isabel

We'll be in Miami next Thanksgiving for a wedding and want to extend the trip for an extra 2-3 days. First thought was Disney World but I'm now thinking maybe Key West. It will be myself, husband, 22 year old daughter and 17 year old daughter, plus my brother and sister-in-law. The kids and us have been to Disney many times (my parents used to winter in Fla) but the last time was at least 7 years ago. Brother and sister-in-law have never been. The recent thread on how expensive Disney has become has me thinking that it really isn't worth it, at least for me. None of us has ever been to Key West.

So I'm looking for suggestions. Money is a concern as I don't want this to be our major vacation for the year. The whole family will be together for Christmas (we live in different states) so I know we'll be discussing it and I want to have some suggestions to offer.

NeoPatrick

No offense but from everything you've just said, I think this is a no-brainer. Key West is perfect for you, and it's also low season for really good bargains in lodging. It is also likely to be a good 10 degrees or more warmer in Key West than in Orlando.

No_name

Unfortunately Key West is expensive during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend. Its also a huge cruise stop that weekend. You will have to decide if it, like Disney, is worth it or not to you. Keywest.com is a good place to start. You will also find that many places will have minimum required night stays. What about somewhere else in the Keys? Or how about somewhere else in Fla? What about a quick airplane trip to the Bahamas?

No_name

Another thought is to add on the extra couple of days before Thanksgiving and the Wedding. You might find better rates. But I really wouldn't consider driving down to Key West for just a couple of days. Its a lot of driving time for so little time actually in KW.

NeoPatrick

Figure about a three hour drive from Miami to Key West. People don't drive three hours to a destination for a 2 or 3 day stay? Besides, if you've never done it, the drive really is beautiful.

Dukey

Disney is expensive for some and not so much for others depending on MANY factors...too numerous to discuss here.

I would let those who haven't been to WDW do so on their own and suggest that for something different for EVERYONE Key West might be a better option.

I've done the drive down and it can be quite nice as long as you don't do it on a traffic-clogged day. I agree with Neo about the weather difference.

Key west is great fun but it is NOT without a certain degree of honky tonk tourist factor especially along so-called "Red Neck Drive" i.e., Duval Street with the parade of pick-ups..but that is part of what makes the place fun IMO.

And let's face it, Isabel, a bunch of gay men wouldn't be flocking to anywhere that didn't have SOME fun and redemming value.

And when you get there, be certain to stop in at Fast Buck Freddy's.

No_name

The drive is stunning (IMHO) and I do it several times a year but to do it during a Holiday time with the extra crowds on the road is not worth it. Even going the opposite way of traffic you still can be affected. The smallest fender bender can and usually does stop traffic both ways. And with all the construction going on in the Upper Keys, traffic jams and slow moving traffic are becoming the norm.

I also have never done it in 3 hours. Sometimes it can take close to 3 hours just to get to Key West from Key Largo. If you go the speed limit, stop once for gas, and do not stop to take in the sights, its about 3 1/2 hours to 4 depending on where in Miami you are going.

No_name

Fast Bucks is a lot of fun to shop at! They have wonderful window displays. Be sure to stop in and take a look at the Christmas ornaments they sell. Very beautiful. We just picked up several and put them on the tree the other day.

LarryBee

As others have noted, although November is "low seaon" in the Keys, the weekend after Thanksgiving many places will be charging holiday rates, so as someone else suggested why not come down the weekend, or a few days before the wedding? Although there is always a certain amount of weekend traffic in the keys, the weekend before Thanksgiving is about as light as it will ever get.

SAnParis

Many places don't raise rates until the middle of December. We were just there over Thanksgiving (for the 3rd time) & have never paid a higher rate (although a minimum stay may be required). We actually traveled on Thanksgiving Day & then departed the following Tuesday. Perfect timing as far as I was concerned (unless I could have stayed longer).

GoTravel

It depends on your actual dates as to whether Key West will be off season reasonable or horribly expensive.

Either way, my vote is for Key West.

No_name

GoTravel is 100% right. That time of year is what they call "shoulder season" and just a day this way or that way could make a big difference in rates. Some of the smaller B&B's have such repeat business or demand that they can charge higher rates while some still keep rates reasonable. Key West is also reporting a loss of over 700 rooms due to condo conversions so that also adds to the higher rates during the holidays when demand is at its peak.

If you can do 3 days in Key West then go for it but if you only have 2 days I would still stick by my suggestion of staying in the Upper Keys.

JeanH

I, too, was just in Key West for Thanksgiving. Rates were a bit higher than our previously planned trip for the first weekend in November, but not as high as 'holiday' rates.

isabel

Thanks for all the replys. Right now it looks like our free days could either be the weekend before Thanksgiving up to the Wednesday before - or - the Sunday after for the next couple of days. I can't price the tickets yet as it's still too far ahead (should be able to in another few weeks) but I was thinking that flying down ON Thanksgiving would be a good day - everything I've heard is that it's cheaper and less crowded than the surrounding days. I'm also trying to avoid flying the Sunday after as I hear that's a terrible day to fly. If we went down the weekend before we'd have to fly back on that Sunday. So if I can, I'd fly down on Thanksgiving which would mean we'd be driving to Key West on the Sunday after and be there for the next couple of nights. Good or bad idea?

I think I can convince the adults that Key West would be nicer, but what can I say to convince the 17 and 21 year olds? Suggestions?

GBC

I'm looking for suggestions..........
From Miami, Grand Cayman Island is about 1.5 hours and $150 each way.
Just a thought the 'younger set' might like.

NeoPatrick

I think flying down on Thanksgiving Day and staying into the following week is a GREAT way to avoid the crowds of plane travel over that holiday. And I think the week after Thanksgiving would be even less busy and possibly cheaper for hotels in Key West than the week before.

No_name

I am not sure I would want to drive down to Key West on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. There will be a lot of traffic on the road, much of it going the other way, but there could be a lot of tie ups. Would it be possible for you to drive down on Sat?

As far as what to tell young adults about what to do there......there is plenty. Parasailing, fishing, scuba, snorkeling, wave running, museums to explore, great people watching, aquarium, climb the lighthouse and get a birds eye view of the island, visit Hemingway's House, go on a ghost tour to name a few.

Gretchen

I wouldn't go to DW without small children on a bet. And only then because I am VERY closely related to those small children!!

GoTravel

Ditto. Fly down Thanksgiving Day and fly back the Tuesday or Wednesday after.

Heads up, Key West will have huge crowds over Thanksgiving.

NeoPatrick

Gretchen, I've been to Disney World with children and I've been there without. Trust me -- it's a whole lot more fun WITHOUT children.