Going to Orlando next week. Ever stay at the Sheraton Vistana Villages? What did you think? Also, we'd like to take a break from the parks and drive to the beach for a day. Any preferences for Daytona or Coco?

Never stayed that the Vistana but did visit a friend who was there. Overall, the place seemed nice, and I think my friend was happy with it.

I'm not a big fan of Cocoa Beach, but I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I hesitate to use the word "tacky." Oh, heck, I guess I'll just go ahead and use it: tacky. Cocoa has a lot of bars and T-shirt shops, and the beach can get crowded, although maybe not so much this time of year. I tend to head south to the quieter South Beaches area of Melbourne Beach. To each his own, however.

Sorry, can't comment on Daytona.

If you are looking for a safe , enjoyable beach approx. 1 hour from Orlando , New Smyrna Beach can't be beaten. It is actually half way between Daytona and Cocoa.

I totally agree with the poster above. New Smyrna is a little closer than Daytona and not nearly as hectic or commercial. Daytona is a tacky, red-neck filled eyesore in my opinion! You can drive right on the sand in New Smyrna just like Daytona (unless they changed that recently). Cocoa isn't bad, but you have to find a place to park then schlep all your stuff over to the beach. When I lived in Central Florida we always went to New Smyrna.

daytona beach shores you will not regret it!!

We prefer Cocoa Beach, Daytona tends to be too crowded, and I can't say I see any more tacky things on that beach than any one on the coast. They all seem to subscribe to "tourist traps".

If you're only going for one day and you've never been there, go to Daytona. You've gotta experience it once in your life. Of course, if you're traveling with small kids, then maybe you'll want something a little more laid back. Otherwise, it's a hell of a lot of fun for one day!

#1 Daytona
#2 Ft. Lauderdale
#3 Miami

New Smyrna it is. A colleague echoed some of your sentiments.

Thanks to all who replied.

Joe