Discovery Cove or Beach??? HElP!

[tdelano]

I am having a difficult time deciding to go to DC with my kids 14, 11, 10 or to go to one of the Gulf beaches for a couple of days? The cost between the two choices would be comparable, unfortunatly I have to choose only one this trip!

I see pros and cons for both...Snorkeling is something that I am wanting to do very much. The kids have never tried it so DC would probably be a good first try, and actually swimming with the dolphins great.. but will it be better than a trip to the real beach and doing the dolphin watch boat ride and real snorkeling?

Any advice would be great!

[robvia]

Take the kids to DC. You and the wife can skip the dolphin swim to save money. You'll be close enough to the kids to watch and see everything they are doing. You can go over to SFW and pet the dolphins in the Key West area. Stay at the Renaissance Resort, then you can walk to SWF and back. It has huge pools, and a play ground for the kids. They have good rates July 4th because it's mainly a business resort.
http://renaissancehotels.com/dpp/PropertyPage.asp?MarshaCode=MCOSR&checked=True&Marriott_BD={AC8B035C-BC47-4579-B31D-D25392383DBD}
DC is a huge beach. And the snorkling is amazing.
The gulf beaches is something you and the wife would do alone leaving the kids at home.
The kids need lots of action, and DC/SWF is it. Go here to see my TR from last year with pics.
http://home.attbi.com/~robvia/SeaWorld1.htm

[tdelano]

Great trip report! Thanks! I think you are probably right!