A question for Floridians

[MJ6987]

Hi,
We are planning our first trip to Florida from the UK (next Feb). There is myself, my wife and two girls (aged 6 & 9) and my parents (aged late 50's!!) coming for 2 weeks. We are staying at Downtown Disney Resort and mainly spending our days in WDW (plus SeaWorld, Universal and some shopping). However, as we will have a hire car for the second week we would like to spend a day driving out somewere away from the Theme parks to see a bit of the "real Florida".

We don't want to drive more than two hours max each way and it would be good to see some "natural stuff" but with some things to do as well. Some of the things I've been thinking about are a beach (but which one?), Ocala National Park, or that Silver Springs Park (or is that still too theme parkish?). Bear in mind that our kids are not too adventurous so canoeing etc is probably not out, but some sort of boat trip does kinda appeal.

So - any suggestions - if we were to go to one place that meets these requirements, which would you recommend?

Thanks
Matthew

 

[jodifla]

Hi,
We are planning our first trip to Florida from the UK (next Feb). There is myself, my wife and two girls (aged 6 & 9) and my parents (aged late 50's!!) coming for 2 weeks. We are staying at Downtown Disney Resort and mainly spending our days in WDW (plus SeaWorld, Universal and some shopping). However, as we will have a hire car for the second week we would like to spend a day driving out somewere away from the Theme parks to see a bit of the "real Florida".

We don't want to drive more than two hours max each way and it would be good to see some "natural stuff" but with some things to do as well. Some of the things I've been thinking about are a beach (but which one?), Ocala National Park, or that Silver Springs Park (or is that still too theme parkish?). Bear in mind that our kids are not too adventurous so canoeing etc is probably not out, but some sort of boat trip does kinda appeal.

So - any suggestions - if we were to go to one place that meets these requirements, which would you recommend?

Thanks
Matthew

Some suggestions:
Cocoa Beach is a straight shot over the Beeline Expressway, probably about an hour or so from WDW. It's a pretty typical Florida beach experience.

Silver Springs is actually how theme parks USED to be in Florida. Much more low-tech than WDW, and it does give you a good feel for Old Florida.

Ocala National Forest is beautiful, but a but untamed. We went canoeing there and it was one of the roughest canoeing trips I'd ever been on.. it takes a high level of expertise to maneuver.

Tubing down the Ichetucknee River is a FUN experience in the summer., and easy:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/

Hmmm. Just noticed you are there in Feb. So that won't work! But if you ever come in summer, it's a very neat place!

 

[JandJ]

I would suggest Cypress Gardens. It's not far from Disney and they do have rides, but they have beautiful gardens, a water ski show, and the grounds are lovely. The rides are pretty good, they're small and nothing too crazy, but they're fun.

I haven't been to Silver Springs in years. I don't think they have any rides. They do have glass bottom boats which are pretty fun. Lots of animals and you can hold a baby alligator and stuff like that. It's also pretty to walk around there, definitely a good way to spend a day. I think there's also a small car museum there too.

If you continue up I-75 to Gainesville there's Devil's Millhopper state park http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/ and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens http://www.kanapaha.org/ There are a couple nice museums on the University of Florida campus as well.

If you want more rides or water parks, head over to Tampa for Busch Gardens and Islands of Adventure (which might be closed that time of year?).

Your closest beach would be Cocoa Beach. If you want to go further west, then Fort DeSoto in Pinellas County is a lot of fun - beach, boat rentals, lots of land to walk or bike around, BBQ areas, and decent bathroom facilities too

Have a great trip!

 

[safetymom]

I think Silver Springs is a great place to see Old Florida. Tubing down the river is also a great thing to do. We loved both of them.

 

[madcoco]

Lots to choose from already. Other alternatives.

Kennedy Space Center

One of the best spots to view Manatees and the wildlife/naturalside of FL.
Homosassa Springs State Park Well worth a visit!

http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm


This place is on the chain of lakes in our area. It is very close to WDW on SR 535 Doesn't take much time and is free.

Tibet-Butler Preserve
http://www.floridaconservation.org/Viewing/sites/site-c07.html

Two hours SE from WDW is Florida's Treasure Coast and Disney's Vero Beach Resort. Maybe spend the night there if room or at the nearby Captain Hiram's Resort in Sebastian,or just drive over and back. I make the drive over and back to Sebastian from our home often and it just about 2hrs. You can visit the beach, get some local FL small town flavor,visit the shipwreck museums,shops and sample the local food. In February there is a great FL local seafoood festival in Grant,FL up the road from Sebastian. http://www.grantseafoodfestival.com/
PM if you need more info on this area of FL

Good luck planning your visit. Have a great visit and hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do outside the parks! There is lots to choose from.

 

[Seahunt]

some sort of boat trip does kinda appeal.

Boat-wise, how about an airboat ride to see "wild" Florida (as in gators, etc. - not us wild Floridian people )

http://www.bcairboats.com/

Or at that time of year you can snorkle with the manatees:

http://www.extremedivers.com/manatee.htm