snelsonbrown

Shirley, or whoever can help...

 

I am arranging a cruise for my daughter and 4 friends in March on the Monarch. I am planning to have Travelynx pick them up at the airport in Orlando. That will be about 6:30 pm. I want a nice hotel close to the port for them to stay, and have been looking at the Radisson, Country Inn and Suites, and Residence Inn. It is one of the girls birthdays on that day, so i would like them to be close enough to a restaurant/ bar to enjoy themselves that evening, since they won't have had anything to eat since their flight at noon. I also want easy transportation for them to the port, so I don't have to worry about them getting to the ship. Please give me your recommendations as to which hotel to book..I am so nervous..I just want everything to be perfect for them. Thank you so much for all your help!

Hello Madre (I am one also a "few" times over :)

Anyhow my thoughts is that the Radisson has a little more to do for the girls for they have a nice restaurant, bar and music - they have a great pool area and a Tiki Bar there also

The Radisson will provide shuttle service to the port for them - as a mom, I can understand your concern, but listen it is really safe here and they can always call on the GM Joe P who will watch over them - if you have any concern, you can drop him an email at jpanackia@radissonport.com and he will set your mind at ease - Now also both of the other hotels are super nice and they have great GM's also so really they will fine at all 3.

If I can help further, just let me know ok or drop me a note at snelsonbrown at aol dot com.

Good luck

WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has just come to my attention that credit card numbers are being stolen and used here. I found out about it when a customer called to say that charges appeared on her statement that she didn't make and did not recognize the name the delivery was made to. In tracing it on down, she hired a transportation company out of Orlando, gave her credit card number and the charges started appearing one month after the fact. My suggestion to you is to ask any one that is writing your number down as to how they are handling your CC number and how is it disposed of. I am not going to name the Limo service from Orlando at this time until we can find out how the number was confiscated - just be extremely careful ok?

thanks

Just wanted to say "Thanks" for all the information on this thread. We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites and took advantage of the parking deal and the free shuttle. We enjoyed the hotel and the breakfast was great along with the service. The shuttle service was great.

 

We also went to Grills the night before our cruise and had a wonderful dinner with a live band. Lots of fun and a good chance to meet fellow cruisers.

 

We had a great cruise on the Freedom.

Thank you so much for your input - the CI&S is a nice place and they have a great staff to work with - So you did get out to Grill's - now that is one way to get hepped up for a cruise, good food, good music and good friends and just the way to relax and enjoy.

Thank you again for sharing and thank you for allowing us to show you a great time.

Blessings always

Hello Ms. Shirley

 

First of all thank you for all the info that you post in this board. I have a couple of questions for you. We are flying into Orlando a day before our cruise, planning to stay in Cocoa beach. Don't know if we are renting a car or using a shuttle yet. Just in case we don't rent a car, what would be the easiest way around Cocoa beach. We don't have a hotel either I'm still looking and we do want to go to mass on sunday. What hotels would you recommend? we are a family of 4 (two daughters 8 &9 yrs). We are doing our trip this comming March and this would be our first time doing a Disney Cruise and going to WDW on our way back. We are also looking for transportation to WDW don't want to use Disney transp. too expensive. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

P.S. already read post 295.

Hello fab4

Well if you have read post 295, I really don't know how to answer except that the Best Western and Days Inn are right across the street from Our Savior's Church - post 295 has the mass schedule - as for getting around if you don't rent a car is trolley which travels just about everywhere - that is also on post 295 and as for my own thoughts, I really believe you will be better off renting a car since it would give you more freedom to get around and see the area.

Good luck and have a magical cruise

Has anyone ever used them? We are thinking about booking them for our transportation for our upcoming cruise. Thanks for any info.

I have never heard of them - they must be out of Orlando - I am sure someone will give you some input

Good luck

Which rental car company would be the cheapest to use for a family of 5 flying into MCO and then we would drop off the car at Port Canaveral on the day of sailing.

 

Thanks for any info!

Hello Kiraryker,

You can go to post #295 and you will find a list of choices - you can drop the rental at their office and take their shuttle to the port.

Good luck and enjoy

I just took care of the last thing to do for our cruise out of PC...booking transportation with Beachline Shuttle...he was very Pleased that they are recommended here on CC--very pleasant guy Glen, i am sure we will be HAPPY with their service:) THANKS SHIRLEY;)

Hello Starfish - you made a very good choice and Glenn is a super person to work with -

Good luck and enjoy the beginning a of great time.

Stay safe :-)

We are not hiring a car as im not able to drive at the moment, my hips wont let me ha ha. Michael has arranged to pick us up from the airport and do a roundtrip next day to KSC and then when we get off the Dream a car to take us to I drive for the econd week of our holiday!

Thanks for the info, i will ask him to make a stop on the way.

Good morning and welcome to a new day in paradise - I met a gentleman and his wife from there several years ago - his glass frames could no longer be found in and around the UK but he did find them in the USA so he had the company mail them to me direct and when he got to the USA, got to his hotel, I dropped them by all fixed with his lens - he is the gentleman that brought me your newspaper to read which I found very interesting - anyhow back to you - listen Michael will be more than glad to stop and make pit stops for you - just about all the shuttles here do make stops, answer questions etc so you will be fine. Have a very safe time and most of all enjoy all the pleasures of KSC - has a lot of history there - I remember the KSC from the early 60's and I use to take my kids out there at no charge and for a number of projects - quite the interesting place and you get to see it all before NASA changes all its projects.

Blessings always

Hello Shiley-

 

We just got back yesterday (missed the Cancun rain!) As agreed here is my unpaid no perks review post cruise:rolleyes:

 

TRANSPORTATION: We used Budget from MCO to port. Both pick up and return where among the worse we've ever had abroad and the absolute worse experience in the USA but maybe they had an off day 2x.

 

HOTEL: Stayed at 4Points EXCELLENT!!! We were upgraded to the largest suite and service felt more like a Sharaton. If you don't have a car, it's close to everything (walgreens, super, restaurant accross the street) and 1 block from the beach.

 

FOOD: We tried Coconuts on the Beach--fun place on beach for happyhr

Sunrise Diner, very simple looking place with AMAZING home cooked Greek food, made by Dimitri the owner--- Cara Mia, pretty and wonderful service but food not so much.

 

RENTAL RETURN: DO NOT RENT AVIS if time is a factor for you. We're told by port staff that they start pick up later. After seeing all other rental company vans several times and 3 Budget vans we asked the driver to take us to Budget or contact Avis since it's the same owner.

When Avis finally arrived there was no apology or explanation given at pickup or the office and although we're the first and the lot was full they told us they did not have the car category we reserved.

 

HIGHLIGHT: Many but we enjoyed meeting you at The perfect Gift. The shop feels very Key West cozy with all the flowers and gift ideas. Anyone wanting to send something special to somoene on the ship check out www.theperfectgift.cc

 

SHIRLEY THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND EVERYTHING YOU DO ON THIS SITE FOR EVERYONE!!! (free of charge)

Hello my friend,

I am so deeply sorry I missed your call today - my phone got highjacked by my purse and couldn't find it until it was too late - please drop me a note for I want to share some stuff with you - I did call Pat at Budget and Bob at Avis and told them all that you went through and it all was unneccessary to experience what you and hubby did - you were a sincere joy and loved your energy - Glad your trip to Cancun went great - Norm and I thought about both of you.

Take care and please keep in touch

Hugsssssssssssssssssss

And kisses to you Shirley as well,,,,you're a better person than I!!:D

 

 

 

beej and jenrie,,,I hope you get to meet Shirley and Norm,,,they are two of the greatest on the planet. Give 'em a hug for all of us that they've helped thru the years.

Hello my friend - my grandmother always instilled in my head that the more you stir the mess in the pot, the worse it smells (this is putting it nicer) - I can understand the person that wrote, for the competition is so strong here (well like anywhere else) and this is their bread and butter - my dad was a cab driver for many years in Key West and it was very difficult back then - I wish I knew the person that wrote that letter for if they are a reputable, reliable and honorable company, I would be more than happy to speak with him.

Anyhow thanks for the kisses and just maybe someday, you will be sailing from here

Hugsssss

Shirley, when will you and Norm be at the festival? We'll work something out, right Jewel.

Lets make a plan that will fit all of us - Norm and I are almost right behind the church (well to put it better, we are in back of Publix) so we can get there any night Thursday, Friday, Saturday - you name it and I will find the perfect place for us to meet. The more the merrier = drop me a note at snelsonbrown at aol dot com ok?

hugsssss

I personally used the services of VIP Limo for our transportation pre and post cruise just last week. I already posted my experience with Mike's service in this thread. But I will repeat, IT WAS A PLEASURE having this company provide car service for my group!!!

 

And again, thank you Shirley for all you do to help others on this board when needing information and making arrangement in the Port Canaveral area! I would have been completely lost without your assistance!!

 

Also, please note that Shirley lists many other car service companies in post 295... I've never read where she specifically tried to steer anyone directly to VIP.

Hello Angie glad to see what you are popping in and out of here even though you have already sailed - you can be such a help to so many who may have questions I can not answer.

Take care and thanks so much for stopping by

Hugsssssss

Hi Shirley,

 

4 weeks until we fly from London to Orlando!!!

 

Time sure flies, just wanted to ask a question.

 

We are staying at The Country Inn and Suites for 2 nights before we leave on the Dream. Is there a store within walking distance from the hotel? Also what about place to eat? Will we need to get a cab?

 

We are using Mike from VIPLIMO for our transport to and from the port and hes been great at communicating with us.

 

This thread is so helpful for someone who live in the UK so thank you

Hello My English friend - your country is a place I have always wanted to visit since I was a very little girl - have many collections from there including your local paper that was brought down to me by some friends.

Anyhow the CI&S is a very nice place with a great GM who helps his guest have a very pleasant time while staying there - now as far as a "store", the only place close for sodas, snacks etc is Racetrac which you can see from the CI&S and as for some place to eat, you have the restaurant Zackary's which is "home cooked" meals (also a greek restaurant) love their salads, then next to the Radisson you have Kelsey's Pizza and Subway sandwiches and across the street is Thai Thai which has sushi and other meals - now if you need to do some serious shopping, you will have to take a cab on in to Cocoa Beach - hope that will help - You said you were using viplimo to and from the port, are you renting a car at the airport for that would give you just a little more freedom although, I believe the driving here is much different than the UK - if you are using viplimo from the port, Michael or whomever you are using, will make stops for you. If I can help further, just let me know ok?

Shirley I ll look out for you as well as we are also staying at the BW we will be there from the Friday afternoon so will probably check it out during the evening and hoping to meet up with Barb.

Jewel

Hey there Jewel - would it be great if we could all meet up there and just have something to drink and include a "chat meet"? All I can say is that I will have my Key West shirt on since sometimes, Norm and I will happen upon some of our friends we grew up with in Key west and as far as Norm goes, everybody knows him.

again as I was telling beej - please be care of the heavy traffic since it is right on A1A -

If you have any questions etc, check with Linda and she will be more than happy to give you more information - she is one sweet gal and please tell her you are off the CC board.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone

Hugsssssss

just me :)

Shirley, thanx for Diva's Nails.

 

I'll have to keep an eye out for the lady with the cotton candy in one hand and the candy apple in the other. i love going to church festivals. There is always good food and lots of fun.I am really looking forward to it.

Hello my festive buddy - Norm and I most likely will be at his favorite place and that is the beer and oyster, clam stand or maybe playing a round of blackjack (you just get tickets and I always donate them to kids around so they can get gifts forthem) - I will be wearing a white Key west top and pants so you can't miss me ;-)

See ya there

one more and then please let this go - here is a note I got from Michael and I wanted to share it with you so you can hear it from him

HELLO SHIRLEY, WOW, I CANT BELIEVE WHAT HAS BEEN SAID. I HAD TOTALLY FORGOT TO RENEW MY BADGING. PLEASE LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT GOING TO AFFECT ANYONES TRANSPORTATION WITH ME. ALL OF MY PERMITS WILL BE IN ORDER THIS WEEK. IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 321-452-6187. I FEEL SO BAD THAT THIS PERSON SAID THESE THINGS ABOUT YOU. I AM QUITE SURE THAT EVERYONE KNOWS THAT YOU ARE AND HAVE BEEN HERE TO HELP FOLKS GET THE RIGHT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR AREA. I PERSONALLY GO OUT OF MY WAY TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND HELP OTHERS AND I THINK THAT WOULD REFLECT ON THE FEEDBACK THAT HAS BEEN LEFT. AGAIN I AM SORRY, MICHAEL, EXECUTIVE VIP LIMOUSINE AND SEDAN SERVICE

Shirley, i think somebody up there must have told me to change my air, cause now we are arriving on the 14th. Considering we are staying at the Best Western, i can safely say that Thursday night we will definitely walk up to Our Saviours and their annual festval. Thanx for the heads up

 

Just came to my little toady head:

 

Zac98, this is for you. Betcha Shirley does get a kick back for posting about Our Saviour's Parish. I'm sure God kicks back a pat on the head and a whisper of love and grace in her ear. We should all look for that very special "Kickback"

OMG beej - I go to the Our Savior's annual festival and they are so much fun - of course I go for my cotton candy and candied apple that I look forward to each year - now you are almost right across the street and it is patrol very well but still be very careful crossing over.

PS OS is my church, but I didn't post it because of that, it is just that I thought folks would enjoy going to the festival for some fun and games. ;)

Shirley, would you please answer, is this true????

 

Thanks

Susan

Hello Susan - nope this is not true - what did happen and I just spoke to Michael is that in a senior moment, he forgot to renew his badging and all should be up to par by the end of this week and it will not interfere with taking care of his guest.

Now one other thing, this is the first time since this thread has been started, we have never had any issues and I would like for all of us to just continue as we were doing so that the thread won't be shut down for then everyone loses in the end.

For the record, I do not receive any compensation, kick backs, etc for posting what I do.

I spend hours and hours going over a great deal for the reason being, as a single mom, I knew what it was to be in a strange town, not know anyone or anything etc and since I have the opportunity to know about goes on around here, I like to share it with those that are coming here - I do not single anyone or anything or anyplace out but if I feel those that are really sincere and honest, to recognize just that. I do not want any of our visitors to leave here with a bad taste in their mouths.

So that is all I have to say and please know that anytime I feel you should know something, I am very upfront - this is why I made the HUGE statement about being careful about watching your speed limits. I am sure the City and the County needs your monies, but I would rather it not be in speed tickets

Meanwhile have a great week and will be back to chat.

Hugssssssssssssss

I'll be at the BW in a month. Shirley, is there a good nail place by the Publix. We won't have a car, or is there one somewhere that we can get too. Thanx for everything you do

Hello again beej, :)

Right by Publix is a nail place called Diva's Nails - they are the ones I use and so far no complaints - ask Tina to show you the new gel they are using - I love it for it is so Bling bling:-)

good luck and really ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to share with those that will be here during the middle of next month. Our annual festival is coming on October 14th and so great for families looking for something to do.

Here is the link for it and have a great week :)

http://www.oursavioursparish.org/

Would really like to know? This board is not suppose to be used for personal gain. Whats snelsonbrown getting from Michael? Executiveviplimo is not permitted to do business in Port Canaveral. Why would she recomend a comp. thats not permitted to do business in the port? How many of the past customers experienced this? Another company picking you up and transporting you to Michael off port property, i.e a hotel near the port? I think Ms. Brown is a little bias and must be getting a kick back from the companies she recomends. If you think this is a hoax, try looking at the Port web site to see if this company is there. To future customers look to see if his vehicle has a port canaveral sticker in the windshield and if the driver has a port license. So mMs Brown or whatever you go by? Why do you recomend this Michael over and over again for? Does Michael give you $ or is that you really recomend people without proper research?

WOW!!! this really caught me off guard but the answer is NO and if you will go to Post 295, or do a search, you will see I give many choices of many types of everything and anything. I want folks to feel safe regardless of whom, what, etc they decide for themselves here.

Anyhow may you have a great and pleasant day

Thanks! How could I get ahold of him?

You drop Michael a note at viplimo@screenstar.com

I would definitely recommend Mike at VIP Limo (his information is in post #295, plus you will find other recommendations in this thread for his service).

 

For our trip that we just returned from... he had quote me $150 for towncar or $240 for limo... that's roundtrip from Orlando airport to our hotel (in Cocoa Beach) and then back from the cruise port to the airport.

 

I haven't read where anyone has been disappointed with his service!!

Hello Angie,

You know what I like the most about Michael is that he doesn't just sit behind the wheel - he will point out so many interesting things about Brevard County to anyone that he takes around. He was born and raised here so of course, he knows so much about just about everything. I really believe he is very sincere, loyal, knowledgeable and most of all honest.

Thanks for taking the time to write this.

Always

Shirley