Why should adults have to go to meetings in Orlando?
Feb 17th, 2010, 09:38 AM
#81
Thanks. That's the elderly one on the beach at Jekyll. That's her "posing" for the camera (she always looks away).
She loves to travel.
The new pup looks directly at the camera and hams it up
She loves to travel.
The new pup looks directly at the camera and hams it up
Feb 17th, 2010, 10:01 AM
#82
I don't get the antipathy towards someone laying out why they think Orlando isn't the greatest place for a business meeting. As Mike points out, this is a travel website and presumably opinions regarding what makes a destination good for business travel would seem to be fair game. No surprise probably that I have the same feeling about Orlando as a business destination. Would I rather have a job that meets in Orlando than no job? Um, yes, but we are discussing travel destinations here, not the job market.
There are many cities in which, at the end of the day, you are not required to get in a car and drive anywhere. Cities in which there is an interesting, vibrant downtown. Orlando can be great fun if you are going there to take the family to Disney World, but it is not a really interesting city IMHO.
There are many cities in which, at the end of the day, you are not required to get in a car and drive anywhere. Cities in which there is an interesting, vibrant downtown. Orlando can be great fun if you are going there to take the family to Disney World, but it is not a really interesting city IMHO.
Feb 17th, 2010, 10:45 AM
#84
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Wow. I had no idea I would set this in motion. In my defense I would like to add just a couple of points, realizing that I am painting a target on my chest for those Orlando defenders.
First, I was at a professional conference and paid my own way. I own my own company and am darned glad to have any business at all in the economy. (Duh: that's why I went to this meeting!) So those of you who think I should get "fired" for not appreciating the chance to go to a meeting can relax. I have a right to let other travelers know what it is like to be held hostage at a poor hotel with bad food. (I didn't even mention how lousy the concierge was.)
Second, I did rent a car online, reserved well before the trip, so that I could visit a friend's home (where I had a fabulous meal, btw.) But the system of freeways, with constant tollbooths, was a huge hassle. I was lucky to have a navigator or I might not have made it, even with my MapQuest directions and phone to guide me. At the end of the evening, I turned the car back in at the hotel. A couple of days later, when I discovered for the first time that it would cost $80 ($40 each way) to go to another location for a decent meal, I tried to rent another car. None was available, and I was told that even if it had been, it would have been considerably more than the original rental. So I sucked up the $80 fare to go eat a decent meal with a client at the Ritz Carlton.
Finally, I would like to say that the Ritz seems like a lovely property and the meal was amazing. We were even able to get the New York Times. But there is still NOTHING TO DO there! We actually wound up looking at the art in the halls just to have a little break before returning to the Dolphin. Since I don't play golf and I didn't want a massage, after a walk around the grounds and the hotel, we just gave up and went back.
Sure, I would have liked to see a museum or some local shops, eat at another good restaurant, or even go to a movie but at $80 per round trip for transportation, I was trapped. And it was quite cold the whole time, so I didn't even get to the pool.
Ok. Ready, aim, FIRE!
First, I was at a professional conference and paid my own way. I own my own company and am darned glad to have any business at all in the economy. (Duh: that's why I went to this meeting!) So those of you who think I should get "fired" for not appreciating the chance to go to a meeting can relax. I have a right to let other travelers know what it is like to be held hostage at a poor hotel with bad food. (I didn't even mention how lousy the concierge was.)
Second, I did rent a car online, reserved well before the trip, so that I could visit a friend's home (where I had a fabulous meal, btw.) But the system of freeways, with constant tollbooths, was a huge hassle. I was lucky to have a navigator or I might not have made it, even with my MapQuest directions and phone to guide me. At the end of the evening, I turned the car back in at the hotel. A couple of days later, when I discovered for the first time that it would cost $80 ($40 each way) to go to another location for a decent meal, I tried to rent another car. None was available, and I was told that even if it had been, it would have been considerably more than the original rental. So I sucked up the $80 fare to go eat a decent meal with a client at the Ritz Carlton.
Finally, I would like to say that the Ritz seems like a lovely property and the meal was amazing. We were even able to get the New York Times. But there is still NOTHING TO DO there! We actually wound up looking at the art in the halls just to have a little break before returning to the Dolphin. Since I don't play golf and I didn't want a massage, after a walk around the grounds and the hotel, we just gave up and went back.
Sure, I would have liked to see a museum or some local shops, eat at another good restaurant, or even go to a movie but at $80 per round trip for transportation, I was trapped. And it was quite cold the whole time, so I didn't even get to the pool.
Ok. Ready, aim, FIRE!
Feb 17th, 2010, 11:07 AM
#85
"Ok. Ready, aim, FIRE!"
No target practice.
You didn't like the Ritz. You didn't like the Dolphin.
We had people belly-aching about being at the Breakers when they wished they were the group at the Four Seasons and vice versa. We had a male rep who hated meetings at Sanibel, so we made them "girls only, toes in the sand" meetings. We had people that hated being at Celebration because it was so "manufactured". We had people that hated being at beachfront locations on the most beautiful sugar white sand in the Panhandle. We had people that complained about private cruises along the Intercoastal in Fort Lauderdale. We had people that complained about...
Which is my point. No matter WHERE the business meeting might be, SOMEbody is going to complain.
Complain away. People vent on here all the time. And, people offer their opinions all the time. I worked for some companies that made co-workers from opposite ends of the country room together at meetings. The locations wer fabulous, but most of us would rather be at a Hampton Inn somewhere than share a room. My January meetings were at a Hyatt in very walkable city and a Hyatt Place at an airport location.
Both were great BUSINESS meetings. I stand firm in these thoughts -
1) If you are traveling somewhere to a business meeting anywhere, count yourself lucky.
2) No matter where that business meeting will be held, someone will complain.
No target practice.
You didn't like the Ritz. You didn't like the Dolphin.
We had people belly-aching about being at the Breakers when they wished they were the group at the Four Seasons and vice versa. We had a male rep who hated meetings at Sanibel, so we made them "girls only, toes in the sand" meetings. We had people that hated being at Celebration because it was so "manufactured". We had people that hated being at beachfront locations on the most beautiful sugar white sand in the Panhandle. We had people that complained about private cruises along the Intercoastal in Fort Lauderdale. We had people that complained about...
Which is my point. No matter WHERE the business meeting might be, SOMEbody is going to complain.
Complain away. People vent on here all the time. And, people offer their opinions all the time. I worked for some companies that made co-workers from opposite ends of the country room together at meetings. The locations wer fabulous, but most of us would rather be at a Hampton Inn somewhere than share a room. My January meetings were at a Hyatt in very walkable city and a Hyatt Place at an airport location.
Both were great BUSINESS meetings. I stand firm in these thoughts -
1) If you are traveling somewhere to a business meeting anywhere, count yourself lucky.
2) No matter where that business meeting will be held, someone will complain.
Feb 17th, 2010, 11:15 AM
#86
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"If you are traveling somewhere to a business meeting anywhere, count yourself lucky."
I assume you are going to go into the leisure travel threads and, the moment someone raises a concern, say "If you are traveling somewhere for leisure, count yourself lucky."
People are lucky to travel. That doesn't mean there aren't complaints and concerns. This is a travel site after all. It can't be all discussion of the Olympics and dogs and funny cat pictures.
I assume you are going to go into the leisure travel threads and, the moment someone raises a concern, say "If you are traveling somewhere for leisure, count yourself lucky."
People are lucky to travel. That doesn't mean there aren't complaints and concerns. This is a travel site after all. It can't be all discussion of the Olympics and dogs and funny cat pictures.
Feb 17th, 2010, 12:49 PM
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In an effort to be bipartisan, this is what I believe:
1) Orlando is not New York or _______. Don't expect it to be.
2) The Gaylord Palms is a lousy venue for an out-of-town visitor without a car. You really are trapped and held captive there with no place to go. There is nothing around.
3) If you stay in an I-Drive hotel, there are decent restaurants within walking distance. If you want to extend your range, there is the I-Drive Trolley. No cars are necessary.
http://www.orlando-internationaldriv...ley/index.html
3) Disney is another story. They want you to remain on property the entire duration of your stay. However, there are some very good restaurants there (ask us) or you can share a cab to restaurant row on Sand Lake Road for even more restaurant choices. Again, ask us!
4) Starrs is right. "No matter WHERE the business meeting might be, somebody is going to complain."
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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
1) Orlando is not New York or _______. Don't expect it to be.
2) The Gaylord Palms is a lousy venue for an out-of-town visitor without a car. You really are trapped and held captive there with no place to go. There is nothing around.
3) If you stay in an I-Drive hotel, there are decent restaurants within walking distance. If you want to extend your range, there is the I-Drive Trolley. No cars are necessary.
http://www.orlando-internationaldriv...ley/index.html
3) Disney is another story. They want you to remain on property the entire duration of your stay. However, there are some very good restaurants there (ask us) or you can share a cab to restaurant row on Sand Lake Road for even more restaurant choices. Again, ask us!
4) Starrs is right. "No matter WHERE the business meeting might be, somebody is going to complain."
_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Feb 17th, 2010, 01:09 PM
#94
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>
Well, yeah, but, as stated before, those cities don't necessarily have the convention facilities and hotel rooms available. And even if they do those convention facilities might not be in a great location--e.g., the Gaylord property at National Harbor south of DC.
>
I really don't get this idea that you can't get a decent meal on Disney property and just HAD to go to the Ritz. You were an easy walk from Don Shula Steakhouse, Todd English's Bluezoo, the Flying Fish Cafe and even Cat Cora's new restaurant. You were a short free bus ride away from two sit-down Wolfgang Puck restaurants, among others, and also free Disney transport or a short cab ride away from Victoria and Albert's (Mobil 4-star), California Grill, Artist Pointe and Jiko. Maybe none of these are your style but they certainly are more than adequate for business entertaining.
And I don't understand the whining about having to rent a car. I'd be renting for Scottsdale, LA, Fort Lauderdale, etc. as well. It may not be your preference, but it's certainly not some special problem with Orlando.
Well, yeah, but, as stated before, those cities don't necessarily have the convention facilities and hotel rooms available. And even if they do those convention facilities might not be in a great location--e.g., the Gaylord property at National Harbor south of DC.
>
I really don't get this idea that you can't get a decent meal on Disney property and just HAD to go to the Ritz. You were an easy walk from Don Shula Steakhouse, Todd English's Bluezoo, the Flying Fish Cafe and even Cat Cora's new restaurant. You were a short free bus ride away from two sit-down Wolfgang Puck restaurants, among others, and also free Disney transport or a short cab ride away from Victoria and Albert's (Mobil 4-star), California Grill, Artist Pointe and Jiko. Maybe none of these are your style but they certainly are more than adequate for business entertaining.
And I don't understand the whining about having to rent a car. I'd be renting for Scottsdale, LA, Fort Lauderdale, etc. as well. It may not be your preference, but it's certainly not some special problem with Orlando.
Feb 17th, 2010, 01:34 PM
#95
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I've had to travel to Orlando many, many times. Conferences and vacations. With kids, college students and adults. I've stayed everywhere you can think of. Rented cars, used taxis, and the bus. I think I have dined at every place imaginable. I have spent thousands at DW and Universal. I've been subject to all kinds of weather.
I can honestly say (and without bias) that I would slit my wrists before I went back to Orlando.
I can honestly say (and without bias) that I would slit my wrists before I went back to Orlando.
Feb 17th, 2010, 02:48 PM
#96
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Dutch, you are too funny.
I could write your post, except that we are going to Orlando this spring. We go to visit my mother-in-law every other year (on the Gulf coast) for spring break, and every other trip we spend a few days in Orlando. We have found that two nights is all that we can handle. This trip, we are going to visit MGM Studios. Our boys have never been there -- we have concentrated on universal our past two trips. My younger son is looking forward to visiting the Vans skate Park. (My husband and I just can't wait. We are still trying to forget staying at the Nickelodean Suites, lol.)
We never fly into Orlando anymore. The last time we did, it took us over 90 minutes to get our rental car from Alamo. My sister-in-law reported a similar experience when they went. We now fly into Tampa. Airfares are typically a bit cheaper, and the airport is more convenient for our return trip (since we spend the end of our trip in Sarasota). Tampa has become one of my favorite airports. It is very convenient to maneuver. Once we land, we get our luggage and only have to walk right across the street to get our rental car. It really is one of the most pleasant airports that we have visited domestically.
Re: thankful you have a job thing.
On this site, every time I ask a travel question, I wouldn't want to be told that I should be thankful we can travel because we still have jobs.
Because I really am well aware of that.
I could write your post, except that we are going to Orlando this spring. We go to visit my mother-in-law every other year (on the Gulf coast) for spring break, and every other trip we spend a few days in Orlando. We have found that two nights is all that we can handle. This trip, we are going to visit MGM Studios. Our boys have never been there -- we have concentrated on universal our past two trips. My younger son is looking forward to visiting the Vans skate Park. (My husband and I just can't wait. We are still trying to forget staying at the Nickelodean Suites, lol.)
We never fly into Orlando anymore. The last time we did, it took us over 90 minutes to get our rental car from Alamo. My sister-in-law reported a similar experience when they went. We now fly into Tampa. Airfares are typically a bit cheaper, and the airport is more convenient for our return trip (since we spend the end of our trip in Sarasota). Tampa has become one of my favorite airports. It is very convenient to maneuver. Once we land, we get our luggage and only have to walk right across the street to get our rental car. It really is one of the most pleasant airports that we have visited domestically.
Re: thankful you have a job thing.
On this site, every time I ask a travel question, I wouldn't want to be told that I should be thankful we can travel because we still have jobs.
Because I really am well aware of that.
Feb 17th, 2010, 02:51 PM
#97
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And I don't understand the whining about having to rent a car. I'd be renting for Scottsdale, LA, Fort Lauderdale, etc. as well. It may not be your preference, but it's certainly not some special problem with Orlando.
In threads of why people don't going to Scottsdale and Ft. Lauderdale (two places I don't like going for business either, but fortunately can usually avoid), we'd have the same complaint. And, as I said, some employers won't reimburse for car rentals, which always makes car rentals a problem on business trips.
I have to ask for special approval before renting a car if I'm attending a conference.
In threads of why people don't going to Scottsdale and Ft. Lauderdale (two places I don't like going for business either, but fortunately can usually avoid), we'd have the same complaint. And, as I said, some employers won't reimburse for car rentals, which always makes car rentals a problem on business trips.
I have to ask for special approval before renting a car if I'm attending a conference.
Fine, it'll be JillDavis, Orlando Vic and me then.
Feb 17th, 2010, 03:20 PM
#99
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and we'll supply the razor blades!
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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Feb 17th, 2010, 04:21 PM
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We've been to Orlando 5x since 2000. I'm far from being a kid, and I loved all the trips. But, living in SE KS (boring), I jump at the chance to go anywhere, even Orlando.
1st time, 2000 - Rural Elec. Coop conference for DH (all expenses paid except my airfare). Stayed at Holiday Inn on N. I-Drive, used the trolley to get around. While DH was in meetings, I walked & shopped along I-Drive. Worst part -- it was spring break, so a little congested at times. After a long day of meetings & dinner, we were both ready to relax at the hotel. Weather was cool, but very pleasant & certainly better than what we were having in KS.
2nd time, 2001 - We went to Ft. Lauderdale for a week & decided to drive to Orlando for the flight home b/c it's so much cheaper for us to fly in/out of Orlando from Wichita, Tulsa or KC. I was able to get us free rooms through our timeshare & stayed at the Wyndham Resort on I-Drive. Had a relaxing 3 days there, went to Sea World. Weather was perfect.
3rd time, 2005 - Another REC conference. Lodging: Hilton inside the Disney Complex, which was very nice, 1 block from Downtown Disney, so I wandered around there during the days while he had meetings & spent time by the pool. When the hotel is free... it's great!! Weather cool, but sunny. Used the bus to get around or rode with other conference attendees who rented cars when we did go out.
4th time, 2006.. exchanged time share for the Bonnet Creek Wyndham Resort inside Disney. took my son, wife, Payton and my nephew, his wife & 2 boys & spent 4 days at Disney World, then drove to Ft. Myers Beach for a wedding. This is my favorite trip, Payton was 2 1/2 & I was so glad to get to go on his first trip to Disney. It was the end of June & very hot, but hot weather on vacation is better than hot weather at home anytime.
5th time, 2007 -- Time share promotion, stayed at Blue-Green Fountains Resort, which was really nice. We spent the only sunny morning at Universal Studios, the rest of the time it was cloudy & cold, we stayed in most of the time, but did get out to eat each night. We rented a car. It was mid-December & they had the coldest temperatures in all of 2007 while we were there, down to 30 degrees one night & snow. Still it was good to get away.
Starrs has it almost right... No matter WHERE the meetings are, someone will complain.... but not me!!! I love travel and would go to Orlando every year if I could. DH is no longer on the Rural Elec. Coop board, so our "expenses paid" trips have come to an end and I sure miss them. Life is too short to complain and be negative... I travel where I can & when I can and enjoy being there!!!
And, if there is ever a GTG in Orlando, I will seriously consider going, if it fits into my schedule!
1st time, 2000 - Rural Elec. Coop conference for DH (all expenses paid except my airfare). Stayed at Holiday Inn on N. I-Drive, used the trolley to get around. While DH was in meetings, I walked & shopped along I-Drive. Worst part -- it was spring break, so a little congested at times. After a long day of meetings & dinner, we were both ready to relax at the hotel. Weather was cool, but very pleasant & certainly better than what we were having in KS.
2nd time, 2001 - We went to Ft. Lauderdale for a week & decided to drive to Orlando for the flight home b/c it's so much cheaper for us to fly in/out of Orlando from Wichita, Tulsa or KC. I was able to get us free rooms through our timeshare & stayed at the Wyndham Resort on I-Drive. Had a relaxing 3 days there, went to Sea World. Weather was perfect.
3rd time, 2005 - Another REC conference. Lodging: Hilton inside the Disney Complex, which was very nice, 1 block from Downtown Disney, so I wandered around there during the days while he had meetings & spent time by the pool. When the hotel is free... it's great!! Weather cool, but sunny. Used the bus to get around or rode with other conference attendees who rented cars when we did go out.
4th time, 2006.. exchanged time share for the Bonnet Creek Wyndham Resort inside Disney. took my son, wife, Payton and my nephew, his wife & 2 boys & spent 4 days at Disney World, then drove to Ft. Myers Beach for a wedding. This is my favorite trip, Payton was 2 1/2 & I was so glad to get to go on his first trip to Disney. It was the end of June & very hot, but hot weather on vacation is better than hot weather at home anytime.
5th time, 2007 -- Time share promotion, stayed at Blue-Green Fountains Resort, which was really nice. We spent the only sunny morning at Universal Studios, the rest of the time it was cloudy & cold, we stayed in most of the time, but did get out to eat each night. We rented a car. It was mid-December & they had the coldest temperatures in all of 2007 while we were there, down to 30 degrees one night & snow. Still it was good to get away.
Starrs has it almost right... No matter WHERE the meetings are, someone will complain.... but not me!!! I love travel and would go to Orlando every year if I could. DH is no longer on the Rural Elec. Coop board, so our "expenses paid" trips have come to an end and I sure miss them. Life is too short to complain and be negative... I travel where I can & when I can and enjoy being there!!!
And, if there is ever a GTG in Orlando, I will seriously consider going, if it fits into my schedule!
