First of all, thanks to everyone who contributes to this board, it is because of your enthusiasm that we FINALLY picked a destination. I have a few questions if you don't mind answering it would be great as I really want to maximize our fun!

1. Water Park- I hear there is/was one being built. Does anyone know the status?

2. Top Restaurants- I know it's a loaded question, but what is the best for romance, fun, or great value? How much is a cab from Renaissance to Flying Fishbone?

3. Cab or Rent a car? Staying for one week.

Again, thanks and I've loved all of your stories!

Sean

Well, I don't know about the water park, since I haven't been back since last year so I will address the rent a car or cab it around...
If you are planning on venturing out on your own to visit baby beach or natural bridge or pool then you probably want to rent something. Depending on how adventurous you are you can rent a jeep with no air and take the top off and enjoy the heat...I am going down for 2 weeks starting on the 11th and Arubaroyal rent a car has a 20% discount going right now...you can do it online. I have always done it this way and never had trouble.
As for the restaurants....Flying Fishbone is good, I like El Gaucho ...it depends on what u r hungry for,,,

Aruba, my home away from home !!

1. Waterpark still work in progress
2. We always rent a car for the convenience and cab fares although reasonable add up quickly also first trip I would take one of the island jeep tours
3. Restaurants Madame Janettes, Passions at the Amsterdam manor are two that popped into my mind but there are so many I am sure others will respond with more

have a great trip you made a wise decision

Hi,
Water park still in progress, close to LaCabana. Depalm island has a small water park, and has other acitivities there maybe worth checking out on line before you go, snorkeling etc., Rent a car for few days, it'll save on those $10 cab rides around and wil give you a flavor for the island.Restuarants worth checking out include Flying Fishbone, Madame Jeannette's, Iguana Joes, Sunset Grille, El Guacho's.........plenty to choose from. Enjoy

Cindyo
View of Rennaissance Island
Daughters dining at El Gaucho

Next Aruba trip in

Roundtrip Renn to flying fishbone $35.00 plus tip. Best if you rented a jeep for 2 or 3 days to explore island and do far away restaurants on your own. Many others at beach resorts can be gotten to by public bus for $2.30 roundtrip per person. Good ones downtown you can simply walk to, including 2 casinos.

There is a smallish waterpark presently on De Palm Island. From what I understand it is geared towards the little ones, does not compare to American style waterparks and not nearly worth the price of admission to DP Island.

Another waterpark near the low rise hotels is under construction but is no where near finished.

• Romance- Flying Fishbone http://www.flyingfishbone.com/
• Fun- anywhere we dine is fun, afterall, it IS Aruba
• Great Value- Marina Pirata http://www.marinapiratarestaurant.com/

First time visitor? If you are NOT adventurous at ALL and plan on spending every waking moment on the beach, then no, do rent a car. Otherwise, yes, definitely!

If you plan on only using the car for dinner out and a shopping trip into Oranjestad, taxis can work out cheaper. http://taxiaruba.com/new/farelist.html

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

my wife and i stay at the renaissance every year..you can rent a car for a day and see the entire island..other than that you can take the bus, $4.60 round trip for 2, or cab it to restaurants..many great restaurants(madame janettes, lg smith's, el gaucho, le dome, sunset grille, chez matilde, que pasa, iguana joes) to name a few..staying at the renaissance you're right in the heart of downtown with much to do..the private island there is awesome..good luck and congrats..say hi to araida at blue bar and juana in aquarius..they're nice ladies..also, john grigg the f&b manager at the ren is top notch..anything you need see him..