Beach for the Day..anyone done it, worth it?

[js]

We own at Orange Lake and new owners to DVC.
We go to Disney often, always avoiding holidays.
This year though, my dd's varsity softball team is playing in Wide World of Sports the week before Easter... I am trying to avoid the parks, although I have made some dinner ressies on Disney property (we are staying at OLCC this trip, SSR in August).
Anyway, my dh mentioned about going to a beach for a day. We vacation in Florida often too for the beach, but never took a day while in Orlando.
Where is the best beach to go to in driving distance and how long would it take us to get there (we will have our car).
Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[nashville_minnie]

Cocoa Beach is the closest - you can drive there in under an hour.

 

[ribica]

We usually take a few days at the beach when we visit disney - either at the start or the end of our disney vacation. Each time we've gone to Daytona beach. Takes a little over an hour driving and the beach there is so awesome. It's nice that you can drive and park right on the beach, walk, have a swim...whatever.

Hope that helps & have a great trip!

 

[neonurse]

Wish is nicer...Daytona beach or Cocoa Beach?

 

[RabFlmom]

Daytona is cool cause you can drive on the beach, but Cocoa Beach near the pier the teens will see more surfers than in Daytona. It is smaller, less crowded. Doesn't seem to get the rip currents as bad as Daytona where they do 30-40 rescues in a day sometimes. They will also enjoy going to Ron Jons for their beach souveniers and clothes.
My nephew( a youth minister from Ind.) always brings his groups that come down to help in Florida to Ron Jons and Cocoa Beach because that is where the teens want to go. LOL They also get to meet his Aunt. LOL .

 

[neonurse]

Thanks. That sounds perfect.

 

[neonurse]

Is there anywhere casual that you would recommend for dinner or lunch with large and small kids? My dsis will be travelling with us with her 2dd's 3 and 7.

 

[two*little*birds]

We plan on doing Cocoa Beach next time, for at least 1 full day.

DFIL and his fiance went last week and said it was beautiful.

 

[neonurse]

Can't wait to see the ocean. I hope the weather is good enough to go swimming. I am a little nervous about the undertows though.

 

[js]

Thank you. Coco Beach it is.
I do not like the idea of the cars on the beach (beach snob).
Can we rent chairs/umbrellas or do we need to bring them with us?
Is there anywhere around the beach area where we can eat, drink in a casual setting.
Thanks.