We're planning a family trip (3 kids, 11,8,5) to Disney in April. I think we're going to spend the extra and stay at the Contemporary (my five year old will love the monorail). We'd like to spend 3 days there and then another few days at another location in Florida just relaxing. A quite, great beach, smaller resort, great service, ocean view, either Coast - any suggestions? Also, is there such a thing as a discount on hotels within the Park? Thank you. doug

The Contemporary is a great hotel, and the monorail running through it is neat, but it is really geared more towards the "luxury" style. Your family might be happier at one of the other monorail resorts, like the Polynesian, that have more activites for the kids. They can still ride around on the monrail!

We once went to Daytona Beach after Disney, and found it didn't compare with Disney. You can easily spend a week at Disney and not see it all!

Kennedy Space Center, about 1 hour drive from WDW, is definitely worth a visit. It will probably take you 2-3 hours to see it all.

If you belong to the Magic Kingdom Club that offers discounts on hotels, some restaurants, some shopping. You can get the MKC card free from lots of employers, credit unions, AAA. Check out Deb Wills WDW website www.wdwig.com for info. Also there are often discount rates during the off season, we stayed at the All-Star Music last August(last week in month) for $62 per night. Yes that included the tax & it was four of us in room. Rooms at All-Star resorts are on the small side, but fine for our family of 4. When you call for reservations, ask about any discounts available. Also many times AAA members or American Express cardholders can get discounts - ASK! It varies from week to week at different parks & stores. We got a discount on Disney Quest admission with our AAA card.

The best beaches are on the West Coast on the Gulf. Check out the Holiday Inn on Longboat Key (no it's not THAT Holiday Inn!) Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island may also have some nice possibilities. You will enjoy some quiet, laid back beach-life after 3 full days in Disney. It will be about a half-day drive from Orlando to the coast. Have a wonderful time. Your kids are the perfect age.

Vero Beach Disney is lovely & not too pricey. They have some organized kids
activities, there is a nice nature center nearby & there are some funky restuarants as well as orange farms nearby.