Helpful Information For You Updated 03/30/2012

[gydell]

Gydell - do me a favor - drop me a note at snelsonbrown@aol.com
Always
Shirley

Thanks!

 

[Tink rules]

Shirley....

Is Avis along there too?

I should probably go and look, but is there link to a map of the area?

 

[runmom]

Hi Shirley, I thought I read here this week that there were some highway updates - have there been changes to the directions from MCO to Cape Canaveral area?

I've printed out the directions from the first page to come to the Port for my mom - and also Map Quested MCO - Budget Drop off (8401 Astronaut Blvd). Just wanted to make sure you didn't say there were any construction changes we should be aware off.

We are driving from MCO direct to the Country Inn and Suites

Thank you!

 

[gydell]

bumping...

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Shirley, I thought I read here this week that there were some highway updates - have there been changes to the directions from MCO to Cape Canaveral area?

I've printed out the directions from the first page to come to the Port for my mom - and also Map Quested MCO - Budget Drop off (8401 Astronaut Blvd). Just wanted to make sure you didn't say there were any construction changes we should be aware off.

We are driving from MCO direct to the Country Inn and Suites

Thank you!

Here is NO construction between here and the airport that I saw this past Tuesday - its a straight shot from the airpot to Cape Cananvera and ANY/ALL
exits are clearly marked - it took exalty 45 minutes to get from the airport here with one toll of $1.25 - thats it.
You will be fine - Budget is less than one block passed the Radisson on the West side (right side) and can not be missed.
Hope that helps.
Always
Shirley

 

[snelsonbrown]

Shirley....

Is Avis along there too?

I should probably go and look, but is there link to a map of the area?

Avis is exalty one mile South of the Radisson on the East side of the road - in fact they are thisclose to my shop ------its also a straight shot from Orlando airport so you won't have any problems. Honest

Always
Shirley

 

[snelsonbrown]

just giving this a bump in case someone missed something

 

[Tink rules]

Avis is exalty one mile South of the Radisson on the East side of the road - in fact they are thisclose to my shop ------its also a straight shot from Orlando airport so you won't have any problems. Honest

Always
Shirley

Thanks much - I know you recommend them so I felt good about booking it.

 

[pgsahm2]

Because I'm tired of searching for this thread I'm finally subbing to it! LOL Thanks for all of the great information Shirley! I'm sure over the next 12 months I will refer to it many, many times!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Thanks much - I know you recommend them so I felt good about booking it.

Michelle,
One of the reasons Avis/Radisson are so close to my heart is that during the 2004 hurricanes, we had 4 families stranded here - their limo service dropped them off at the Radisson without even noticing that there were HUGE evucation notices all over the place, these families were not familiar with the area and didn't realize we were just hours before Francis was to hit - each had my cell phone number, Norm and I were at the shop doing last minute stuff to get ready for Francis, when they called in a panic - Norm and I went and got all 4 families (they all had a bunch of kids and everyone was terrified) - I got on the phone and called Joe P from the Radisson, he came on in and made a phone call and was able to find all of the families a safe zone in Orlando,
I started calling all the rental car places and Avis were the only ones that offered to come in and get each of the families a car to get out of here. They did it all at no charge. I have no business interest with each of these places, but they went the extra mile to make sure these families were safe.
I know I have told this story thousands of times, but when folks take the time out of a very harrowing situation to step over the line to help, then I have to give them a heads up for being true friends.
IF you have a problem with Avis, all you have to do is ask for Bob, Jeremry,
Patty and at the Radisson Joe P. and believe me they will make it happen if it can be done.
Always
Shirley

 

[Tink rules]

Thanks Shirley...

It is always good to have friends...

 

[Mom323]

bump

 

[Hypermommy]

What an incredible list! I've perused the first post with all it's fantastic information but I didn't see what I'm looking for. Maybe I just missed it, though... does anyone have information on internet cafes in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West? I'd appreciate any info you can give. Thanks!

 

[figgy4me]

This post is amazing......... The port parking has gone up to $15/day recently.

That said, I rented nite before my cruise @ Holiday Inn-Cocoa Beach through a middleman. Needless to say I did not get the park/shuttle/breakfast pkg. Will Holiday Inn still let us park/shuttle for our 7-day cruise? Do I need to wait until I get there to setup the arrangements?

 

[snelsonbrown]

This post is amazing......... The port parking has gone up to $15/day recently.

That said, I rented nite before my cruise @ Holiday Inn-Cocoa Beach through a middleman. Needless to say I did not get the park/shuttle/breakfast pkg. Will Holiday Inn still let us park/shuttle for our 7-day cruise? Do I need to wait until I get there to setup the arrangements?

Do me a favor - drop me a note at snelsonbrown@aol.com.
I have made a copy of your post and I have sent it to Leslie who is the GM at the Holiday Inn and knowing Leslie to be the person she is, she will give me all the information you need.
Always
Shirley

PS Thanks for letting me know about the rate change at the port. I hadn't heard anything, but I did know that we now have to have 2 port badges before we can go on the docks to make deliveries.

ALSO GREAT NEWS, THE WEATHER IS GOING TO BE AWESOME FOR CRUISING

 

[figgy4me]

Thanks for responding. I sent an email.

I am glad to hear the weather will be great.... we thought it might be a bit cool - at least at the port.

 

[snelsonbrown]

What an incredible list! I've perused the first post with all it's fantastic information but I didn't see what I'm looking for. Maybe I just missed it, though... does anyone have information on internet cafes in Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West? I'd appreciate any info you can give. Thanks!

Hello Denise,
When will you be in Key West? Reason I am asking is that I will be going "home" for 4 days WHOOPEEEEEEEEEEEEE on March 7th and I will be doing a lot of checking up on stuff and can let you know. IF you are sailing before then, go to the Chamber of Commerce which right there at Mallory Square and they will know for sure and how far. They will supply you with maps, coupons etc.

BTW
Just thought I would let everyone know that Key West is getting ready to clean up downtown - there will be no more horrific tee shirt shops, shops with "pipes etc". They are trying to make it more comfortable for families to be able to bring their children down to our main road and not have to be concern as to what they will be exposed to. Don't know when it will go into effect, but I sure hope it is super soon,
Always
Shirley

 

[Hypermommy]

Hello Denise,
When will you be in Key West? Reason I am asking is that I will be going "home" for 4 days WHOOPEEEEEEEEEEEEE on March 7th and I will be doing a lot of checking up on stuff and can let you know. IF you are sailing before then, go to the Chamber of Commerce which right there at Mallory Square and they will know for sure and how far. They will supply you with maps, coupons etc.

BTW
Just thought I would let everyone know that Key West is getting ready to clean up downtown - there will be no more horrific tee shirt shops, shops with "pipes etc". They are trying to make it more comfortable for families to be able to bring their children down to our main road and not have to be concern as to what they will be exposed to. Don't know when it will go into effect, but I sure hope it is super soon,
Always
Shirley

Hi Shirley,

We're not cruising until April 19th so if you find out anything I'd sure appreciate it. And if it comes around to the 19th and I haven't found anything out about Grand Caymen or Cozumel I'll see what I can find and report back. (PS -- hope that doesn't sound like I"m not grateful or anything... just trying to pass along information that might be useful for someone else).

BTW... thanks for the info about the main street in Key West. Didn't know that at all and my kids are ages (14 and 12) where they would "get" it (as opposed to maybe younger kids) but don't need to see all the world yet. I'd like to leave something for them to discover when they go off to college

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Shirley,

BTW... thanks for the info about the main street in Key West. Didn't know that at all and my kids are ages (14 and 12) where they would "get" it (as opposed to maybe younger kids) but don't need to see all the world yet. I'd like to leave something for them to discover when they go off to college

Denise at the knowledge kids have today, they will be very prepared for college, but it doesn't mean Key West and it's tee shirt shops have to educate them so early in life - I know I wrote enough letters for years complaining about the filth displayed for young kids to be exposed to. I know that the locals do NOT go passed a certain point in Key West for they are just tired of the outrages 'stuff" - I am sure looking forward to going home if only for a little while - don't have family left there, but Norm does and we still have classmates that will die at the "rock" - Key West has always been known by the ROCK - reason being, Key West was totally formed of coral rock
many many many years ago. I also heard that a small island "broke off" from the Bahamas hundreds of years ago, drifted the stream and anchored down and became Key West - anyhow I know that we could never dig too deep of a hole for anything and all of our tropical trees etc, that the roots picked its way down in and between the coral to reach water and that is why our island had such a beautiful and peaceful look about it.
Anyhow another tidbit about my home town of Key West, Caya Hueso, The Rock etc
Always
Shirley

 

[Nemontinksmom]

Im so happy to have found this site. We are doing the Double Dip cruise in September/October and arriving the day before. I'm working on planning what to do, where to stay and what rental company to use. Your suggestions will be invaluable!