A week in Florida
 

We are looking to go to Florida April 8 -16. We did Disney last Summer, so not going there now. Thinking of Tampa and Busch Gardens. Thinking of Don Cesar resort for 2-3 days. Probably on to Key West for 2 days. My son (8 year old) asked for beach. Don Cesar would be great. I cringed at 334/night. Can afford it but why was my question. My son loves water rides. I suppose Busch Gardens would be great. Would like to introduce him to Snorkeling. So thought of making a stop in Orlando to go to Discovery Cove where they have snorkeling (don't want to go snorkeling in the ocean at this time). Any place similar to Discvoery cove in Tampa area or Key West? Would love to go fishing a couple of times. Didn't find much information about fishing possibilities on Don Cesar's website.

More questions but I suppose enough for now. Thanks for all your suggestions.

That is Easter week and all the parks will be very crowded. Just be prepared to wait in line. You also might have trouble finding a place to stay if you haven't already done so.

The Don would be a great choice. Your son would like Busch Gardens but probably wouldn't be able to ride a lot of their rides due to height restrictions, and he would probably like Lowery Park Zoo too, also in Tampa. There is also a water park in Tampa, but don't remember the name of it, maybe someone else here can help you on that. There is fishing just about everywhere, from bridges, etc., and close to the Don, but I think you would need to get a license. Many people fish the Skyway pier, as well as the little bridge that takes you from St. Pete Beach onto the Pinellas Bayway heading toward Tierra Verde or I-275, and a lot of people fish the pier that is at Ft. DeSoto Park, which is a very large park your son would also probably like. If Discovery Cove offers snorkeling, I would go ahead and do it, or maybe go swimming with the dolphins there ...

How do you plan on getting to Key West from Tampa?

You do realize it's about 9-10 hour drive one way?

You could fly (advisable)

There is also a ferry from Ft.Myers (about 2.5 hour drive from Tampa).

If your son wants a nice beach, some of the barrier islands south of Tampa have the best beaches in Florida. Anna Maria, Long Boat Key, Lido Key and the best, Siesta Key. All within 30-90 minute drive from Tampa.

The water park is Adventure Island, behind Busch Gardens. The water might be a bit chilly and it will be crowded. The easiest way to go to the Keys is to drive to Ft. Myers (about 3 hours south of Tampa) and take the hydroplane. It leaves at 7 or 7:30 am, so you need to drive down the night before. There are lots of day fishing boats going out of St. John's Pass in St. Pete.

My son learned to snorkle in the pool at our hotel in Key West when we went down for a trip. He was already quite a good swimmer but had never snorkeled. It took him about ten minutes to get the hang of it, you know how kids are naturals at everything. So not to worry. Give him fins, mask, and snorkel and let him go. And let him snorkel in the Gulf at the Don (or wherever you stay) -- the water along the shore is shallow, the current is not strong, and there are little fish and sometimes starfish and shells to see.

I agree $334/nite is high. But it's April so that's why it's high. You could try the Tradewinds or the Alden. The Sheraton Sand Key.