Leaving for Key West ---------any????????????????

[snelsonbrown]

Hello there - Norm and I will heading out to Key West next Wednesday until Monday (July 1st) ---I will be checking out everything that I can that will help those going on the Western cruise -----------NOW are there any questions I can try to answer before going down there? Does anyone want me to check out anything in particular? I have started this thread early so I can write everything down so when I come back, can answer everyone's questions to the best of my ability - I also have friends that have shops in Key West and I want to see what they can do for those that take the Western Cruise ---
Meanwhile each have a great week ----------
Always your friend
Shirley

 

[wovenwonder]

No questions here -- as I do not have any DCL vacations planned . Just wanted to wish you and Norm a wonderful, relaxing vacation!

 

[iluvorlando]

Hi Shirley,

We are planning on going on the Western in March, 2004. What is good for a family to do in Key West, and what are the "don't miss" things to do?

Thanks!
Michele

 

[Ashley24]

Someone mentioned something about performing cats? Or cats with extra toes? Any information would be appreciated!
Ann

 

[SJCSuzy]

Shirley,

If you could find any info about renting jet skis I would be most appreciative. Someone said they rented some and they took a 2 hour tour. Could you find out which company might offer something like that and if there are any age/weight restrictions? Thanks for all your help, I hope you and Norm have a great time "back home".

 

[mmouse37]

Have a great time Shirley!!!!

MJ

 

[snelsonbrown]

Wovenwonder ------thank you luv for your kind words - Norm's daughter Christy lives in KW along with his step sons and grandsons that he has to see - me I go down to check on my family and of course take care of the family plot at the cementary -
that is a quest in itself but I really enjoy it simply because that graveyard has so much history and the gravestones are so funny.

Michelle - I have pamplets etc on KW - email me at snelsonbrown@aol.com and will give you all the info you would like and besides am bringing back a lot more info.

Ashley - the performing cats are Mallory Square where the Magic would be -they are very good and Mr. Cat man is awesome with his cats -they are his babies.

Second the 6 toed cats are at Mr. Hemingway's house on Whitehead Street ----------right accross from the Lighthouse --the cats are decendants from the original cats Mr. Hemingway started collecting years and years ago --Mr. Hemingway did love his cats, but dislikes children -I know this personally.
write me at snelsonbrown@aol.com and will make sure you get all information requested.
Have a great time getting ready for your cruise.
Always
Shirley

 

[westjones]

DH wants us to go sailing. Are there several options for sailing during the day? What price ranges are there. We are hoping to find one less expensive than the one booked through Disney.

Thanks for checking! This is really sweet of you!
DJ

 

[WDWLVR]

Shirley,

Here's what I hope will be a simple question for you. When we cruise next May we'll be taking DCL transfers from Orlando so won't have time to pick up snacks & pop. Is there somewhere close to the ship in Key West that we can pick up some pop and snacks to last for the rest of the cruise? I know it would cost a little more than if we stopped on the way to the ship, but overall probably less than if we bought it on board.

Thanks!

 

[MrsPotatoHead]

Shirley, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, and for all of the other information you have provided about Key West. My DH, sister and I are thinking of renting bicycles there to toodle around the island. Is there a place within walking distance of the Magic where we may rent bikes? Any info on rentals and prices would be very helpful. Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Susan

 

[kamgen]

Shirley,
Have a wonderful time! Dh and I are cruising the Western in October!
Could you find out about jet ski rentals and I will need your shopping tips! LOL!
Also, is there anywhere to see Manatees or Dolphins in KW?
Thanks Shirley and have a safe and wonderful vacation!

Kamy

 

[DonnettaR]

Shirley,
I placed an order with you for gift baskets and you said that you would include some brochures. Would any of those brochures contain information on activities for kids as I will be travleling with my 8-yr daughter.

 

[prymsu]

Dear Shirley,

I hope you have a safe trip. If you could find out if any of the beaches have any snorkeling that we could go to when we are in port, I would greatly appreciate it loads!

Thank you!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello there,
First off being born and raised in Key West was quite an experience ---Norm also was which makes our relationship quite a match --He and I are really looking forward to going down - we usually do not do the tourist shopping simply because as it is said been there done that.
Now Donetta - there is very little activities for children unfortunalty - there is the aquarium right there at Mallory Square - the shows before the sunset are really worth the time - She might enjoy going to the top of the hotel LaConcha and seeing Key West from a bird's eye view - I do not know why KW does not offer more entertainment for kids but again unfortunalty it is too much of an adult playground (I am not happy over it and have spoken to the mayor who is a friend of mine over this) --
The books do have coupons but nothing for children and yes they are in your gift baskets. I am truly sorry that I couldn't help more with this.
those asking about the jet ski rentals, will try and get coupons that will give you something off -will let you know when I get back home --most of all the establishments in KW are no longer owned by KW conchs but outsiders.
Will also do the same with snorkling -my 3 sons and Norm's son are going Saturday morning and they will have all the scoop on that portion.
Norm's son works at Moped Hospital and his name is Charlie - it is on the corner of Simonton and Duval which is about 3/4 miles from Mallory Square - you can ride a trolley to it - get off and go in and ask for Charlie -he will treat you very very fair.
Now as for picking up food, drinks and snacks - real simple - go to the corner of Bahama Lane and Flemming Street -there is a super food store named Fausto's (owned by the mayor) and they have everything you could want and it is reasonable - has to be for conchs shop there and have done so for years.
Now I will be printing this thread out on Wednesday the 27th so make sure you put down everything and anything you want me to find out ---AND I WILL DO IT FOR YOU OK?
Time to check out - we leave tomorrow to take Norm back to Shands for more surgery Friday morn -everyone from the 6-22 cruise ----the only thing I wish was that either I was going down this weekend or you all were going down next week -
Have a wonderful cruise.
Hugssssss to each and all
Love
Shirley

 

[DCL Repeaters]

Hello Shirley,

You are just the sweetest person!! I do have a Key West question for you. Will the trolley let us off and pick us up at Hemingway's house and the Truman Summer White House?

Thank you!
DCL Repearters
(we're the ones who requested the mangos in the crew member basket you so beautifully put together for us last Christmas)

 

[Mjasp]

Shirley...Our best to Norm on Friday. I'm sorry I missed you at the Radisson on 5/11. But after all the well wishes and Bon Voyages you wish all us DISers I have one thing to say to you and Norm,

HAVE A SAFE AND GREAT TIME IN KEY WEST. ENJOY ALL YOU HAVE TO DO AND WANT TO DO.

All the best.

Joanna

 

[Shercara]

Hi Shirley -- Sending prayers and pixie dust to you and Norm -good luck on his surgery. Can't think of any other questions to ask, but looking forward to your answers and suggestions to the ones above.

Can't wait to talk to you again to order our baskets for our November cruise! Take care & God Bless!
Sherri

 

[snelsonbrown]

Good morning everyone,
I didn't know when I started this thread, I would hear from so many that have touched a place in my thoughts and heart - To each of you - my gosh so glad to hear from you - I always ask for blessings for everyone that has showned me so much kindness - I am blessed - anyhow thanks for the prayers for Norm - seems he just can't finish with one thing that another don't crop up, but have no doubts we are coming to the end of all these trips

Now some answers to questions - yep the trolley will let you off at Mr. Hemingway's house and the White House - I have never been inside of Mr. Hemingway's home - I understand it is very pretty - I was born just a couple of blocks down from his street - his wife Pauline learned spanish from my grandfather at the cost of 25 cents per lesson (lots of money back in those days) - my grandparents being spanish, cooked all spanish food and Mr. Hemingway loved my grandmother's cooking - she would take him plates of food to his house - across the street is the lighthouse ---that is a neat experience ---no one was allowed to go into the light house until maybe 10 -15 years ago - President Truman's Little White House - I do not know if the trolley goes by there ---but I am sure it is close enough -- there is a lot of walking to do in Key West - so make sure you dress comfortable including shoes - I have seen women with high heels and men in suits down there -nope this is not Key West style -
Hope everyone stays well -take care and have a wonderful weekend everybody
Love
Shirley

 

[WDWLVR]

Shirley,

Thank you so much for your quick response. My best to you and Norm. I will keep you in my prayers this Friday.

Have a safe trip.

 

[SusanMouse]

Hi Shirley! Our August 17th cruise will also be our first time at Key West. We are trying to be economical. Are there plenty of things for us to do without scheduling shore excursions? We like to walk and would like to tour by ourselves. Is there enough to do within walking distance of the ship or should we take the trolley/train? Our family especially enjoys animals- what is there to do at Key West that we might enjoy involving animals? Thank You. Have a safe trip.