1st timer in Florida for 4 days - need hints
 

I am heading to Florida with my best friend for a few days break over the new year period. I have never been and have no clue as to whats down there or where to go. I was thinking Disneyworld would be nice - also a beach location for a couple of days. Anyone have any suggestions as to a sample itinerary?

You could do Disney for a few days and then head toward Tampa. I prefer the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. You will have a better chance of warmer water. Sarasota in particular has great beaches!!

A day or two on South beach. Rent a car and drive down to Key West...the trip is so beautiful...and stay at a guest house not a big hotel. You'll really feel like you got away. Breakfast out by the pool in your swimsuit...it's a great trip. Try Alexander's Guesthouse right off duval street.

Kay West is my destination of choice. Chances are the weather will be warm. Just returned after a month...80 plus weather every single day. However, there are no really good beaches in KW except Ft. Taylor. <BR><BR>Orlando can and in all probability will be cold. <BR><BR>West Coast will give you a better chance of warm weather, particularly below the Port Charlotte area. <BR><BR><BR><BR>

Four days will be brief but fun. Is WDW or Universal more your style? Both are fun parks. Check out www.wdwig.com, WDW unofficial info guide, for Disney tips, descriptions of parks, so you can see which attractions will appeal to you. Like museums? Go to the Winter Park area north of Orlando proper, it is a artsy small community, they have a website too. Also check out Florida State Park system. Last trip we went to Blue Spring State Park, manatees winter near the warm springs there. You can see lots of wildlife in the St. john's River. Some other websites: www.go2orlando.com for lodging deals, www.orlandosentinel.com for the local paper online, check out restaurants and attractions from local point of view.

Clare:<BR><BR>I would wait until I get to Florida. If it is hot everywhere on New Years, I'd go to Cocoa Beach from Walt Disney World (I think it is a 1 1/2 hr. drive). If it is cool in Disney area (70s) I'd head to Fort Lauderdale, Miami or the Keys, especially the Keys because they are usually a few degrees warmer than Miami.