Just a few simple questions..........

[Totallylovedisney]

We are going down to Florida the first week in July. I knwo its crazy, but its the only time we have and we will only be at Disney on the 1st and 2nd, so it shouldnt be to to bad. :) 1st question is $300 a day enough money for food and spending? 2nd we want to take a day and go to the beach. Should we go east or west? I heard the gulf side is more beautiful. Any suggestions on family beaches? Thanks so much for your help.

[yesdisneyfool]

Try this site for food prices (can help with budgeting food) wdwig.com (http://www.wdwig.com) and go to menus.

As to the beach, I'm not a beach person so maybe someone can help.

[Totallylovedisney]

if that helps

[tink2dw]

We are a family of 3, Adults 2, and a teen girl 14=3 adults at Disney,We did fine on a $100. a day for food[some days it was more some less,depending on how many sit down meals we ate].

We took $100. each for suvineers.

You will be 2 Adults and 1 child[7yr. old] childrens meals are less expensive.

[travelbug]

I vastly prefer the gulf beaches to the ocean beaches, but that's my $.02 worth. Some of our favorite gulf beaches would be too far to drive for just a day at the beach while staying at WDW. But in the Tampa area, we have always enjoyed Dunedin Beach. Clearwater Beach is bigger and very nice, but it seems to be much busier. Dunedin Beach has usually been mostly families when we've been there, while Clearwater Beach has been more of a teen hangout. However, we have usually been there over winter break in February or during Easter week, so things could be different in July.

[GeorgeG]

$300 a day should be plenty.

The Gulf coast is without a doubt the better coast. That's why I'm moving there in January :)

[TZMOM]

I used to live in Clearwater Beach, right over the causeway - I would definately vote for that beach. However, if memory serves, it is kinda far to drive for the day. Whenever we drove to WDW for the day, I remember coming home absolutely BEAT (& I was much younger then.) Whatever you decide, have fun. Dont' forget to shuffle your feet to make sure you don't unexpectedly step on one of the rays hanging out in the sand.

[halfway there]

Yes, Gulf beaches are better, IMO but further away. It could take at least 2 hours or more depending on traffic to get to a decent beach on the west coast. I would not recommend Clearwater Beach. No offense to you TZMOM but it has changed a lot recently. It is very crowded and parking is horrible esp in the summer. After a long drive you would be more frustrated than able to enjoy the beach.
If you really want the Gulf, then you might want to consider staying over one night. Otherwise if you're just interested in sampling FL beaches, try the east coast. There are some nice beaches over there too, only not as nice as over here!! :D

[corvair]

Would you recomend Cocoa Beach? HOw far and how do you get there...thanks,,,covair

[Totallylovedisney]

I heard cocoa beach is wonderful. Never been there though. Anyone been there?

[tink2dw]

It was an hour over to Kennedy Space Center near Cocoa Beach!!

[halfway there]

Not too familiar with the east coast but I know Daytona is a happening place (not sure if that 's a good thing or not;) ). Cocoa Beach is a surfer's paradise from what I hear so I'm not sure how it would be for families. If you want to head north to Daytona take I-4 EAST. Otherwise for Cocoa Beach, I would use the Bee Line. It's a toll road that you can pick up near Sea World but it will take you right to Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach is just south of there. Have fun!!