Ian_rose2002

Hi all,

I'm hoping you can make some suggestions to make my search easier....

We are travelling out to Orlando, Florida next May with our 2 year, nearly 3 year old. We are going to spend the first week in Orlando exploring the Disney parks but then want to travel somewhere to spend the second week and have a chill.

We are flying into Tampa but the flight home can either be Fort Lauderdale or Tampa again so can drive to the East Coast or West Coast.

Would like somewhere with nice beaches, restaurants, etc and things to do with a toddler. I know that's quite a broad description!

Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks!

garyt22

A Two or three year old wont remember anything on this trip... pick a beach resort at Clearwater and do what you want... we spent thousands at Disney and they couldn't remember anything at that age... at six, they got it much better...

At 3, you can give them a cardboard box and they will have the same fun...

J62

I agree 100% with Gary. Save your $$$ for when the toddler is older.

but I do disagree with the cardboard box. You can't make banging noises with a cardboard box.

A metal pot and wooden spoon is better.

Dukey1

"Nice beaches" as in possibly going INTO the water? If so I would venture as far south as you feel comfortable. IMO this really should be about the two people who just happen to have a toddler along.

Could you also fly from Fort Myers or Sarasota? Are your departure points airline-specific?

Dukey1

The post above mine is a real estate advertisement from Dunn Realty in Panama City beach, Florida, which is not allowed on this site and I suggest you ignore it.

vincenzo32951

You'll probably want to spend most of your time on the west coast of FL, where the water is calmer and more friendly for a 3-year-old. The Venice area and its environs would fill the bill, IMHO.

Honestly, it's your money and your vaca, but a week at Disney with a 3-year-old does seem like a waste. But if you're doing it because you and your husband want to spend a week at Disney, then by all means, do it.

Ian_rose2002

Hi all,

Thanks very much for your responses.

TBH the first week we are spending as a big family with my dad and brother just to get a taste of Disney, not bothering with Universal or any of he other parks and will only be spending a few mornings and evenings in the parks. Will have a big villa with pool rct so will be looking to enjoy that as well.

We've then decided to break away from them for the second week to spend as a 3 so will be looking to book a nice hotel with pool near a nice beach and restaurants, etc. Will have a car though as well so can drive to nearby attractions.

I was thinking maybe Sarasota or one of the keys, I've heard of Siesta key maybe if anyone can comment on one of those areas?

Thanks
Ian

vincenzo32951

I like Sarasota -- lots to do there -- but it may not be the greatest place to "chill." It's a busy city. It'll be less busy in May than during the winter high season, but IMHO it's still not the place to go to slow the pace down.

How about Venice?

Ian_rose2002

I guess when I say chill, we'd like to be able to just relax on the beach or by the pool if we want to but would also like to have things to do as well like pop to a zoo or aquarium and other things that a 3 year old would like to do.

I haven't looked at Venice TBH so will take a look! Thanks!