where to stay in ft. lauderdale? need help on hotels...

my sister in law and her friend are looking to go to ft. lauderdale for a week. what is a good location for them stay? they want on the beach but fairly close to shoppingand dining and entertainment. i can get them a room through my timeshare athe marriott beach palace towers...how is that location there?

any info would be great.....

where to stay in ft. lauderdale? need help on hotels...

Beachplace Towers would be perfect, especially for a week-long stay. The main part of the beach as well shopping and a number of different restaurants and bars are in the same complex (Beachplace). They will want to make the trip out to Las Olas area (short taxi) as the complex can get old pretty quick and there are not many quality restaurants on that portion of the beach.

where to stay in ft. lauderdale? need help on hotels...

I%26#39;m going next month for the first time and staying at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach. It%26#39;s a beachfront hotel. I called the toll-free numer and received the AAA rate of $110/night for an oceanview room, buffet breakfast for two, two water taxi passes and free parking for the rental car. I am going with my family for a total of three.

Reviews on Trip Advisor.com indicate this to be a nice regular hotel. It is a Sheraton with Sweet Sleeper beds, beach location, etc. Don%26#39;t know that it is real close to a lot of restaurants, but I believe a short taxi ride will get you to most places. And with the water taxi passes, I believe will give us access to most places downtown or close to them.

I generally go to Miami and wanted to try Ft Lauderdale. I received free brochures and coupons from sunny.org. You might try that website for some good general info.

By the way, Lulu replied on another post of mine, that the water taxi service is limited. So if you are planning on utilizing the water taxi, be sure to check the route.

lash liner

Kennedy Space Center

Does anyone know where is a good place to view the takeoff not on KSC grounds. All tix are sold out How about Cocoa Beach?

Kennedy Space Center

Cocoa Beach will give you a good view. I would go to Jetty Park which is where the inlet empties into the ocean. Be here early!

Kennedy Space Center

psbcap--We are headed to FL for a launch in a few months. My husband wants to stay in Cocoa Beach, right on the beach. How far is that from KSC, and do you have any recommendations for hotels. I have read the TA reviews, but would like as much input as possible. Thanks!

Mtngrl you are in a beautiful part of the world. KSC is between 40 and 60 minutes from CB. It depends where you are going. I would say the visitors center (where you can take the tours, and I recommend you do) is about 45 minutes on a normal day. On launch day you can only get in with advanced tickets and the traffic is heavy. If you send me an e-mail address i will show you some photos I took from a boat at the last launch.

Hotels are plenty. Ron Jon;s has a new resort on the ocean in Cape Canaveral. Other than that most of the big names are here. I like the Doubletree or the Hilton.

If I can be of any more help let me know, and have a wonderful time in our paradise!

Thanks psbcap! Actually, we lived in Winter Park years ago. So I don%26#39;t remember distances or anything. A friend is an astronaut, so he is inviting us to his launch, so at least we don%26#39;t have to worry about finding a place to watch it from. My husband has taken a private tour of KSC, but the kids and I have not, so we will do the regular one. Our friend will be a bit too busy for that, I am sure, lol!

girls' trip

hi,

three of my girlfriends and i are planning our annual trip and miami is our destination this year. if we can get some advices on where to stay (close to the beach, shops, clubs, restaurants, safe areas) so we don%26#39;t have to drive everywhere and if the beginning of october is a good month to go since we afraid we%26#39;d be stucked there if a hurricane decides to visit.

thanks so much!

vylatte

girls' trip

Well , since you stated you dont want to walk ,, you might want to saty in the beach area ( Miami Beach , South Beach ) which is one of the few pedestrian friendly areas in Miami . So if ';hot spot'; proximity is a priority stay on the beach . There is pretty much loads of shopping stores and boutiques , clubs ( !) and bars. Miami is what taste buds are made for . There are delicous restaurants all over with all types of cuisines and fares on the beach and out of the beach . It%26#39;s pretty safe on and around the beach ( be a little careful in or around 71 - 80th sts tho) .You will have a great time !!

girls' trip

thank you for your info. that would help us so much in deciding where to stay. we are wondering if the beginning of october is a better time to visit since we%26#39;ve heard so much about hurricanes in florida.

thanks!

Hello Vylatte,

Great destination. Assuming you have nice weather, you and your friends may never want to do your annual trip anywhere else!

You definitely want to stay in South Beach, which is the most southern two miles or so of Miami Beach. Know that Miami Beach is a separate city than Miami. Although they are close in proximity, they are a world apart!

If you stay somewhere in South Beach (say north of 5th street and south of 20th street), you will meet all of your requirements that the beach is close (very close!), lots of shops, great clubs and restaurants and all in a safe area that you can walk to about everywhere. If you need to travel more than what your feet want to carry you, taxi cabs are everywhere and not very expensive.

October is still the hurricane season but such is life. There is not way to predict what early October will be like. We%26#39;ve been there in early October and had perfect weather. We also had a trip cancelled due to a hurricane. Know that you won%26#39;t be stuck in SoBe (short for South Beach) if a hurricane is approaching as they typically evacuate the place. However this is unlikely... but possible.

There are TONS of hotels in SoBe for your consideration depending upon your price range and what you are looking for. If you have tons of money and want some place with a great spa, check out Ritz-Carlton. If you still want to be on the beach but not so expensive, check out South Seas (someone just posted a great trip report in the Miami Beach Forum on this website that just stayed at South Seas). My wife and I visit SoBe often and a requirement is that it has to be directly on the beach. Hotels we%26#39;ve stayed at include Loews, Ritz-Carlton, National (which has been receiving poor reviews lately) and most often, the DoubleTree Surfcomber. We enjoy the Surfcomber as the rooms are clean, very cool art deco lobby and lobby bar, very nice and large pool with LOTS of lounge chairs and a nice courtyard, tiki pool bar, and a management that cares about the service you receive. As DoubleTree is one of the Hilton Family of Hotels, you can expect to receive a quality and reliable product.

Check out the Miami Beach forum rather than this one (Miami). You will find tons of great reviews and suggestions about restaurants, clubs, hotels, and so forth!

I know you and your party will have a great time!

Cheers!

P.S. Be sure and check out Mango%26#39;s Tropical Cafe. It%26#39;s perfect for a group of ladies!

Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach

Okay, I%26#39;ve been telling everyone about the great AAA rate I got at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach. $110 per nite/breakfast for two, two water taxi passes, and free parking for the rental car. Sounds too good to be true. TripAdvisor.Com reviews are pretty good. I understand there is also a Sheraton Yankee Trader Beach, but the reviews on TripAdvisor are not very flattering. So which one is best? Which has the best location? Are the hotels really that old and can we expect Sheraton quality?

I stayed at an older Sheraton Mini-mart in Miami in May and it was it was pretty nice. The pictures on-line of the Yankee Clipper Beach are similar to the Miami Sheraton Mini-Mart that we paid $140 per nite and no complimentary breakfast, water taxi or parking was included. Buffet breakfast was $15, but good. I%26#39;m thinking if the picture are a true representation of the Clipper Beach, we should be okay. Plus they have a basketball court at the Clipper Beach and my son is a basketball fanatic.

Does anyone know? LuLu?

Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach

In my opinion, it depends on how you look at it. Though you may have read some individually unsatisfactory reviews ( there are some of those for each) overall the Trader is ranked #15 on TA site and the Clipper is ranked #21. In the high season , the Trader usually commands about $50 more per room than the Clipper. But, that is not the whole story.

At the moment, there is lots of construction going on on sites all around the Trader and so the immediate area is not very attractive around it and may be noisy at times. The Trader is across the street from the beach but has an elevated walkway across A1A.

The Clipper is not around any construction, but it is actually more than one building and one of them ( I think referred to as the North Building) is also across from rather than on the Ocean and from what I gather does not have rooms that are as nice.

The Trader is slightly newer than the Clipper I believe, but not by much. I suspect both of them have some rooms that are worn and could use a facelift. I think it all depends on which room you ';luck out'; on- hopefully not the North Building at Clipper.

All in all, I think the Clipper will be fine for you and I would recommend you stay put. But don%26#39;t feel you got a ';much better'; hotel than the Trader. Once the Trader%26#39;s neighbors get done with all the building, I think that will be the better- though likely slightly more expensive - pick- but not right now.

That%26#39;s just my opinion- I never get to stay in the rooms of course.

Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach

Thanks again Lulu!

I am so glad to find someone like you in the area. Your description of the Clipper is about what I figured. I can always request that we don%26#39;t get the North Building. I will take your advice and stay put! The location looks good. The availability of the beach is the main thing. We will probably spend our last day at Sawgrass Mills anyway.

I%26#39;m thinking that I might like Ft Lauderdale better than Miami.

Thanks a bunch!!!!

I stayed at the Sheraton Clipper (for a minute) last July. I also was thrilled about a great Triple A rate that included breakfast. I found the hotel to be run down, dirty, and it smelled. My friend and I walked out on to the beach and over to the Marriott next door and got a room there. We called the Sheraton and told them we would not be staying. I travel a lot and I have never done that before but I was so turned off by the Clipper I could not stay there. My friend felt the same way, too. It was a whole different world at the Marriott. The pictures at the Sheraton look like they may have done some updating and the outdoor pool doesn%26#39;t even look like the same pool so maybe they have done some renovations and things are better. I%26#39;m sorry to be so negative but I just thought you should know.

I think if you go out to Sawgrass , you may be able to go to a different Original Pancake House, as I think there is also one just west of University Drive on Broward Blvd., which you could arrange to pass by on the way to Sawgrass without going very far out of your way.

Be there in 20 days for my B-Day! Help!

I%26#39;m SO EXCITED about this trip!!!!! We went to Islamorada for my birthday last year (and tripadvisor was SO helpfull) but this will be my 1st time in Key West!!!

RESTAURANTS: One of my favorite things to do is to eat at great restaurants. Casual, fancy, local...whatever is good! If you could, please tell me the best places to go for great local food. Good place for my birthday dinner? What things on the menu are a ';must try'; while I%26#39;m there?

Snorkel or SNUBA? I%26#39;m SCUBA certified, my boyfriend is not. Can we get him certified for a reasonable price? Where are the best places to go or companies to use for snorkeling? Should we SNUBA?

What is the best way to get around? We are staying on the far end of the island, should we take a cab or try to park near Duval?

Any advice, pointers, or helpful hints would be fantastic!!

Be there in 20 days for my B-Day! Help!

You asked about suinset cruises on the other topic.There is a decent summary of cruises here which will get you started...

keywesttravelguide.com/key-west-cruises.html

...but they leave out some stuff.

Where are you staying? Driving is a drag %26#39;cause you have to park, but taking a taxi will cost you a fortune.

It%26#39;s a start.

Pjk

Be there in 20 days for my B-Day! Help!

You%26#39;ll get 5 million suggestions for where to eat. I%26#39;ll pass on that.

SCUBA. You can get certified in 20 days, but you have better get going. As you know there is class room and in water classes you need to take before you can even get your open water certification. After you get the OK to get the open water certification, the certfication is 4 dives over 2 days.

That being said there are places you can do what is called a ';resort dive';. This is where you get some classroom training, then some in pool training THEN you can dive that day with that instructor. I%26#39;ve done this with my boys in both Cncun and Key West. The best way to find out about this is to ask some of the SCUBA kiosks.

Best way to get around? Thats easy. When you get to the isand, park your car, and use a bike or taxi. You%26#39;ll be glad you did.

Check out Captain%26#39;s Corner for diving. I have friends who won%26#39;t dive with anyone else and they do offer the resort course. www.captainscorner.com Their booth is just in front of the Conch Republic Restaurant at the foot of Elizabeth Street.

Where are you staying and for how long? That will make a difference in how you get around, since walking isn%26#39;t one of the options. If you are going to be drinking and staying out late, the taxi back to where you are staying is probably your best bet.

Go to the ';Overview'; tab above or to the left and read all the ';Inside Key West'; articles. The topics cover a lot of what your asking about.

Thanks everyone!

We will be arriving mid-day (after an 8 hour drive) on Thursday and will have 2 full days, Friday %26amp; Saturday, then depart mid-day on Sunday.

Not a whole lot of time so we will skip things like the Dry Tortugas until a future trip.

I checked out Captin%26#39;s Corner. Looks like we could do the ';resort course'; for about the same price as the SNUBA. I%26#39;ll call them to find out how long the 2 shallow dives are that are included in the course.

Some good pointers, thanks!

I know their are tons of restaurants...anything that I absolutely just shouldn%26#39;t miss?

THANKS!

Just fyi, The 2 reef dives that are included in resort courses each last about 30 mins.

I%26#39;m not sure why it would take anyone 20 days to get open water certified. You can do it in 4 here for an open water cert. All you need to have done prior is your book work.

A good option for out-of-towners is getting the classroom and pool time done at your local dive shop (you probably have one, even if you don%26#39;t know it). Then, just come here for the dives. That saves you from spending time in a classroom/pool while you%26#39;re on vacation.

The Blue Heaven won the TA poll for a favorite restaurant that we had on here awhile back. Since most of the seating is outdoors, you need to check the weather before you go and sometimes there can be a wait.

If you like shrimp, Key West pinks are amazing. They have a little pink dot on their sides. I%26#39;m sure someone can tell you where the best shrimp can be found. Local seafood or Cuban food is what I would recommend for a Key West taste experience. Of course, Key Lime Pie, which is now the official state pie, is a must. Everyone has their own favorite, I like Kermit%26#39;s. There are many choices for a birthday dinner, what kind of place are you looking for?

So many restaurants...so little time.

I%26#39;m still trying to get to all of them after 18 years here.

Since you are from Orlando, I assume you are driving. There are some great restaurants on your end of the island and up the Keys.

MM25 = Square Grouper (inside dining - super good!) You can actually dress semi-up for this restaurant - or not (I wear my good jean shorts - LOL!) bring a sweater the A/C is usually cranking.

MM19 = Mangrove Mamma%26#39;s (casual inside/outside dining)

MM11 %26amp; back in = Geiger Key Marina (very casual dining) good for lunch after kayaking (see www.kayakkeywest.com)

MM10 = Bobalu%26#39;s (casual inside dining - Keys style)

Key West

N. Roosevelt Blvd = Meson de Pepe (casual Cuban dining without the crowd)

Duval (quiet end) = Carmines (Italian dining w/Key West flair = we eat upstairs)

Duval (right next to Carmines) = Banana Cafe (our favorite breakfast = we wait for the bar seats)

Since you will only be in Key West for two full days you might want to look into the Sebago Island T%26#39;ing which pretty much everyone who has taken it has enjoyed. It%26#39;s an all-day trip with a snorkel stop, lunch, and then a kayak trip. You would only be able to go out on Friday and if it looks good you would want to pre-book on-line assuming the weather looks good.

Pjk

I looked up Sebago Island T%26#39;ing and couldn%26#39;t find a website. Anyone know what it is? Sounds perfect!

bird

Snorkeling and Fishing in Key West

I was reading your messaging on doing both snorkeling and fishing in one day. I took a trip that did both, you took a trip out to a reef that is 10 to 3 feet deep and snorkeled as long as you liked and then if you want to do fishing the Captain (Chuck) takes you to a fishing reef. This trip was four hours including the boat ride to the reef and yes we did bring are own food and drinks since we took the afternoon (2:30 to 6:30). It was a large boat so plenty of room and areas to relax and sunbath for 6 people.

Check out his website for more details. It was a great trip for us my boyfriend caught a large barracuda while I was sunbathing.

www.snorkel-fish-combo.com

Snorkeling and Fishing in Key West

Thanks for the info! This will make me and the husband very happy. We looked before but couldn%26#39;t find anything, so this year we will definately do this.

Itinery Overview

Here are my tentative plans for our vacation in 2 weeks there, see if you have any suggestions, tips, etc. It will be Me %26amp; 2 girls (13 %26amp; 8)

Mon July 24- flying in to MCO at 6:00 p.m., to hotel (Disney All Star Music) , get tickets, go to MGM to see Fantasmic %26amp; any other rides we%26#39;re up for

Tues - Magic Kingdom (all day)

Lunch @ Casey%26#39;s Corner

Dinner @ Crystal Palace

Wed- MGM morning

Lunch @ Toy Story Pizza

To hotel @ 3:30 to change %26amp; go to Pink Concert @ HOB.

(dinner at resort)

Thurs- Animal Kingdom

Lunch @ Restaurantosaurus

Dinner @ Rainforst Cafe in DTD

Shopping @ DTD

Friday- Epcot

Lunch @ ?

back to hotel to rest %26amp; Swim

To MGM Later that night for Diner @ Prime Time Cafe %26amp; see Fantasmic again

Saturday- Swim, Pack, Depart

What ya think? Any big no,no%26#39;s in there? Any help is really appreciated, I have already learned so much from your all%26#39;s suggestion %26amp; stories on it.

Itinery Overview

Make sure your family wears the most comfortable shoes (sneakers) possible. With that schedule, you will be doing a ton of walking and standing in lines. Also, have plenty of water on hand as temperatures will probably be in 90%26#39;s and humid. Good luck!!

Itinery Overview

Just wanted to mention, if you are landing at six pm, you most likely will not get into your hotel until around 8:00 (if your lucky). I don%26#39;t know if you are using Disney Express, rental car, etc. But you will land, walk through airport, wait for luggage, transport to Disney, wait in a line to check in, find your room, etc.

The same for the return. The lines at the airport are usually very long on weekends. Make sure you allow plenty of time to get through security. Then you have to take a tram to the terminal.

I think you may have too much planned in such a short period of time. The parks are exhausting and it%26#39;s HOT. Remember to take some down time. By the time you arrive on Monday you may not have the time (or energy) to get to MGM. Also, Tuesday July 25th is an am Extra Magic Hours day so you%26#39;ll want to get there very early. Because your staying on property you should take advantage of this. Arrive at parks promptly at opening, brings lots of water (we brought frozen water bottles) and have a blast!

lash liner

Grand Floridian, Hilton, Sheraton Vistana

Wish I could find a good map of hotels relative to theme parks.

We are Mommy, Daddy and 3 year old boy planning to go to

Disney World and Epcot. We really want convenience and nice 4-5 star hotel. I think the Floridian is obvious that the monorail takes you to both parks right? How does one get from Hilton or Sheraton to these parks? Also we are thinking of late October early November. Any problems with this time frame? conventions, weather etc?

Grand Floridian, Hilton, Sheraton Vistana

Hello hanalei,

The Grand Floridian is a beautiful resort located on the monorail system to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. There are 4 Disney parks and your 3 year old would also enjoy Animal Kingdom. Another resort that in my opinion that has the best location, and pool is the Yacht and Beach Club. It is a 5 minute walk or quick boat ride to Epcot and a 10 minute boat ride to MGM Stuidos. Buses take you to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the water parks and downtown Disney. The 3 acre sand bottom pool can%26#39;t be beat. Check out all the Disney resorts at www.disneyworld.com, and www.allearsnet.com I highly recommend staying on Disney property, you can%26#39;t beat the convience of the free airport transportation to and from the airport and all the Disney parks including Downtown Disney. The week after Labor Day until Thanksgiving is generally a great time to go as the crowds are low and the weather is great! Halloween is busier though but still a good time to enjoy Disney.

Grand Floridian, Hilton, Sheraton Vistana

This is a great source for hotel and Orlando maps. I am going to write the address out because some posts are removed if email links are listed.

florida kiss (dot) com

I agree with the above post. If you can afford the Grand Floridian, grab it. It%26#39;s one of the best!

Another vote for the Grand Floridian if you can afford it.

Who wouldn%26#39;t love this place!!! It%26#39;s Disney%26#39;s best resort and its so convenient to M.K. and Epcot via monorail.

Which Hilton are you talking about?

Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando

1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32830

I know sometimes it can be deceiving so where is this?

Would one need a car or how do you get from this hotel to parks?

The Hilton Walt Disney World is located near the Disney Marketplace. It is not near the themeparks. You would either have to rent a car, or take the hotel shuttles to the park. I personally go quite often to the Marketplace area, but I live near Orlando and am used to the parks, etc. For a first time visit, I wouldn%26#39;t recommend. If you were interested in hitting clubs, movies, restaurants, then I would say go for it. But with a three year old in tow, I think you really would be much happier staying at the Floridian.

LagoMar or Best Western Beach Resort

Any advice on which of these properties would be best for 2 women in their 40%26#39;s? Also which buildings of each properties are better? Thanks!

LagoMar or Best Western Beach Resort

I%26#39;ll try to respond here to both your questions- definitely Lago Mar- if you mean Best Western Pelican Beach Resort. Best Western was sold to private investors last week, has been stripped of it%26#39;s Best Western affilioation apparently and is now going to be marketed as a ';condo-hotel';. The new owners have apparently already moved in a ';sales force'; so I can only imagine their major emphasis is now on selling- like time shares. I wouldn%26#39;t want to be there in that circumstance- not sure how they are handling existing best Western reservations- a shame- it%26#39;s a nice property- but I probably would still not have chosen it -based on a not so great location.

I am not aware of any problem buildings at Lago Mar, but if you read the reviews on this site, if there are any they are bound to be mentioned.

americanattractions.com

Has anyone tried americanattractions.com for thier attraction tickets??

Just looked on thier site, cheapest tickets i have found for disneys 7 day premium ticket and 4 park flexi for universal, also they issue real tickets.

So i was just wondering what if anything knew anything about them.

Thanks

americanattractions.com

sorry i meant americanattractions.co.uk!

Name for a black cat

distance fm fort lauderdale to port of miami

Does anyone know how long it would take to go fm Fort lauderdale airport to port of miami? What would you recommend for a party of 8 to take? We are going on a cruise in march 2007 from port of miami but flying into fort lauderdale?

distance fm fort lauderdale to port of miami

sunmaid,

Mapquest is your best bet for judging distance/time from one place to another and the cruise line should be able to help you with transportation to/from the airport. They probably have the best deal.

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i4203-A_Freshwa鈥?/a>

distance fm fort lauderdale to port of miami

I%26#39;m flying into Ft Lauderdale in mid-August 2006 and taking a cruise out of the Port of Miami. There are several shuttle services that can pick you up from the airport. Just this morning a reply to my post regarding tranportation to the Port of Miami from Ft Lauderdale suggested checking into the Tri County Shuttle Service. Don%26#39;t know if Ft Lauderdale has a Super Shuttle. They will usually customize a trip for a group. My understanding is that the distance is 30-40 miles probably 30-45 minutes. I checked into rental cars and Alamo offered the best deal for an airport drop off in Miami. However Hertz has a rental car agency at the Port of Miami and you can pickup at the Ft Lauderdale airport.

I am planning on riding down to the Port of Miami with a friend who lives in the Fort Lauderdale area, but I have a rental car reserved for backup--just in case. The cost for Hertz for one day and three hours was a two day charge of about $90 for the entire rental. Since there are 3 of us this was pretty much equivalent the charge of one shuttle service to pick up from our beachfront hotel and take us to the Port. The $90 for the compact includes dropping off in another location. A van or large SUV may accomodate you. 8 may be 1 person too many for an SUV. The good thing a bout a rental car is you have the car for the entire day and can do some running around before you leave for the Port or once you get to Miami.

Theck the internet for shuttle services. I did a search on Fort Lauderdale Shuttles and several options came up.

Here%26#39;s a chart comparing taxi and shuttle rates from FLL to various points including Port of Miami. I%26#39;m not sure if they are completely updated to reflect gas price increases if any.

fortlauderdaleinternationalairport.com/airpo鈥?/a>

On the Shuttles , you usually pay per person, although maybe you can cut adeal. Some of the car hire services have vans, hummers etc, as well as their typical Town Cars and charge one flat rate for the whole car. I think such van susually run a bit over $120 and may be a good option for a party of 8, if all your luggage can fit- or maybe two Towncars a about $60 each. Prices may have risen lately, but I%26#39;d contact several car with driver services for estimates and see what you comemup with.

rude staff

Returned from Ft. Myers Beach vacation, loved the area. Went to Sanibel and wanted to visit the resteraunt Cheeburger Cheeburger.

Mistake, service was excellent, food not real good but ok. Paid %26gt;45.00for sandwiches and drinks for 5 people. Paid our bill. Manager followed me out yelling, ';Mam, Mam was the service bad. Long story no service was good. We did not tip and she was upset we did not. I do not always tip, especially at a burger place.

rude staff

well for good service and as you said ';ok'; food, you should have tipped something.

Bad choice on your part, and I as well would have followed you ot the door. The tip is usually for the service you get not only the food.

rude staff

The wait staff doesn%26#39;t cook the food. If the service was ';excellent'; (your word) and I was your server I%26#39;d have chased after you too.

The tip is given for the service rec%26#39;d. If there was a problem with the food quality you should have told the server or asked for the manager. The server shouldn%26#39;t have been penalized (stiffed) since she did her job (gave excellent service).

Most wait staff (my daughter worked as a server while in college) get paid half of min. wage, figuring the tips will make up or exceed the min. wage amount. But they are base taxed at min. wage whether they make enough to cover that tax or not.

You didn%26#39;t leave a tip? Especially at a ';burger place';? Um....were you waited on by someone or did you just pick up your food and drinks at the counter and serve yourself?

The person following you out was probably truly puzzled as to what they did wrong, because decent people tip if service is good. You should be ashamed of yourself. YOU were the rude one, ';ma%26#39;am';.

Everyone has their opinion and practices on tipping. I feel, like many others, that tipping should be based on service, not food. But, in my opinion, a lack of tip is not a valid reason to aggressively confront a customer. A polite inquiry from the manager may be reasonable in some circumstances, but should be weighed against the risk of alienating a customer. Who wants to be confronted about not leaving a tip?

I%26#39;m sorry you had such a disappointing experience there. I have always liked the burgers, onion rings and shakes at Cheeburger. Especially the chocolate-banana shake!

No, as I have my opinion, I was not rude. The problem is that waiters and waitresses are not paid properly by their employers. So as customers we pay for the food and for the service. As a professional who serves people I am paid by my employer. I do not expect tips to increase my pay. As said everyone has their opinions.

and like I said you were and are rude it seems. you obviously need a lesson in the food service industry.

If you don%26#39;t want to tip, you should eat at a fast food place where you have no servers or you should eat at home. Tips are part of the expense of eating out and should always be paid with good service.

Hey skoorb1! Would like to hear your lesson on the food industry. And too bad you find me rude when you do not even know me. Too bad your are in Atlanta.

Lynnsun, With all due respect, don%26#39;t be such a cheapskate and remember service people expect and depend on tips.

Ft. Lauderdale Grande

Has anyone stayed here recently? Was wondering how their renovations after the hurricane are doing!

Ft. Lauderdale Grande

It is still partially closed with less than 100 rooms open. I hear that they might be opening again by November. Many of those rooms are occupied by construction staff.

Ft. Lauderdale Grande

Hey, I%26#39;m from KC too! I assume you have parrots?

We%26#39;re going to Ft Lauderdale for the first time in August. Try the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach if you have a AAA card. WE got $110 per night with two buffet breakfast each day, free parking and two free water taxi passes. Free shutte from the airpot and of course, the Sheraton name and sweet sleeper beds! There is also a Sheraton Yankee Trader Hotel. They are not the same and the Trip Advisor reviews were not very flattering for the Trader as they were for the Clipper Beach.

Thanks for the tips - we really want to stay on 17th St because we love to go to the Southport Raw Bar and we won%26#39;t have a car. We%26#39;re spending one night in FLL post cruise. I%26#39;ll check out the Yankee, though.

PS: We don%26#39;t have parrots. We are among the throngs of fans of Jimmy Buffett%26#39;s music and Jimmy has named us Parrot Heads!

We even have clubs - we belong to the Kansas City Parrot Head Club AKA Pirates of the Prairie! Check out the national club! www.phip.com

You might check into the Rennaisance Hotel right next door as well- I%26#39;m not sure about their summer rates, but it%26#39;s a fairly new and nice hotel. The reviews of the Hyatt are still pretty mixed, even though their renovations are apparently completed.

We stayed at Rennaisance a couple years ago. It was o.k., but our non-smoking room sure spelled ';smoky!!!!';

lash liner

Best Wesern Orlando Airport or other suggestions??

Hi- Has anyone stayed at this hotel recently? I did check the reviews, most were ok. I have the Ramada Airport booked for $59 a night, but the reviews are mixed on that hotel-just looking for a one night stay when we arrive late into Orlando. Any suggestions for a hotel near the airport under $100.00?

Best Wesern Orlando Airport or other suggestions??

As a Marriott rewards club member, I must give my plug. There are four Marriotts very close to the airport. I stay at The Fairfield inn and the Orlando Airport Marriott. Fairfield Inn can run under $100.00 per night depending on your dates. They also offer AAA discount. Orlando Airport Marriott has a free shuttle service that drops off and picks up from the Airport.

Stay away from the Ramada. Its dirty.

Cheap Eats

Hello fellow Trip Advisors-

I lived in PCB 5 yrs ago and recently returned for the 1st time in June. I am now planning trip number 2. I somehow turned into the tour guide last trip and I am doing so again this time, however I discovered on my last trip that some of the places I use to go have changed, so I want to check on some of the others before I go. I use to love Dusty%26#39;s, the Seahorse, Billy%26#39;s, Schooners and there use to be a buffet called Sunset (I think). I%26#39;m really looking for a place on the beach that serves raw oysters. We are on an extream budget, so any advice (or memory joggers[sp]) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Please tell me Thomas%26#39; donuts and Buddy%26#39;s are still there I%26#39;ve had a craving for those ever since I got back

Cheap Eats

try spinnakers for burgers and wraps other types of food available too.also across from the summit condo hammerhead freds for wings and cold beer pineapple willys is just so so best for drinks

Cheap Eats

Tara, Dusty%26#39;s, Schooner%26#39;s and Billy%26#39;s are still fully operational. I am not an oyster fan but a girlfriend of mine loves them and enjoys Dusty%26#39;s and also Bayou at the Beach, which is one of my favourites as well, not for oysters but for cajun food.

A lot of people like the oysters at Shuckem%26#39;s but a friend%26#39;s two sons got food poisoning there a few months ago, so I can%26#39;t say I%26#39;d advise it!

I haven%26#39;t heard of the Seahorse or Sunset or Buddy%26#39;s. Thomas%26#39; Donuts is still there, but the one time I tried them their donuts were stale. The yummy Spudnuts donuts on Thomas drive closed :(

Mike%26#39;s Diner is a good place to eat cheap, and you can buy discount dining certificates at Restaurant.com for them

Hi Tara,

Did Buddy%26#39;s used to be a seafood market?

Also, if you are talking about The Sunset Restaurant it is being replaced (construction started in 05) with condos (The Renata Resort)

Here is a website that will tell you what is being torn down and what it is being replaced with. www.pcbfla.org

Thanks everyone...I had hoped Dusty%26#39;s was still around.

GaGirl- Yes Buddy%26#39;s was a seafood market and would always cook whatever they offered. Very, very, very good. But they always closed at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. There%26#39;s just nothing quite like a beach side picnic for 4 or 5 for under $15. I plan on checking them out when I first get there.

Scampy%26#39;s on Thomas Dr. is reasonable and good too.

My sister, her husband, and my wife and I put away 15 dozen oysters (raw and various baked) at Shuckem%26#39;s during our stay last week with no problems. We also like the oysters at Hammerhead Fred%26#39;s, but didn%26#39;t make it this year.

miniature huskies

Any last minute advice?

Well I will be heading down to Ft. Lauderdale this Friday. Any last minute advice/suggestions. I will be staying at the TropiRock hotel. Any tropical storms in the forecast? Anything else?

Thanks

Dave

Any last minute advice?

This weekend is looking good. No storms or waves in the forecast. Highs around 90 each day with only a 20% chance of rain. As far as suggestions, since you%26#39;re coming in on a Friday, pick up the local paper, the Sun-Sentinel and check out the Showtime section for plenty of ideas. If you%26#39;re into baseball, the Marlins are in town this weekend -- they%26#39;re always fun and since fewer than 10k people usually show up, it%26#39;s easy-in, easy-out, no lines for the restrooms or food, and plenty of great seats. A shame for the team and owners, but great for the fans who do attend.

Any last minute advice?

Im leaving Saturday morning... I CANT WAIT!!!

Ive become an addict to this streaming video on this website www.elboroom.com Thought id share it with my fellow travelers :)

Florida here I come!

WDW to Universal

Staying in WDW. I want to do a day at Universal. Party of 8 including kids. What%26#39;s the best wy to get to and from Univ. Public transaport is out of the question. And I don%26#39;t want to rent for a day.

WDW to Universal

I love reading your posts on the Vegas forum. It is the best form of magic. You write something, then I get to watch the TA people make it disappear!

WDW to Universal

If you are staying at a Disney resort, go to the concierge and ask them to arrange transportation for you. With a group that size, it will probably be in the form of a van or similar vehicle, instead of a taxi. It won%26#39;t be cheap, but it will be convenient.

I rest my case.

comfort inn universal orlando

pros and cons of the comfort inn orlando

comfort inn universal orlando

Read my review in the hotel section, but the main pros and cons are as follows:

Pros:Price, Location (if you plan on doing anything else other than Disney), our rooms were clean enough, good breakfast.

Cons: Security, outside noise.

One other thing that I didn%26#39;t mention in my review as I thought it was a one off mistake is that they tried to bill us for a couple of phone calls that we hadn%26#39;t made. This was knocked off our bill with no problems, but after reading another review which mentioned this has happened to them, I would now be a little concerned that the cleaners may be using guests phones.

Also my partner was sure that draws that had been shut fully were slightly ajar when we returned in the evening. Nothing had been taken, but due to having no safe we kept all valuables with us anyway.

We really did have a great holiday and DID like the hotel, but the more I think of the security the more I find it hard to recommend.

If this or my review doesn%26#39;t answer any specific questions you have, just reply to this post with the question(s).

comfort inn universal orlando

By the way my review is the one dated 20th Feb and I believe is fair and honest.

fluff4y

when are you staying there? we are staying there 31st august untill 14th september. changed from the legacy grand (orlando grand plaza) because the reviews were crap. comfort inn seems better. 100 places higher than the legacy grand. seems ok but the ratings seem to go up and down a bit, but not by much. just hope its ok when we get there. plus side free breakfast and free park transport so that will save a bit.

sian1966, I hope you%26#39;re not depending on the shuttle bus. I have previously read a post that stated this hotel was chose partly due to the shuttle service, but when they asked where and when it picked them up they were told there was no service.

I never saw a bus the two weeks I stayed there, but I wasn%26#39;t looking out for one as I had a car.

I%26#39;d see if you can get hold of their direct number and not take a tour operator%26#39;s word for it or an advert that has not been updated recently.

Maybe someone else reading this has stayed there and could reply to let you know if there is a free shuttle bus.

I have also heard negative comments about free shuttle buses such as they tour many hotels picking people up and by the time you get to Disney it%26#39;s already VERY busy. Also the return times can be before the brilliant fireworks.

gilders

i have read somewhere that there is no bus as well but when i checked the ad there was a bus. i am a bit woorried about being tied to the bus schedule and am thinking about now getting a hire car. dont want to miss the fireworks!!!!

is there a fridge microwave in the rooms

fluff4y... as far as i know there is a fridge and microwave. when are you going? if i%26#39;m going before you i will let you know when i get back for sure.

I contacted the hotel directly last month as I was a bit worried about the shuttle. They assured me that there were shuttles to Disney at 7.30am, 9.15am, 11am and returning at 6pm, 8pm, 10pm. They said the times may vary according to season but there would still be 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening. Did not enquire about Universal and Seaworld as you can get there easily using I ride trolley and walking down to universal {about 15 minute walk} Good luck and please post a report on the shuttles when you return as we are going in December. Thanks

august 1

We had two rooms and both had fridge (very useful) and micro

orlando road map

Hi All, can anyone tell me where I might get a good, clear road map of Orlando, we were there five years ago and I have noticed that the I4 junction numbers have changed !! last time Sand Lake rd was jcn 29 now it%26#39;s totally different, please help. We tend to get lost enough as it is. Thanks.

orlando road map

If it helps, the exit numbers now correspond to the mile markers along the road. There are small signs that mark each mile along the interstate, and if you are in mile 65, any exits will be exit 65. It really helps with distances, because if you pass the sign that says mile 45, and you know you%26#39;re going to exit 65, you will also know you%26#39;re 20 miles from your exit.

If you go to randmcnally.com, their maps include the exit numbers, if you zoom in all the way.

orlando road map

Mapquest is also a good help with local maps.

www.mapquest.com

lash liner

For EddieK

Eddie, you%26#39;ve just replied to my query re Kissimmee Old Town. You%26#39;ve given some good advice to some of my earlier posts so I hope you don%26#39;t mind me asking you this question:

I understand the parade of cars is at Old Town, am I right? And what does downtown Kissimmeehave to offer is it worth a visit?

Thanks in anticipation, Carole

For EddieK

Thank you for your vote of confidence; it is appreciated! Unfortunately, I%26#39;d have to say I%26#39;m mostly ignorant on both of your questions. I%26#39;ve never been to Old Town, even though I%26#39;ve been near it a number of times; never took the time to actually visit. Someone else would probably know more about Old Town.

As far as downtown Kissimmee is concerned, I%26#39;ve only been in the area a few times; don%26#39;t know much about it. I did google and at www.kissimmee.org, I did find a short writeup about ';historic downtown kissimmee';, though it was more about revitalization then actual things to visit. I assume somewhere in Kissimmee and around there you would find a section of some old houses, and some older buildings. But I don%26#39;t know for sure. There is a Kissimmee Lakefront park on Lake Toho (Toho is an abbreviation for a long Indian name; and East Lake Toho is a different lake, where the Boggy Creek airboat rides are; both are large lakes); though I%26#39;m sure the lake might be worth looking at, not sure what else is there except for typical park stuff. There%26#39;s a blurb on the lakefront park at: 鈥orldweb.com/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/

They also mention a tour you can take to one of the islands in Lake Toho, where there are some hiking trails. Also, if you check at Yahoo travel for Kissimmee, you%26#39;ll find a long list of attractions, and a few not in the touristy areas, including a Veterans museum and a Bataan memorial.

East of downtown Kissimmee, there is the Osceola Heritage Park, which has the Silver Spurs Area (where the Silver Spurs Rodeo is held, and also acts such as Norah Jones have performed there) and Osceola County Stadium, which is where the Houston Astros play spring training baseball games every March.

There was a debate previously on the forum about the safety of the area east of 535 and 192. 535 is east of Downtown, and in some ways is the transitional point between the touristy part of Kissimmee and the less touristy, more local part of Kissimmee, culminating in the Downtown Kissimmee area to the east. Off the beaten path (192 becomes Vine Street as it approaches downtown Kissimmee; Osceola heritage Park is on 192 east of downtown) there is a not as good area, but if you ventured over toward downtown in the daytime, and just go to the downtown area, I don%26#39;t forsee any problems. Medieval Times Dinner show is also over in that direction.

To be honest, I%26#39;ve never seen anyone tout Downtown Kissimmee as a tourist destination on here, but I won%26#39;t knock it.

For EddieK

Correction: ';535 is east of Downtown';

I meant to say that 535 is east of Old Town; of course, it is a bit west of Downtown Kissimmee. It is amazing the area that lists itself as a Kissimmee address, as you can probably tell from my postings here.

Thanks very much for the info, much appreciated. Carole

No problem. If you do Kissimmee attractions, give us your take afterwards.

bird

Siesta Dunes Accomodations Advice

I%26#39;ve seen the Siesta Dunes recommended on this site, it looks nice on their website. Can anyone recommend any particular building or unit. Would like to be close to beach %26amp; looking for nice clean unit with good a/c. Does the pool get noisy, do I need to stay away from units close to the pool? Planning on trip over Labor Day with 3 kids under 11. Originally, thought of Anna Maria but someone advised to look into Siesta Key so going back %26amp; forth to decide. Would love any suggestions. Also checked out Tropical Shores website %26amp; am considering that too. Thanks!

Siesta Dunes Accomodations Advice

Hi, Jerseygirl1:

I think your children / family would enjoy Siesta Dunes. We used to rent two or three units at a time there with grown children / grandkids. One of our favorites was a first floor unit (easy in and out all day for the kids) not far at all from the pool. We were never bothered by pool noise. Their pool is round and not real deep, but the youngsters have a great time with it. This is the contact for the unit I mentioned.

vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/19004.h…

That owner used to have several other units as well...don%26#39;t know if she still does. If her first floor unit is booked, keep looking...there are many nicely renovated units at Siesta Dunes. VRBO.com and vacationrentals.com are two of our favorite search sites. Just be sure to determine whether you are looking at a condo that is actually Gulf View or one that is Garden View. The garden units are less expensive and most are pleasant, but you will not be looking directly at the water.

Disney transport from Caribbean Beach

This is a ? my cousin has who will be staying at CBR at christmas.Does anybody know how long does the bus take to get from the hotel to MK,Epcot and MGm.Does it make many stops on the way and is it better to take a car?

Thanks in advance

Disney transport from Caribbean Beach

I don%26#39;t think CBR shares bus service with any other resorts, so the busses should go directly to each park from CBR without stopping other places.

Allears says you should allow 45 minutes for walking to bus stop, waiting on bus, and traveling to theme park at CBR.

Here is a link to the allears fact sheet for the resort:

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_cbr.htm

Disney transport from Caribbean Beach

We were there last week, on average it takes between 10 -15 mins to get to to the parks, the only stops the bus makes are at the CBR resort so it depends on where abouts you are in the CBR, buses can be busy but we found that it was easier to get the bus home from the Magic Kingdom as you don%26#39;t have to get the monorail or ferry and then the tram round the car park.

Buses come every approx 20 minutes.

We drove to epcot one day and stayed there for the morning and we had parked right at the entrance so we decided to get the bus back to CBR, then we went back to epcot in the evening and drove home.

It just depends on what you want to do, but I would definately get the bus back from the magic kingdom.

If you have anymore questions please let me know.

Its a Epcot area resort, so it should be pretty quick to get to Downtown Disney and Epcot.

I always allow 45 minutes total to go anywhere. But honestly, that includes getting to the bus stop, waiting for it, and the ride there. Most times it will be shorter and a very few times longer.. Just depends. Some make stops elsewhere and some dont. Normally any of the ones that goto the Animal Kingdom, stop at one of the water parks.. Buts its normally quick. You can also drive around yourself and parking is normally free since your a guest of a resort.

You can also take the monorail to the MK from Epcot. That maybe quicker than a bus, but even if not - the kids love riding it.... So it is a fun option.

Also its fun just to go to the different MK resorts to sight see, they are all so different. Ones to see if the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge (which you have to get to by Boat from MK or any of the MK resorts). Also make a trip to the Boardwalk one evening. Its a nice little area. All of that is free. Oh and plan on sitting on the beach one evening at the Polynesian for the fireworks. Its a great place to see them and also relax (and have a drink a bar is right there).

Ohana at the Polynesian is my favorite place to eat, it is very kid friendly. You must make reservations, without one you will never get in!

Thanks for the info,will pass it on to my cousin.She%26#39;ll be glad to hear what you had to say

Cancel Fort Myers Beach ... go to Sanibel Island instead

One day was all we could stand ... moved the next day to Sanibel Island, where we had an incredible vacation.

Just returned from Fort Myers Beach a week ago and I must say it was the worst beach I have been to in my life. I have been to beaches throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf or Mexico ... in the US, Mexico, Bermuda, Carribean, Hawaii, and Europe. By far, this place is the worst beach vacation location I have ever seen. We were shocked as soon as we came across the bridge and realized how pitiful the strip, shopping and entertainment was going to be. The hotels all appeared old and run down and the most impressive restaurant that I saw was was Hooters ... not quite the type of place I wanted to take my teenage daughter. The smell from the rotting seaweed literally knocked us over when we got out of the car.

If you want something more than a henna tattoo or a cheap t-shirt, you will have to do your shopping elsewhere. The people hanging out here and working in the shops were quite honestly pretty darned creapy. No way my teenage daughter and her friend were getting out of my sight. They actually got a henna tattoo, but not from the freak who was making out with the young lady he had just tattooed and met while we were waiting.

I am far from the person who has to have 5 star hotels and restaurants ... I actually seek the local places ';off the beaten path';, where I can experience how the locals live and see more than what the average tourist will see. What I found in this case is that Sanibel Island, about 10 miles to the north, is many times better as a family vacation spot as Fort Myers Beach. If you are single and looking for a ';party spot';, I would not reccomend this place either ... you can do so much better elsewhere. Do yourself a favor and re-book now. The prices of condos and hotels are not much different at Sanibel and the atmosphere and beauty is far superior. Single ... go to Daytona, Panama City, or Fort Lauderdale for a much better Florida vacation.

Cancel Fort Myers Beach ... go to Sanibel Island instead

Interesting that you say you seek out places that are %26#39;local%26#39; and want to experience how the locals live and you suggest Sanibel,,,,,, Tee Hee, I wish we all could live as Sanibel residents. I LOVE Sanibel, unfortunately the rent on Sanibel is a bit out of most %26#39;local%26#39; pocketbooks. AND if Hooters was the ';most impressive'; restuarant you saw, well ,,,,,,,,,,,, The view coming over that bridge is breathtaking, even on a gloomy day. Every time I come back to my home I am amazed that it is so beautiful here.

Sorry you saw kids making out, geez,,,,,,,,

Cancel Fort Myers Beach ... go to Sanibel Island instead

Wow-what a stinging review. I feel the need to defend my beloved FMB. We%26#39;ve been visiting several times a year for the last 50 years. I%26#39;ve seen a lot of changes, some good, some not so good, but having visited many other places we always come back to FMB.

As for restaurants we enjoy The Bridge, Anthonys on the Beach, and eating outside at Snug Harbor(most of the time,it depends on the server)As far as accomodations, we like the Pink Shell and Bay to Beach condos on the northend.

Our family has never spent much time in the Times Square area except to get an ice cream and walk on the pier. I feel perfectly safe in FMB and it is one of the safest beaches in Florida(no under tow)

The seaweed problem is not an every summer occurrence.

FMB may not be for everyone and that%26#39;s a good thing. There is more to enjoy for us that can appreciate its beauty and slow and easy pace.

That%26#39;s OK, guys... It just leaves more space on the sand for the rest of us.

I don%26#39;t know who that guy is trying to kid. I checked the condo%26#39;s on Sanibel Island - Gulf front condos are almost triple the cost of a gulf front condo in FMB.

However I am concerned about our decision to stay in Carlos Pointe condos. Has anyone ever stayed there?

It is beautiful at carlos point. I do not know the condo itself, but the beach there is nice and the view,,,,,,,,,, I think sitting on the beach down there with the refreshments of your choice at sunset will be very pleasant to say the least! You will enjoy.

Thank you Beachygirl - I feel better now.

Triple the cost? who are you trying to kid is the question.

You can find Gulf front condos (2 bedroom) on Sanibel from about $1200.00 to $1600.00 for 7 days. So you are telling me that condos on Ft. Myers are about $400.00 to $500.00 for 7 days?

Maybe it is an issue of, ';you get what you pay for';.

well actually, yes at this time of year those low prices are in effect on FMB. I am holding the Observer in my hand as we speak there is a beachfront efficiency apt for 250 a week advertised, and that is 1 of many around the beach. AND you can make deals with most of the hotels too. Ya just gotta do a little research. There are bunches of little beach houses all up and down Estero blvd, go online to our realtors and local papers, and if you rent for a month, (don%26#39;t we all wish we could get away for a month) you get an even better deal. Oh wait I live here I don%26#39;t want to go away for a month. Happy Travelling

i could only be so lucky as to be able to take a month off.

We stayed at Sanibel Moorings condominiums, which I would highly reccomend ... a gorgeous place at a very reasonable price. The slightly discounted rate per night was about $15 more than what we had booked at FMB ... not a very significant difference.

Anyone ever stay at Majestic Beach Towers, or Ocean Towers?

Just looking for opinions if anyone has had the opportunity to stay at either.

I%26#39;d also like some insight into the Holiday Inn Sunspree. We stayed at the sunspree in Clearwater and it was beautiful so we were wondering if the same went for the one in PCB. We usually stay elsewhere but it seems we are having some problems getting the unit this year.

Anyone ever stay at Majestic Beach Towers, or Ocean Towers?

Did I read somewhere you stay at Gulf Highlands?If you go to vrbo.com there are tons of condos for rent by owner in that complex.Some are pretty reasonable priced.I hope that helps.We thought about staying there but are looking into Summit right now.Good luck.

Anyone ever stay at Majestic Beach Towers, or Ocean Towers?

The Majestic is brand new and really nice. I do not know anything about Ocean Towers but hopefully someone else on here does.

The Holiday Inn Sunspree is a beautiful resort with a kids club during the summer, large tropical pool and a restaurant on site.

I recommend searching the following websites for condo rentals through the owners directly. Most offer up to 30% or more off of the rates the condos will charge you.

www.vrbo.com

www.Gulfcoastrentals.com

www.islandbreezerentals.com

First stay at this location in PCG, 4 Teens, 2 adults. Stayed in a 4 bedroom which worked out well, furnishings very nice. Elevators VERY slow and not enough of them. Pool is shaded in the mornings. Location is poor for walking to anything for the kids. It is a long way to clubs etc. on Thomas Dr. If you have 18+ aged teenagers, would recommend locations on Thomas close to Spinnakers etc.. Loved the parking garage and over the road walkways. Walls are thin and allows road noise to be heard, which was difficult to sleep at times and we were on the 14th floor. OK, but would not return.

First stay at this location in PCG, 4 Teens, 2 adults. Stayed in a 4 bedroom which worked out well, furnishings very nice. Elevators VERY slow and not enough of them. Pool is shaded in the mornings. Location is poor for walking to anything for the kids. It is a long way to clubs etc. on Thomas Dr. If you have 18+ aged teenagers, would recommend locations on Thomas close to Spinnakers etc.. Loved the parking garage and over the road walkways. Walls are thin and allows road noise to be heard, which was difficult to sleep at times and we were on the 14th floor. OK, but would not return.

Donbob

Did you stay at ocean towers or majestic beach?

First I%26#39;d like to say thanks to everyone for their replies. :-)

iluv - Yes, we usually stay in the Gulf Highlands and it seems we won%26#39;t be able to stay in the usual unit. We really get an awesome deal on it every year but it%26#39;s unavailable this year. He had a lot of bookings this season. Good for him, not so good for us :-( Anyways, I did go on vrbo.com and found several other very good deals so hopefully we%26#39;ll get something set up. We changed our vacation dates from the original ones planned so that%26#39;s a big help. Thanks! When are you planning on going down?

GaGirl - Yeah, the Majestic is brand new. They were doing construction on it when we were down last July so I was curious if anyone had checked it out yet. It looked really nice and I like the location as it%26#39;s in the area we always stay. That%26#39;s also why we were looking into the sunspree, for location. It%26#39;s actually pretty pricey for just a hotel stay and then you have to consider dinners out, etc. but nice if that%26#39;s your budget. :-)

donbob - Where did you stay? Ocean Towers, Majestic, or Holiday Inn Sunspree?

Fandt

I agree with you. The HI is pretty expensive. You can find condos that are a better price. Nice to be able to cook in, have w/d and alot more room to spread out.

GaGirl - Once again I%26#39;m in agreement with you. I like the idea of being able to cook out after a long hot day. It%26#39;s nice to be able to go back to the condo at lunchtime, grab a bite and head back out without the aggravation of deciding on where to eat and the cost. Gets expensive have to eat out for lunch and dinner everyday. I looked into the cost of Majestic and for us it%26#39;s way out of our league, even for a condo. The Gulf Highlands were perfect for what we are looking for even if it isn%26#39;t right on the beach. It%26#39;s only a short 5 minute walk across to the beach and who doesn%26#39;t need the exercise LOL. The highrise condos certainly are gorgeous and sound great but I just can%26#39;t spend that kind of money, especially after just returning from our own adult vacation only a few weeks ago. Where did you say you usually stay?

Fandt

I usually either stay at The Summit or Long Beach Resort. Several years ago I use to stay at The Regency Towers. This year I am staying at The Gulf Crest (got a great deal for the week on a 2 bdrm)

Since you are looking for something really reasonable The Summit 1 bedrooms will sleep 6 people. There are several listed on vrbo.com for a week%26#39;s rental at $800-$1,000. They come with a Queen or King size bed in the master bdrm, 2 wall bunk beds and a queen size pull out sofa bed. Alot of owners have added washer/dryers to their units as well. All units face the ocean and 2 pools. You can get daily rentals through the Summit direct or some on vrbo may let you do daily rentals as well.

Fandt

This may be of interest to you as well. They are hotels but have full kitchens in them plus free continental breakfasts each day. WWW.BYTHESEARESORTS.COM or 888-627-0625 all are located on front beach rd.

WonderWorks

Can someone tell me about WonderWorks? There%26#39;s an general admission and also a comedy/magic/pizza buffet offered. Is this a worthwhile thing? My boys are 14 %26amp; 11.

thx,

D.

WonderWorks

Wonerworks is really great to look at on the outside. It is one of the coolest buildings in Orlando. However, once you get in it is not so great. It can be very crowded, making it tough to see attractions, and sometimes, the things are broken. My ten year old enjoyed it, but for the money, I would say choose something else.

We recently paid for the comedy/magic/pizza buffet and it was cancelled. We are still fighting to receive a credit on our card.

For what you are going to spend at Wonderworks, take your kids to DisneyQuest. They will have a better time.

There is also a Pirate Dinner show that is pretty good. Our family goes every couple of months just because it%26#39;s a well done show.

WonderWorks

Hi we went last week and the admission fee is $20 that didn%26#39;t include magic or pizza, it was ok inside I probably wouldn%26#39;t do it again, we were in there a couple of hours, I started to get a bit bored by then.

lash liner

kill sheep to make ugg boots

warm clear water no crowds during spring break?

doe%26#39;s such a place excist? we love the clear water in the gulf, anyone know of any where thats actually warm and not crowded with partiers during spring break?

warm clear water no crowds during spring break?

A really nice place to go is Honeymoon Island. Check that out.

Your TA Pal

Futzy

warm clear water no crowds during spring break?

During spring break...Not in pinellas county.

thanks for the info!:)

Try Sarasota or Anna Maria Island.

Westgate Lakes Resort

Hi! My wife and I will be staying at this resort this upcoming weekend through our timeshare exchange. I have read mixed reviews on the internet and I usually find that many bad reviews come down to bad timing as opposed to a reflection on the entire resort or hotel, so I don%26#39;t want to trust them too much. I was wondering if anybody here had any comments on the place? We are leaving in two days so the sooner the better!

Thanks!

Westgate Lakes Resort

Please let me know when you get back because my family will be at Westgate from August 3rd thru August 11th. I want to hear the good %26amp; the bad. You guys have a great time. Just remember that you make your vacation!.

Westgate Lakes Resort

My husband%26#39;s parents own two time shares with Westgate. I have stayed at the Westgate Lakes many times. We have a two bedroom with an ';add on'; bedroom. They have owned these for over 10 years. We have had the opportunity to see inside many of the other condos. It is a basic place. They have two or three pools, activities for the kids by the pool. It is clean and a nice place to stay. It is not fancy, but I have never had any complaints. It is very close to SeaWorld and just a short ride to Disney. The kitchen area has some basic supplies. We always bring a few extras for the kitchen. Do you have a specific question? There is good security and always people around landscaping and cleaning. It is an older place, but kept up well.

westgate lakes in my opiniion is the 5star rating that is given. My husband and I are owners with westgate flamingo bay in vegas, we did an exchange thru interval international for a timeshare in orlando. when we got to orlando and saw the exchange we were given i was so upset. they put us at parkaway international it also has an 5 star rating, but my rating would be 3. westgate is spacious very well lit in the condo, have at least 6 pools to choose from, have very good security, you wont get in that place unless you know someone. you can feel at home at westgate. the beds in the second bedroom are full, not tiny twins beds that adults that you invite along have to try and sleep in. give westgate a try i think you would like it, didnt know that they are one of the better resorts around untll it was introduced to something else. good luck and by the way the bathrooms are clean not gray like the shower stall i had to take a shower in

i love westgate lakes i went all they have to do is show me to my room and that%26#39;s it i can find everything else myself they do pressure you to buy but car people pressure you also you don%26#39;t have to buy do want your mind tells you to do you always have to try something to either like it or not how are you going to know if you don%26#39;t everybody has there own thoughts on things give it a try

owned here for 5 years and loved it , have moved to westgate town centre now only because we wanted easter weeks and westgate lakes didn%26#39;t have any left to suit. It is a lovely 5 star resort with about 7 pools (i think) and good kids activities , great location and some lovely rooms looking onto to the lake where they do water sports. We have no complaints at all about accomodation , if I had to find fault it would be check in and reception staff slow and don%26#39;t always know what they are talking about!

Renting through management or private owner....

which is better in your opinion?

Renting through management or private owner....

We have used vrbo.com before and had great luck. I am sure it depends on the owner but we have never had a problem. We are renting a unit at Seychelles 7/23-7/29 and saved ALOT of money. We got the unit for $665 total! Resort quest wanted $1400. The owner sent us a confirmation # and we check in on site.

Renting through management or private owner....

cancun4us,Care to share who you rented it from?Wow what a great rate.Was this a last minunte deal?

We have always rented thru private owners and have been lucky too.

Here is the link for the one we rented

www.vrbo.com/94687

This unit was just recently finished. I must have inquired the first day he listed it. He did not even have pictures yet. He said his wife was on her way home from the condo with pictures.

I think that maybe the owners are figuring that everyone has already made reservations and they are discounting them to try to get some last minute business to at least get some $$$ for this season. I am sure that next year I will not be able to get this kind of deal at Seychelles!

I just checked the listing out again and now he raised the price to $100 a night (we got it for $75) still a good deal though

That is an awesome deal. I just looked at their other rental vrbo 83529 located at Grandview East at Long Beach 3 bedroom 2 bath $125 a night for the rest of the year. If anyone is looking to go in August that is another great deal. Looks like the rest of the year is pretty full.

what happened to the water taxi?

We looked all over for the water taxi, followed directions, asked around. Finally were told that their dock had sank and they hadn%26#39;t been seen since the 5th. Anyone know if they are still operating and where to buy tickets?

what happened to the water taxi?

This is news to me- whom did you ask and which stop were you looking for ( where were you when you were looking for it?) I think if that had happened it would have hit the papers, but if you give me a bit more info I%26#39;ll try to investigate. Their stop at Bahia Mar has been moved to a different location- were you trying to get it in that area?

what happened to the water taxi?

Yes, we were directed to the Bahia Mar, the folks there didn%26#39;t know they had moved but a lady with a fishing charter told us that they hadn%26#39;t been around there in a couple of days. Where can we go for tickets and to catch it?

This is the info on the new stop , and on the left side of the page is a map and schedule- you buy tickets on the taxi. If you are in town and having trouble with locating them give them a call. Sounds like people weren%26#39;t being very helpful.

watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLAdvisories.A鈥?/a>

Thanks for the info. I%26#39;ll let the front desk here at Vacation Village know of the change so that others won%26#39;t be as lost and confused as we were.

I get free tickets for the Water Taxi at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper Beach. How do I catch it from there?

Also, is the Original Pancake House on N Federal Highway close to the Sehraton Yankee Clipper Beach. Is it accessible via water taxi? We may do lunch there.... We don%26#39;t have one where we live and we luv that place!

The closest stop to your hotel should be across the street and slightly north of you at Bahia Mar . As I understand it, they relocated the stop slightly and it is now at the dock right next to the Fire Station there.

Unfortunately, your hotel is not near the Original Pancake House- it%26#39;s quite a distance north and west actually- although I love their Dutch Babies too. It is not on or anywhere near a Water Taxi Stop.

From reading your other posts I fear you may be expecting a bit too much from the Water Taxi. It%26#39;s access to things is pretty limited and it%26#39;s a slow, though scenic , way to get around.

I am also wondering about your comment in another post about their ';shuttle to South Beach'; I don%26#39;t always keep up with these things, but last I knew the only Water Taxi to South Beach was sort of a sightseeing cruise to South Beach that went on Tuesdays and Saturdays only in the high tourist season and probably goes on Tuesdays only in this slower season. It leaves only from the Convention Center stop at 8:30 am and takes about 3 hours to get to Miami. It really is for sightseeing, not for transportation and I think it is a special fare ( Maybe $30pp) and would not be covered by your passes.

If I am misunderstanding you or if they have added something new into their service, please let me know. Otherwise it really isn%26#39;t a practical way to get to the Port in my opinion .

There is the Tri County Shuttle from the Airport to the Port, at about $20 pp- but I think it leaves from and returns to only the Airport. Once again my info may be outdated and prices may have gone up due to gas prices. I%26#39;ll be interested in learning what you finally choose as your Lauderdale to Miami transportation. It is a frequently asked question here and I am not always up to date on options- usually for a party of three a taxi or a hired car, split among the occupants has usually been the best option, but I%26#39;d sure love to get the latest lowdown.

Great info again, Lulu!

I%26#39;ll check into Tri County. I did look up the Water Taxi on the internet and it%26#39;s $18 rd trip per person to South Beach for sightseeing. And the days are limited. I agree it probably isn%26#39;t the best route to go. I have a friend who moved to West Palm Beach earlier this year and she may take us to the Port of Miami, but I want to have a backup alternative just in case. When we return from our vacation. I%26#39;ll post again letting you know what we ended up doing. Next time I will try a cruise out of Ft Lauderdale.

Sorry to hear that the Original Pancake House is a distance. But what the heck! We%26#39;ll be on vacation! I rode the bus for 45 minutes from Collins Blvd in Miami to reach the one in Aventura two days in a row! I only had to transfer once and that was at the Aventura Mall, so it wasn%26#39;t so bad. And I got to take a leisurely ride all the way through Miami Beach with real Miami folks! I figure we can check into the Clipper and catch a bus to the Pancake for lunch if we don%26#39;t rent a car at the airport. How%26#39;s the bus system in Ft Lauderdale? Is there a bus route that you can recommend we take to the OP House?

I don%26#39;t do a lot of bus riding locally, but our bus system is not the best and I%26#39;m almost certain you would have to take one bus going East-West ( probably across Las Olas Blvd. ) and then transfer at Federal Highway to one going north -south- up about thirty blocks to just south of Oakland Park Blvd. where the Pancake House is located. It might be quite time consuming.

As I mentoned in another post, there is another branch of the Pancake House in the west part of town, which is listed in their Locator as in Plantation ( in the 8000 block of Broward Blvd.)

I%26#39;m not sure what you have for transport to Sawgrass, but that is also a distance from your hotel and is about one and a half hours each way by bus through some not great parts of town- and would probably require a transfer at Oakland Park and A1A. If you decide to rent a car to go west to Sawgrass for one day ( there are usually some fairly cheap one day rentals) that might be a time to get to Pancake House, only slightly out of your way. Of course there are also great restaurants at Sawegrass like Cheesecake Factory and Grang Lux ( so much food, so little time..)

Yeah, I realize my time is short. Chose to add on a day before and after a cruise. I%26#39;m thinking we may rent a car to come back to Ft Lauderdale after the cruise. So transportation should not be a problem.

Lulu, by the way, I see that the BCT #1 bus takes you all the way to Aventura Mall and you can transfer to a Miami County Bus at the Mall to downtown, another transfer to the #77 bus, and then transfer to the #243 Seaport right to the cruise ship terminal. Total cost ranges from $3-$4 one way. Total time is about 2.25 hours. Just in case you get another question about cheap transportation to the Port of Miami from Ft Lauderdale. I recall seeing the #1 bus when I was in So Florida in May . (By the way it goes right by the Orig Pancake House in Aventura, so does the BCT #3--smile)

Actually I had a brainstorm about using the Water Taxi for the original Pancake House location ( since you have that free pass). If you take the Water Taxi from Bahia Mar to Bridgeside Square ( It%26#39;s the furthest north Water Taxi stop and may be a Shooters estaurant or the Taverna Opa or Charley%26#39;s Crab- all on the same street and I don%26#39;t remember which. That puts you at the foot of Oakland Park Bridge . so you walk up on the bridge and cross the Intracoastal and head west on Oakland Park Blvd about maybe 8 blocks till you get to a large shopping center with a Target store. This is the corner of Federal Highway. The Pancake House is a little bit south on Federal Highway on the West side of Federal- shares a parking lot with the Ft. Lauderdale Ale House.

Alternatively, since you%26#39;re a bus user, come up to the Bridge and wait for the bus at the stop right in front of Walgreens across the street at Oakland and A1A. It will go across Oakland to the TargertCenter where you can get off and walk south to Pancake House.

I actually think this is also the same bus that goes all the way west on Oakland to the Sawgrass Mall( a really long rideFYI.

The only caveat is that the Water Taxi has lessened the frequency of it%26#39;s trips of late, so check schedules carefully to know when you have to start the trip back. It will take quite a while to get up the Intracoastal to Oakland Park Blvd, but you will see great scenery and pass many mega mansions on the way- in nice weather it will be a pleasant ride/walk.

I%26#39;m sure you already know that Pancake House can be packed on weekend mornings.

Anna Maria Cottages or Bungalow Beach Resort

Looking for some advice on best place to stay on Anna Maria Island over Labor Day. I thought Anna Maria Cottages or Bungalow Beach Resort seemed like good options but would love any advice or suggestions. Basically want someplace clean, very nice, updated accomodations and must be within walking distance to the beach. Hopefully right on the beach (have 3 kids under 11) and some family restaurants close by. I thought Anna Maria sounded like a good choice based on other people%26#39;s reviews but open to other islands nearby. Thanks for any help !

Anna Maria Cottages or Bungalow Beach Resort

You should post this on Bradenton or the Anna Maria Island forums. Longboat Key is further south and a totally different area. Ask about any pipes or other leftover beach renourishment things left on the beach. It%26#39;s unsightly to downright unsafe.

Anna Maria Cottages or Bungalow Beach Resort

Anna Maria Cottages are cute and nice but they are across the street from the Bungalow. My vote would be the Bungalows, they are upscale and decorated really nicely. They are right on the beach and in a good location, the guys who own it are very nice too. It is my understanding that the pipes are being removed now, you could check with the guys at the Bungalow Beach Resort and they will tell you. Other choices on the beach would be Cedar Cove, Coconuts or Sandle Pepple. Of all these I think the Bungalows are the nicest. HAve fun

I don%26#39;t know why that second post was removed, but it suggested trying the Sarasota forum as well.

what is your best money saving idea

SOBE in August

My husdand and I will be going to South Beach Aug.11th-14th, before we leave on a Carnival cruise.

We are in early 40%26#39;s and we like to party and dance to classic, southern, rock and roll. Are there any bars or clubs around SoBe with this type of atmosphere?

When reading other post it seems like the crowd is younger and more hip. Should we go to another area in Miami that would be less trendy and more laid back?

SOBE in August

Hey Crazy Traveler,

Wifey and I started visiting SoBe when we were in our ';early 40%26#39;s'; and have been going back there on a regular basis ever since. Now at 48 (ouch), we still have a great time!

However you bring up a valid issue in that many (as in most) of the clubs are filled with ';kids'; half our age. I argue we are just as ';hip';, but just prefer ';different'; atmospheres.

You can find PLENTY of places in SoBe to relax and enjoy a more laid back vacation. There are some GREAT low-light restaurants for romantic dining (Wish and Nemo come to mind) and some great restaurants with high energy (China Grill, Prime 112, and many others).

A new club, Snatch, has opened since we%26#39;ve been there last that we want to try on our next visit (in 3 weeks!). It%26#39;s suppose to play more rock-and-roll but can say for sure as we haven%26#39;t been there yet. Last time we went to Jazid on Washington and had a great time. They have what I might call ';high energy'; jazz and lots of dancing.

Check out SoBe and I%26#39;m sure you will be able to find places to float your ship!

Cheers!

lash liner

Daytona 500-any info would be helpful

Hi-trying to convince hubby and friends to go to the 500, they have been talking about it for years. Any places that do packages or deals that you know of would be great. The kids and I aren%26#39;t going so the hotel really just needs a decent bed. Any suggestions??? Thanks

Daytona 500-any info would be helpful

My goodness, where to start.

1st let me tell you that most hotels are going to require you to stay a certain amount of nights. A lot of the times at least 5. And they will be much more expensive than normal.

The local experts can give you great advice about whatever areas you find on-line or at www.vrbo.com. I can%26#39;t help you there as I live in Orlando and haven%26#39;t stayed all night in Daytona in about 20 yrs.

There is a good chance that the closest hotels to the track are already booked. You are wise to start looking now. NASCAR.com has travel packages for the races but you%26#39;ll find that the hotels themselves are in Orlando(near Universal Studios) and involve a bus ride over to the track. It%26#39;s close to 45 minutes on a good day.

Good Luck

Daytona 500-any info would be helpful

There%26#39;s a new Comfort Inn right behind Red Lobster that you might try. It%26#39;s right down from the Speedway.

swim4gold,

You could try either the Travelodge or Super 8. Both are real close to the speedway. I have no idea what they are like buy maybe you can pull up their web site. Others are close too but more expensive. It would be best to make reservations asap. I hope this helps

Bonnie

You might also want to try the new Homewood Suites that is near Volusia Mall. You can walk to the track from there.

Also, there is a Holiday Inn Express on Williamson that you can walk to the track.

The other responses were correct that alot of times there are 4 or 5 night minimums, so you might consider going west on Rt 4 to get other accomodations.

Orlando or Disney area is about 60 to 80 miles, but traffic is brutal come RaceWeek. There is alot of construction between Orlando and Daytona in the Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs area. However, that also means newer hotels in that area. Look at Altamonte Springs or Sanford as a midpoint for accomodations.

If you are looking for packages, look in the back of your local racing paper (National Speed Sport or Area Auto Racing News.) There are bus trips and packages listed in the classifieds.

You could also try to look at the Daytona paper on line in their classified to see what packages are available. This is the Daytona News Journal, online edition.

Please try to steer clear of any ';deals'; for hotels in Holly Hill or along Ridgewood in Daytona. These aren%26#39;t the best neighborhoods.

Also, shop around for race tickets. The seats on the backstretch can be really bad. I had them once and ended up standing on the seat just to watch the TV screen.

If money is not a problem, buy the new FanZone pass. The FanZone is in the infield and allows you to look at the garages and pits areas. There are clean bathrooms there (a bonus at Daytona) and plenty of food\beverage areas. This pass is in addition to your race ticket, but it is definitely worth the money.

Have fun!

You might also want to try the new Homewood Suites that is near Volusia Mall. You can walk to the track from there.

Also, there is a Holiday Inn Express on Williamson that you can walk to the track.

The other responses were correct that alot of times there are 4 or 5 night minimums, so you might consider going west on Rt 4 to get other accomodations.

Orlando or Disney area is about 60 to 80 miles, but traffic is brutal come RaceWeek. There is alot of construction between Orlando and Daytona in the Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs area. However, that also means newer hotels in that area. Look at Altamonte Springs or Sanford as a midpoint for accomodations.

If you are looking for packages, look in the back of your local racing paper (National Speed Sport or Area Auto Racing News.) There are bus trips and packages listed in the classifieds.

You could also try to look at the Daytona paper on line in their classified to see what packages are available. This is the Daytona News Journal, online edition.

Please try to steer clear of any ';deals'; for hotels in Holly Hill or along Ridgewood in Daytona. These aren%26#39;t the best neighborhoods.

Also, shop around for race tickets. The seats on the backstretch can be really bad. I had them once and ended up standing on the seat just to watch the TV screen.

If money is not a problem, buy the new FanZone pass. The FanZone is in the infield and allows you to look at the garages and pits areas. There are clean bathrooms there (a bonus at Daytona) and plenty of food\beverage areas. This pass is in addition to your race ticket, but it is definitely worth the money.

Have fun!

This isnt advice as to where to stay rather advice where NOT to stay. we went to the pepsi 400 this year, had a great time, but cheapest place we found to stay was the San Marina hotel, who claims they have a new pool (not) was $150 nt. cheapest we found, we got it for 2 nights. the housekeepers come around with shopping carts (not kidding) for trash, linens, etc. we stayed an extra night the trash sat in 3 shopping carts for the whole 3 days we were there, right by the pool. kids could get hurt, it%26#39;s unsanitary, etc. the 3rd. night i called about the rate was told it would be $45 for the night, when i went into the office they told me $60, total ripoffs. they say they are 4 miles to track, i think it%26#39;s longer, word of advice, take a cab! you dont want to fight in the traffic it will be hours before you can get back to hotel. we took cab to busch and pepsi, $10 person, alot cheaper than a DUI or the stress from the traffic. they all know the back roads and got us there in about 10 min. if that long. only problem was for the pepsi 400 leaving, cabs were alot slower coming back to pick ppl up, but they pick you up at the Friendlys right across the street from the track, so enjoy some ice cream, and finally use a decent bathroom, lol. The busch race was no problem with the cabs. you have to have patience but t%26#39;s still better than the traffic jam. Next time i will pay more for the room though, i thought i wouldn%26#39;t care cause i was just there for the race, but i did care. the towels had holes in them, didntn look clean, rooms are small, nasty sheets, etc. the only good thing was the a/c worked really well. Onto tickets, we waited till last minute to get ours, and we got them thru vividseats.com, 189.96 for for the pepsi 400, said on start/finish line, wasnt quite there but pretty good seats, cant complain at all. we wanted the 2 day package thru nascar.com but they ran out before we ordered, so i went thru tickco.com for the busch tickets and they were only $15 each, busch is general admission, which is good also. I actually enjoyed that more than the pepsi, fewer people pick your own seat, got right up front and was able to take pics of the drivers during introduction. I do agree with what someone else said, get the fan zone tickets, we couldn%26#39;t but wish we had. during pepsi they did driver introductions, but they didnt come down the start/fin area, they went to back stretch . Watching them on/off pit road is incredible, i suggest Campbell box, fi you are not getting something liek the towers, good area, able to see pits and the opening ceremonies, etc. Have fun, we have not decided if we are gonna go there or to an upcoming race, maybe miami. just stay away from that hotel, lol