jrsaf

Hello: Thinking of spending a few days in Fl. from NY over the spring break in April. I was thinking about visiting and touring St. Augustine, while my wife was considering St. Petersburg. The problem is my eleven y/o daughter wants a day at Disney. Is this a feasible day trip from either destination? Which may be an easier drive? I would appreciate any opinions or advice about the destinations ( which one would be better for a couple with a child) and the day trip. Would also consider other areas based on readers advice. Thank you.

J62

You can check distances online at google maps.

St Augustine to WDW is 2.5-3 hr drive, St Pete, 1.5hrs.

No way would I consider a day drip to WDW from long distance. A day at Disney can be exhausting just by itself. I can't imaging getting up early, driving, a full day at WDW, then driving back., but to each his own.

gmoney

By the time you drive there, park, take transportation to ticket window, get tickets, get through security and finally make it into a park you will have at best half a day actually in the park. Add into the equation the crazy spring break/Easter crowds you will spend the majority of that half day waiting in lines.

I would highly recommend against it.

vincenzo32951

If I were you, I'd start the trip at Disney, spend one night so your daughter can see the fireworks, and then head to the other destination. I prefer St. A, but that's a matter of opinion.

marvelousmouse

Well...if you are early risers, and can be at the gate at opening, and aren't set on particular rides, then you could have a really good day at 1 park (there are four; which one does your daughter want to visit? Magic Kingdom?) Buy your tickets ahead of time and have your fast passes set up. Count on (because of he crowds) only riding your 3 fast pass rides and then doing whatever you can fit in between or after those fast passes. because of the fast pass system, almost all the rides have long lines- I think the average average time I waited without fast pass was 45 minutes. But it's a theme park, and a lot of theme parks have no fast pass system at all, so I don't agree with the people who might say it's impossible or unpleasant.

My parents did stuff like this all the time when we were kids- they didn't like to stay in hotels much for things like theme parks. 2-3 hours drive was doable. But it's a LONG day and would take some planning.

sf7307

We did Disneyland as a day trip from San Diego when my son was 3. It was Easter Sunday and we foolishly thought the crowds would be light - but instead the park was packed. Didn't matter, we had a blast. Arrived at 1 pm, thinking we'd stay 5 or 6 hours, but didn't leave until 1am after the parade and fireworks.

perfectvacation

Why not stay by Disney, then you are in central Florida, St Petersburg (where I live) is about 1.5 hours to the Disney area, just 1 hour if you stay in the Davenport area. St Augustine is approx 2 hours from the Disney area. I have lots of beautiful homes for rent in the Disney area, call me or email me if you like
http://www.aperfectvacationhome.com/...orida/orlando/

kelliebellie

If you go, buy your tickets ahead of time and 30 days out you can add fast passes to your tickets. You can get three ahead of time and then once you use those, you can get more one at a time on your phone. It is the only way to ride anything. Otherwise all the lines will be an hour long!