Is there a beach on Fl gulf coast within a two hour drive from Orlando where there are no boats/ waverunners? Last time we combined a few days at the beach with a Disney trip we went to Clearwater and were very disappointed that there were boats anchored right on our beach and waverunners everywhere. We would like a quiet, nice swimming, shelling etc beach. Thanks.

tdelano, the trick is to go on a weekday. Sundays are the busiest, followed by Sat & Fri. Also, choose a residential area rather than the Clearwater or St Pete Beach "strip". A good choice would be the public beaches on Treasure Island, especially the south end (Sunset Beach), or the south end of St. Pete Beach, called Pass A Grille. Pass A Grille would be very easily reached from the interstate (275 south, just before the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, there's an exit for St. Pete Beach). There is metered parking at these beaches, so bring plenty of quarters. The shelling is particularly good on Sunset Beach (I live there...don't tell too many people!). Either of these would be about a two hour drive, depending of course on traffic - avoid rush hour.

And lunch at hurricane, pretty nifty drinks and decent food. Or try Floridan on 107th Av, for great cuban sandwiches, Yum. Good friends will be dining there in five days.

We love any of the Sarasota beaches-Longboat Key, Lido Key, Or Siesta Key. About a 2 hr. drive from Disney.

There is plenty of beach at Ft. DeSoto so you can likely be out of reach of the wave runners there. You might also try Caladesi, an island accessible only by ferry. There is a neighboring spot where the wave runners hang out so less likely there.

In general, the wave runners are on the bay side. I agree they are obnoxious, not to mention dangerous.

Things may have changed since I was there last, but Anna Maria Key may be suitable (on water side of Bradenton).