That's odd. We go every year at that time and have never run into overwhelming crowds.

This might give you a good idea of what to expect: http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

Here's a link to an article about Epcot with little ones:
http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com...-children.html

You asked about a nice beach. I highly recommend Clearwater Beach. It has been rated the "Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico" by Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman) and Conde Nast traveller magazine. It is also a "Blue Wave Beach" which is a ranking that indicates a good safety, water quality, and cleanliness. It also has the Clean Water, Clean Sand designation from the Healthy Beaches Campaign. It also gets high marks as a family beach. It also has year-around lifeguards, a playground area, and restrooms. The surf is not strong and the beach is nice.

A good website to look at is http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.co...nformation.php

They have a free nightly Sunset festival with street performers and vendors. It is a family friendly event - you'll want to bring several $1 bills for tipping the performers. http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com