Beach--Day Trip or Overnight with Baby?

[jsantini]

We are coming for a work conference in May and spending at least 2 nights at Disney. We'd also like to visit a beach within an hour or two driving distance of Disney and we will have our one year old with us. Have any of you done this combo? If so, would you recommend a day trip and staying at Disney the whole time or packing up and staying a couple of nights at the beach instead of driving back and forth?

Would appreciate any advice on logistics as well as suggestions for beaches that are good for little ones.

One one hand, I'm thinking it would be nice not to move hotels again because we already have two hotels going in the week between the conference and Disney.

On the other hand, I'm thinking it may be nice to be staying at a resort/hotel right on the beach where there are beach umbrellas and chairs and we can make easy trips right to the room for nap.

Always good to hear from others who have done it. He's been to Disney once at 8 months and loved it! But this is the first beach trip.

 

[cyneswith]

I'd overnight there. DS is much happier with less travel and more downtime.

 

[jsantini]

That's what my gut is telling me too. Our son hates being in the car, so it could make for a long day. I have no idea what beach or resort to choose. We are considering Vero since it's Disney, but I'm wondering if something on the Gulf side, and perhaps closer, would be a better match. I live in a landlocked state, so when I start looking at all of the Florida beaches, it's very overwhelming. If anyone has particular suggestions for a location or resort, I'd certainly welcome them!

 

[pwrflpills]

I'm sure you're familiar with all the options.

Vero is a very nice area, but being the farthest from LBV, that's up to you. I definitely would stay there and not drive back at night, but I would also do that anywhere to maintain the beach vibe and to be able to relax in the evening. I'm not familiar with the Disney resort there (I'm from Palm Beach County so for me Disney is Orlando.) It's up to you if staying there is important, but I would think it would add significantly to your cost. That said I'm sure it's nice.

Personally I'd go to Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral for the shortest drive and a fairly laid back scene. You don't have to drive through any city to get there (avoid driving on 4 through Orlando anywhere near rush hour at all costs!) and it might even be a scenic drive.

 

[jsantini]

Thank you both for the feedback. I should have mentioned that another reason I was looking at Vero is that we were going to be able to arrange it for $130/night through a family member's points so the cost seemed reasonable.

However, after doing a little more research, I think we are going to do the beach portion of our trip first, do the 2 nights of business travel in Orlando, and then do a few nights at Disney.

Since it's broken up that way, I think we will drive from the airport to a beach on the Gulf side that's a little farther and stay 2-3 nights. I'm now looking at Anna Maria Island, St. Pete's/Clearwater, and Siesta Key. I'll post what we decide/what I find in case this thread can be of help to others planning something similar and if anyone has further info to chime in with, I welcome it!

Thanks for the tip on I4--I will definitely keep that in mind. Stressful enough to drive in an unfamiliar place, then add a toddler in the backseat, and we definitely do not need congested traffic!

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

We love the Don CeSar in St Pete. Pass-a-grille is a lovely little community and beach and our all time favorite Ft. DeSoto is a short drive away. Good luck with your search and enjoy your trip

 

[isabellea]

We usually combine a beach trip to St.Pete Beach (Gulf Tides Inn -- #1 on Trip Advisor for area) with a Disney stop. Last year we did 2 weeks at the beach and 3 nights at WDW. This summer we will go to WDW first for 7 nights to celebrate my youngest 3rd birthday onsite then go to the beach for 10 days. We love our FL vacations even if we have to drive for 24h from Canada.