Just Back - A Few Thoughts

[ali5on]

Thanks for the useful information. I think we'll give Aquatica a miss, I like to think of our waterpark days as time to relax and escape the queues. We all love Typhoon Lagoon and as Graeme said, hopefully it will be quieter.

 

[juliebro]

Hi Keasden

We went kayaking up at Wekiwa and visited Cypress Gardens.. both new to us, but thoroughly enjoyable!!
Will post pics if anyone is interested?!

We find Manny's the best place to eat by far... and if you go between 4pm - 6pm they have a specials menu and happy hour for any drink (2 for 1). The only problem is that it is heaving with locals!! We always phone them from the villa to get our name 'on the list'. Sometimes, even at 4pm, they have an hours waiting time!! It is definitely worth a trip!!
Its a bit way out, about 12 mins south of jnt 55 (I4) on the 27 - but definitely worth going!! Trust me!

Tracy xx

Wekiwa was on our list but we didn't mke it this time. Would be interested in the piccies. We went to Cypress Gardens on Easter Sunday and really enjoyed it.

Went to Manny's for the first time too and thought it was excellent. It was heaving, as you say, but we got a seat at the bar and ate there.

 

[Elise79]

We fully expected to be able to take our cases with us in January having heard of the changes, but we were made to relinquish them. Wasn't really a big deal, but hope it doesn't happen again in November. Can you describe exactly where the escalator is? Is it inside the Customs Hall, or just outside where you put your bags onto the conveyor?

The escalator is just round the corner from Customs right next to where you used to bag drop. You really can't miss it!!

Elise

 

[castanea1985]

Wekiwa was on our list but we didn't mke it this time. Would be interested in the piccies. We went to Cypress Gardens on Easter Sunday and really enjoyed it.

Went to Manny's for the first time too and thought it was excellent. It was heaving, as you say, but we got a seat at the bar and ate there.

I'll start a new post for piccies Julie!

 

[keasden]

Thanks for such an informative report.

Couple of questions.

Where is the Texas de Brazil restaurant?

Texas de Brazil is at the top end of International Drive up near where the Belz Mall used to be. Just head up International Drive from Sandlake Road, go past Wet and Wild and keep heading towards the old Belz site and the Festival Bay mall (where the excellent Bass Pro Shop is located).

As you take a left hand bend you will see one Brazillian Steakhouse on your riight hand side, i didn't try this one so can't comment, just keep going and Texas de Brazil is on your left hand side. You can't miss it at night as it has several large open fires lit on poles outside!

Just a quick tip, you will be paying enough without Valet parking which appears to be mandatory if you drive up to the restaurant doors, so do as we did and park on the shops car park directly behind and walk up to the front door.

Can you enrol for Dollar Express then still go in that queue if car booked through Virgin?

I did. My car was booked through Virgin as part of a fly drive and I had declined any insurance and paid for my own policy at Insurance4carhire, cost about £100. I had not linked the car hire to my Dollar Express account in any way I just handed over my Virgin voucher and Dollar Express card and was not asked for any driving licence or credit card, presumably they just took all the details I had already registered with them.

I wasn't even given the usual hassle and warning about not being covered by a third party insurance policy.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Thanks for the mini report - always interesting to hear about something new.

We plan to go to Auatica in December - maybe the queues won't be a bad by then

 

[Snowy-girls]

Just google for Texas De Brazil to get their website and then register your email address for offers to be sent to your inbox. There will be an option to add your anniversary and birthday dates, just make sure you enter a date that will be just before your departure date.

A few days before you leave you will be sent a voucher to print out for a complimentary dinner, ie a Buy one, get one free. Thats a full $45 saving and makes this very expensive restaurant affordable. Just don't go mad on the drinks they are on the dear side and its not a free refill kind of place!

Thanks,much appreciated .x.

 

[Snowy-girls]

Oohhh the Village Tavern menu looks great.x.