question for the resident Floridians!

[Big Fish]

Thought there must be a pile of you out there who might have some knowledge in regards to our question!
This xmas we are joining a friends family reunion on (dare I say it) a cruise!! Not our choice at all and yup we are cruise virgins as the whole AI scene isn't our thing but the company we're going with are great and its to celebrate a very special person's birthday. As we have to depart Ft Lauderdale on Dec 23rd, and we're in that neck of the woods (so to speak), we're also going to do a few days in Orlando at DW - something we've managed to put off long enough with the kids!

So...we're flying into Orlando and after the cruise out of Ft Lauderdale. What in your expert opinions would be the best way to get from Orlando (DW) to Ft Lauderdale? I went online and found the distance between the 2 is approx 209km. Fly, rent a car (o/w dropoff), taxi of some description, bus? Can anyone comment about how long it actually takes to drive?
Thanks v much........

[JoanieBlon]

Originally Posted by Big Fish

Thought there must be a pile of you out there who might have some knowledge in regards to our question!
This xmas we are joining a friends family reunion on (dare I say it) a cruise!! Not our choice at all and yup we are cruise virgins as the whole AI scene isn't our thing but the company we're going with are great and its to celebrate a very special person's birthday. As we have to depart Ft Lauderdale on Dec 23rd, and we're in that neck of the woods (so to speak), we're also going to do a few days in Orlando at DW - something we've managed to put off long enough with the kids!

So...we're flying into Orlando and after the cruise out of Ft Lauderdale. What in your expert opinions would be the best way to get from Orlando (DW) to Ft Lauderdale? I went online and found the distance between the 2 is approx 209km. Fly, rent a car (o/w dropoff), taxi of some description, bus? Can anyone comment about how long it actually takes to drive?
Thanks v much........

Depends on how many of you there will be, but I would be inclined to drive it instead of taking a plane. In the long run, driving is probably quicker and more convenient than negotiating both airports. You can either do a "picturesque route," although most of the interior of Florida isn't espcially picturesque, or just drive right on down the Florida Turnpike. If you travel the Turnpike, I'm guessing that you should be able to make it (with a rest stop) to Ft. Lauderdale in about 3-1/2 hours UNLESS you are traveling during "Rush Hours."

Google Image Result for http://www.floridasturnpiketraffic.com/images/full_map.jpg

By the way, Orlando, with all its many attractions, IS fun to do now and then. Mike and I are going there next weekend to celebrate my birthday.
We're staying in the beautiful Portofino Bay resort at Universal, going to both theme parks (staying at Portofino allows us to go to the head of the line for ALL rides ~ a GREAT perk) and we're also seeing The Blue Man Group, who now have a permanent theater at Universal. We've seen them before in Las Vegas and a traveling show in Tampa. Love them!

[Big Fish]

Knew you'd be one of the resident experts to know this stuff Nerak! Thanks.
There will only be 4 of us (incl 9 and 11yo). Is there such a thing as a transfer service - you know like playa.info's one that can act like a taxi that you can book?

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Big Fish

Knew you'd be one of the resident experts to know this stuff Nerak! Thanks.
There will only be 4 of us (incl 9 and 11yo). Is there such a thing as a transfer service - you know like playa.info's one that can act like a taxi that you can book?

Nerak? Nope.
hehe

[Big Fish]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

Nerak? Nope.
hehe

yes of course Nerak - I don't expect you to book it !! But hey that would make things a whole pile easier for one
You're wide awake today Babs obviously!

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Big Fish

yes of course Nerak - I don't expect you to book it !! But hey that would make things a whole pile easier for one
You're wide awake today Babs obviously!

i'm confused
Nerak did not respond to your post
JoanieBlon responded to your post
i'm still confused

[JoanieBlon]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

i'm confused
Nerak did not respond to your post
JoanieBlon responded to your post
i'm still confused

I'm JoanieBlon and I live in Tampa. Nerak lives in Massachusetts! In the photo below, Nerak (Karen) is center left with reddish hair. I (Joan) am to her right with blonde hair. Although we both have curly hair and we both wear glasses, we most definitely are different people!

At any rate, take a look at this website: CRUISE CONNECTION

I don't have any experience with this company, nor do I know anyone who has used them, but they do advertise "reasonable" prices on one-way transportation from Orlando to Port Everglades and the Port of Miami. If it was me, I would rent a car at the Orlando International Airport, so you have a way to get around Orlando, which is VERY spread out, and then return the car in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

[Big Fish]

Duuuuhhhhh!!! Stooooopid me!! and you can say it a completehead!! So sorry..... :emb arr:thats what happens when I don't really read who its from in haste! One of those.....holy cow do you (JoanieBlon) and Nerak have similarities! Just saw the curly blond hair and glasses and rattled away. Please forgive me There was one point I was thinking (gosh Nerak changed her avatar again - and her hair grew!)....but in too much of a rush!!

So JoanieBlon......THANKYOU for your responses!! Really appreciate a local's input.
And Babs....you're still far too awake!! So yes I completely understand everyone's confusion now - mine included Sorry again

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Big Fish

Duuuuhhhhh!!! Stooooopid me!! and you can say it a completehead!! So sorry..... :emb arr:thats what happens when I don't really read who its from in haste! One of those.....holy cow do you (JoanieBlon) and Nerak have similarities! Just saw the curly blond hair and glasses and rattled away. Please forgive me There was one point I was thinking (gosh Nerak changed her avatar again - and her hair grew!)....but in too much of a rush!!

So JoanieBlon......THANKYOU for your responses!! Really appreciate a local's input.
And Babs....you're still far too awake!! So yes I completely understand everyone's confusion now - mine included Sorry again

that's ok
i'm kinda laughing at your apology