First time south - what to do?

Hi, We have 4 nights in Miami and would like to explore some of the Keys while we are down that far. There will be hubby, myself and 3 teens. We love to explore and snorkel and shop just alittle for bargains. Any suggestions? Can we do part of the Keys in a day? THANKS!

First time south - what to do?

if you do a northern key maybe, but I am not an expert.

As far as bargin shopping goes. There is the sawgrass mills mall. It is the largest outlet mall in america and is amazing. Great high end outlet stores, great resturants and other activites. It is actually a little north of ft lauderdale and depending where you are staying in miami about an 45 minutes away. I would make a stop. Especially if it rains it is a great way to kill a rainy afternoon. It is worth it. Just going for the ralph lauren outlet is worth it to me. The neiman marcus discounts are great also and so are saks both especially for shoes.

wwwsawgrassmillsmallcom (I think if I put the periods in they will not post my post) This should give you all the info you need. Since you are down that way, you should stop at the mai kai it is a pretty good place to eat, the tropical drinks are strong, it is very festivly decorated. You kids will think it is awsome. You have to get a tropical drink they are amazing there. Have one of the kids drive yall home. It is a nice little afternoon trip. The full on polyonesian show is always a good time. Kids under 12 dont have to pay to watch it either. Also on their website they have links to coupons and other cool stuff. wwwmaikaicom. It is always a good evening. Even if you dont go to the mall depending on where you are staying in miami it shouldn%26#39;t be more than a half hour away. It is a polynesian tropical oasis right in the middle of south florida!

Roadtrip!! Need some advice

Seven of us will be driving to Key West all the way from Michigan! We are all student teachers and so excited for Spring Break! Because we don%26#39;t get paid for our internship we have to do this kind of cheap. We are staying at the Key Lodge motel, does anyone know anything about it? Also, has anyone been on the Key West Pub Crawl? It sounds like fun but I%26#39;d like to hear from someone who has been on it. Any other advice on fun bars or cool things to do would be great! Thanks!

Roadtrip!! Need some advice

Don%26#39;t know anything about the Key Lodge Motel.

I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;d pay to go on a Pub Crawl. If you can get outside and walk, you can get to the next bar on Duval.

The Pub Crawl may give you a t-shirt, but IMO whooooopeeeeeee.

Bars to go to:

Turtle Kraals, Schooner Wharf, Two Friends, Sloppy Joes, Irish Kevin%26#39;s, Fogerty%26#39;s, Bull and Whistle, Garden of Eden (open minded adults please), Bare Bottoms (piano bar), Hog%26#39;s Breath, Front Street Bar, El Sibony.

Have ONE drink at each of these places (ya right - 1 drink only) and then head to the sunset festival at Mallory Square. Do this the first day. Start at noon, spend 30 minutes at each place. You won%26#39;t care about the sunset. Spend the next day recovering on the Conch train seeing the sights of Olde Towne.

Roadtrip!! Need some advice

Don%26#39;t forget Capt Tony%26#39;s, Rick%26#39;s, Hog%26#39;s Breath and Margaritaville.

Be careful going down....that%26#39;s a LONG drive!

Karen

BuffetGuy is right, forget the organized Bar Crawl! Make one up for yourself.

This is what we are doing when we have our Bar Crawl in April...

We have 14 people going. We are splitting up to two teams of seven. Each guy gives the Captain of these teams $40 at the beginning of the Crawl. We are doing this because it evens things out for everyboody cashwise because bar drinks will vary. The Captain is responsible for buying drinks at each bar. 30 minutes per bar like BuffetGuy mentioned. We are starting at 7PM and going the opposite way that BuffetGuy mentioned. Conch Republic Seafood for dinner, Two Friends, HogsBreath, Sloppy Joe%26#39;s, Irish Kevin%26#39;s, Kelly%26#39;s, Fat Tuesday%26#39;s, Virgilio%26#39;s, and The Green Parrot.

Have Fun!

Bring down liqour with you. Also, dont do the pub crawl. They are right make your own. If you go during happy hour and bounce from place to place you should get good enough deals on your own. Besides you are a pack of hot teachers... when we go out the pack of 8 college girls we always get better deals. especially on shots. I am sure you have experianced this yourselves many a time. If you go to the schooner wharf home page, the fat tuesdays home page, and the two friends page they have coupons for two for ones and money off drinks. Print a page of them take it to kinkos and copy a bunch. granted it is one person per day but you can go back and use them everyday!

I have a long standing promise to let everyone know where the spring break deal will be at each bar on each night. My friend did not get the specific bars but we are already getting VIP passes to somewhere. Seeing as how they are called VIP I am thinking it is for ricks. But I am sure there will be some all you can drink deals... I will let you know as soon as I know.

Why Jacksonville?

I am from the Northeast and will be moving to the South in the summer. Our first choice is Jacksonville(st john%26#39;s county), but I am trying to make sure this a good move. I%26#39;ve considered Austin, but the air quality is not good for kids(asthma), because of dirty air. I also looking at San Antonio which has cleaner air and VERY affordable houses, the drawback is no ocean and palm trees compared to Jax. I am looking for opinions on why Jacksonville would be better. Nightlife, quality of life, education, network engineering jobs, any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Why Jacksonville?

Remember that proximity to the ocean, palm trees, etc. in Florida also means the threat of hurricanes. Are you ready to live on edge for 4-5 months of the year, wondering if the new storm at sea has your name on it? If you%26#39;re going to own a home, Florida property insurance rates are skyrocketing, and this year, there%26#39;s an 8% surcharge to all homeowners policies to help bail out Citizens, the state run insurer of last resort. You would have a big problem finding a major carrier to underwrite your homeowners policy; the big companies are hardly writing any new policies in Florida, because of the hurricanes.

As far as palm trees are concerned, unless things have changed, San Antonio has palm trees, and probably pretty much the same selection of palm trees that Jacksonville has (mostly palmetto, etc.). If you like palm trees, I%26#39;d recommend Orlando or Central Florida away from the coast, as they have more different types of palm trees there (though not as many as South Florida). Also being a little inland, its a little safer from hurricanes, but within an hour drive of the beach. But the problem with Orlando is that home prices have jumped up quite a bit; you%26#39;d have a hard time finding even the most basic SFD in a decent area for less than 200,000-250,000, though I wonder if a reduction is in order. Might want to take another look at San Antonio; you%26#39;d still be within 2 1/2 hours of the beach, perhaps, but safer from hurricanes.

Kent Hotel

Anyone stay at The Kent Hotel in South Beach Miami? My husband and I are going in April, and I%26#39;m anxious to hear any negative or positive feedback?

thanks - Nettie

Kent Hotel

We are going there too at the same time!! I%26#39;ve read nothing but good reports.. looking forward to going!!

Kent Hotel

Yesterday I e-mailed the Kent with an enquiry about whether or not there are hairdryers in the rooms. They replied within 10 minutes which I think is always a good sign so if you had any specific questions I would not hesitate to e-mail them:

info@thekenthotel.com

So how was this hotel?

Anyone else stay here or have any experience with the Kent?

I have stayed there and it%26#39;s really a very middle of the road hotel ... fun clean rooms, a free light continental breakfast and friendly staff - it also has a very convenient location that makes walking to and from the hotel a breeze. You will have a great time!

Kath

Hey like everyone else I have only heard good things - I am staying there in three weeks!!

I stayed there New Years 2005. The hotel was nice, clean, friendly staff, decent continental breakfast, a computer in the lobby for guest use and cute courtyard to sit and relax in after a day at the beach and before getting ready to go out. We liked to sit there and have a snack and a drink or two. They also provide a place to hold your luggage on check out day and a private shower to clean up if you hit the beach after check out.

Have fun.

Does the hotel provide any club passes?

which clubs are close by and recommended? what are some good places to eat around there?

Thanks in advance.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Kent. It was very clean, lovely decor, free internet access in the lobby and a small breakfast, Danish %26amp; orange juice was available every morning.

My only warning is if you are needing to change currency do it elsewhere, e.g. a bank. The hotel will do it but they only allowed us to change $50 each at a time and were surprised when we came back the next day wanting to change more!

The 11th Street Diner is nearby on the corner of 11th %26amp; Washington and David%26#39;s Cuban cafe which is good for snacks is just across the road. There is a nice juice bar opposite the hotel too. Other than that we maily went to the restaurants and bars on Ocean Drive.

My hubby and I are staying there also in April and look forward to it. I%26#39;ve read decent reviews about it so my fingers are crossed!! Of course we won%26#39;t be spending a lot of time in our room!

any complaints about a lot of noise in the street early in the morning?

nice hotel, reasonable price

My wife has a 1 day conference in March at the Conrad Hotel in Miami (Brickell Avenue)...prices there are over $300 per night. Can anyone give me a nice Hotel in Miami or Miami Beach at a reasoanble rate?

nice hotel, reasonable price

Checking this site, I%26#39;d say the Downtown Courtyard Mariott is close enough to get to your conference and much less expensive. There are a lot of fun places to check out in the area... due west:

Miami%26#39;s FIRST Bar - with Liquor License #1 -Tobacco Road (since 1912) Open til 5am

626 S Miami Ave (305) 374-1198

Great pub - live bands - fun crowd - patio dining - all night long

www.tobacco-road.com

On the same street, a FABULOUS seafood restaurant for lunch or dinner:

The River Oyster Bar - 650 S Miami Ave, Miami, 33130 - (305) 530-1915

I hate to say it but their pulled BBQ pork sandwich makes the fish fearing crowd weep with delight - home made potato crisps!!

Due north - just over the Miami River Bridge on Flagler Street, check out La Loggia for lunch or dinner (light Italian fare) La Loggia Restaurant - 68 W Flagler St, Miami, 33130 - (305) 373-4800

If she is conferencing, you can check out the Miami Art Museum/ Florida historical Museum on Flagler Street or perhaps spend the day at Bayside Marketplace and maybe try one of their fun day cruises for some sightseeing.

Grab a cab or the nearby (free) elevated peoplemover monorail and get off at the Bayside Marketplace stop. The train takes a circular path all around the city so you can%26#39;t get lost - unless you want to!

Enjoy!

nice hotel, reasonable price

I%26#39;ve stayed in the Wyndham on Miami Beach which was nice. I got a ByRequest rate(their membership program) of $99.00 for a 15th floor room with a view of the ocean. it%26#39;s a 3-4 star hotel.

eye makeup pictures

recommendations for a weekend visit to Miami?

My girlfriend and I are going to be in Miami on the weekend of March 24th. We%26#39;ve never been to Miami before, so we%26#39;re not sure exactly where to stay or what to do. We love to eat, we like sidewalk cafes and people-watching, shopping, the beach, and maybe a little dancing at night (she%26#39;s good, I%26#39;m learning). We%26#39;d also like to explore the town without having to drive around too much. It sounds like South Beach would be a good place for us to stay, but it seems like many of the hotels are booked full already. Is the Miami Beach area good too? Or are there other areas we should check out? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

recommendations for a weekend visit to Miami?

You are on the right track. South Beach is where you want to stay - but know it will be expensive as it%26#39;s Spring Break. South Beach is actually part of Miami Beach and is generally considered the most southern 2 miles or so of Miami Beach. Miami Beach is a completely separate city from Miami. Although they are close in proximity, they are a world apart.

Call around or search the web for there%26#39;s got to be some rooms still available. If not, you can start looking more north (North Miami Beach) but this will change your experience.

Take a look at the information (Forum, Attractions, Hotels, etc.) on this web site under ';Miami Beach'; rather than ';Miami'; and I think you get some answers to your questions. If not, post your question on the ';Miami Beach'; forum as it%26#39;s more focused to what you are looking for!

I hope that helps!

Cheers...

recommendations for a weekend visit to Miami?

I%26#39;ve stayed in the Wyndham on Miami Beach which was nice. I got a ByRequest rate(their membership program) of $99.00 for a 15th floor room with a view of the ocean. it%26#39;s a 3-4 star hotel.

How do they tell the difference between child and adult on...

I have a trip planned for August and will be staying in a Disney resort. I am planning on getting the meal plan for 2 adults and 1 child. On a few days an adult friend will be visiting and we want to take her out to eat. The child will be relatives at another resort for the evening -- offsite. Can this person eat with us using our meal plan.

How are the meals broken down? Are they on different room keys, one key per adult and one per child. If my friend uses the child%26#39;s key will they know it is for a child or will she be able to eat with the child%26#39;s key? Are all meals lumped together whether adult or child?

Thank you.

How do they tell the difference between child and adult on...

I%26#39;m not exactly sure how they work but I know the child Meal plan only allow them to order off the kid%26#39;s menu at restaurants. So I would think it is seperated out in some way to know that you are allowed so many adult and so many child%26#39;s meals for the week. I think you can use the meals anytime during the week so if you take your friend to dinner one night then I would think you could use three adults meals on the plan but you would be short a meal somewhere along the way for one of you later in the week. Just my guess, but I%26#39;m sure one of the experts can clarify this.

Sailport Resort waterfront condos

Does anyone have any information on this resort? Reviews seemed ok, but wanted to ask anyway... or does anyone now of any special rate deals? One review mentioned Florida Travler magazine said something about $65 a night for 1br condo - any info on this would be great...Thank you...

Sailport Resort waterfront condos

If you can find a condo for that rate this time of year, I would have to say that it%26#39;s not going to be very nice.

As for Sailport, it%26#39;s a nice location, close to TIA %26amp; International Plaza (high end shopping %26amp; eateries), decent place.

It is located on the ';Bay%26#39;, so swimming is not as nice as the beaches about 30- 45 minutes further west.

I recommend Ft. DeSoto (voted the one of THE BEST BEACHES)

Sailport Resort waterfront condos

If you have a car, this is a great location. If you don%26#39;t, you may feel isolated. However, that is a GREAT rate for this place.

My mom and aunt stayed there last year and we all thought it was very nice. I thought that she paid a LOT more. On the up-side, it was clean, comfortable, quiet, plenty of room and it was fun to watch the fish in the bay water below. On the downside, their beach is very little and you are too far to walk to a Gulf beach. There is municipal beach along the causeway but this is not what people generally think of when they come to FL for beaches. They are thin strips of beach that really exist only because of the causeway.

They were only two people so the number of people the room could hold was not a problem but Sailport does count the pull out sofa as accomodation so watch out if you are going to come close to the max occupancy. (I think that is probably pretty standard). There are a few restaraunts in walking distance but that is about it. Sailport is on Rocky Point connected to everything else (and separated from everything else) by the busy Kennedy Blvd, aka 60 just as it becomes the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Walkable restaraunts include Landry%26#39;s, Crabby Bill%26#39;s and the Rusty Pelican (very expensive). Mapquest knows Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL so run a map and you will see what I mean. Sailport is almost at the southern end of Rocky Point Drive.

I honestly would be very hard pressed to call Sailport a resort!! I don%26#39;t quite know how it qualifies as that! They have a pool, but so do most places. They are on Tampa Bay, and as SwimSwamSwum says, sort of isolated otherwise. That beach on the Courtney Campbell is Ben T. Davis and I would not swim there, although people do...lots of them, but it is Tampa Bay. Otherwise it%26#39;s a 40 minute drive to Clearwater Beach...on a good day without spring-break traffic, and although a further distance, about the same drive time to St Pete Beach (easier drive all interstate.)

In FL, especially in season, $65 a night just doesn%26#39;t buy very much, so ';buyer beware';! I lived spitting distance from this place and truly, wild horses could not have gotten me in the water there! the bottom is icky. If you want FL beaches, head out to the beaches area...Clearwater, St Pete, and the areas between. It will be more costly but they are worlds apart.

Questions about bus route

Mu husband and I stayed at the Ramada on Galt Ocean Dr several years ago and we remember taking a bus with only one transfer that would drop us within 20-30 minutes one block away from Riverwalk. I would like to print the bus route from the internet but there%26#39;s over 50 routes and I can%26#39;t figure out rapidly which one it is. Does anyone know which bus route goes on Galt Ocean Blvd?

We know about the water taxi and we tried that before but it%26#39;s a mile from the hotel and if you don%26#39;t time it right you have to wait a looooong time for the water taxi. We will be staying at the Ramada again at the end of March. We like to go at the Riverwalk for Movies, shops and restaurants. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Questions about bus route

I don%26#39;t know off the top of my head- but I live on the Galt and will check bus signs when I go out on Saturday. I know Route 72 goes down the Galt and out to Sawgrass Mall, but that doesn%26#39;t sound likeit goes south for you. I%26#39;ll check it out and repost in a few days.

Questions about bus route

It%26#39;s bus route 11. It runs down A1A from Pompano down to Las Olas.

Have a good time.

Thanks. Route 11 looks like exactly what I was looking for. Short 20 minute bus ride with actually no transfer. Thanks for the info. I can always count on these boards for the best and fastest info.

If you don%26#39;t mind the transfer you can also take route 36. When you get on the bus they have maps and schedules for the routes they transfer to.

';You have won a Holiday';

I just received a phone call which started with the person on the other end stating ';You have won a holiday in Orlando Florida.They went on to list various attractions close by, including Disneyworld and Seaworld, and also other items included in the holiday package. These were a cruise on a Casino boat and a cruise to the Bahamas, particularly Paradise Island, and they mentioned all of the wonderful things these cruises covered.

They did state that certain taxes and transfers would need to be paid for, which is usual.

They then asked for personal details, including my credit card number and security pin, because I had to pay $698 to secure this package now.

Can anyone explain to me how I have to pay for something I have won?

This is misleading and fraudulent advertising, as well as being open for abuse of my credit card if I were to give them these details.

I have done a lot of %26#39;shopping%26#39; by Internet and have NEVER been asked for my credit card security pin before.

My opinion is that these people should be avoided, and reported to the relevant authorities to have this practice stopped.

';You have won a Holiday';

Can%26#39;t believe I fell for it....I have just read your comments and am so dissapointed in myself that I allowed these people to get me to disclose my credit card number to them (I am just panicking that I didn%26#39;t give my pin as well)Yes I have paid $1065US for a free holiday (what in God%26#39;s name was I thinking of)You are right that this method of procuring business is misleading and dishonest and I am waiting patiently to see what they offer me in terms of luxury accommodation in Orlando. HEADS WILL ROLL....I CAN ASSURE YOU...IF THEY DON%26#39;T COME UP WITH THE GOODS.

';You have won a Holiday';

Hi Miss-B-Haven. Would love to know how you get on. For your sake I hope they do the right thing, but it is worrying.

All the best,

Pam

Hi Pam

Thanks for your prompt reply. I spend ages waiting on the phone last night to try to speak to someone from this scam organisation promoting Summer Bay Resorts Orlando. All I got was the recorded message....

%26#39;we really value your call please wait for a RESERVATIONIST%26#39;

Don%26#39;t think you would find that word in the Oxford English dictionary...

My name is Pauline and itss good to be able to make contact with you.

Rgds

Restaurant Marathon/Islamorado?

My wife and kids were down last spring and we stopped at a restaurant (Tiki Bar?) that was on the gulf side. Real hole in the wall bar overlooking/on the water with GREAT FOOD.

I am visiting again in April with my two sisters and parents for their 50th anniversary. Would love to take them there. But, I am not sure if that is the name and location. I first read about it in trip adviser about this time last year.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Restaurant Marathon/Islamorado?

There are several places that could meet that description.

The place in Marathon is a bar that we call the Island Tiki Bar. It is bayside at the start of Marathon about MM 54.5. They had been fixing the place up, but it got wiped out in Wilma, and I%26#39;m guessing that it%26#39;s been rebuilt.

The Quay is right next door, and has a nice restaurant area before you get to their Tiki Bar. That place also got wiped out in Wilma, and last I heard they were not going to rebuild.

Restaurant Marathon/Islamorado?

Thanks, are both of these next to each other? I seem to remember the Quay as being next door?

To others has it been rebuilt?

The Island is rebuilt and going strong. The Quay looks about the same as it did the day after Wilma.

Hallelujah! The service can be exasperatingly slow but the food is good and the view is fantastic! This is always one of our favorite lunch spots in the area. Last time we were there we spotted a marine iguana, about 3 feet long, suning himself on a nearby rock.

eye makeup pictures

Clearwater/Indian Shores/St. Petes Beach

Help! I%26#39;m feeling a little overwhelmed. We are planning a trip to FL the first week in April (I know, busy busy time). We are a family of 6 with kids from 9 to 18. We don%26#39;t want a super crowded spot but there needs to be things for the teenagers to do. Would you suggest Clearwater/Indian Shores or St. Petes Beach?

Clearwater/Indian Shores/St. Petes Beach

Clearwater is a very wide, clean beach with amenities like parking and restrooms but a lot of the hotels are old and I think its a little overrated. Indian Rocks is very quiet but it is made up of little rocks instead of sand and can be very uncomfortable to walk\lay on. It is mostly homes and villa rentals along the beach. St Pete beach is better, but it is a very long stretch and there are many areas to choose from. Ft Desoto is beautiful. Baywalk in downtown St Petersburg is a good area for the teenagers to hang in (it is on the opposite side of the city from the beaches though). There are movies, diners, etc. And it is still great for the parents and the younger ones. You will also get more bang for your buck in St Petersburg as opposed to Clearwater. If you have any more questions, I will be happy to answer them - I live in Pinellas Park, which is in between Clearwater and St Pete. My email is johse@tctitle.com. My dad%26#39;s family is in the Custer\Ludington area up there.

Clearwater/Indian Shores/St. Petes Beach

I would go to Clearwater Beach(Holiday Inn Sunspree, Hilton Resort, Quality Inn Beachside Resort). It will be busy, but everyhting is in close proximity on this les than 2 mile long island.(Mini Golf, Pier 60, Pirate Cruise, Fishing Excursions, Sunset and Dolphin Cruises, Aquarium, Restaurants-Post Corner Pizza, Frenchys, Shepards Buffet, etc.) It will be busy, but there will be many families like yourselves.

Quieter by close by is Sand Key(Sheraton Sand Key Resort)- the jolley trolley runs up and down the Clearwater Beach strip, and there is a Gulf Blvd trolley that takes you from Clearwater Beach all the way to Pass-a-Grille Beach along the coast.

Indian Rocks Beach has some great small lodgings and you can use the Beach Trolley to travel up and down the beaches on Gulf Blvd. Check out www.floridasbeach.com for all of the options.

I%26#39;m disagreeing with 6488park about the conditions at Indian Rocks Beach. The beach is not rocks, it%26#39;s sand... same as Clearwater or St. Pete Beach. It is called Indian ';Rocks'; because of the legend of Indians coming to visit a rocky healing spring NEAR the beach on the mainland.

Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores are lovely beach vacation towns, smaller and less crowded than Clearwater or St. Pete Beach. But because of their size, St. Pete Beach or Clearwater will probably offer your teens more things to do within walking distance.

I%26#39;m also planning a vacation and considering St. Pete vs Clearwater.

Can anyone recommend condos in each place? I need a 3 bedroom with kitchen that is nice.

Thanks!!!

I also am feeling a little overwhelmed. Started too late to find a 1 or 2 bedroom condo for myself, my teenage daughter and her two friends. I do have a small beach house reserved in Madeira Beach, but I%26#39;m thinking we might be happier at St Petes Beach. Any suggestions?

I actually ended up shifting vacation to Sandestin, Florida. For some reason, it was a much easier trip to plan. Condos are newer and get consistantly good reviews. Wasn%26#39;t happy with what I was coming up with in the Clearwater area.....to me-Clearwater and St. Pete%26#39;s areas seemed just older and not up to date. I was concerned to be in the Indian Rocks/Madeira area and not have enough immediately around us to entertain the kids.

Good luck!

Just ret%26#39;d from Clearwater, stay away. Traffic horrible, quaint hotels from 1950%26#39;s either fenced for demolition or half demolished with curtains blowing in air. Beach was dirty. If you go Sand Key Park (across from Sheraton and Marriott) is still nice.

Only good thing there was Captain Memo%26#39;s pirate cruise.

So much for those who keep insisting that Clearwater has white sand beaches!!! They need their eyes checked.

Sand in Clearwater still white, the dirty was the trash on the beach we found. Thanks!

Orlando in March- Best Beaches & Resturants?

Going to Orlando in March- what are the best beaches for swimming in and around Orlando and what beaches are best for digging for shells and where are the best resturants in and around Orlando?

Orlando in March- Best Beaches %26amp; Resturants?

No ocean beaches in Orlando, only the occasional manmade beach on a lake at a resort or water park. Around Orlando, Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach and Canaveral National Seashore are 1 hr from Orlando on the Atlantic Coast, while Clearwater and St. Petersburg Beach are 1 1/2 - 2 hours away on the Gulf coast, and to the south are Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key. 3-4 hours away, on the Southwestern gulf coast is Sanibel Island, the best shelling beach in the USA. Check back posts for discussions/debates about beaches, using the forum search box in the middle of the page.

Go to orlandosentinel.com, and click on Dining for restaurant options. Look at the 2005 Foodie Awards for award winning restaurants. Also check back posts for restaurants. Orlando has everything from $3.99 buffets to themed restaurants to dinner shows to places ranging from $50-$100 a plate. The ultimate splurge: Victoria %26amp; Alberts at Disney%26#39;s Grand Floridian Resort %26amp; Spa. Jacket required, and its $95 a person, and more on top of that if you sit at the chef%26#39;s table and/or get wine pairings with your meal.

Orlando in March- Best Beaches %26amp; Resturants?

We go to Clearwater when we go to Orlando....its about 1.5 to 2 hour drive but is a straight road so easy enough to find.....Clearwater has a lovely white sand beach and if you go onto the end of the pier there is a great view of the sunset - magnificent!!

Also at clearwater on the beach front is a seafood restaurant called Jonny Laverocks....the food their is delicious and if you ask for a window seat you can sometimes see the Dolphins jumping around in the sea.

I second the vote for Leverocks Restaurant. I%26#39;ve been to the one in Clearwater Beach and the one in Madeira Beach, and I love them both. I%26#39;ve even driven from Orlando just to eat there.

You won%26#39;t find a lot of shells at the Atlantic coast beaches. For good shells, you have to go to the Gulf coast. Sanibel Island is known for the best shelling, but I have found great shells in the Madeira Beach and Redington Beach areas. You can do a day trip to the Gulf easily, but keep in mind that you have to drive through Tampa, so you don%26#39;t hit it at rush hour. I find leaving Orlando about 7:30am gets you out of Orlando before rush hour and into Tampa just after.

Check out the back post:

';In town for a convention....any good places to eat?';

There%26#39;s a couple of lists of nice places to eat in the touristy area of Orlando. For cheaper places, check out posts on ';Fast Food'; and ';Best Burger';. Also, do a forum search for ';Local restaurants'; and ';Non-touristy restaurants'; and you will find more, some outside the touristy areas.

One restaurant that is mentioned over and over again here is ';Sweet Tomatoes';, though since its a chain, its possible you could have encountered it elsewhere. Its a salad buffet with soup, pasta, pastry, focaccia (Pizza, really), and mostly vegetarian, and is about $9 for the evening buffet. Its on International Drive at Kirkman Rd. across from Universal Studios.

hotels near haulover beach?

What hotels are within walking distance of haulover beach? Is there public transportation? thank you, Earl

hotels near haulover beach?

Haulover Park (and thus Haulover Beach) is just south of Sunny Isles Beach. I know there are some hotels on the south end of Sunny Isles Beach that is within walking distance as I%26#39;ve seen folks make the walk. However, as I always approach the beach from the direction of South Beach, I don%26#39;t know what hotels are up there.

Even if you are a mile or so more north, a taxi cab ride can%26#39;t be that much. Yes, there is a bus system but I don%26#39;t know anything about it or where it might drop you off in or around that area.

You might search the web for hotels in Sunny Isles Beach as well as Bal Harbour and give them a call. Technically, Haulover Park is in Bal Harbour but as the C/O beach is on the north end of the park, I%26#39;m thinking it may actually be closer to hotels in Sunny Isles but worth a few phone calls.

A long time ago I saw a web site that had hotels close to Haulover but couldn%26#39;t find it. You may have better luck and certainly worth the effort.

If you find something, you might post it under Miami Beach Attractions -%26gt; Haulover Beach as this is a somewhat common question.

Cheers!

hotels near haulover beach?

To the north - Newport Beach Hotel... you can walk to Haulover in 5-10 minutes along the beach.

To the South - Sheraton Bal Harbour... a very inexpensive cab ride away.

Haulover Beach is a mile or two stretch of what I%26#39;d consider a park area (fishing marinas, picnic places and 9 hole par 27 golf course etc.) connecting Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles. There are no hotels in Haulover and perhaps a few motels due north (I%26#39;ll drive by this week and check it out, but we are talking very basic MO-tels...)

Check rates at the 2 above and see what you think...

FOLLOWING UP:

Morning ec11 -

Drove past the Haulover Park last night and found 2 more hotels for you...

South of the Park and a $5 cab ride away is a Best Western Oceanfront Resort that looks moderate and gets good reviews on this site - 9365 Collins Ave - (305) 864-2232

Just north of the ';Beach In Question'; is a motel called Ocean Palm Motel which is directly on the Ocean and very retro looking from the street.

Checking the site - it turns out the owner is a ';beachgoing naturists'; supporter... this must be THE PLACE!

Read on -

Address: 15795 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 Tel: 305-947-5671

Toll Free Reservations, Gifts %26amp; Specials, and Detailed Information: 1-866-29-BEACH

beachesfoundation.org/PopUps/ShirleyHotels/S鈥?/a>

SHIRLEY writes:

';This is the closest beachside hotel to ';our'; beach - approximately 125 yards to the south and next door to the Days Inn Hotel. The Ocean Palm has been very popular with Naturists going to Haulover due to its close proximity to the clothing optional beach. The owner is a great friend to naturists and has been our biggest supporter.

The pool area adjoins the hotel%26#39;s large private fenced beach with a barbecue grill, which will accommodate cooking a single steak or food for a large group. You can sit under the oversized Tikki hut that has plenty of tables and chairs for your shaded comfort while relaxing, eating and social exchanges. There%26#39;s also an outdoor shower to rinse off the sand and salt water before entering your room.

The owner has kept the property up despite its age. The property is not fancy, but it is clean, with good size rooms that includes a small refrigerator, hot plate, and coffee maker. Management provides a free continental breakfast every morning for guests in the lobby and fresh coffee is brewed all day long.';

Ocean Palm is indeed a short stroll from the northernmost point of Haulover Beach. This website has a detailed description of the NATURIST%26#39;s mission etc.

It%26#39;s all there.

Best of Luck and - PLEASE - bring lots of sunscreen...

AG

we stay at the Sea View hotel every spring when we visit Haulover beach. It is an old,upscale hotel, right accross the street from the malls of Bal Harbour. Smaller than the Sheraton (which I hear is going condo as we speak).Price is reasonable for the area, and the rooms large. It is quiet and very clean. They do charge for parking, but we expect that. We fly into Ft. Lauderdale and rent a car. The beach is less than five minutes away. A cab would cost about the same as it does to park. Sunny Iles is convenient as well, with more stores and restaurants. Haulover is our favorite beach destination. We used go to Negril for CO beach, but Haulover is much nicer with more facilities and safer.

I know there are a few condo complexes near the beach and many rooms are for rent. Do you know their names or addresses?

Thanks

I would like to thank you all for your info. I went to Shirleys website and found Oleta River State Park. I reserved a cabin for 3 nights and then a room at Ocean Palm for 2 nights.We will then be going on a 7 day nude cruise and return for 2 days at the State Park.

Sanibel Island Nightlife?

We are passing through Sanibel and staying for one night next week. Just wondered if there was any nightlife at all (not disco-type but maybe live music etc?)

Sanibel Island Nightlife?

Right as your get onto Sanibel Islnad, the second building on the right after the end of the causeway is the Visitor Center. Stop and ask if anyone has some live entertainment that night. It%26#39;s usually available at Key Lime Bistro or RC Otters on Captiva, as well as the Mucky Duck there. Live piano at Ellington%26#39;s some nights. But do ask at the Visitor center.

Sanibel Island Nightlife?

The Jacaranda usually has some live music... but I%26#39;m fairly certain it is not every night. You can probably pull a website up with a search engine. It%26#39;s right on Periwinkle. Turn right off the causeway %26amp; drive. You%26#39;ll see it on the left.

Ellington%26#39;s has music every night, currently starting at 7 (I was there a couple of weeks ago). If you don%26#39;t want to eat, you could also enjoy the music at the adjacent bar.

We were in Trader%26#39;s one afternoon for a snack in the bar between lunch and dinner, and noticed there was an area set up for musicians, so they may have music also.

FYI, when we were at Ellington%26#39;s the music was, I think, a trio, sort of light jazz.

newish resorts in Orlando

We own timeshare at Star Island Kissimmee but this year we want to stay in Orlando instead of Kissimmee because we are bringing along two friends who have never been to Disney/Universal and we want to be nearer. Can you suggest any newer resorts we can stay in Orlando? We are really keen on Lake Bryan area if you know any new places in that area. We don%26#39;t like just basic accommodation, we are all in our forties (but young at heart!) and would like a minmum of two bedrooms with small kitchen and washer/dryer.Our holiday will be in November 2006.

newish resorts in Orlando

Windsor Hills Resort is new and is one of the closest to Disney - villas, townhomes and condos available.

newish resorts in Orlando

Two of the newest and nicest are Sheraton Vistana Villages and the Hilton. They are both behind the Premium outlet mall on International Dr. You can not go wrong, they are both beautiful!

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.

When bucaboy refers to the Hilton, he%26#39;s referring to the Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive (not to be confused with the SeaWorld one, or any of the other Hilton properties in Orlando). Its a very new timeshare resort.

Windsor Hills/Palms Resort - how to find a home ???

We are interested in the Windsor Palms Resort based on all the reviews here. We would prefer a private home, 3 bedrooms with its own pool and a hot tub. How do we find one ? Any suggestions ? No specific dates yet, just looking for maybe May or June 2006.

Windsor Hills/Palms Resort - how to find a home ???

Try www.vrbo.com. I know there are several WP rentals there. I also think there are a lot of folks on this board who have stayed there in the past. Look back on some of the older threads, it might help.

Windsor Hills/Palms Resort - how to find a home ???

For a reputable ';agency';, try:

www.villadirect.com

descriptions, rating system, photos and virtual tours....great site to see whats out there...regardless if you use them or not.

They manage over 500 condos/townhome/villas in the Orlando/Kissimmee...most in resort type communities such as Windsor Hills and Windsor Palms and are professional and great to work with.

(By the way....go with Windsor Hills....hands down).

Have fun!

By the way....Windsor Hills is a separate resort than Windsor Palms. Windsor Palms is great, but the Hills is newer and has a better pool area. Both are pretty much identical as fas as styles of condo/townhome or villa...the Hills is just newer (about 1 year old).

Another reputable agency and one that I have used is All Star Vacation Homes. Their office is on 192 in the Formosa Gardens shopping center just outside of the Windsor/Formosa developments. All Stars people were top notch and very professional. The home we had in Windsor Palms was exactly as advertised. They have homes and condos in all the developments in that area.

Thanks - I have checked out those websites and there sure is a lot of info there ! One more question - at Windsor Hills, is it a subdivision witha central pool in addition to your private home pool ? And do a lot of people us ethe central pool ? I think it had a waterslide - my teens would enjoy that al lot !

Margie, WH has a lot of the townhomes and single family homes that have their own pools, the condos do not. You can find a map of WH on line and get a good idea of where things are located. The condos seem to be closest to the community pool and clubhouse. I have teens and opted for a condo close to the comm. pool as I know my kids would rather %26#39;hang out%26#39; at the pool with other kids than have their own pool. (We live in AZ and have our own pool-so no thrill for them). From what I understand, only guests or owners can use the comm. pool (they give you a card that allows you entry to the pool, comm. center, etc)

If you do get a rental with a pool, keep in mind most places charge extra for pool heat. I don%26#39;t know if you will even need in May or June.

What I really like is knowing this place is brand new, so you know you are not going to run in to a shabby or run down rental.

Good luck.

Hi MargieOH - Windsor Hills has a community pool with a waterslide in addition to the private home pools. Your teens would enjoy that, as well as meeting other guests there -while you can chill out in your private pool(many also have a spa).

I just booked a townhome with private pool at Windsor Hills. I initially visited Windsorhillsrent.com (I think ) and posted a request for a condo in the general inquiries section. Wow, within a few hours I must%26#39;ve had no less than 35 emails from condo owners who were vying to rent me their condo for my dates. Almost every single one of them had their own website where I could look at their condo and view prices. I easily managed to get a very good deal for a week%26#39;s stay in a beautifully decorated and spotless looking home. Taxes and everything included was $750 US. I will report back once I actually stay there in mid may.

Just an fyi- If you use the ';general inquiry'; feature be prepared to be bombarded with mail. I too received some valid responses to my general inquiry, but I also received a TON of ';failure to deliver'; messages.

MargieOh,

We have stayed at Windsor Palms a few times although this year we stayed at Windsor Hills. We love both resorts, but we preferred Windsor Hills since it is newer and has even better amenities than Windsor Palms. Both were built by the same organization, but Hills is the new and improved version.

As for where to find a home, we%26#39;ve had great luck by renting direct from owners (as opposed to going through an agency like villadirect or allstarvacations). The advantage of renting direct is that you can talk to (or email) the actual owner of the property and ask questions that may not be clear in the ads.

For example, we like to have a TV in all the bedrooms so that we don%26#39;t have to fight over the remote. You can%26#39;t tell from the photos since most bedroom pictures generally show the bed only, not the dresser where the TV would be. So, we just email the owner with our questions. With the agency sites, the agencies generally have hundreds of homes they manage and they have no idea what each particular home has to offer.

We%26#39;ve had pretty good success with VRBO.com, Greatrentals.com and Cyberrentals.com. This past year, we found a great place on Cyberrentals. Cyberrentals recently added a feature where you could enter the dates you were interested in and what amenities you wanted and the website would then only show you villas that met your needs instead of having to wade through hundreds of villas on the other sites. It saved me a lot of time this year finding a suitable place.

Good luck

-Pam

eye makeup pictures

Hotel Advice--Airport/Hard Rock Casino

I could use some advice on picking a hotel for ONE NIGHT. I芒聙聶m really only going to Tampa to 芒聙聹pick up芒聙聺 my elderly father and accompany him back to Michigan. My plan was to fly in on Monday (2/27), spend the night in an inexpensive hotel near the airport, chill out, get warm, maybe go to the pool, etc., then meet my Dad at the airport Tuesday morning and fly back to Michigan with him.

THEN芒聙娄.in my hotel searching, I find out that there is a Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. Well, that changes everything. J

So, my question: Can anybody suggest a hotel either: a) near the airport that would have easy access to cabs to and from the casino; or b) near the casino that would have easy access to cabs to and from the airport.

I芒聙聶m looking first and foremost for the most economical plan, but I芒聙聶ll be a alone, so wouldn芒聙聶t want to be in a total dump.

Any suggestions/advice? Thanks!

Hotel Advice--Airport/Hard Rock Casino

I would call the Hard Rock about if they have airport shuttles. I can%26#39;t imagine a casino wouldn%26#39;t, but you never know. A cab fare might be rather expensive. It%26#39;s probably about a twenty minute drive between the two (if you can keep a 60mph pace on the highways, and the I-275/I-4 junction is sometimes bottlenecked which would add another 10 minutes). I%26#39;ve made it in 12 minutes before, from almost at the airport to the Hard Rock exit....but I%26#39;m not a cabbie making money.

The Hard Rock is probably the furthest out of Tampa you can get and still be considered ';in'; Tampa. And actually, the airport and the Hard Rock are almost on the opposite ends (East-West wise) of Tampa. If you go much further West from the airport and you are in water, if you go much further East from the Hard Rock and I believe you are in Plant City for the Strawberry Festival.

Getting to the HardRock from the airport is rather straight forward...get on I-275N through Tampa, take I-4 E and get off at the Orient Road exit (which is like exit 5 or something close to that). If you are on I-4 and you pass I-75 then you%26#39;ve gone too far.

The last time I was at the casino there are only two types of gambling. Poker tables that are usually packed and I hate waiting, and slot machines that are actually Bingo games. A lot of regular gamblers complain about the tight slot machines, which they may be a little tighter than most would like; however, most people don%26#39;t realize they are Bingo machines and you are actually playing the little Bingo card at the top center of the machine. Then you spin the machine to see how much you won from the Bingo game (if you won the Bingo game). And I%26#39;ve seen quite a few people just push buttons and change a winning Bingo card for another and lose money they didn%26#39;t need to.

My first time at this Hard Rock I won $83 from the slot machines. But that was once. Mostly I%26#39;ll either win like $25 or lose $45. Very low stakes. I%26#39;m just screwing around, though. I wish they had craps tables there. I%26#39;d be all over that (I%26#39;d even set aside more money for it).

Hotel Advice--Airport/Hard Rock Casino

For your one night I%26#39;d forget the casino and just get a hotel on the water (Tampa Bay) around the Rocky Point area...enjoy the views and the water, eat at one of the little restaurants out there. The bay is pretty and there are some reasonable hotels at Rocky Point...Holiday Inn Express, Residence Inn, Sailport. More expensive, but reasonable if you can get it on PCLN, is the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, one stop light before Rocky Point. With luck you might even see some dolphin or manatees (if you are there late spring when the water has warmed up some). There are waverunner rentals in that area if you are so inclined, and you are 5 to 10 minutes from the airport.

I suggest what OO had to day and stay in the Rocky Point area outside the airport, Holiday inn Express in nice and has good rates. Residence Inn has not existied there in quite some time, it is called Chase Suites. Hang by the pool, walk on the Bay, Munch at Bahama Breeze, Landrys, Rusty Pelican, or Castaways.

Sorry you are right, Chase. Old habits die hard.

Bahama Breeze is good too and nice views. Oystercathcers too--More expensive but great food and beautiful views. I have to say up front it was part of my husband%26#39;s hotel there, but we%26#39;ve been transferred and I have no interest in furthering their business now. It really was my absolute favorite seafood restaurant in town, his or not.

Why is Jax better?

I am from the Northeast and will be moving to the South in the summer. Our first choice is Jacksonville(st john%26#39;s county), but I am trying to make sure this a good move. I%26#39;ve considered Austin, but the air quality is not good for kids(asthma), because of dirty air. I also looking at San Antonio which has cleaner air and VERY affordable houses, the drawback is no ocean and palm trees compared to Jax. I am looking for opinions on why Jacksonville would be better. Nightlife, quality of life, education, network engineering jobs, any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

In other words, if you had sell me Jacksonville, what would you say?

Why is Jax better?

Well, it%26#39;s so subjective, Arlene. I am biased because I love Jacksonville. We are rather laid back, we have lots of trees and even a few hills, unlike the flat landscape of South Florida (not that that%26#39;s bad).

Nightlife - We have a world-class symphony orchestra conducted by Italian Conductor Fabio Macchetti. They are fabulous. We have several art galleries, art openings, gala charity events, concerts at either our Concert Venues or the Alltel Stadium if it%26#39;s a biggie. We have ballet, Broadway traveling shows, several local theatre groups.

We are close to the World Golf Village (if you%26#39;re into that!) and every year we host the PGA Tournament Player%26#39;s Championship at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra. We also host the Bausch and Lomb Tennis Tournament. And then we have the Jaguars if you%26#39;re into football. Someone said all of our sports were college-based; in actuality, we have very few college sports based here in Jacksonville. We do have a baseball stadium for the Jacksonville Suns baseball team.

As far as quality of life; it depends on what you like. I personally like our International Airport because we love to travel! You can go to the beach almost year-round, water-sports abound since we have the beautiful St. John%26#39;s River. We%26#39;re careful with right whales and Manatees. We are within minutes of St. Augustine and Amelia Island; both great for day trips to see the sights, shop or dine.

Kids? We have the Jacksonville Museum of Science and History. (MOSH). Our Jacksonville Zoo won a national award last year for the top national exhibit. Our Cummer Art Gallery hosts several events for children. We are also home to Fort Caroline; a civil war fort that you can visit, and we%26#39;re close to Fort Matanzas in St. Augustine and Fort Clinch in Fernandina area - the kids might enjoy the forts, especially Fort Clinch.

Schools - some good, some not so good. Excellent magnet program. Test scores have improved dramatically over the last 5 years.

Dining - we don%26#39;t have gourmet restaurants on every corner, but there are some extremely good ones. One can get just about anything here (dining in our out) and we have several International markets, Asian markets, Filipino markets, and Hispanic markets if you get the urge to go International in your cooking for dinner.

As far as network Engineering, we are home to several fortune 500 companies including AOL, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Aetna Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, American Express and many, many others.

Healthcare - we have several hospitals that have been nationally recognized, we are home to one of only three Mayo Clinics and we just broke ground for a new Mayo Hospital.

Jacksonville is not for everyone. It%26#39;s not fast-paced like many places in the Northeast, but contrary to some opinions, we are not overrun by pickup trucks and Baptists don%26#39;t rule the city. Actually, most of our top political movers and shakers are not %26#39;Southern Baptist%26#39; like some would have you believe. They haven%26#39;t done their homework.

Maybe this will help. I can just tell you that I love it here, my husband (who is from Jersey) loves it here, and we wouldn%26#39;t want to be anywhere else...but that%26#39;s just us!

FANTASMIC...woth booking the dinner package..HOW MUCH??

How much is this option? Also, is the fantasmic show really worth it and howl ong is the show? what is the diff in tehkidn of seats you get when youbook this other than teh ones you get if you just walk in....thank you!!!

FANTASMIC...woth booking the dinner package..HOW MUCH??

Haven%26#39;t done the dinner show part, but Fantasmic is definitely worth seeing.

If you don%26#39;t do the dinner show, you need to be at the ampitheater at least 45 minutes to 1 hour ahead of showtime to get a good seat.

The show itself lasts I think about 45 minutes to an hour.

I%26#39;ll defer to those who%26#39;ve done the dinner show part to recommend it or not.

FANTASMIC...woth booking the dinner package..HOW MUCH??

We did the package and ate at Hollywood Brown Derby. The cost depends on the restaurant you choose, there are different tiers for different restaurants (check this out on www.allearsnet.com or www.wdwinfo.com), I can recommend where we ate, try the cobb salad for two!! The show is fab and the dinner package is a great time saver.

If you are on a budget, and don%26#39;t mind waiting 45-60 minutes to get a seat at the Fantasmic show, then you don%26#39;t need to book the package. The restaurants they use for the package are some of the more expensive, but they are good. If you are going to have to eat anyway, and the price isn%26#39;t a problem, you will save time (or at least, not feel like you%26#39;re wasting time) by booking the package and walking right into the show.

We always book the dinner package as we eat dinner at the park anyway. There are 3 restaurant choices and we choose the least expensive Hollywood and Vine which is a buffet and pleases everyone in our family. Check out the menu and prices at www.allearsnet.com

Yes, see Fantasmic, it%26#39;s beautiful!

Two more questions on this topic please:

1. If you choose the show only (no dinner) is there a charge for the show?

2. Has anyone had any experience using their Dining Plan for the dinner package? Is it worth 2 meals to visit the Brown Derby or use just 1 meal for Hollywood %26amp; Vine or Mama Melrose?

Thank you. The people on this forum are so kind and helpful.

No charge at all for the show only with no dinner package. Just get there early to get a good seat!!

Everglade boat tours and manatee site locations

We%26#39;re going down 2/25 thru 3/4 and this will be our 3rd year in Ft. Myers Beach. We%26#39;ve never been on one of those Everglade boat tours you see advertised so often. Are they worth the money? Which one is the best?

I would love to see a manatee in the wild, not in captivity. Last year we went to a Manatee Park by some overflow channel where we were supposed to spot some, but we saw nothing. Anyone know where they hang out this time of the year? Is it too late in the season?

Everglade boat tours and manatee site locations

Manatee Park near the FPL station is where they are, I%26#39;m surprised that you didn%26#39;t see them there. If you want to pay for a tour Manatee World offers them in Ft Myers (239)693-1434.

Everglade boat tours and manatee site locations

Manatee Park on Palm Beach Blvd is the place to be!

commute?

what is the commute like from the Fernanadina Beach area?

commute?

Jacksonville is a real big, spread out city so timing depends on where in the city you are going. A couple years ago the drive took 45 minutes from Fernandina to the Main Street Bridge area, but we have lots more traffic now. Would you be travelling during rush hours? That would be a factor also.

commute?

It definitely is a good 45 minutes to Jacksonville%26#39;s downtown and the southside business district. Rush hour could definitely add to the time depending on your route.

Are you definitely wanting Fernandina Beach, or could you live at one of Jacksonville%26#39;s Beaches? Your commute would be a little more efficient.

I think you really need to figure that your commute is going to be a good hour (dependent upon several factors) and decide whether living in Fernandina Beach is worth up to a 2-hour per day commute. Definitely a personal choice.

Can I just say definitely again? Looks like I only used it four times in the previous answer.

Thanks for the input. We are in very early stages of planning a possible move to the Jacksonville area and I%26#39;m just trying to get my bearings on how far things are to narrow down our search area. It looks like St. Augustine is also a good 45min or hour as well...

St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach are about the same as far as commute goes. (They%26#39;re just opposite directions - Fernandina is north and St. Augustine is South). What are you looking for? There%26#39;s a possibility you may find it right here in Jacksonville. It sounds as if you like the beaches areas. Before deciding, I would definitely visit the Jacksonville Beaches which include Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. There are some great places to live, wonderful restaurants, shopping, and the people who live there really feel that they%26#39;re in a little community of their own. And they are. It%26#39;s got all of the charm of Fernandina and St. Augustine, just not so far away. Feel free to email me if you have specific questions. My email address is vickisfloyd@hotmail.com. Good luck!

SC Gator:

My wife and I are considering moving to either the Mount Pleasant/Charleston area or the Jacksonville area. Just curious about your thoughts regarding Mount Pleasant/Charleston and why you would want to leave (if I may ask). We visited recently and fell in love with the area and thought the people were very friendly.

Thanks!

That%26#39;s a touchy subject in my house! I do not want to leave, I absolutely love it here. However, my husband can%26#39;t progress in his career here as he would like. We are still negotiating. :)

Gator - tell him his career isn%26#39;t everything! What%26#39;s a great career worth if your wife is unhappy? We%26#39;d love to have you, but if I were you, try to negotiate your way to staying where you love! Oops...I think I just lapsed into a Dr. Phil moment...sorry!

It%26#39;s not that easy when he is the primary breadwinner and he comes home miserable everyday. I%26#39;m trying to get him to stay until the kids are out of high school but considering they are in 3rd and 5th grade, that is 10 more years of a dead end job. I would go anywhere after that.

Yeah...that%26#39;s tough. I sometimes forget how blessed I am that my husband loves his job. I hope things work out for you no matter where you decide to be!

villas

Started looking at villas -- Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms and Emerald Island. According to this line up rices go from high to low -- anybody have a good expereince with 4 bedrroom villa -- week stay under 1000 in any of these places -- how about juliesvillas -- anyone been at that one?

villas

We were in a 5 bdrm villa in Windsor Palms at Christmas and rented from All Star Vacation Homes. The home was exactly as shown in the pictures and well maintained. From what I could see of the exterior of the homes while in Windsor Palms they all seemed to be well maintained. Windsor Hills is new and I would expect all the homes there to be in excellent shape for now.

zits

Fanfare Properties

We%26#39;re planning an Orlando vacation this July and have been looking at Fanfare Properties as a vacation rental option. If you%26#39;ve used this realtor, would appreciate your input about your experience with the company and the property you rented.

Fanfare Properties

I can highly reccomend this site,

http://www.onlinefloridavillas.com/

It also has some sisiter sites too, All villas are verified to make sure they are genuine. All owners have to abide by strict rules to advertise on there.

This is my property.

www.calabaydawn.com

Kushty

Fanfare Properties

Did you ever stay here. How was it?

Do Sales People bother you at Windsor Hills?

We are really impressed with the pictures at Windsor Hills. We have 3 kids so it would be alot nicer to have that much space. Just worried about sales men bugging us, or making us sit through meetings on purchasing property, do they do that? Also when looking at the pictures is that what you really get? Would really like feed back its between a condo at Windsor Hills or Homewood Suites.

Thank you!

Do Sales People bother you at Windsor Hills?

Windsor Hills is not a timeshare so no high pressure salespeople. All the homes are privately owned. If you are renting from an owner then they should be able to reassure you about their pictures. It%26#39;s a great resort!

Do Sales People bother you at Windsor Hills?

If you do a search in this forum on Windsor Hills, you will get a real nice report from Pam2050 on the Windsor Hills. She re-posted it on 2/13/06. We%26#39;re booked there 3/10 - 3/17 with 3 kids, and we can%26#39;t wait to stay there. All reports on WH in this forum have been great.

Saratoga VS. Beach Club Villas

Which complex of the two would you select if traveling with 2 boys (ages 11 and 13), 2 moms and 1 grandmother? I%26#39;m a little nervous about the condition of the Beach Club Villas. Any thoughts? Also, any other options?

Saratoga VS. Beach Club Villas

If you haven%26#39;t already, check the user reviews on Trip Advisor for both resorts. Plug the names of the resorts in the search box in the upper left hand corner of the page, and you should find user reviews for both. Make sure to specify the ';villas';, not just the resort.

Saratoga VS. Beach Club Villas

thanks eddy k. I did that. I believe the villas at the beach club have had a few negative comments. I hope they are isolated. I think the location at beach club may be better. what do you think

Others know more than me about the resorts. I can say that Saratoga is across from Downtown Disney, if that%26#39;s important to you, whereas the Beach Club Villas and hotel are in the Epcot resort area. Saratoga Springs is newer, but the Beach Club villas are relatively recent as well. I thought someone else on this forum said that the best pool at all the Disney resorts was at the Beach Club, but maybe it was the Yacht Club they were talking about. If it is at the Beach Club, that would be significant, as you can%26#39;t pool hop at Disney; you can only swim at your resort pool.

I%26#39;ve been to the Beach Club Villas. I thought they were very nice, and yes they are only a couple of years old. Stormalong Bay is there and is very popular, as well as a smaller pool on the back side. I would agree that the Beach Club is more convenient. You can walk into Epcot, or take a boat to MGM. Boardwalk is just a short walk as well.

I stayed at the Beach Club Villas for a week in January, and I didn%26#39;t notice any problem with the condition of the resort. The resort is maintained very well. It%26#39;s location is great, since you are close to Epcot and MGM. Saratoga Springs is also a nice resort, and it%26#39;s close to Downtown Disney, but you do have to take a bus to all the parks. You don%26#39;t have the option of walking or taking a boat. You also don%26#39;t have the Stormalong Bay pool complex. I just feel there is a lot more to do around the Beach Club Villas.

If you think you will be spending more time at the Magic Kingdom, you might want to consider the Villas at Wilderness Lodge as well. They have the same layout as the other DVC resorts you are considering, and you have easier access to the Magic Kingdom. The landscaping and themeing around the resort and the neighboring Wilderness Lodge Resort are wonderful.

Transportation from DTD

Hi. Just wondering how late the transportation will run returns back to resorts from DTD. We will be staying at POR May 10-16. Thanks.

Transportation from DTD

I believe I read that transportation from DTD to resorts ends at 1:00 A.M.

Transportation from DTD

Oops!!! Make that 2:00 A.M. according to the sign at Pop Century.

Transportation typically runs for one hour after a park closes. So if Pleasure Island is open until 1:00am, you should be able to get buses until 2:00am. The boats to DTD stop running around 11:00pm.

Ta. Did not relish the thought of getting stuck without a ride back. I am sure that we will be back to the hotel well before then. Much easier to haul around an awake 8 year old than a sleeping one.

Swimming in the keys

Anyone know of good places to stay in the keys where the water is deep enough and swimming friendly.

Swimming in the keys

Waters by the Keys beaches are not very deep in general. I can suggest Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key (about 45mn north of Key West) where the beach on the bay side is much deeper than the ocean side. It is just beautiful there.

There is also in Key West the beach in Fort Zachary Taylor Park. It gets deep almost right away. However, it is a stony beach you may want to have special shoes if your feet are sensitive. Usually it is a quiet beach, watching the sunset is just beautiful there.

Enjoy your vacation.

Sombrero Beach in Marathon is another nice beach too on the ocean side.

As far as accomodation, there is so much choice ! It depends on what you want : hotel, apartment ? and how long you want to stay ?

Swimming in the keys

Thanks, Lovethekeys. My wife and I are looking for a romantic setting, probably a hotel, carribean in feel but closer to home. We can go anytime from now thru late spring.

Cost not that big an issue.

no-see-ums in late may?

I am taking my family on a trip to Sanibel the last week in May. I used to go there as a child (30 some years ago!) and am very excited to bring my own kids there now. I have read a lot about all the bugs on the island. Will it be a huge problem in late May? I also read on a post that cactus juice works well to keep the bugs away? Is this true? If so, it would be much preferable to bug spray, with 2 little kids. Are the no-see-ums worse in am or pm? Thanks for any replies!

no-see-ums in late may?

The no-see-um problems depends a lot on how wet and hot it gets in May. They are worst at dawn and dusk and in any heavy shaded areas. They can%26#39;t fly really high or in brisk breezes, so you%26#39;re always a bit better off on the sand with the Gulf breeze.

I am a biting insect magnet, and manage pretty well by staying indoors after dark unless I%26#39;m well covered and sprayed with repellant and or Skintastic. They bother some folks a lot and others very little. maybe you%26#39;ll get lucky!!!

zits

Sunshine First - Travel City Direct

Has anyone flown Sunshine First with Travel City Direct in the past couple of weeks from Gatwick to Sanford?

We are going in 2 weeks time so just wondered what the seats were like and how the service was shaping up on the new TCD branded planes.

Sunshine First - Travel City Direct

The seats and service will be the same because there the same planes with the same crew.

Sunshine First - Travel City Direct

Hi I have just booked sunshine first with TCD, how was the flight in your opinion, what was the food like etc, and was booking in any easier

h5 haggis-man,

i have travelled with travelcity direct. it was nice but the only draw back was the choice of meals because we were in the back of first class by the time they got to us the choice was gone in the meals and we had to settle for what was left.there was noo priotery boarding and when we left we had to leave with others and not before like they tell you. after that i decided to save what money i spend on upgrade on shopping instead. i have travelled with travel city 3 times but never first class again because it is better sense to spend that money on shopping instead.

thanks pam.

If you go to travel citys website and click on attraction tickets, they have a forum - its supposed to be for chat about attraction tickets but there is a lot of chat about the actual flights, including peoples opinions on upgrades etc. We too are travelling sunshine first and can%26#39;t wait - we would never be able to afford upgrading on Virgin or BA, when you compare the prices its crazy money they are asking! Obviously we won%26#39;t be expecting the same service as first on either of these airlines, but we%26#39;re looking forward to the nice big seats to stretch out.

I hope you are luckier than pam then Barney.

I can%26#39;t wait to get on this chat line about TCD flights. What an innovation!!!

Easter Brunch

Will be in South Beach for Easter, where should Hubby and I go for Easter Brunch? How far in advance should we make reservations?

Easter Brunch

The Fountaine Bleau has a Easter Bunch buffet. They are in Miami Beach at 44th and Collins Ave.

Easter Brunch

You MUST check out the Sunday Brunch at Nemo. It%26#39;s well-known as one of the best brunches in the city. I believe it%26#39;s $28 pp. Normally, I wouldn%26#39;t bother with reservations, but you might want to give them a call since it%26#39;s Easter Sunday.

Nemo

100 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach

305.532.4550

www.nemorestaurant.com

Enjoy!

DISNEY TICKET question..Was told you can ADD a day at tick...

I was told when I called disneyt hat if i got a 2 day park hopper, the end of the 2nd day decided i would like a 3rd day to go to tick counter they can upgrade my 2 day to a 3 day for like 5-10...ever herd of this?? sounds odd..want to be sure! thank you!

DISNEY TICKET question..Was told you can ADD a day at tick...

I am not sure of the exact cost, but you can do any of the following upgrades so long as your ticket hasn%26#39;t expired.

You can add additional base ticket days.

You can add the park hopper option.

You can add the waterparks %26amp; fun option.

You can add the no expiration option.

The reason I am not sure of the exact cost is that they will probably charge more for adding some items than others. For example, I believe the park hopper option is a flat fee, regardless of the number of days on the ticket. However, if you are adding the no expiration option, it is charged based on the number of days on your ticket. If you have spoken with Disney directly and they quoted you $10, then I would believe that is the charge. Just make sure you do it before your second day runs out.

Londoners visiting Florida ....

Wonder if someone could help us solve our dilema. Last year we had a fantastic trip to LA, Hawaii, San Fran and Chicago. This year we%26#39;ve decided to do New York and Florida. We have two kids 7 and 10 so we thought we%26#39;d do the obligatory couple of days in Orlando but bit confused about the next bit. Love the thought of Miami but frankly think my thighs are too big and I can%26#39;t rollerblade... want somewhere sophisticated, near the beach, not too full of oldies, good location for visiting rest of area. Would like to rent house. Any ideas .... perhaps Naples?

Londoners visiting Florida ....

fort myers is good not sure about sosphisticated but not down market either good beach and for kids. nearby sanibel more upmarketand marco Island but can be visited from FM been there acouple of times and are going again at easter with visits to the keys. last year took a boat to key west this year hope to go to key largo. 3 hour or so journey.

Londoners visiting Florida ....

nothing wrong with Naples either beautiful beach depends how much you want to pay a more expensive area than fort myers

I%26#39;d suggest the Sarasota area (Longboat Key, Siesta Key).

You can%26#39;t go wrong with Sanibel and Captiva. The beaches are beautiful and the islands are quite lush (even after the hurricanes. For the kids there%26#39;s the Ding Darling nature preserve where you can rent pontoon boats. There are also miles of bike paths and bike rentals available. It%26#39;s a very family oriented area. You%26#39;re also near to Ft Meyers where you can visit the Thomas Edison summer house. It may be a little pricier than Ft Meyers Beach but I think well worth it. There are homes as well as condos for rent and many are right on the beach.

PS. Beautiful sunsets too!

Southernmost Point Guest House

Hi all...I am leaving in 2 weeks and have reservations at the Southernmost Point Guest House at the End of Duval. We are flying into Miami and renting a car and driving down...but we plan on walking quite a bit. We are in our mid 20%26#39;s so walking isn%26#39;t a problem, but how far of a walk is it to get to the other end of Duval where the action is?

Southernmost Point Guest House

They say Duval is 1.25 miles long but I think it is 1.4 miles. You won%26#39;t have a problem, and there are several places closer to you than from the other side of Duval.

Pjk

Southernmost Point Guest House

Thank you Pjk....can you tell me anything about that guest house? Is it nice?

Hopefully someone who has stayed there will reply, but I go by it all the time and it seems very nice. That section around Duval and South Streets has gotten better and better the last few years. The Southernmost House has been completely re-built, and there is a small museum on the first floor.

You are right across the street form the Duval Beach Club and a few blocks from the Banana Cafe and LaTeDa, and Blue Heaven is two blocks over and about four blocks north on Thomas %26amp; Petronia.

One day walk west to the Southernmost Point, then all the way north to the Mallory Docks on Whitehead instead of Duval, just for a change. Look for the Grenn Parrot, Kelly%26#39;s, etc.

Pjk

I%26#39;ve been past southernmost and it looks really pretty!! :) I didn%26#39;t want to stay down that far though but it looks like a nice place! oh and duval beach club is GREAT! right on the beach there--just a nice atmosphere and pretty cheap too!

Thanks for they replies...it sounds like we%26#39;ll be fine and close to plenty of places we want to visit. I%26#39;m a travel agent and want to really check things out! I can%26#39;t wait to get down there!

I will say though that on a hot day, it could be a very tiring walk from 1 end to the other. lol

I%26#39;m just worried that we%26#39;ll drink way too much....which you know is going to happen and then stumble ALL the way down duval st. that will be a long walk!!! Oh well...we%26#39;ll probably need the exercise anyway!!

LOL those were my fears!! luckily we stayed at casa 325 which is only like 2-3 blocks away from irish kevins, barebottom, sloppys etc.. :) it did suck on the 1 night we actually stayed in and didn%26#39;t drink though--couldn%26#39;t handle the noise!! LOL

Yea, we stumbled back to Olivia by Duval and my husband finally got a Pedi-Cab. I%26#39;m wasn%26#39;t very steady on my feet at that point.

Yea, we stumbled back to Olivia by Duval and my husband finally got a Pedi-Cab. I%26#39;m wasn%26#39;t very steady on my feet at that point.

TOP TEN Greatest Attractions in Orlando

Let%26#39;s have some fun here: Can you list the top ten best things to see and do in Orlando so noone misses something great. I haven%26#39;t been in a while but I%26#39;ll start with:

1. Spider-Man (UNI)

2. Towerr Of Terror (MGM)

3. Fantasmic (MGM)

4. Increedible Hulk (UNI) / Aerosmith (?)

5. Alien Encounter (Sorry I miss it!!!)

6. Haunted Mansion (MK)

7. Mickey%26#39;s Philharmagic (MK)

8. Test Track (E)

9. Kilamanjaro Safari (AK)

10. Watching the kids meet THE MICKSTER.

TOP TEN Greatest Attractions in Orlando

Alien Encounter ? Top ten? I would put that in my top 10 worst things to see.

TOP TEN Greatest Attractions in Orlando

Don%26#39;t miss Soarin at Epcot

Wishes fireworks at Magic Kingdom!!!!

Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom

We also enjoy Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at MGM

Mission Space is my favorite.

These are the only parks I%26#39;ve ever been to:

Magic Kingdom: Getting your picture taken with Mickey! Haunted Mansion Pirates of the Caribbean Space Mountain

Universal/Islands of Adventure: Incredible Hulk, Spiderman-4D, Jurassic Park, ET

Sea World, including the roller coaster, Kraken.

Discovery Cove, including the Dolphin encounter.

Planning on going to Epcot and MGM in March.

Keep those top ten lists coming!

1. Soarin (just awesome)

2. The wonderful countries in Epcot

3. Shrek 4-D at Universal

4. Jaws at Universal very cheesy we laughed and laughed.

5. The electric light parade at the magic kingdom

6. The haunted mansion mk

7. pirates of the caribbean mk

8. the laser light show at epcot

9. Old town orlando on a friday night

10. my kids loved the aerosmith ride at mgm.

My top ten are...

1) Discovery cove---Just WOW!...How beautifull and peacefull and the swim with the dolphin is a must do!

2) Seaworld - the whole park! it is my favourite park.

3) Market place at Downtown Disney - Can never have enough Disney shops!

4) Earl of sandwich at Disney Market place - If you%26#39;ve never had a sandwich from their then I highly recommend them! mmmmmm!

5)Fantasmic - It is amazing!

6)Its tough to be a bug! - Funny!

7)Beauty and the Beast show at MGM - I just like Beauty and the Beast

8)The Cracker Barrel - for the most delicious breakfasts-try the hash brown....Lip Smacking!

9)Congo river rapids at Busch (just slightly out of Orlando but near enough)

10) Clearwater - Again just slightly out but has the most amazing sunset and lovely seafood restaurant on the seafront (used to be called Johny Laverocks)

1. Spider Man - definitely

The rest in no particular order

2. Back to the Future

3. Men in Black

4. Tower of Terror (although I%26#39;ve had enough now!)

5. Journey to/from(?) Atlantis

6. Sea World generally

7. Castaway Creek, Typhoo Lagoon

8. Pirates Cove

9. Character dining - ie seeing the kids meet Mickey, etc

10. Terminator

anticipated - Discovery Cove, Mummy, Expedition Everest, Soarin, Mission Space plus anything else new since the last trip

Surely the recent surge in popularity of the Tiki Room with singing parrots has thrown such polls into a state of confusion.

I can only vote based on the attractions I have personally seen/ridden. These are in no specific order.

1. Tower of Terror (MGM)

2. Rockin Rollercoaster (MGM)

3. Spider Man (IOA)

4. The Mummy (IOA)

5. Test Track (Epcot)

6. Fantasmic (MGM)

7. Mission Space (Epcot)

8. Main Street (Magic Kingdom)

9. Kraken (SeaWorld)

10. Popeyes River Rapids (IOA) (I might have the wrong name for this).

This will be a little different type of attraction list.

1. Largest lake in Orlando: Lake Apopka

2. Most family-unfriendly area in Orlando: South Orange Blossom trail, a bit north of the Florida Mall

3. Best old non-chain chain fast food place: Beefy King (on Mills or Bumby)

4. Most serendipidous Elvis attraction: Elvis Graceland replica mansion in Pine Hills

5. Most obnoxious/disgusting Orlando radio personality to hit the big time: Larry the Cable Guy

6. Most dead-on Bill Clinton impersonator: Buddy Dyer, Orlando mayor

7. Best higher culture madhouse: Winter Park Arts Festival, spring

8. Best lower culture festival: Zellwood corn festival

9. Best famous alumnus local high school: Dr. Phillips High School

10. Best unique resort: Cypress Cove, Kissimmee

zits

Is this the best way to universal?

I got these directions from yahoo but they seem different than the way we went a couple years ago. They don%26#39;t mention the expressway and I think that we were on it briefly. Can anyone tell me if these are correct or if there is a better way?

From 8741 International Dr.:

Turn left onto Sand Lake from Intl Dr.

Turn right on Turkey Lake Rd (why do I think it was an expressway?)

There%26#39;s Universal!

Is this correct? Is this the best way back when everyone is leaving the park at the same time?

Is this the best way to universal?

That is a back-entrance to Universal, the more common entrance is Universal Blvd. thats on the more northen end of I-Drive. Both ways work, traffic is usually pretty busy on both roads so I dont think there will be any traffic advantage either way.

Is this the best way to universal?

I think it%26#39;s easier to get to the parking garages going in on Universal Blvd than taking the Turkey Lake entrance, but that%26#39;s just me. Be prepared for some congestion at the intersection of Universal Blvd. and I-Drive.

You also have the option to take I-4, which if you aren%26#39;t going or coming during the local work rush hour, is not a bad choice. There is an exit from I-4 to Sand Lake Road. You can access I-4 from either Univeral Blvd. or Kirkman Road.

You can also take Universal Blvd. to Sand Lake, turn right, and take Kirkman Road (the next exit, and it%26#39;s on the left) north. There is a main Universal entrance off Kirkman Road just north of I-4.

From Turkey Lake, you have to take a right on Vineland Rd. (there%26#39;s a fork in the road; Turkey Lake goes left, Vineland Rd. goes right). The Universal entrance will be on the right from Vineland Rd.

Hi, Would these same directions apply from The Homewood at 8745 I. Drive?

We will be renting a wheelchair at Universal and I believe you obtain them at the parking garage structure.

Many Thanks!

bump. Thanks

Comfort Inn Airport hotel

Has anyone stayed at the Comfort Inn Airport Hotel? My husband and I will get there around 8 pm, get dinner, go to bed, check out in the morning to our nice hotel (Lago Mar). I%26#39;m looking for a clean room and some quiet, that%26#39;s it. It%26#39;s very inexpensive ($103/nt) so I%26#39;m a little concerned about it. Thanks

Comfort Inn Airport hotel

Don%26#39;t even think about it. The hotel is a complete dump. Try the La Quinta instead. It is a nice, affordable hotel that has just been redone. You might even want to take the time to enjoy the free deluxe continental breakfast that the hotel serves each morning before you head to your next hotel. I have included a link to the hotel%26#39;s webpage in case you would like to see pictures of the hotel and to get further information.

Help with 14yr old !!

Why is my 14yr old not excited about this trip? It%26#39;s his first time and he%26#39;s upset that we%26#39;re going on a ';kid'; vacation.... Do you suppose he%26#39;ll change his tune once we arrive?

Help with 14yr old !!

key word here is 14. i may be wrong, but does he seem excited about very much lately? does he seem excited to spend days with his family? might it be possible to allow him to invite a friend along?

does he like roller coasters? where are you staying? how about the hard rock? i dont know exactly what ';trip'; he is not excited about.....

Help with 14yr old !!

14 bless you you have all my sympathy this is a hard age because they are in the zone of inbetween not a child any more (but to us they are) yet not old enough to be a adult (yet they think they are), his emotions may be there but just hidden from view, deep down he maybe excited but just trying to show what he thinks he should from a adultish point of view, now just a idea but maybe if you show him things away from the disney side and more on the wild animals or sports side (because these things seem acceptable somehow) this might make him feel more better for example you could look at www.viator.com at the tours they do around orlando like the everglades tour in the dark to see the alligators etc this might appeal to him more. or sports etc this might help. they seem to think of disney etc as childish and do not look at the stuff on offer that the parks also provide, let him know that fear factors at universal with participation from the aduience, he could go in the helicopter rides on international drive or kissemee theres alot more to offer than just the parks for him....good luck all the best and i hope that all of you enjoy your holiday

I have 3 teens, show him stuff about Disney Quest and the water parks. The water parks have some pretty awesome stuff. Stay someplace where there will be other teens to hang out with. Mine like rides, so I always focus on the coolest rides, like Everest. Ask him if any of his friends have gone to WDW. My kids say all their friends say it%26#39;s awesome, so that makes them even more excited. Take him on an airboat ride to see alligators. And if none of that works...may the force be with you.

You didn%26#39;t say but I assume your just taking about Disney because he should love IOA.

When you go I would do MGM with tower of terror, rock n roller coaster, and the stunt show first to keep him interested than do Epcot with test track, mission space and soarin, than Animal Kingdom if Expedition Everest is open, Kali River Rapids,and Dinosaur, and than do Magic Kingdom last.

He should like DisneyQuest, whenever we go to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom I drop my 12 and 14 year old (boys)off at DisneyQuest while we go to those parks, but they been to those parks a few dozen times and this is his first so he doesn%26#39;t really know what to expect.

Oh, now to worry hotinthemaritimes they just pretend they are not excited or having a good time when they are 14. The good news is my now 18 year old requested his last trip before heading off to college be Disney World!

Last year I took my 15 year old sister on her first trip to Disney World. She didn%26#39;t say anything negative before the trip, but she wasn%26#39;t as excited as I was (well, okay, no one was more excited than me!) But of course she loved it!! Now we are planning another trip this June and she is very excited about going. I think it is a good idea to play up the thrill rides-she loved Tower of Terror, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, etc.

Meant NOT to worry!

At 14 they may or may not like a lot of the Disney parks. If you%26#39;ve been to other thrill parks and that%26#39;s what the kid is used to he/she will find a large part of the Disney parks boring and childish. If not then at least half of the each Disney park should have some appeal. Certainly Universal and especially Islands Of Adventure should suite them. My 10 yo really doesn%26#39;t care all that much for most of the stuff at Disney any more and would rather spend more time at the Universal parks. I guess it all depends on the kid and what they have done in the last few years. Nothing like having your parents drag you through some kiddie park because they want to re-live their childhood.

See if you can get your son to go through the websites for all the different parks and pick out the attractions/rides he thinks will be fun. Sometimes at that age, they really appreciate having someone value their opinion, plus, you%26#39;ll know ahead of time what he wants to avoid. If he%26#39;s into sports, check and see what%26#39;s going on at Disney%26#39;s Wide World of Sports. Sometimes during spring training, they have a lot of activities going on there. If you have your heart set on the Magic Kingdom, and he thinks it%26#39;s just for kids, you can always wait until he%26#39;s off to college and come back for a ';kids'; trip of your own!

My 17 yr. old got to pick anywhere to go in the country for her graduation present from us and this is where she wants to go...So we%26#39;re going for spring break. We went when she was 13 and having a hard time being a teenager. She LOVED it. Maybe you could some how get him involved in planning one or more of the days...including one of the cool restaurants. Downtown Disney has an awesome Virgin Records...my daughter was so excited, She spent lots of time there on our first trip. She also loved the World Showcase in Epcot. She got candy from each of the countries to bring back for her friends. And the water parks were filled with teenagers. A lot of what Disney world offers is for older kids. I am sure he will love it when he gets there.