snelsonbrown

Hello all,

 

We were on the Christmas week cruise on the NCL Gem. For our Port Canaveral stop we decided to go to the Kennedy Space Center. We are a family of 4 with DS6 and DD3. We were also traveling with my wife's parents, two aunts and an uncle, 9 in total.

On the recommendation of this thread we booked Mike at VIP limos. He was FANTASTIC. Nicest guy to work with and even showed up with a 10 passenger stretch Lincoln, what a treat. He supplied us with car seats and his price was very reasonable for the pick up and return.

 

I can not put into words how great our experience was with him.

 

Glad it was good - he is a pretty interesting young man and knows this area real well.

Sure has been cold here for a couple of days but will be warmer for the weekend, I hope!

 

What do you mean cold? It has been freezing - going to work with that high wind did not make me a happy camper, but at least we were spared what our friends up North, out West, up The East coast etc were dealt with and also those caught at the airport - BUT Spring is just around the corner and we will have warmth again :) ------have a great weekend and it looks like its going to be a nice one :)

Hello Shirley,

 

Is Bud still at the Country Inn & Suites cause I have sent him 2 email confirming my room in March and never got a reply from him????

 

Hello there manonreal - here is a reply I received from Bud

 

Hello Shirley,

Don't know who this person is but I am here every day all day and get and answer all my e-mails. He or she must have the wrong e-mail address. Could you find out an e-mail or phone number. He or she might be e-mailing the main e-mail box which is answered by the front desk manager and they need to write me directly so that I can help them with any questions.

 

Thanks for everything you do

Sincerely

Bud

Hello Shirley,

 

Is Bud still at the Country Inn & Suites cause I have sent him 2 email confirming my room in March and never got a reply from him????

 

Now that is surprising for he is great for answering back unless he has been out like so many others like myself with the darn flu from going from 80 degrees down to the 20's

 

anyhow here is his email address again and I will drop him a note

bud.burch@countryinns.com

Great, thanks...we're thinking about using executiveviplimo....just wanted to see if that was one which offered the CC discount.

 

just mention you are off this board and you will get your discount - vip already does it regardless

Just an update about my sons Avis situation.

 

He said that they finally got picked up by Budget and that the driver said that the Avis driver was sent home.

 

She came in the Budget shuttle but it was not handicapped accessible so she had to go back and get the Avis shuttle which had accessibility.

 

In the end they wound up renting from Budget.

 

Bill

 

Hello Bill

Just wanted to say that Budget and Avis are sisters, but all the rental companies here help each other in pinches - most of the time what happens is that Orlando or "headquarters" over rent cars and then put the places here in the bad spot light by not covering the places here with all the cars they need - I have seen it happen so many times where they are all scrambling to fill their customers needs - all of them are such great folks to deal with and they do get fusterated - many times I have posted to call the places directly, make your reservations with them and it makes it so much easier and yes they will recognize discounts etc - also tell them you got the information from the board.

Good luck and glad everything worked out for everyone.

Just wanted to give you a heads up to those interested - the new ship of DCL Disney Dream is due to arrive within the next 15 minutes - lot of action going on at the port this morning - lit up like a Christmas tree - watch the news for more details :)

....that is open in middle of week.

 

Stopping at Port Canaveral soon on The Pride, renting a car (per PSBCAP recommendation that was successful last time)....and willing to go up to 60 or so miles.

 

May not exist, but lemme try !!!!!

 

The only ones that I know are the ones in St. Cloud and Kississimmi maybe about 5 to 10 of them - I am giving you a link so you can check it out. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

 

http://www.192fleamarketprices.com/

Good morning everyone,

I know I am late, but just wanted to take this time to sincerely wish everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and may this year bring everything good to each of you.

If you will check the link below, it has a lot of answers for a lot of questions and also email addresses for a number of places you may have an interest in -

Take care, lots of blessings to all and come on down for the weather is FINALLY great :)

I was wondering what the most economical and time efficient way to travel from port Canaveral after our cruise on a friday to MCO for four people. We are already renting a one way car from the airport to port before the cruise but don't have time to do that after cruise on the way home.

 

Thanks! :)

 

If you want a private transportation, drop Michael from viplimo a note - he has all types of transportation to choose from or just do a search and you will find so many choices

viplimo@screenstar.com

also you can click right above my signature and it will also give you information that may help

Good luck and enjoy your time with us

So, we're thinking of staying at the Courtyard Cocoa Beach based on what we've read on here...their Snooze & Cruise rate is really good.....but they are 1/2 mile from Publix. We will be going there to get supplies for the cruise. I would walk it, my partner would not. I looked on google maps...doesn't look that bad...anyone done this? What about staying at hotel right across the street from Publix?

 

 

Hello smc0320 - the courtyard is so nice - I love their property and how pretty it is - they also have a great staff that always seem to be around to help their guest any way they can.

 

Anyhow you are only a couple of blocks NORTH to Winn Dixie which is also a grocery store.

In fact there is a great deal around the courtyard such as shopping, Ron Jons', drugstores and most of all the beach.

Good luck

Has anyone used or heard of Cruise Express? We have been quoted a great price ($40 for my husband and myself and then our 17 month old is free and they are providing a car seat) for transportation from port to the airport in a van. It will be cheaper than renting a car and this almost seems too good to be true. I haven't seen them mentioned on this thread so I was wondering if anyone had any good/bad info. Thanks!!

 

Hello acceber32 - if I remember correctly not too long ago someone else asked about them, but I do not remember the outcome - I know they are located in Orlando, but I do not remember seeing any of their vehicles here and that is strange since I am all over Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach etc and familiar with a number of the companies here.

You can contact the BBB and COC there in Orlando to see if they are members and maybe get a heads up or just take your chances - I always like dealing with "locals" since you know what you are getting and they do not want to take a chance to mess their names up.

Anyhow keep us posted or just maybe someone will post their experience with them here in Brevard County OK?

Good luck and enjoy your cruise

PS remember if it sounds too good to be true, then have your feelers up :)

I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I am looking for reasonably priced parking at Port Canaveral. We are sailing on Disney Magic on Jan 29 and will have 2 cars. One will be a rental and we will just return it. The other will be our own car since we are in Florida for the winter months. I have found parking for $9.50 at the Cruise N Fly and at the port for $12. Is there anything else or is that it?

 

Hello Kate99

Unfortunately that is about it unless you come over, spend the night at one of our great hotels and leave your car there - in fact it would pay you to stay over here since parking at the port starts at $15.00 a day AND you could sit back and relax before going to the port.

Just a thought :)

I have several questions since our cruise is approaching and i have time on my hands!

 

Thank you for the info! I called a few cab companies from your list on page 1 and the rate of a cab is $8 to $16! I was thinking of some exercise time before the cruise! LOL!

 

What is the earliest time we can take a cab to the Freedom? The week before 3/20 our week, the freedom is dry docked. I was thinking, we might be allowed to arrive early because there will be no traffic to fight with? What do you think on a normal week and the dry dock week?

 

Where would you eat to watch the ships sail on Saturday and time?

 

Thanks!!! This is an awesome thread!

Chuck

 

Hello Chuck - sometimes I am overwhelmed with the difference of what cabs charge - when Norm and I took our cruise, we used Michael with VIPLimo and I was really impressed at not only his service, but his charges - maybe it is because he is a local young man that knows so much and I love his honestly and caring - as for going to the ship early? It doesn't matter if it is before, after dry dock, the normal "week" is usually unchangeable so that would be your choice there - The FOS is such a beautiful ship although we haven't cruised on her yet although know a great many who have - as for going somewhere to watch the ships, the list is Grills, Fishlips, Rusty's and Milligans - my favorite has always been Grills and Rusty's

Enjoy your time here --------

Hello everybody,

First I want to take the time to wish each and all one of the most blessed holiday of the season and that the new year will bring each and all a time of more blessing, peace and love. It has been a sincere pleasure visiting with each of you throughout the year and so glad we all were here to help when we could.

 

Norm and I had the opportunity to go cruising on the Disney Wonder on December 12th - what an experience since we had never cruised on DCL - the weather wasn't exactly the best, but the ship held us all steady and entertained - there was so much to see so much to do that we didn't know where to start first - the entertainers were beyond awesome - the young men and women of all cultures were so interesting to speak to - I was fascinated speaking to them about their country - many places I had always wanted to see and I was able to see it through their eyes - Nassau, I was disappointed in for I felt very pressured by the vendors and more that I went to a park to find a number of throw away animals which touched my heart - I made a purchase at the Del Sol right on Bay Street and when I got home, found they had made extra charges to my credit card which I am trying to get straighten out.

Anyhow we are back and came back with so much knowledge about a lot of things.

Thanks Preston for me leaving you as I did, but I am back again.

SUPER BLESSINGS TO ALL

Always

Shirley

[quote name='mncyclist']Thanks, Shirley! I've now made a few calls and learned that the restaurant inside the Best Western is closed on Dec 25, but I tried Atlantic Ocean Grille on the Cocoa Beach Pier and they said they are open and recommend reservations. Apparently all of the restaurants on the pier are are closed on Christmas Eve, but open Dec 25, only until 7PM.

So now we've got a reservation for 13! Hopefully, we made a good choice, but I'm not sure if we have many other options.

Charles[/QUOTE]

Atlantic Ocean Grille is pretty neat - you sit right over the ocean - when it is warm, you can be a people watcher - one of the things you might consider is check out our local paper Florida Today or check this link at the bottom so daily and you can learn more. Good Luck and have a safe and warm Holiday with us - IF THE WEATHER CONINUES THE WAY IT IS GOING,
PLEASE BE PREPARED - we had a HUGE fish kill yesterday - over hundreds of fish were floating on top of the river when I got home from work - I felt so horrible for those few struggling, tried to save them to no avail so now we have dead fish floating everywhere.

We have a hard cold simply because the wind off the ocean is makes it even colder - next week will be just as bad so again come prepared

[url]http://www.visitcocoabeach.com/[/url]

[quote name='mncyclist']Shirley & Preston:

Fabulous information on this thread! Thank you so much.

Does anyone have an update on what will be open in Cocoa Beach on December 25, particularly for dinner? We're an extended family of 13 arriving from various points on December 25, prior to our December 26 departure on Freedom of the Seas.

So far, I have determined that Publix is definitely closed and Ron Jon Surf Shop is definitely open (it's open 24/7/365, believe it or not).

I'm acting as the family travel planner, so I'd like to find a place for dinner in walking distance from the Best Western Cocoa Beach.

Only 18 days now!

Charles[/QUOTE]

Hello Charles = the only place that I know of this time is Zackery's which is right next door to the Radisson and Sunrise Restaurant on Hwy 520 aka Cocoa Beach Highway - it was the same with Thanksgiving - if anything changes, will let everyone know - sorry I don't have better info for you - most of the larger hotels have restaurants and I feel that they will be open - again will post if I find out anything different

[quote name='jaykat']Preston - we decided not to hire a car and instead have organised Michael from VIP limos to take us to the places we need to go (eg airport to hotel, return trip to KSC, one day shopping at Premium outlets). The cost for this was no more than hiring a car for the 3 days. We also decided that since we are from Australia and used to driving on the other side of the road, a car may be more hassle and stress than it is worth.[/QUOTE]

Good choice especially not being use to driving in the USA - I would have to do the same if I went to your country which I pray to do someday - understand it is an awesome place.
ENJOY your stay with us.

[quote name='missbogota']Just wanted to thank you for all of your information on this thread!

We enjoyed the services of VIP Limo! We will use them exclusively on future trips! Used them from MCO to Doubletree and Port to MCO. A++++++

We stayed at the Doubletree Oceanfront Cocoa Beach and absolutely loved it! Besides being oceanfront, great rooms/beds, microwave, coffee pot in room, yummy cookies, and friendly staff, we also could walk to Publix, hair/nail salon and several restaurants. A++++++

Cab to port was $25 (includes the tip we gave). Sure beats all those sitting in the lobby waiting for a shuttle with tons of luggage, but of course that is a personal decision. A++++++

So Shirley, your score is also A++++++[/QUOTE]
I am so glad it worked out so well for you and the family - he is great about giving you a personal tour also since he was born and raised here and knows the area well.

BTW for anyone coming here this week --BUNDLE Up ---OUR TEMP TOMORROW WILL BE A FEEL LIKE 22 degrees and keep COLD until this weekend - oh too the wind is blowing between 10 and 15 miles per hour so that makes it even feel colder - did any of you all bring this freeze down with you :P? Naw didn't think so Mother Nature did it
Hugssssssssss and stay warm everybody

If you will be here this week, take time to check out the weather ok? :((

Pouring rain here today - only good thing is that the garden is smiling big time:)

 

http://www.accuweather.com/us/fl/cape-canaveral/32920/forecast-details.asp

I just wanted to take this very blessed opportunity to sincerely express Happy Thanksgiving wishes to the staff of Cruise Critics and all of the faithful members here - may your days be filled with extra special blessings and shared with special family and friends. May it be the best yet.

 

Thank you for all the kindness that has always been shown here especially to Preston and myself.

Much love

Always

Shirley

This may have been answered already, but does anyone know what will be open on December 25 in Cocoa Beach?

 

We will be a family of 13 on the December 26 Freedom of the Seas sailing. We'll all arrive from various parts of the country by midday on Dec 25 and stay at the Best Western Ocean Beach. Would be nice to know what might be open for dinner, at least, but I wonder if the Publix across the street will even be open?

 

Thanks!

 

All the grocery stores close on Thanksgiving and Christmas - as for the restaurants, a number of the larger chains are open - I will have a better heads up in a couple of weeks and will post the information - Linda at BW will also have all that information for you - you can drop her a note at ldr@5500northcorp.com and I know she will be able to give you help you need - I will post though

Can anyone who has stayed at both the Country Inn and Suites & the Residence Inn give me a room size comparision (and any other comparision) of their 2 Queen/1 Sofabed Suites....The CI and S is a little less rate for their park and cruise, and we have stayed at the Residence Inn twice and like it, but want to see if the difference in cost means a smaller suite ?

 

Thanks

 

D:D

 

If you will click above my name, scroll down to the hotels, the email addresses for the GM's are there and they will respond to your question as soon as possible

Bud for CI&S and Sarah for RI

Good luck :)

Our cruise leaves Jan 1. We fly into Melbourne on the 30th. Have a rental car. Where would be a good place to ring in the New Year? Any clubs or large parties? We love to go dancing. Ages are 38 and 48.

 

Preston is the right person to ask for he knows all those answers - me I am in bed before the new year comes in and couldn't tell ya :)

Does anyone have any recommendations for a private bus from WDW to PC then to MCO following a cruise? I have a group of 39 that requires this service and there seem to be so many options. Thanks. :)

 

Hello ChristinaN - boy this one does has me stump - I really do not know - look why don't you click on the information I have above my name, scroll down to the part where I have transportation listed and just email the places I have there - I know that they will help you with which is better way to go and who can offer the best cost so your mind can be at ease ok? I am sure they will answer and its always good to work with someone that have an email regardless of who it is so you can have a detail outline what is offered and also have a paper trail especially with you and your group coming from the other side of the ocean.

Keep us posted for we do care ok?