I'm now back from my one week getaway to central FL. Thought I'd share my experiences. They may assist others in some decision processes.
Flew JetBlue down Wed. to MCO, used Enterprise Rental for oneway to Cape Canaveral, place was deserted of people at MCO, no lines, but it was Wed. @ 3:30pm, folks very nice/pleasant there, first time I've used Enterprise, got upgraded to small Suv from Full size. So went from a possible Impala, Altima, Charger or similiar to a Toyota Venza. What a nice vehicle. Drove well, lovely dash lay out, huge wheels, and was also a beautiful odd teal color, which is good, all other choices were white.
For some reason I felt he was more willing to upgrade my vehicle because I was alone, it was a oneway, for one day, I signed up for their Plus Membership. I saw other families trying to pack mega bags and people into those Impalas, which appeared challenging.
Employee did mention Fridays thru Sundays are total madness, so keep that in mind. The return in Cape Canaveral was the opposite of MCO ironically. We arrived Thursday @ 12 - 1 pm just as the shuttle from the port arrived at the small building. Two employees were behind the counter and twenty to thirty people in line. However, no one was in the "Plus" line, so I walked right up and was serviced within two minutes and completed within 7 minutes. Of course I was returning which I feel is less paper work than if you were picking up.
If you are renting a car sign up for their membership / rewards online previous to travel . It could save a lot of time in lines. Some credit cards may offer benefits too.
Fwiw, we are using
Avis in Oct. They offer "bypass line/counter" as long as a card is on file. Never used them either. We were Alamo previously. I will visit a local Avis office soon and physically log/scan my CC so we can bypass line in Oct. @ MCO. Enterprise doesn't offer bypass counter by the way.
Drove to Cocoa Beach using Bee Line. Saw "other ships" in port as arriving on barrier island. Arrived at hotel, where family was already established for days. Surprised kids on beach. They didn't know I was coming down. Set up on beach two spots south.(25 feet) They walked right past me of course going into water. I tried to emphasize myself on beach so they would notice me.... not. Decided to enter water and go way out and approach from the east. My oldest daughter eventually turned around and yelled DADDY. Well, I was in my regular, well known hat and sunglasses. It was a fun moment. My youngest daughter ran up to mom on the beach and said "Did you know Daddy's here?"
It was a Visa moment, priceless.
I actually did look into wigs and such, but figured I better not to leave permanent physiological scars on the young ones.
While at Cocoa Beach we did see many cruise ships. All sailing out obviously, who wants to get up at 6 am.
Anyway saw lots of Carnival, two
RCCL, two others I'm embarrassed to admit I have no clue (NCL ?), and the DREAM sailing out Friday. WOW, what a sight. I've never seen the larger ships live somehow. I tried to stay up all night to see the Fantasy come in Sat. morning, but that failed. We saw the Fantasy from the usual distance from the Bee Line Saturday, but, as usual, were in a hurry, and had an excuse not to approach closer. Kids / hunger.
If I was without my family I would have camped at Jetty Park and stalked the port for the closest views / photos of the Fantasy.
We did stop by the Dis Welcome Center and The Perfect Gift and chat a bit. We checked out the Dis gear for sale.
The most unforgettable experience however occurred back on the beach in Cocoa, not where the Fantasy docks.
We were on the beach at 10 pm hunting sand crabs with flashlights when we noticed something odd. We saw sand crabs, but then we noticed something else. Creatures darker, more like beetles, what could it be? It was baby sea turtles. There were hundreds of them scurrying around, trying to find the sea. It was amazing. We've spent thousands of hours on turtle laden beaches and have never seen this event. Only 8 people that night were fortunate to be in the right place, at the right time, to enjoy this unique experience. We had built large forts / sand castles which the turtles got stuck / trapped in. So of course my kids had a mission to accomplish - free the turtles. It gave them an excuse to pick them up from the deep holes they would never escape from, and carry them to the sea. It was an unforgettable experience for all present. And of course no cameras or video equipment was at hand.
It's interesting how the most amazing / memorable moments in my life continually fail to be captured on film. It almost makes me feel I should leave the recording devices in the room / at home.
I thought I was going to give a quick recap ... well ... this is super long.
Is there such a thing as a Pre Cruise Meet Review?
This may be way TMI .
Whatever, it is what it is.
