Shultzy

We have booked 4 days in Disneyworld but wanted to spend an extra week on the beach that is nice and good for kids.

Any thoughts. Anywhere between Miami and Orlando works for us.

Thanks.

LuvToGo

Cocoa Beach is a lot of fun for kids and a straight shot from Disney (a little over an hour away). If you want to go to the gulf coast I would recommend St. Pete beach. Waves are better at Cocoa, sunset more beautiful on the gulf. Either way you can't go wrong.

Maureen04

We went to Disney in April first then on to Sanibel Island on the Gulf Coast for a week. It is the only way I can get my husband to go to Disney is to lure him for a beach vacation afterwards. After the hectic ritual in Disney, Sanibel was exactly what we were looking for - quiet and uncrowded.

lauren25

I really enjoyed Cocoa Beach. My friend lives there and we spent a full week just sitting in the sand. You can also go to Ron Jon's Surf Shop.

hobbs1

We just returned from a week at Long Boat Key. This time of year the gulf is still warm and no crowds. Long Boat is south of Tampa. It is a very relaxing place. We have stayed at McCalls beach castle for 4 years now. They have ocean front and bay view condos that are fully equipped and cheaper than a motel room.

Shultzy

thanks for the tips. Cocoa Beach sounds perfert. Is it one the way to Miami? Just wondering if you have any hotel or motel recommendations.

many thanks.

Postal

If your kids like roller coasters, skip a day at Disney for a day at Islands of Adventure!

Rich

We spent a week at DisneyWorld last February. Stopped at Longboat Key for a day to recover, then went down to the Keys for a few days. No beach at the Keys, but a very relaxing trip. We spent a couple of days in Key West, then returned home. Neat trip.

Rich

Shultzy

Where to stay in Key West with Kids? Also looking for recommendations for Balboa beach or the like that is a short drive from Disneyworld and good for kids.

Thanks.

jor

After the fakery of Disney take the kids to Cape Kennedy for a dose of the the real world. Its a great learning experience in space travel and the reality of what society is willing to do and not do.

keysmom

Shultzy - I see from another post that you have kids age 3 and 6. Here's my advice on what to do with your 10 days of vacation. I assume you have to fly in and out of Orlando. WARNING - my family says I overplan vacations so take this with a grain of salt (and throw in a Margarita with that salt)!
1. Be sure to check out www.mousesavers.com regarding your Disney days. There may be some savings available to you. Costwise, a multi-day pass will make the most sense and given the age of your kids, there's no need to do anything other than Disney. Get the "Unofficial guide to DW" to help determine what rides will appeal to your kids. Plan to spend time on Tom Sawyer's Island so they can just run and play. The Island also has sandwiches that aren't fried- a nice change from most of DW.
2. After Disney, drive to Ft. L or Miami. Either one will be fun for you. The Space Center is very interesting - but for older kids. I'd skip it for now. Spend a few days relaxing on the beach.
3. Drive to the Everglades Florida City entrance. (text search Everglades for the what and where of this). This will be a 1.5 to 2.5 hour drive depending on where you are coming from (Miami or Ft. L).
4. Continue on and spend a Friday or Saturday night at Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. They have an evening kids club that will let you and your spouse have a nice, adult dinner. Cheeca is a great resort. If you can't be there Fri or Sat, stay in Islamorada anyway but have dinner at Morada Bay. The kids can play in the sand while you have a nice meal. Feed the tarpon at Robbies (mm 77). Rent a boat (this is fun and easy if you have any degree of nautical competence) or hire a captain and cruise around the back county. If you don't mind splitting up, the 6 year old could try a snorkelling trip with one parent. The other will need to stay home with the 3 year old.
5. Drive back to Orlando the day before you have to fly home. From Islamorada, this will be a 6 hour drive.
6. Have a great time!

jor

keysmom, your family is right.

Shultzy

Hi there, Thanks for all your information. I will look into all but I am not sure that the 6 hr drive will work. Anyway I was wondering if you had any tips regarding places to stay at Disneyworld or area. We are Canadians so $225 USD is a little steep. Maybe $125 would be OK.
Many thanks.