don%26#39;t hear much about it- let me see if I can give you a few website links so you can study menus of various spots

I often use this site to look up restaurant menus and it is a good place for you to start. I hope the link takes you directly to the section listed as Las Olas/Downtown. I don%26#39;t happen to agree with teh way they geographicaly combine areas- but within the many restaurants listed here are some whose menus I suggest you study:

At Himmarshee Village :

Himmarshee Bar and Grill ( you%26#39;ll see it gets good reviews)

Tarpon Bend ( really does have good food, but you may find it too casual in atmosphere)

On Las Olas Blvd:

Las Olas Cafe

Grill Room at Las Olas

Jackson%26#39;s Steakhouse

Johhny V

Riley McDermott%26#39;s

This site usually does a good job of keeping up with closures, but I see a few that are not correctly marked a s closed, so you%26#39;ll want to double check ( and definitely make a reservation anyway at that very busy time)

A previous poster had mentioned that the River House , a very impressive building that used to be a good special occasion spot , is , at least at the moment , closed, except for banquets and group gatherings. I had found that the food there had declined in the recent months, so I wouldn%26#39;t have recommended it anyway-There certainly may be more closures etc in the coming months due to rough economic times- check back with us right before you%26#39;re coming for an update.

I%26#39;ll see if this link works well after I post it- sometimes they don%26#39;t seem to open properly- but I%26#39;ll do my best to correct it if it doesn%26#39;t.

As locals will know, several of the restaurants listed on that particular section, would not be described by me as Las Olas or Downtown for location, but it is such a good resource otherwise!

southflorida.menupages.com/restaurants.asp鈥?/a>

New Year In Clearwater...

I visited Florida a few years ago for Xmas and New Year, ill prepared we ended up going to Citywalk in Orlando which was all we could find that wasn%26#39;t sold out on the 27th of December... We had a swell time mind.

This time i%26#39;m coming back with the good lady in tow. Can anyone recommend a good new years evening out? Thinking of some sort of meal and entertainment arrangement ideally that I could have booked for when we go.

Thanks in advance for your help.

DOL

New Year In Clearwater...

I am looking for the same sort of thing - if anyone has any suggestions that would be great!

New Year In Clearwater...

I don%26#39;t really know of anything specific. But alot of restaurants, bars, and clubs have specials for New Years. Most are a dinner and party combo. Maybe dinner at the Columbia in Ybor City with a flamenco dancer show? Maybe the new Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach will have some sort of deal. Keep a watch at www.tbo.com for specials.

revlon lipstick

Orlando 2009 -

Hi

I%26#39;ve been reading hundreds of posts on here which has left me with even more questions then before I started so thought I would just start my own post.

Me and My girlfriend are planning to go to orlando sometime next year or maybe early 2010 and need some advice. We were looking at going in November next year as her aunt has been twice then and recommended it. I%26#39;m worried as I have read that some of the parks can be closed for refurbishment around this time so was hoping if someone can clear this up for me. If not November we were thinking about feb 2010 again could we miss out on parks etc if we go then.

I been looking on the net at weather etc but wanted some first hand views on this, what is the weather actually like in November or Feb is it warm enough to go to the waterparks etc.

Any extra advice on where to book who to fly with etc would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

Orlando 2009 -

Weather - glorious in November. If you got this during summer here you%26#39;d count yourself VERY lucky. Every time I%26#39;ve been. Probably the same in Feb. Yes, it can get cool in the evenings, but it%26#39;s not that common. Probably the best time to go.

Parks closed? Nope. Maybe the odd attraction within a park, but otherwise still open for business and, if you avoid ThanksGiving, not too busy either.

Orlando 2009 -

I agree

November is Great. Have done the Waterparks no problem. LOW crowd levels except for Thanksgiving

If you want even warmer weather, September %26amp; October are also good times to go. If you are thinking at all of staying at a Disney Resort, there is an offer for Free Dining, very nice Perk www.mousesavers.com/ukvisitors.html

You can get a Free Quote from www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com They are very reliable

Parks dont normally shut except for the odd attraction and a waterpark normally closes but they also close in february too.

I have been both in November and in February....weather was better in November...we were cold in Feb and had to go out %26amp; buy more jumpers as we hadnt brought enough. November we visited wet N wild and didnt feel too cold.

Another advantage of november is you can see the christmas decorations. Just beware of thanksgiving it does get a bit crowded.

I personally would opt for November over february if I were to go again at this time of year

Hi,

I have been in Late October and Jan/Feb before (going back this Jan/Feb).

People are right weather normally warmer October/November, however when we went Jan/Feb had some very warm days - all was T-shirt weather - it does get cold at night though (jacket and trousers required)

The thing about January and February time is that the parks are really quiet, at Busch Gardens last time I don%26#39;t think we queued for a ride for longer than 5 mins. The odd ride may be closed for maintainence but 90% was running and it was worth it to avoid the queues.

Thanks for all the replies guys they were a big help.

We%26#39;ve decided to go in Novmeber now so starting to look at where to boook etc.

So far Virgin are the only company to book that far in advance. Does anyone have any good suggestions on who to use. Also when is a good time to book. I%26#39;m only after room flight and maybe car, tickets etc i%26#39;m going to sort on-line.

Also apart from the parks anyone got any good suggestions on things to see?

Again thanks for all the help so far

Hi mate

ive been in July and August and next year i have decided to go in April after EASTER weather is good warm but not too hot and all park rides are open. Not much dearer than Feb either, but price goes up in May.Hope that helps

I%26#39;ve been to Orlando many times and opted for the cheap airline options with stop offs and also travelled with Virgin, who fly direct. As you have got plenty of time to save I would certainly recommend Virgin. Dollar are probably the cheapest car rental company, so you can book them on their UK site. You%26#39;ll find plenty of good hotel deals on sites such as Expedia and Ebookers. The Swan and Dolphin often have superb deals in November; ask them to keep you posted. You%26#39;ll also find several very reasonably priced hotels close to Disney Village, or Downtown Disney, as it is now known. These include Lake Buena Vista Palace, which is offering 99 dollar a room rates this year.

Hi Shane, i booked for me and my son, November 2009 with virgin. good hotel and car included but opted for free transfer as first time going and hotel is off international drive. price went up by 拢100 a week later though

Hi Shane, I have been to Olrlando many times and always used Virgin they maybe a bit more expensive but worth it. We tend to book flights with Virgin then book Hotel and car. You can get some good deals on Hotels and Cars if you shop around on the internet. If your a first time driver in Orlando pay the extra and get a Sat Nav with the Car. Best of Luck Hope you enjoy your trip.

hi, we are looking to book a holiday for next september, and we also might book virgin flights, but it is still a little early to book yet as they let you book flights 11 months before you fly. I found these sites on the web, travel republic.com and roomsnet.com and they have really good prices for rooms. hope you find something.

Looking for Restaurants for wedding reception

Hi. Need some help trying to find a nice restaurant(would love to be by the ocean) to eat after I get married on the beach. Some place causal. Maybe with live music. Good food/drinks.

Thanks

Looking for Restaurants for wedding reception

I%26#39;m not so familiar with places IN Destin, but FWB is a couple miles to the west %26amp; I think Angler%26#39;s restaurant does weddings/receptions %26amp; they are right ON the beach.

American Idol Attraction

Anyone know when this is suppose to open, I can only find late 2008, just wondered if it%26#39;ll be open when were out there in Oct!

American Idol Attraction

I believe there has been a delay, doubtful it will be open in October

If I can find the news story I will post it for you

American Idol Attraction

Here%26#39;s the article about it from allears:

http://allears.net/tp/mgm/ia.htm

Ealiest opening date is now slated for January 2009.

ittwit

Pink shell for 2 adults and 3 teenage girls Easter Break

Looking for a very nice condo for Easter break with 3 teenagers. Thinking of the Pink Shell. Anywhere else we should consider in the S. Florida area?

Pink shell for 2 adults and 3 teenage girls Easter Break

check out vrbo.com vacation rentals by owners for condos %26amp; cottages.

Pink shell for 2 adults and 3 teenage girls Easter Break

The Pink Shell is an excellent choice,it is located on the north end of the island right on the beach.It is within walking distance of Times Square the Pier etc. Bowditch Park is next door. The sunsets are to die for!! You will love it!!

Beacon, Bentley, or Tides

Going to SoBe for one night w/ husband. We are trying to decide if the Tides is really worth the money vs The Bentley or The Beacon which both look good to us, too. Any opinions? BTW, we are in our 50%26#39;s, so we%26#39;re not into the really late bar scene.

Beacon, Bentley, or Tides

Just stayed at the Tides and got a rate of 320 usd. It was an awesome hotel. Great service and location

Sanctuary South Beach or Pelican hotel

I am confused now about the hotel I should use : we are both in our thirties and love modern design boutique hotels with a great ambiance.

We have a booking for Sanctuary Hotel, but now I have found the possibility to swap to Pelican Hotel, which a total rate that is 30 to 40% cheaper (Sanctuary at 220 USD and Pelican at around 170 USD per night).

What would you choose ? Should I stick to Sanctuary or change ?

Any thoughts highly welcome and much appreciated.

Regards,

Bart

Sanctuary South Beach or Pelican hotel

My choice would be the Angler over the Sanctuary or

The Strand and Beacon over the Pelican. First choice

above all the hotels in South Beach would be the Sagamore even if you have to pay a little extra. The

Sagamore is the type of hotel where if they are

renovating their pool(should be done now) they say:

Sorry for the inconvenience but you will have to use

the pool at the Ritz Carlton(38 feet away).

Sanctuary South Beach or Pelican hotel

Thanks for the input.

I had figured out already that there are nicer hotels in Miami, but issue is that we will be there from Dec 27 to Jan 1, when prices are sky-high in the hotels you mention (500-600 USD and upwards is out of our budget)?

REgards,

Bart

Your trip is at the most expensive time and in that

case I would suggest you check out the reviews for

the Pelican and Sanctuary because your prices are good.

Perhaps you can book with option to cancel and checkfor specials on the better hotels through

Travelzoo, Perfect Escapes, Quikbook.com etc and see if

you can do better.

revlon lipstick

New Rehabs at Disney

There are a few more Rehabs including one at the Stormalong Bay Pool @ the Y %26amp; B Club

Best to know before you go :)

www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm

New Rehabs at Disney

Bump

just incase anyone missed it yesterday

New Rehabs at Disney

bump

one more time

Thanks partypa! Good info there. I plan on staying a Y+B club in Jan.

Quiet pools are fine with me,but I do love the SA bay as well. Hey...as long as the jacuzzi isn%26#39;t shut down,I%26#39;m good. Gotta have it after a long day.

(Oh the knees.the knees) :+%26gt;

moose, I know just what you mean, back, knees, feet !! I start and end everyday while there with a Good Soak :)

Ditto Partypa! I stayed at Yatch on first floor,about 6 years ago. Had a room in an all but deserted wing. I did not see one other guest in the pool or hot tub during my entire stay. Ohhh sunrise in the hot tub,with the pink and purple sky,and hot coffee in my Mickey mug! I%26#39;ll never forget it..Utopia!! I really lucked out that year!

Oh yes, must have that Big Mug of Coffee. I plan out the day while enjoying the quiet and the Sunrise :)

Can%26#39;t wait, only 3 days to go !!!!!!!!!!!!

3 days?? Oh hot diggity dog! (she said 2 hours later). Have yourself an ear wearing,fudge eatin,coaster screamin,tea cup whirlin,firework ahhhing,monorail ridin,blister prevenint heck of a good time!!!

';When you wish upon a star,your dreeeeeeeams commmmme truuuuuuuuue.';

Last bump

Hey moose, Thanks, I intend to :)

Is there a list of attractions that will be closed?

I know where to find it on Disney%26#39;s website but for Universal and the rest of the parks do they have something similar on their sites?

Is there a list of attractions that will be closed?

Well, here%26#39;s Disney%26#39;s list: http://wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm

I found it, then I re-read your post. But for anyone else who may need it.

Is there a list of attractions that will be closed?

Go to the webpage on the Universal site where their ';park hours'; are listed and you will see there any attractions which are closed for the long term.

All they list now is a portion of the Lost Continent being closed, but they don%26#39;t list specifically what portions that is. I%26#39;m fairly sure the Flying Unicorn is part of that closure, but not sure what else.

universalorlando.com/hours-information/鈥?/a>

For SeaWorld, all they give is show schedules and park hours, but don%26#39;t list any rides which are closed on their site. I remember last year in December, the Kraken roller coaster was closed for an extended period for a refurb, but they never listed that on their website.

www.seaworld.com/ParkHours.aspx?locID=1

Hi if you go onto the disney site and look at guest services it will have a drop dowm box for each park and month, and tell you, there is%26#39;nt much being closed, thank god, as i missed a couple last year, but i know blizzard beach is closing in a few weeks.

howtogetevenwithyourex

Medieval Times ruined by constant interuptions ?

Went to the Medieval Times March 2006 and the whole family absolutely loved it great show as well as very nice food (and cheap evening out tickets then were 拢14 each)

We went back in Sept 2007 and the whole evening was ruined by interuptions during the show.

Yes I appreciate that they need to make money but -

When you walk in your made have your photo taken as you enter and during the show in the dark nagged to buy a bad superimposed picture of yourself and they are not keen if you try to not have the photo taken.

Paying upgrades to sit nearer the front when I found the family 3 rows back after paying for the upgrade

and with people trying to sell flashing lights and the servers who are giving you your food it is so difficult to see the show and the whole evening was spoiled - Anyone else got stories of other dinner shows

Medieval Times ruined by constant interuptions ?

Next time, try Hoop Dee Doo Revue.

You still have the ';photo'; session, but no one disturbs the show as all food is served between the acts of the show.

Medieval Times ruined by constant interuptions ?

We have been to MT several times and always enjoy the show and food. It isn%26#39;t the Ritz or a Broadway show but, then it is supposed to be set in Medieval Times. I would guess at joisting tournaments, etc. in Medival Times there would have been people selling gruel, mead, etc. walking around during the proceedings?

Don%26#39;t know how the pictures and flashing lights fit in with that thought process other than making them some extra money and providing a memento of your visit.

We have never had a problem enjoying the show due to the servers, sellers, etc. Usually, the server will happily take your picture at your seat for you with your camera if you ask them.

Of course, we have no problem saying no if we don%26#39;t like their pictures and we never buy the light up toys. Usually the sellers either kneel down or keep moving to avoid blocking diners views for more than a second or two.

We have been to Dixie Stampede (a similar format) and had no issues there either.

Capone%26#39;s is a little different, still a dinner show, but the performers/wait staff comes out into the audience and gets the audience involved a bit.

Not sure what you meant about being in the third row? Not everyone can sit front row center, the center rows up to about five or six I think are considered upgrade seating?

Hi, We went last year and it would of been ok apart from a young girl who screamed her head off every 30 seconds like she was being attacked, right in my partners ear, after kindly asking her dad to quiet her down and an hr later of ear ache my partner had had enough and told her to be quiet himself! lol.

I would%26#39;nt bother paying extra to get near the front, we where in the 2nd line back in the middle and we got the re 15 mins early, it was the same with all the shows, but I would say this is the best dinner show out of the lot as long as you have a car to get back, as it%26#39;s a bit out of the way. hope this helps?

FAO Kat cubs

Hi Kat

Thanx for your info, I tired that number and is saying it is not in use.

I am calling from the UK and tried with and with out the international dialing code.

Would you be willing to call the number for me if I gave you the serial numbers.

Thanx

Denise

FAO Kat cubs

Refresh my memory on what number you were calling again.

FAO Kat cubs

You gave me 1-407-566-4985.

I tried putting the dialing code 011 in front as well.

Try it this way from the U.K.:

001-407-566-4985

011 is the international number for South Africa!

Ok thanx, I%26#39;ll give it a try later on after work.

Checked my diary again and definately says 011 1 for USA.

I have something completely different for sa.

Thanx

Hi.

I got my husband to call and them and they said the tikcets were good.

I guess I have been lucky this time. I wouldn%26#39;t do it again though!!!

Thanx for the help/ .

Denise

Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive

Has anyone stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive lately? We haven%26#39;t been to Orlando in 8 years. Last time we were there we stayed at Caribe Royale which was nice. I have read both really good or really bad reviews on the Sheraton Vistana Village lately. I was also wondering how bad construction really is there lately. We will be staying there in a 2 bedroom villa December 14-21. L Any comments would be great. Thanks:)

Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive

Bump

does anyone have current info for ababyzoe ?

Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive

This was a reponse I gave to another posting...hope it helps.

We stayed in The Amelia phase in March, which is the newest that%26#39;s complete. They%26#39;re working on Augustine. We were close to main building, pool. and food as well as construction. It was actually pretty quiet and we were never bothered by the construction. The resort is quite nice and our villa was beautiful. As a matter of fact...we wound up buying one. No regrets.

I have to agree with mrsrad

I have posted feedback on the hotel

We enjoyed it, we were located in the block practically opposite the construction, didnt hear anything and we were out all day so the view didnt bother us. This block was pretty much brand new.

The only construction noise our guests heard on a couple of days(who stayed in the second bedroom) was from another hotel across the main road (on I-Drive) because they started early 7-7.30am.

Thanks alot for all your info.I%26#39;ll also keep checking the reviews on site:)

Was there last year - assigned to a unit right in the middle of the contruction zone. Requested that I be moved, which they did.

Are you an owner or a guest? If you are an owner, they tend to be more accommodating.

Advenurer'sClub is closing...boooo! :+(

For those of you who are ';members';.

Kungaloosh!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY1zY7FQgIE

revlon lipstick

pre cruise night

Hi

on the night before our cruise, our agent has booked us into the Rui Miami beach hotel, could anyone tell me what this is like, what%26#39;s in the vicinity to do of an evening, we would also like to visit a walmart for last minute shopping, is there one close by, if not how long would it take to get to one and would we be able to taxi it.

thanks guys

pre cruise night

luby%26gt;

Not nearby. The WalMart company has not moved into Miami Beach yet - only Miami (another city). If you do not mind my asking, what do you want to buy? Perhaps I can suggest another shop... Check this -

I made you a map to help you plan%26gt;

shopping%26gt; http://tinyurl.com/27xdoy

If you come to the Riu via the motorway 1-95, you can stop en route at MidTown Mall and shop there. There is a Target and some fun discount shops like ROSS and Marshalls, a large electronics store etc.

On the morning of the cruise, you can shop near the Port. Here is a guide I made for te cruise port area:

Port Area%26gt; http://tinyurl.com/2wavz8

Remember to buy sunscreen and that it is permissible to bring along a bottle of your own on some ships (which saves you plenty of $$$ on liquor on board).

Check with the cruise website for more info...

Enjoy!

AG

pre cruise night

Hi AG

How clever are you!! thanks for taking the time to do that for me and picking up my post I really appreciate it.

It%26#39;s our first time to Miami or should i say Miami beach. I thought they were both the same area.? It%26#39;s also our first time on a cruise, there are 8 going and my son is getting married whilst docking in Jamaica. I wanted to buy some fun wedding things, you know to decorate the room after they are married married but nothing rude or tasteless if you know what i mean ha he is my son after all.

I also wanted to buy some cans fizzy drinks and bottled water for the boat. we are going with royal Carnival to western caribbean, I would love to take some champagne but don%26#39;t know if this is allowed. What else? I love buying bedding whenever I am in the states and my sons I think would like to look at the electronics, consoles games that sort of thing or maybe they would just rather hangout on the beach and leave the shopping to us.lol!!

I thought of walmart because we don%26#39;t have a great deal of time and they sell everything in the one shop. someone told me there was 3 in the area somewhere. obviously that information is wrong!

As to the hotel we have been booked into. I have just read some of the reviews. Some of which sound very daunting, do you think i should try and get it changed and if so what one would be either close to a beach yet central to everything. I should have done a lot of research before booking this but it was a bit of a last minute thing.

Thanks AG

Luby

Luby

Unfortuantely RCCL have a policy against bringing alcohol onboard :-( (if they find it, they confiscate it).

You can pre-order champagne to be delivered to one or more of your cabins (I pre-ordered wine and chocolates for my Mum and her cousin on their cruise last week - they got it the day they embarked :-) ).

They also have a nice Champagne Bar onboard and a reasonable choice of champagne (by the bottle) on the dining room menu. There champagne by the glass in the dining rooms is not hugely impressive: I have taken to buying a glass in the champagne bar and taking it into the DR with me...

UCC

Hi UCC. We have a wedding coordinated and have ordered the wedding package they have on board which include, flowers, button hole,s champaign,cake etc so all that is sorted for the day. but as an extra supprice i wanted to order BFast in bed for her and have champaign whist she is getting dressed etc my DH and other son%26#39;s were going to do the same with my son who is getting married. so there is going to be a lot of drink needed we were hoping we could gift wrap it ut best not to take any.

Hanna did you hear about the bus being bombed in Dubai today?? you go on your cruise in a day or 2 don%26#39;t you. we have found the mane of the hotel i did say it was not very well know so hopefully we will change that if not we will just suffer the loss and book else where, don%26#39;t think i could stay in a place that is not suitable. especially if the lifts are prone to breaking down. If I don%26#39;t catch you before you leave have a fantastic time and email me all about it when you get back.

luby

Hi

I am not off for another week (a week today we head for Heathrow, flying on the Friday).

Good luck working out what to do about the hotel: would be a shame to waste the money already spent, BUT I have checked out of a pre-paid hotel before (in Orlando) because I didn%26#39;t like it.

We are at the JW Marriott next week. My Mum just came back from the Intercontinental (very near the Port and close to Bayside Market Place) and she said that was really nice - probably better placed with ';more going on around it'; than the JW Marriott. You might be able to negotiate a ';day room'; or two at the Intercontinental (for when you come off the cruise): they don%26#39;t advertise them on their website, but they may be able to accomodate you...

UCC

girl myspace

trip report 9/9 to 9/12

Thanks to the hotels that stayed open!

We planned my 40th birthday trip to start in Orlando on Sept 5th and ending on Sept 13th with stays in Universal (2 nights), Cocoa Beach, Hollywood, Key West (2 nights) Little Torch, and ending in Vero Beach.

As the experts kept telling us that IKE will hit the Keys, we stayed to our plan only to have to make a few last minute changes.

Sept 8th

We arrived in Hollywood on Monday the 8th knowing that our hotels in the Keys were closed, 2 nights at The Gardens Hotel on the 9th and 10th along with our night on Little Palm Island on the 11th. To our surprised we got word that the “premature evacuation” as the locals were calling it, was lifted!!!!!! I was ecstatic that there was still hope we would be in KW on my birthday.

Sept 9th

Knowing no fear, for completely stupid, we started to drive to KW on Tuesday the 9th with no hotel reservations or knowing what if anything was open. This trip was very surreal, almost movie like with no cars on US 1.

We had lunch at Key Largo Conch house to have fish tacos and blackened Mai-Mai – this was just wonderful. This stop was part of our original plan, so things are good. We continued down US 1 as we stated to realize – while the evacuation orders were canceled, that did not mean business would just open there doors. Key after Key we only saw boarded up hotels and restaurants and the only other traffic were the Sheriff’s squad cars.

As we traveled through Islamorada, we saw that the Hampton Inn looked open, some cars and the front door was not boarded up – so we saw that as our back up hotel for the night. We continued down to Marathon Key, we started to rethink our decision to not just stop at the Hampton Inn. We made it the bridge leaving Marathon Key and I said no more! Is was not raining hard, but the wind was probably now about 40 to 50 mph and I know that 7 mile bridge was going to come up rather soon, so we went back to the Hampton Inn.

This was a very nice choice (we had no choice anyway). We had snacks, beer and a computer so I was set as we watch the storm pass. I decided to post in TA if any hotels were open and some posters were very helpful in letting us know that La Concha was open and Eden House were open. At that time I should have written down the addresses or phone numbers.

Sept 10th

The next morning we woke early to get on our way to KW as we had some hope for a place to stay. As we traveled down on the 9th, we hit more traffic, but not much more and finally reached our original hotel the Garden House – the grounds crew were starting the clean up (not much from what could see) but still not taking any guests. At this time I realized that I had forgot to bring the phone numbers for La Concha or Eden house. Well we still had a brochure with us with hotel information and we started to make calls. We called Ocean Key Resort and they were open and taking guests. We got a great rate as they were desperate to get guests back, and we were the first guest to come back!!!

We un-packed, I grabbed a beer and we started to walk around.

I have never seen a city “wake up” but that is the only way to describe what we saw. We watched workers at the shops and bars pulling off the plywood that shows that Hurricane history, Ike, Gustov, Fay, Rita, Dennis etc. My first beer and souvenirs were at Margaretville. We continued to Hogs Breath and looked for Kelly’s but they were still closed (even on Friday). We ate Luch at Pepe’s as they are to have some of the best burgers and they did not fail me! We also spent time at Conch Republic Sea Food and had some more beer and fried Conch another good choice. We ventured back to our hotel for a swim and relaxation.

You can tell the locals were really cooped up as we met a group of 20 somethings driving to bars in a pick-up, with the truck bed filled with ice and beer. They were also dressed as if they were on the slopes, why no clue. We did our make shift Duval Crawl which included Hogs Breath, Captain Tonys, Cowboy bill, the Bull and Flat Jacks. Over all a great night.

Sept 11th

We woke and went to the Blue Heaven for breakfast but they are closed but not due to the hurricane – until October, so we walked back to Pepe’s for breakfast. We did notice that there really are not many places for breakfast in KW. More walking and shopping, I would guess a bit over ½ the stores were open, along with the first cruise ship after the storm. We ended up at El Siboney for lunch and this was by far the best food I had in the KEYS. We then ventured to see the southern most point, and it was still flooded and lots of crashing wave – but we still got the pictures even though it was covered up in plastic. Then we went to Louie’s Backyard and they were closed, again not due to the Hurricane. We still would have been able to go back deck as they were still cleaning up so back to the hotel for more swimming and drinks in the pool. For dinner we ate at Half Shell. Now it could have been do to the storm, but this was not good at all. I would not recommend this place.

Sept 12th

Woke up early as we had a long trip up to Vero Beach. It was hard to say goodbye, but we did decide to come back again, and not take 10 years.

Thank you to all the locals who made us feel so welcome!

trip report 9/9 to 9/12

Thank you for taking the chance and coming on down! Your visit was especially appreciated being so close to the storms end. Glad you had a good time and your report gives other a little insight into the nature of the people here in the Keys. The clean up went very well and the next time you return, you%26#39;ll see the whole deal!

trip report 9/9 to 9/12

Thank you for posting your interesting trip. Believe it or not, KW is a breakfast-heavy town in normal climes--there are dozens of places to eat, starting around 7am or so.

Whoa!

We did notice that there really are not many places for breakfast in KW.

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g34345-c3693/Key-West…

Pjk

anyone stay at Surfside Resort #1402?

we are looking at surfside resort and would like to know if anyone has stayed in unit 1402? thoughts on surfside in general are also welcome.

thanks a bunch! debi

anyone stay at Surfside Resort #1402?

Debi, I don%26#39;t know tons about Surfside other than it is a bit older and is directly across the street from a beautiful beach, and it is very convenient to all there is to do in Destin. So depending on where your unit is you could have a great view! What time of the year are you looking to be in Destin?

anyone stay at Surfside Resort #1402?

debijo,

As twilson mentioned, a lot depends on your situation, such as when, with who, what you want out of your vacation. Please post these, and I can try to help you out.

I stayed in Unit 1606 for the 4th of July weekend. I used to have the floor plans that would show where the ';02'; units are on each floor so that I could tell what kind of view you will have, but basically none are bad from the 14th floor.

Try to avoid this place during peak season, as the beaches are a little crowded, and if rain hits, you will have a half hour wait to get back to your place.

Also, while it is convenient to many places, if your plans include things near Crab Island (basically anywhere on the western portion of Destin) it will take you a while to get there. It%26#39;s about 6 miles from the Harborwalk area (bridge) which can be a very long 6 miles in mid-summer.

I wouldn%26#39;t hesitate at all during the shoulder and off-seasons, as there are good rates to be had for what you get at Surfside. The beaches have been renourished, although not sure what effect Ike has had on that.

Hard Knocks

Cant believe you remembered to post about the staybridge!. That was really great of you to do that for me. Am glad you had a good stay. We are still deciding between hotels (two rooms , or a suite?) but if we decide on a suite it will definately be the staybridge as their reviews are always good. Thanks once again.

Hard Knocks

You are welcome.

Hard Knocks

Chinners thank you also

boomers in october

Hubby and I are going to Fort Myers for the first time(SanCarlos/Summerlin area)for last two weeks of October. Have always gone to all inclusive Carribean resorts but ended up with salmonella last time at a 5 star property. So, what do two stressed out Canadians do in FM ?( 2 jobs, no kids,mid 50%26#39;s)

boomers in october

Here are some ideas.

Take a ferry/cruise to Cayo Costa or Cabbage Key

Rent jet skis or a pontoon boat

Shelling at Sanibel

Take the Key West Express and visit KW for the day

Sun n Fun Lagoon water park in N. Naples will still be open weekends if you like slides, lazy river, etc

Mini Golf at Smugglers Cove

Ding Darling (Sanibel) or Corkscrew if you%26#39;re a nature buff (also CROW on Sanibel)

Shopping at Gulf Coast Town Center, Coconut Point, etc

Airboat ride/ visit the Everglades

Florida Aquarium in Tampa

Enjoy our beautiful beaches.

October is a great time to visit Ft Myers. Have fun!

boomers in october

Octoberfest at the German American Bier Party.

Visit Paradise Parasail for a fun parasail ride.

Play your luck at the casino on the Big M Casino.

Take a high-speed dolphin tour on the Sea Rocket USA.

Go to Publix and create a picnic to sit on the beach while watching an amazing sunset.

There is so much to do in Fort Myers Beach and you will be guaranteed to return home de-stressed.

I would recommend visiting the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce for other fun things to do.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Last year in November we booked a sunset dinner cruise from the Sanibel Harbour Resort (just beyond Causeway bridge when leaving the island). I believe the yacht was called the Sanibel Harbour Princess. First of all this is a beautiful resort with a very elegant lobby that has a bar with outside tables that is a great place to have a drink if you arrive a bit early. The yacht is equally impressive and athough I can%26#39;t recall the menu exactly you will not be disappointed with the quantity or quality of the food (save room for the scrumptious deserts which appear to be made at the bakery on the premises of the hotel). Dinner is served as you cruise around the harbor which is a delightful experience. After dinner take a trip to the upper deck to enjoy the view and gentle gulf breeze. The only improvement needed is some musical entertainment.

If you go call ahead to reserve your ticket. I would also check it out on the Sanibel Harbor Resort website www.sanibel-resort.com to check on current menus and prices.

Another good place for dinner and dancing is the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill at Salty Sam%26#39;s Marina. Check out their website for menu and entertainment events www.myparrotkey.com. If you are fiftyish and love to dance this is a fun atmosphere in the evenings since most nights they play the oldies and often have live music.

Surprised you would stay in the San Carlos/Summerlin area. It is much more relaxing to stay at the beach,about 20 minutes from your location. We always stay at the north end of Estero. Very nice rental properties on this stretch of the beach. Not very much traffic here and the sunsets are unbelievable.

Absolutely no stress down here at the beach. You don%26#39;t even need a car everything within walking distance.

Got any information on Octoberfest or the German American Bier Party? When and where is it happening?

We%26#39;re in FMB 20th to 25th October and looking for fun things to do.

Oktoberfest is at the German American Club in Cape Coral on Pine Island Rd October 17-19 and 24-26. For info contact info@GASC-capecoral.com.

The San Carlos/Summerlin area is quite central and many of the activities suggested are terrific, but it depends on what you like to do.

We live part time in Estero, and are more nature oriented, so here%26#39;s where I take the company:

Bonita Beach and Lover%26#39;s Key State Park - rent a kayak at the park and explore the bay or just ride the tram out to the beach and walk or chill out.

Corkscrew Sanctuary and nature center - even if you are not a nature buff, you will be. Awesome bookstore here. Audubon members get a discount for the sanctuary.

Sanibel Island and Ding Darling - enjoy Ding towards evening and see more bird life. Visit the lighthouse in Sanibel and enjoy the wonderful local restaurants.

Definitely see the Everglades and ride an airboat. Stand in the River of Grass if your guide will let you get out for a minute. Check out funky and historic Everglades City.

Visit Times Square (Fort Myers Beach) on a weekend evening. Have dinner and check out ';the scene.';

Wiggins Del Nor State Park - wonderful beach and good fishing in the Pass.

If you like paddling or historic site, visit Koreshan State Park and maybe rent a canoe on the Estero River - upper portion is very old Florida. Or rent from Estero Bay Outfitters on Hwy 41 and paddle through the Park.

For shopping - try the new Coconut Point Mall or visit the Miromar outlet stores on Hwy 41 at Corkscrew Road.

Thanks for all the info.

I%26#39;ll check it out.

A few questions on World Marriott Orlando

Hi - heading to the World Marriott Orlando in Oct. for a work conference for my husband. I will be on my own for several nights for dinner and am wondering if the food and restaurants at the hotel are decent or should I stick to room service? Is there anything close that I could venture out to - we will not be renting a car.

Also I understand this hotel is close to some of the Disney parks - can anyone tell me which ones are closest.

I read that if we do want to leave hotel property to make sure we get an actual taxi cab and not a black car that the hotel has taxi deals with...can anyone confirm this info for me.

Thanks in advance for the help!

A few questions on World Marriott Orlando

bumping...anyone???

A few questions on World Marriott Orlando

Use a metered cab, or agree on a set price in advance.

I%26#39;m not familiar with any of the restaurants at that hotel, but it%26#39;s close to Downtown Disney, and there are some terrific places to dine there. :)

My husband and I stayed at World Center Marriott a few years ago. The only restaurant we ate at was Ristorante Tuscany which was very good! The hotel is very nice with alot of nice amenities. You are less than 2 miles to Disney, approx. 5 miles to Seaworld and Discovery Cove and about 10 miles to Universal.

nychic1,

It has been several years since I have eaten at the World Center. I remember the restaurants being good.

The real problem will be that with a convention in the building, the restaurants are likely to be crowded on the nights that the convention is not doing its awards banquet and you will want to go to that in any case.

There are a couple of thoughts to consider. Is the convention running spouse programs? They may be worth doing. Does the hotel run a regularly scheduled shuttle to Downtown Disney? DTD has some very nice restaurants. Will there be other spouses in similar predicaments who drove there? DTD is much more fun in a group than by oneself.

Do not spend your evenings alone in your room. Orlando is too much fun for that.

Enjoy your visit!

CTR

Thanks for the responses...really appreciate it.

Unfortunately this convention is not hosting and spousal programs. I will definitely try to meet up with other spouses in my situation.

Thanks again for the tips!

I%26#39;ve never stayed there, but I usually pass by it on the way to my hotel near Epcot. I can%26#39;t be sure, but I would not expect a taxi to Disney%26#39;s Boardwalk hotel to cost more than $10 - $15 or so from there (each way). The Boardwalk is part of the ';Epcot Resort'; area - a really nice place to spend an evening if you aren%26#39;t going to the parks - lots of restaurants in easy walking distance (in the hotels); hotels worth exploring, street entertainers on the boardwalk, etc. It%26#39;s a really pretty area at night, and you can even see some of the Epcot fireworks at 9:00.

If you have people to share the taxi with, I would also recommend going to one of the restaurants at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary hotels. I would estimate a taxi to these would probably cost $25-30 from your hotel (each way), but from there you can ride the monorail around to see the other hotels, and watch the MK fireworks and the Electric Water Parade from the beach at the Polynesian.

MGM is probably the closest park, with Epcot just a little bit further.

OOps - What was once MGM is now called Hollywood Studios.

Great suggestions Dolphin Fan...thanks so much! I love the Swan/Dolphin too - got to stay there a few years back and really loved that area - great boardwalk like you said. Didn%26#39;t realize that wasn%26#39;t too far from my hotel - would love heading over there one night. Definitely a nice place to walk around. Thanks again for the tips!

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Spring Break 2008

What is the latest time between Jan. 1 and Mar. 15 to schedule a trip there that would not coincide with the majority of the Spring Break crowd? We always come during offshore races, love the adult crowd, came in late Feb. 2008 for a second trip, throngs of kids crowding the sidewalk morning to late night, Duval bars changed their seating and routines, and kids vomiting on my shoes as I walked up the street. The charm was not there! When can we avoid them?

Spring Break 2008

Spring Break is uasualy in March. I am uasualy in KW the last weekend in Feb. but I have not incountered (except at Irish Kevins where I see a lot of kids) what you have discribed.

Young people will always be in KW because it%26#39;s known as a ';party town';.

If you don%26#39;t mind some ';young people'; go KW any month but March. I an suprised you had that many ';young people'; in Feb, KW has gotten to expensive for most of them.

Spring Break 2008

Exactly what I was about to say Bottom Time... Spring Break has really deminished in KW. It has become too expensive and while it has plenty of bars, there are not many that are necessarily ';young'; folks bars. No waterslides or foam parties what have you=).

I would take Bottom%26#39;s advise and/or even try the same time again. Might have just had some bad luck that week.

I think you might have come during Key West%26#39;s %26#39;Morman Kids%26#39; week. Not a lot of experience in that crowd with drinking. :-)

It%26#39;s not a matter of WHEN you can avoid them... It%26#39;s a simple matter of WHERE you can avoid them. I live here and Spring Break this past year was considered to be a total bust. Not many spring breakers and the %26#39;Spring Break%26#39; court didn%26#39;t even open. Try checking into bars that are off Duval and you might avoid the amatuer drinkers who have a hard time telling the difference between a trash can and Nikes.

';I think you might have come during Key West%26#39;s

%26#39;Morman Kids%26#39; week.';

Thanks Seabus for my first good laugh of the day.

%26#39;Morman Kids%26#39; week,thats just to funny!!!!

~Thanks so much for posting topic. We love KW

but really try to avoid coming during spring break.

Its great business but we along with many others

prefer it when the kidos have left town. No

offense to them, its just a different place

during that time of year.

See yah Not soon enough!

^-^

We, the delightful Mrs. Gam and I, usually visit in March because you have the best chance of nice warm weather while it%26#39;s still cold in New York. Over the years we%26#39;ve seen spring break diminish in KW. It really started the year when there were alcohol control officers (in matching polo shirts and matching automatic pistols) watching the bouncers check IDs. We%26#39;ve never let the kids bother us, usually because they%26#39;re going to bars we don%26#39;t frequent. Another group that doesn%26#39;t bother us in March are the bikers. Bike week in Daytona is usually at the begining of March so you have a good number of cycle enthusiasts making the run afterwards down the Oversea Highway. My only complaint with them is that I can%26#39;t hear the chickens crowing in the early morning over them reving their bikes.

Your %26#39;pass the asprin, it%26#39;s gonna be one of those days%26#39; pal,

Davy

best resort pool in Florida

We would love to find a resort in Florida with an incredible pool. Anyone know of what would be considered the best resort pool in Florida? Our family includes five children, ages 10-26. Thanks!

a little inn, a little inn too in lauderdale by the sea....?

has anyone stayed at a little inn or litle inn too recently? are the rooms all renovated as it says on their site or is it only specific rooms? do you recommend another hotel?

thanks

mina

a little inn, a little inn too in lauderdale by the sea....?

Check Lauderdale by The Sea Trip Advisor Forum and Reviews. (You%26#39;re on the wrong page)

I heard it%26#39;s (Little Inns) not all that. Contact the chamber of commerce and ask them. I think you can do much better there. If you want beachfront, I%26#39;d try High Noon or Tropic Seas. I just stayed at The Souter%26#39;s and highly, highly, highly recommend it.

Who will be there Oct-27-31st?

Hubby and I will be there then and wondered who else will be?

Who will be there Oct-27-31st?

I am sorry to say not me, i will be home by then and it will all be a memory, one of them when you keep going over it, like remember when we did this and this time last week we where here.

Hope you have a great time. Happy Holidays

Who will be there Oct-27-31st?

You and 69,998 other visitors.

I think I might know half of them but they%26#39;re all cool so you%26#39;ll have a great time!

Well Seabus,

WE CAN%26#39;T WAIT!!!!! I am sure we will meet some people along the way...

Oct 29 through Nov 5. Does that count? :)

Although if you can%26#39;t be in Key West, the Delaware Beaches ain%26#39;t a bad place to be either.

I just ordered a dozen Nic-a-bolis from Rehoboth!

Nicaboli%26#39;s are the best, we go there every other week!!!!!!!! Trade for the Key Lime Bars? LOL....

We love Lewes too. We are 5 blocks from the beach. I have a feeling that Lewes is like Key west without the ';Tropical Part'; ...

We just can%26#39;t wait for that part and of course the drinks and alone time as adults!We really need it!

Will Blue Heaven be open then? I really want to try a breakfast there and I am really excited about taking a look at Irish Kevin%26#39;s!

Lewes is a bit like KW but goes to sleep earlier. My family has had a house in Indian Beach since the 40%26#39;s. We maintain it in the original 1940%26#39;s style. Glass doorknobs, big porcelain bath fixtures, etc. Keeps our childhood memories alive. Even the old Willys is in the garage and has an original ';dune pass'; on it from 1966.

WOW.... Yeah Lewes is definitely a great life for us although we do want to move that way one day we here the EMS squads could use some help, so maybe one day...

Credit card

Due to the collapse of XL we had to rebook a flight and car with Tompson.We were lucky as my sister in-law paid for it on her credit card,but when we leave collect the car my credit card is no good for security as it has to match the credit card that the holiday and car reservation were paid with.

I have rang Alamo and they say the only way we can collect the car is leave a $200 refundable deposit, proof of flight ticket home,proof of address in U.K.

and of course both parts of your driving licence.

A Debit card CAN NOT be used.As I was told it would be O.K by some people.

Hope this helps anyone going to Florida in the near future.

8 days till take off,can not wait.

Andy

Credit card

I book my holidays on one credit card.

Take another credit card for my holiday.

I booked with Alamo, and gave my debit card by mistake and they used that no problem.

blackhead eraser

July / Aug ... worth going then?

Hi,

have been lurking %26amp; reading all these fab posts over the last few days ... think I%26#39;m getting hooked !

I want to take our kids (16 %26amp; 7) to Orlando next year. If we manage to squeeze enough dosh, hoping to do Orlando for 2 weeks %26amp; a week on the beach somewhere.

The thing is, my daughter takes her GCSE%26#39;s next year, so we can%26#39;t go before June, %26amp; we cant go September onwards as she%26#39;ll be starting college ... %26amp; anyway, we can%26#39;t take our youngest out of school for more than 2 weeks, %26amp; even 2 weeks will be ';pushing it'; ... the school don%26#39;t like it %26amp; I can understand why.

So, the only time we can go is from mid July onwards, %26amp; we need to be back late August. Trouble is, after reading posts on here, I get the impression that it is unberably hot and too busy during July / August ... Im gutted, as those are the only times we can go. Is it really that bad?

Also, which beach resorts would be good for us ... we just want to relax really for the last week, but will need a little bit happening to keep the children occupied ... have been recommended St Pete Beach, but Sarasota sounds so nice too ...

thanks

July / Aug ... worth going then?

It will be very hot, but so would May, June, September, October so don%26#39;t worry about that. We went in August 2006 - kids in Florida are back in school then. It was crowded but managable. I hope to go again August 2009, love the waterparks at Disney. We stayed at Beach Club, great pool area. Just go and enjoy!

July / Aug ... worth going then?

we have been twice in august with 3 kids and there was no problem we all had a great time its hot but drink loads and ur fine. parks were good queues were not very long.we done the universal ones. me and the hubby went in april and it was very cool so book and enjoy

Hi

We%26#39;ve been twice - in July and August - we have the same problem as you, kids in school.

Mine are 12 %26amp; 16 yrs old. When we went this year, the last few days of July and beginning of August it was unbearably hot.

Too hot too enjoy it at all.

None of us enjoyed it.

My 16 yr old felt too old for Disney and didn%26#39;t enjoy the holiday at all.

I would not go back. Things had gone downhill this year in comparison to before, standards of hygiene, we stayed at a Disney hotel and were unfortunate to be given a dreadful room - Disney management couldn%26#39;t care less about complaints, they ignore them!

The queueing was so long for the rides, we hardly got to go on anything and whilst you are waiting there isn%26#39;t enough air-con. It just was awful.

Our hire car got hit 3 times whilst parked up!

This is what it%26#39;s like there.

I would not recommend it.

I went to the Gulf Coast in July. It was low to mid 90%26#39;s everyday pretty much. It was so hot, I gave the beach a miss unless it was near sundown. I can%26#39;t imagine going to parks in that weather.

If you do, go early every day and get there before opening. Do lots of rides without lines. Stay near enough to the parks or onsite so you can go back for a swim mid day each day. Then go back late afternoon/evenings.

Our first trip to Disney was between the end of July/early August.

We found this to be the worst time to go for us so far, but that was back in 2000, so I don%26#39;t know if that had anything to do with it.

But we found the crowds to be really heavy, with tonnes of south american school kids on trips - a lot of the older ones of which were extremely rude.

I can remember that the queue for Spiderman was 3 hours long!

And the heat.....oh my gosh!!! So so so hot!! BUt like a previous poster said: Drink LOTS of fluid, wear a hat, shades and sun cream and you will be fine!!

But like I said, this could have had something to do with us going in 2000?

But based on that experience, I doubt we would ever go back at that time again.

Have fun planning your trip!!!

Happy Travels!!!

;0) Mango

We were in same situation this year so for our first visit we took a 16 a 10 and a Grandad mid July !

IT WAS FANTASTIC !

Yes it was very hot and humid but there is lots you can do to cope with it.

Yes it was busy but again help yourself by going to parks early or in evening

Your children are older and this helps little ones do not cope well with heat, crowds or late nights

Pace yourselves and enjoy

I did not want to go and was determined to hate it but I am planning a return !!!!!!!!!!!

If it%26#39;s the only time you can go, you can make the most of it. The later in August the Better, for less crowds. It%26#39;s Hot, no way around that but there are plenty of ways to cool off.

If you are interested in Disney, they have a greaat offer for Free Dining in August, that can make it worth dealing with the Heat. It can save a bundle :)

www.mousesavers.com/ukvisitors.html

St Pete, Clearwater, Sarasota are all nice. I would add Marco Island to the list, really lovely. About 20 miles from Naples, lots of Restaurants, Shopping but also plenty of Quiet places to relax :)

www.marcomag.com www.marcoview.com

Deal with heat this way.

Get up early, go to parks etc as they open. Leave parks at lunchtime and find some air conditioning or have a siesta/pool time. Return to parks at 6pm.

That way you miss the worst of the heat and the worst of the crowds.

But downside is getting up early.

I cannot stress enough how unbearable it is from roughly 1pm to 5pm in the parks. The heat and humidity are truly awful.

May/June/September/October are nowhere near as bad, but the above stategy does help alleviate the worst.

Hi we have been 3 times in June/July with our children, it is hot, but its fine you get used to it. You just need to plan and be organised. x

Can you swing it in December during the Christmas break? Downside is that the water parks may not be open, or if they are, not all rides are operating. Weather is great, no lines!

July/August is unbearably hot. When I took my kids, I didn%26#39;t go on the rides so when they went into one ride, I would wait in line at the next ride. Also suggest getting fast-track tickets.

When I go to Orlando now, I travel during the school breaks in February or April, but only for a week.

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