JiminyCricket

Another option is to take the Magical Express from your WDW hotel to the airport MCO (free), you pick the time, go early. You will be dropped off at one of the airlines and have to walk with your luggage to to the Magical Express area. You can talk to the driver to see if they will drop you off at the Magical Express area. Take Magical Express to the port. A little more hassle but well worth it to get on the ship early. Going to the port directly from your hotel is late as you say and when we did that we missed lunch.

Thanks for the help on our Embassy Suites vs. Marriott Waterside decision, Salt, Jim and Bev, and Jessemon. We are going at the height of high season (between Christmas and New Year's) so the Embassy and Marriott are almost the same price, and the S4B Marriott price is a lot higher. I think we are going to opt for the Marriott, like Jim and Bev.

At least online it seems like Marriott is the right pick. Too bad the S4B code is so much higher, for us it was only $20/night which seemed OK since you get free breakfast. You may want to call them to see what the added cost to your current reservation would be by adding the S4B code; this is what we did.

Let us know how you like the Marriott.:)

Does anyone know if the new Embassy Suites actually opened this month? If so, does the inside seem finished? We booked both it and the Waterside Marriott for the end of December and are trying to decide between the two. The Embassy Suites breakfast is a plus, but a new paint smell or missing facilities would be a minus. Thanks!

You may want to recheck Marriott Waterside. They now have a special which includes breakfast for 2 adults each morning. The special is now to March 31, 07, just put the code S4B in the Corporate/Promotional code box. The rate at Marriott Waterside has significantly dropped recently probably because the Embassy suites has opened taking away busniess. We have saved $100/night over Embassy suites and the breakfast is included. We have a deluxe balcony room overlooking the bay (waterside).:D

Check it out and enjoy your trip.

Just checked the room rates Embassey Suites Convention Center vs Marriott Waterside. The Marriott is now $125/night cheaper. It's a lock for me, I will be staying at Marriott Waterside.:D

The Marriot Waterside is exactly that. It sits right on the water just east of the cruise ship piers. Even though living in Tampa I have stayed there several times for the Gasparilla Invasion. Very nice hotel.

The Embassy sits across the street. It is not on the water. It also has the Tampa Convention center across the street.

If the price is really different (Embassy being lower take it.) If price is close or the money isn't an issue...Marriot Waterside is the way to go. Make sure though that you are booked in a waterview room.

 

Just read your post again...Question...are you saying the Embassy downtown is more expensive than the "Marriot Wagterside"? Or are you talking about the Marriot Courtyard?

I am talking about the Embassy Suities Convention Center and Marriott Waterside. Both next to each other as you said. Embassy suites is $30 more per night. Marriott looks nice on the web and I think we will stay there. I thought with Embassy suites being new it may be better.

Thanks for the advise.

The Marriot Waterside is exactly that. It sits right on the water just east of the cruise ship piers. Even though living in Tampa I have stayed there several times for the Gasparilla Invasion. Very nice hotel.

The Embassy sits across the street. It is not on the water. It also has the Tampa Convention center across the street.

If the price is really different (Embassy being lower take it.) If price is close or the money isn't an issue...Marriot Waterside is the way to go. Make sure though that you are booked in a waterview room.

 

Just read your post again...Question...are you saying the Embassy downtown is more expensive than the "Marriot Wagterside"? Or are you talking about the Marriot Courtyard?

I am talking about the Embassy Suities Convention Center and Marriott Waterside. Both next to each other as you said. Embassy suites is $30 more per night. Marriott looks nice on the web and I think we will stay there. I thought with Embassy suites being new it may be better.

Thanks for the advise.

Does anyone know if the new Embassy Suites actually opened this month? If so, does the inside seem finished? We booked both it and the Waterside Marriott for the end of December and are trying to decide between the two. The Embassy Suites breakfast is a plus, but a new paint smell or missing facilities would be a minus. Thanks!

Looks like Embassy suites is open from it's web site. We have as well made reservations for both Embassy suites and Marriott waterside for our precruise 2/9-2/11/07. I would like to hear any reviews of either. The pool at the Marriott looks very nice not sure about Embassy's pool. The breakfast at Embassy is a plus but their price is higher; probabily could take the extra cash and get breakfast on your own. Embassy suites is new and not sure is Marriot waterside is "worn", thought I saw review it was showing some wear and tear. Having a hard time making a decision.:confused: