Theme park, schmeme park, as long as you're having fun

The Orlando Doubletree Universal, our home for the June 27-July1 NMA reunion, is, of course, located adjacent to the Unviversal Studios resort. I won't likely be visiting that attraction; I managed Memphis without a trip to Elvis's mansion, and I think I'll come home from a get-together with my shipmates with no regrets over having missed out on Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster and the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe.

Disney World is also close by. Eleven miles, actually. I've never been there, and I don't see how it could measure up to my visit to the Tokyo Disney Land with the 7th Fleet Band, an excruciating afternoon of hidden speakers blaring a non-stop version of "It's a Smarr Word After Oar."

I suspect that, among jam sessions, band rehearsals,concerts, meetings, dinners and dances, I'll have plenty to do right at the Doubletree.

View Larger Map

11 miles from Doubletree (upper right) to Disney World (lower left).

Less than 3 weeks 'til NMA reunion

Good grief. I wake up, look at the calendar and see that only 19 days remain until the NMA reunion. So much to do before I leave for Orlando:

-- Provide world leaders with contingency plans to be implemented in cases of emergency during my absence.

-- Find clothes that fit. I've slendered down a bit, and a lot of my trousers won't stay up unless I tie them over my shoulders with clothesline. Okay, it's not really that severe, but still, I don't want my pants falling down during "The Girl from Ipanema.:

-- Figure out how to use new video camera. It doesn't have buttons or knobs. It has a touch-screen, like an I-Pad or I-Pod or Kindling Wood or  TweetleDee or whatever those things are.

So much to do.

Walk to restaurants in Orlando

While at the Orlando Doubletree Universal for the NMA reunion, you'll, no doubt, enjoy the hotel's restaurant. Those those seeking variety will find that Orlando has a million other eateries.

But if you're looking for a meal without driving in traffic, the neighborhood provides alternatives within walking distance. The following restaurants are all about a quarter-mile or less from the hotel.

• T.G.I. Friday's. Food and beer, not necessarily in that order.
• Tabla Bar and Grill. Indian food. Try the paneer tikka masala. If you don't like it: back to T.G.I. Friday's. 
• Kobe Japanese Steak House. Any questions?
• Miller''s Ale House. Part of a widespread chain of restaurant/taverns that claim to have the warm ambiance of your bar back home. I hope they're not referring to the Shipwreck Lounge.
• Starbucks. Duh.
• Golden Corral. Duh with chicken.

Okay, so one or two of them may be three-tenths of a mile. In the barracks at NAVSUPPACT San Francisco, I walked further than that to go to the head.

NMA Reunion Live-blog 2012

The NMA Reunion Live-blog is like a Fender Rhodes electric piano, light beer or a Michael Bublé version of a Sinatra song--not as good as the real thing, but better than nothing.

In less than a month, MUs from across the country will gather in Orlando for a few days of music, camaraderie and out-and-out lying. If you haven’t signed up to attend, it’s not too late. The party begins June 27; go to the NMA website for registration information.

I hope to see you in Orlando, but if you have to stay home this year, you can still get a taste of the fun by following the annual NMA reunion "live-blog" throughout the week of the reunion. From Monday, June 25 (two days before the official opening of the reunion) until Sunday, June 30 (departure day for most attendees), come here for photos, interviews, assorted reports, rumors, revelations, scandals and tall tales. As an added bonus, this year I intend to feature, for the first time:

• Photos and videos in which you can actually make out what’s going on. (I've been studying with a former Navy Photographer’s Mate who is instructing me in the finer arts of removing the lens cap and other technicalities.)

In fact, since the season has begun, I'll be blogging frequently at Navy Lyres; stop by any time, check it out, leave a message.

See you at the reunion or online—

NMA Reunion 2012: Airport Shuttle Service

I'm flying to Orlando for the NMA reunion, and will need ground transportation to the Doubletree. The hotel does not have its own shuttle, but as a major resort, there's no shortage of transportation options. Because I turn into a quivering puddle of warm Jell-O at the thought of travel glitches, I've done the research.

The Doubletree Universal staff recommends Mears Transportation. Their shuttles in Orlando run to hotels and tourist attractions around the clock.

The Mears desk at Orlando International Airport is on Level 1 (near the car rental counters). There, you'll pay, get your ticket and be told where to wait for your shuttle. One-way transportation is $19, and round-trip is $30. They'll try to group travellers with geographically similar destinations together. Most trips take a half-hour to an hour.

The Mears desk closes at midnight. If you arrive later, call them, and they'll tell you where to get a shuttle. You'll need cash to pay the driver, though.

You can make advance reservations online at the Mears Transportation website. While it's not necessary, it can be an advantage. My flight arrives in Orlando at about 8:30 p.m. in the evening, and,being a professional worrier, I consider the chance that my plane will be delayed over the Arctic Circle and arrive at the airport after midnight.  Having made my reservation already, I got a trip voucher by e-mail. I can scan it at the desk and it will print out my ticket.

Mears provides other options. Visting royalty, heads of state and retired master chiefs may wish to hire a stretch limosine. For the common folk, they've got a fleet of taxis and other vehicles, which might be an option for a group travelling together.

In a nutshell:
Advance booking is not required, but can be done online or by phone. Round trip is cheaper. If you arrive after midnight, give Mears a call.

http://www.mearstransportation.com
(407) 423-5566

Frank Mullen is in no way associated with Mears Transportation and receives no remuneration or material benefit from promoting their services. He provides this information only because he loves you and wants your life to be better. Frank Mullen provides the best information available and takes no responsibilty for any damn thing that might go wrong.

U.S. Navy Memorial Day Tribute

Still fresh after a year.