2 days to spend off site, what to do?

[zamboniman333]

Myself, my DW and 2 year old DD will be going to Disney 11/30-12/11 and only have 10 day park tickets. We are looking for some ideas of things we can do for the other 2 days off site. We will have a rental car to use. Our daughter is only 2 so we need activities she can do. Since we will be at DW for 10 days we are looking for ideas other than theme parks. One day we are thinking of going to the beach (had thought of going to Tampa but if the oil reaches Tampa we won't be going there). Any ideas on the best beach to go to on the Atlantic side or even the gulf side? Another option was Sea World, is it worth the money? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Upatnoon]

That's more than enough time for theme parks with a 2-year-old. I would suggest doing other things that are as relaxing as possible.

The beach would be great. It's about an hour to Coco Beach on the Atlantic.

Fort Wilderness is fun for a 2-year-old. They have lots of play areas and a beach area there (no swimming).

Ikea is fun place to go because it is very kid friendly and you can chase your 2-year-old around the furniture displays.

Have a great trip!

 

[powellrj]

If you like quiet, I would suggest Merritt Island. We usually go to Cocoa Beach which we love, but we tried Merritt Island this year and fell in love. Its more rural than Cocoa Beach. There are lifeguards, but no snack bars or flush toilets. There were just a handful of people the day we were there and it was wonderful!

Sea World is wonderful and with a two year old you can easily make it a 2 day event. They offer free admission for the next day when you leave, so you don't pay twice. You can feed the dolphins (it costs extra) and see the shows!

I know when my kids were that age, they also just liked hang out at the pool days!

 

[dimimi]

When our kids were even older than yours, we only did the parks every other day. I think your kids would enjoy the pool. We also used our non park days to go to a character meal.

 

[kathy884]

The youngest in our family group is 14 now, and we still just do a theme park every other day and enjoy the pool, beach, etc. on days in between.

I agree with the Sea World recommendation too if you are up for another park. This park has great appeal to all ages including toddlers. We do two days here on every trip because 1) It's our favorite of all the Orlando theme parks (Don't get me wrong, though, we do love Disney too) and 2) the second day free pricing is very attractive (meaning we just do a relaxing day on day 2 -- don't bother getting there at rope drop etc. and just do some of the things we didn't hit the first day and a few of our favorites again)

 

[zamboniman333]

What do you guys think of St. Augustine? It looks like it could be a nice place to tour for a day?. or No?

 

[KayR]

I love Seaworld for the younger kids. Lots to do and see there - I believe that you need 1.5-2 days to really see and do everything there. Another option is Green Meadows Petting Zoo down Poinciana.

Most of the water parks have a toddler area. I have fond memories of DD at 2 repeatedly going on the little tube ride they had at Blizzard Beach in the kiddie area. She loved it and went on it again, and again, and again...

Universal have some toddler areas. If your child likes Curious George or Barney, you may want to consider going to Universal Studios. There is also a Dr Seuss land in Universal Islands of Adventure.

HTH

-Kay

 

[disneyfreak1]

St. Augustine is one of our favorite places to visit. It has lots of cool and interesting attractions.

 

[Upatnoon]

What do you guys think of St. Augustine? It looks like it could be a nice place to tour for a day?. I No?

St. Augustine is fun, but will be a boring 2.5 hour drive each way. My 2-year-olds don't like long drives.

 

[zamboniman333]

 

[walkdmc]

We went to Gatorland and the 4 kids in our party (ages 9, 6, 6, and 3) loved it. If you do go, make sure you pack a bathing suit AND water walkers with good tread. There's a nice little water park area that the kids LOVE. However, the floor isn't textured, it's smooth and very slippery. There are signs all over indicating footwear must be worn but if you aren't prepared most go barefoot. We saw a little one fall and hit his head so hard he was bleeding badly and had to be taken to the hospital via ambulance.

But again, Gatorland was great.

I'd also suggest visitng Downtown Disney. There's plenty to do there. There's a beautiful, huge movie theater, T-Rex restaurant, etc. Visit during the day when the crowds are lower. Also check out the boardwalk area.

 

[septbaby]

I wouldn't do another park, 10 days is a lot to ask of a 2yo. I would also suggest Clearwater beach. We were there this past Wednesday and loved it.

Fine, soft, cool white sand beach. Water calmer than Cocoa and warmer too. We did experience high winds, but if you rent an umbrella on the beach (Hilton Hotel I think) those are preset and really sturdy.

Parked at Pier 60 (near visitor center).
- Great free playground right there at the ocean, big inflatable Rip Slide on the beach (fee for that)
- They do a street festival right there in the Pier area everyday weather permitting, fun vendors, street acts, starts a couple of hours before sunset
- Docks have place for on water tours, boat rides, etc.

My nephew has a body board and preferred the waves at Cocoa, but still had fun at Clearwater. I think the Clearwater set up is much nicer for your little one.

If you go to Cocoa, read up on the Zoo in the area. We've been told it is phenomenal for little ones. You can park for free in the lots of Ron Jon's Surf shop. We loved the store, its AC and friendly staff!

 

[disneydreamer90]

ICE at Gaylord Palms is really fun to see! Also since you will be there during the holidays, a lot of the decorations will be up. You could spend a day going around and looking at all the resort decorations. Like someone previously posted, Fort Wilderness campgrounds is very fun to visit. Pony rides and campfire with chip and dale. also many people decorate with christmas lights and the different shows at the resort or extremely fun.

sea world is so much fun and worth the price but i wouldnt recommend another day at the parks especially with a two year old. i know even in college my friends and i do need a break.

 

[zamboniman333]

Thanks you guys! All great ideas and info! We will let you know what we decide to do.

Thanks

 

[zamboniman333]

Ok so we have been doing some looking around and think we would like to head to the Tampa area for one day of our trip. We are looking for the best beach towns in the tamps area? Any ideas? We really would like to find some little towns like huntington Beach, Seal Beach or Long Beach in CA. Are there any little towns like that in this area? Little shops along the beach possibly with a Pier?

Thanks in advance!

 

[septbaby]

We did Clearwater in the Tampa area. There are vendors that set up a few hours before sunset. There is a great play area (shaded) for the little ones right next to the beach. We didn't do any shops in town, but had a great day there.

 

[zamboniman333]

thanks