Helpful Information For You Updated 03/30/2012

[LindaBabe]

Shirley SCORES AGAIN!

Tonight, after watching the Magic sail (finally), we went to FISHLIPS. Not the enormous bargain of last night's dinner, but fabulous wonderful glorious food. I got the pleasure of watching my bil's face turn colors as he met Wasabi for the first time, lol. Once he got over the first bite, though, I noticed it all disappeared accompanying his lightly grilled Tuna. DH had swordfish and veggies, sil had fried clam strips and I scallops with ricotto. All raved about their food. Thanks for the recommendation, Shirley!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Shirley SCORES AGAIN!

Tonight, after watching the Magic sail (finally), we went to FISHLIPS. Not the enormous bargain of last night's dinner, but fabulous wonderful glorious food. I got the pleasure of watching my bil's face turn colors as he met Wasabi for the first time, lol. Once he got over the first bite, though, I noticed it all disappeared accompanying his lightly grilled Tuna. DH had swordfish and veggies, sil had fried clam strips and I scallops with ricotto. All raved about their food. Thanks for the recommendation, Shirley!

How great - Norm and I went over to the Tokoyo Restaurant and had sushi, plum wine and it was so great to just sit there at the counter watching the antics of the chefs that were cooking on those large stove tops - seeing the faces on the kids was such a treat - I do not do wasabi, but Norm could have it for dessert - naw just kidding - traffic was horrendous here - I really like Fishlips for when I went and asked them about "meets'' there, I was told they would be welcomed with opened arms which was totally different from a response I got from another restaurant there. Anyhow glad you and yours enjoyed the scenery and food.
always
Shirley

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Bump all the way to the top, questions being asked.

 

[Hypermommy]

I'm very much looking forward to our DIS meet at Fishlips the night before our cruise and after reading the recommendations here I'm even more looking forward to it. What a wonderful start!!! 25 days!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[snelsonbrown]

I'm very much looking forward to our DIS meet at Fishlips the night before our cruise and after reading the recommendations here I'm even more looking forward to it. What a wonderful start!!! 25 days!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Denise,
Fishlips welcome meets with open arms so know that you will have a great time. 25 days will pass fast so put your shoes on with wings ;-)
always
Shirley

 

[dsnyfangoofy2]

Hi, all,

I haven't posted here before but was sent here from another thread.

I'm still confused a little about the liquids. Since you CAN pack shampoo, conditioner, perfume, and other liquids in your checked luggage, even on the airlines, why couldn't you pack a couple of bottles of water?

Any clarification on this would be appreciated.

Sailing April 12 on the Magic!

Bev

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi, all,

I haven't posted here before but was sent here from another thread.

I'm still confused a little about the liquids. Since you CAN pack shampoo, conditioner, perfume, and other liquids in your checked luggage, even on the airlines, why couldn't you pack a couple of bottles of water?

Any clarification on this would be appreciated.

Sailing April 12 on the Magic!
Bev

Hello Bev,
I will try to explain as well as I can so that any questions that haven't been asked but folks wonder about can fully understand the reasonings behind changes made by DCL and believe me its in the best interest of their guest.

Disney does not prevent their guest from bringing beverages or alcohol although you have to be aware that any and all fragile items and beverages, especially if they are in glass or squeezy containers, must be carried in a carryon bag due to the fact that if they burst in your checked luggage, the possibilities of it ruining your items in the bag can be 95% and then it will be your responsibility since the luggage carriers are NOT gentle with the luggage AND Disney has put out the word of the dangers of it all and has asked that you follow their request. Disney does have the rigjht to remove fragile items including beverages from the luggage and then they will be returned to the guest at the end of your cruise. Beverage containers are considered fragile and has caused damage in the past so DCL just can not be responsible if glass breaks, cans explode since it was the choice of the guest to do so and not carry it on - a number of stuff can happen and it can be enough to cause you stress on what is suppose to be a good/fun/relaxing time for those going.
so to make a long story short, fragile items and beverages MUST be hand carried by the cruisers in a carryon.

Also another thing I thought I better add is that you may bring your own corkscrew, BUT if you bring your own bottle into the dining room, you will still be charged a corking fee of $18.00 per bottle.

NOW TO CONDENSE IT ALL:
1) ALL FRAGILE AND BEVERAGE STUFF MUST BE IN A CARRYON
2) IF BY CHANCE, FRAGILE ITEMS ARE FOUND IN CHECKED LUGGAGE, IT WILL BE REMOVED UNTIL THE END OF THE CRUISE.
3) IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS THAT HAS BEEN OPENED WITH YOUR OWN CORKSCREW, TAKEN IN TO THE DINING ROOM, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $18.00.

Hope that this will clear up any questions as to what you can do, what can you bring and how you can get it there.
Always
Shirley

 

[dsnyfangoofy2]

Thanks, Shirley, for the clarifications.

I just still don't see the difference between a bottle of water and a bottle of shampoo in a checked bag. I'm not even planning to bring any beverages -- I love tap water (I've even been known to drink it in Mexico!) -- but I'm just curious about the rule.

Meanwhile, now that I've read things on this thread I'm sorry we're not staying in Cocoa! It sounds like there are some wonderful places to visit (read --"eat") around that area! I'll have to come back!

We have a group of 36 and we are staying near MCO on Friday night, the 11th. Some will be arriving early enough to need to eat that evening. Any suggestions for good, inexpensive, family-friendly eating in that area?

Thanks!

Bev

 

[snelsonbrown]

Thanks, Shirley, for the clarifications.

I just still don't see the difference between a bottle of water and a bottle of shampoo in a checked bag. I'm not even planning to bring any beverages -- I love tap water (I've even been known to drink it in Mexico!) -- but I'm just curious about the rule.

Meanwhile, now that I've read things on this thread I'm sorry we're not staying in Cocoa! It sounds like there are some wonderful places to visit (read --"eat") around that area! I'll have to come back!

We have a group of 36 and we are staying near MCO on Friday night, the 11th. Some will be arriving early enough to need to eat that evening. Any suggestions for good, inexpensive, family-friendly eating in that area?

Thanks!

Bev

Bev, there are a number of places between here and Merritt Island - you have got from a sit down to a buffett type restaurant - with that many folks, I would head over to the Merritt Square Mall and eat at Picadilly (of course I would say that since its a favorite of mine, but not Norm's) or you can go to Zackery's Family restaurant, Roberto's, the port and again it all depends on likes and dislikes of each - ages etc.
go to the different websites I have posted and it gives you lots of choice although with that many folks, if it is a sit down, I sure would call ahead and give a heads up - of course you could buy a bucket of chicken, goodies to go with it and head to the beach or jetties and have a picnic. There is a place also in Titusville off 405 called Whistle Junction that is a buffett and has great food - I never like to point anyone to just one place for if it doesn't go well, I would feel very guilty.
Always
Shirley

 

[gydell]

Another vote for Fishlips! We have a group of 32(so far) heading there before the PC cruise. They have reserved us a place so that we will not have to wait for tables. Thanks Shirley for telling us about them.

 

[snelsonbrown]

OK ANOTHER REMINDER FOR THOSE THAT FORGOT OR STILL HAVE A HEAVY FOOT.

AS SOON AS YOU PASS THE CRUISE SHIPS AND START TO COME OVER THE OVERPASS, TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS LIKE RIGHT NOW - there is a patrol car that is going to make sure you go from a higher speed to a MUCH LOWER ONE. Just before you go over that overpass to the other side, the area is being patrol super heavy so if you don't want an invitation to our courts, SLOW DOWN ;-)

ANOTHER ISSUE THAT WILL CAUSE A FINE - DO NOT AND I MEAN DO NOT CARRY ANY GLASS CONTAINERS ON TO THE BEACH - YOU DO AND FOUND, ITS GOING TO COST YA $100.00 RIGHT OFF THE BAT and you could have brought a few gift basket for that amount ;-)

OK thats all the warnings for today
always
Shirley

 

[Tink rules]

Thanks Shirley!!!

 

[DCL Repeaters]

OK ANOTHER REMINDER FOR THOSE THAT FORGOT OR STILL HAVE A HEAVY FOOT.

AS SOON AS YOU PASS THE CRUISE SHIPS AND START TO COME OVER THE OVERPASS, TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS LIKE RIGHT NOW - there is a patrol car that is going to make sure you go from a higher speed to a MUCH LOWER ONE. Just before you go over that overpass to the other side, the area is being patrol super heavy so if you don't want an invitation to our courts, SLOW DOWN ;-)

ANOTHER ISSUE THAT WILL CAUSE A FINE - DO NOT AND I MEAN DO NOT CARRY ANY GLASS CONTAINERS ON TO THE BEACH - YOU DO AND FOUND, ITS GOING TO COST YA $100.00 RIGHT OFF THE BAT and you could have brought a few gift basket for that amount ;-)

OK thats all the warnings for today
always
Shirley

Dear Shirley, Thanks so much for warning everyone about the patrol car just waiting to catch an excited cruiser anxious to start their vacation. We got 'caught' on Jan. 19th exactly where you described. We were excited to see the ship, see our family, start our vacation and I needed to use the restroom. The last thing we were thinking about was how fast we were going. It cost us $91 and a 3 hours driver safety classs to avoid points against my husbands license. Please, please, please watch your speed limit and don't start your cruise like we did!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Dear Shirley, Thanks so much for warning everyone about the patrol car just waiting to catch an excited cruiser anxious to start their vacation. We got 'caught' on Jan. 19th exactly where you described. We were excited to see the ship, see our family, start our vacation and I needed to use the restroom. The last thing we were thinking about was how fast we were going. It cost us $91 and a 3 hours driver safety classs to avoid points against my husbands license. Please, please, please watch your speed limit and don't start your cruise like we did!

There are a few patrol cars there every single day and the minute you go over the pass, its TOO LATE - you come from a 55 miles to 45 to 35 within seconds of coming to the pass and over it. Each time I go by, I see a few cars pulled over and everyone just about has an out of town license or you can tell from kids in the car, upset folks that they are not from this area.
You are fortunate that your fine was so low for it is usually a lot more.
Anyhow thanks for jumping in and explaining it is a true fact besides that, we don't anyone hurt coming to or leaving from here.
always
Shirley

 

[snelsonbrown]

WISHING YOU WERE ALL HERE TONIGHT
Am sitting here at the condo with the windows open listening to the Beach Boys playing at the Cocoa Beach Pier - Norm and I went over and traffic was like a HUGE mound of ants going in every direction - the highest parking fee we found was $20.00 with no reentry - so here I sit at home enjoying them even though I can not see them, but that is ok for the kids are sure hooping and yelling in glee which sounds so great - they are playing some great old and famous songs. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH to be young again to be able to mingle with that crowd.
Sorry you missed it :-(
Always
Shirley

 

[LindseyLou2222]

Wow, thanks! Great info!

 

[snelsonbrown]

I believe a number of cruisers coming into Brevard County will enjoy this new site listed in our local newspaper today.
Always
Shirley

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
INTERNET BILLBOARDS BANNERS FOR POINT OF INTEREST AT OUR SPACE COAST****NEW
This is a new web site to locate key points of interest here at the Space Coast - check it out
VERY INTERESTING!!!
www.cocoabeachnow.com/
melbournebeachnow.com/

 

[snelsonbrown]

OK another update on security at the ports - this was in our local paper today
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NEWS01/803310323/1086

 

[princessh]

Thank you for this great thread Shirley. You just saved me hours and hours of searching. We are spending a few days before and after our cruise at the Radisson. Dh and I will be on our fist trip ever without the kids. I was just talking with DH about what we were going while at the port. You gave so many good ideas! Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you for this great thread Shirley. You just saved me hours and hours of searching. We are spending a few days before and after our cruise at the Radisson. Dh and I will be on our fist trip ever without the kids. I was just talking with DH about what we were going while at the port. You gave so many good ideas! Thanks so much!!!!

She is the most accurate helpful, and informative person on the DCL boards!

Big thanks.