cant decide!!!

[karentan]

originally our plan was to go for 3 weeks, touring round south florida for the first week, then having 2 weeks in orlando
now the thought has gone into my mind of staying in disney for 3 weeks. cant decide if we wanna go touring now or not.
thinking of splitting the difference and going for about 4 days touring then the rest in disney, but we wanna go to the keys and gulf coast, so am trying to figure out if its worth it, what can we realistically fit in in 4 days, and if its too much driving or not. me and DH dont mind long drives, but dont want to spend the whole time driving
(back story, last time we went, we had 2 weeks in disney then a week in vegas, but spent the week in vegas wishing we'd stayed in disney instead!!)

can anyone give us an idea of a sensible itinerary for 4 days touring?

thanks in advance

 

[Graeme]

I've never toured, but have driven to both coasts for a look round and the odd night there. Personally, I don't think there's much to see. It's worth going to see the beaches and the life for a day, but I didn't see anything that would have occupied me for a week.
We landed at Miami once, having been diverted there due to Hurricane Frances, and had to drive to disney. It was one of the most monotonous journeys I've ever made, and I enjoy driving.
Have you looked at day or overnight flights to the keys?

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Never been to the keys, done the gulf coast in a couple of days.

Its worthwhile doing if you research for what you want from it.
Personally I found it a little bit disappointing, hence the research advice as others find it pretty good but still worth "doing" for a few days in my opinion.

I'd go back without kids if it was the two of us for a lazy time for maybe a week at most but to be honest I could think of better places nearer to home for that.
If you're over there then I reckon a couple of nights with a few hours driving between stays is enough but make sure you know what you want from it.

 

[castanea1985]

originally our plan was to go for 3 weeks, touring round south florida for the first week, then having 2 weeks in orlando
now the thought has gone into my mind of staying in disney for 3 weeks. cant decide if we wanna go touring now or not.
thinking of splitting the difference and going for about 4 days touring then the rest in disney, but we wanna go to the keys and gulf coast, so am trying to figure out if its worth it, what can we realistically fit in in 4 days, and if its too much driving or not. me and DH dont mind long drives, but dont want to spend the whole time driving
(back story, last time we went, we had 2 weeks in disney then a week in vegas, but spent the week in vegas wishing we'd stayed in disney instead!!)

can anyone give us an idea of a sensible itinerary for 4 days touring?

thanks in advance

Hi Karen,
If you're going for three weeks, why not take a week touring?
We once did a split stay when we stayed PORS for a week and then went down to the keys. Certainly worth going! Its like going back in time!

Try putting down places you fancy going into a google map and it'll give you rough ideas as to traveling times etc.

Places I would definitley visit again are:

Going south:
Naples/ Venice area
Captiva and Sanibel
Airboat ride in Florida Everglades
Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Research Center (grassy key)
Bahia Honda
Key West - go on the tourist train to see all the sights, then get off at those you fancy having a look round!

Going north - St. Augustine - for some real American history - fascinating!

Happy Planning!!

Tracy

 

[PudseyChancer]

I'm doing a three week trip in September, the first two weeks in Orlando, 4 days in Key West and 3 days in Fort Lauderdale. I've been to Orlando a few times now and feel that I should really make the effort to see a little more, I've always wanted to go to Key West and though it's a monster drive from Orlando, I feel that it will be well worth the effort.

I've heard the the drive over the Keys is a terrrific experience and am looking forward to a a few nights kicking back after a busy two weeks at the parks, am also looking forward to a boat trip to the Dry Tortugas. We're staying at Fort Lauderdale on the way back to break up the drive and also to no doubt recover after four nights of boozing in Key West!

 

[dc1964]

definately drive to the keys, it is a great experience, on the way back up drive across alligator alley which will take you to Naples, then head up to clearwater beach. it is a nice easy drive.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

You could fly into Miami & then back from Orlando to save on driving.

 

[scotlass]

Three weeks at Disney.........YES YES YES !!! no brainer for me.

cant see me ever being able to afford to do it but it is a dream.having the time to do the parks and chill out at the resorts......but that said the keys and Miami look awesome.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have been fortunate to see most of Florida, I think seeing other places is a great idea - there is so much more to see than just theme parks.

Naples is a lovely place, very quiet and refined - well worth a couple of days stay. Not much going on, but that's an advantage sometimes.
We were dissapointed with Sarasota but liked Clearwater/St Petes - the beaches there are fabulous.

Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach and Miami are all fairly close together so they make a good option too, if you like shopping this is the place to be.

The best bit about the Keys is the drive, though Bahia Honda state park is well worth a visit.
We personally didn't find Key West itself that appealing, but many love it there.

These days we stick to Orlando, mainly for Joshua's benefit, but we count ourselves lucky we have toured many different places. Whilst we all love Orlando, it is the attractions that are the 'attraction'.

Outside Central Florida there are so many nice places to visit that give you a contrast and make the holiday so much more worthwhile.
I think it's refreshing to see someone spread their wings and travel around more. Good for you!

You may want to check the mileage involved and how much driving you really want to do, I would personally recommend a stay in Naples then drive across 'alligator alley' to the hustle and bustle of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.