Combining Gulf Coast w/ WDW logistics

[ptrbryant]

Okay, we're heading to WDW in early October, but we'd like to see something of the Gulf Coast, too (DS8 has been to Florida 3x and never seen the ocean!). DH and I agree that once we're at WDW, we won't want to take a day off to travel back and forth to the coast. Our "day off" on-site is usually our "resort day".
Soooo, I was thinking of flying SWA into Tampa, rent our car at the airport, stay overnight at a nice beach resort/hotel near Sand Key maybe suggestions?). Then, the next day, we'd drive to Orlando, check in at WL and have our normal WDW vacation. Is it problematic to return the rental car we picked up in Tampa to the Orlando airport?
Has anyone done anything similar?
Thanks!
Karla B.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

Hello! I live in Tampa, so I don't know about your rental car question, but I can tell you that Sand Key is a beautiful beach! Good choice. There is a really nice Sheraton right on the beach there that I would recommend. Sand Key is right next to Clearwater Beach as well, and there are probably more hotel choices on Clearwater if you need more options.

Have fun!

 

[debaudrn]

We frequently fly into Tampa and then rent a car and drive to WDW. No problems. I've used Budget lately but there are other onsite rental car agencies thate too.
Debbie

 

[gonga]

We have done this trip too. We fly into Ft. Myers and go either to Captiva or Naples. We stay for 5 days then drive the rental car to Orlando. From Captiva it is 3 hours from Naples it is 3 1/2. We are doing this trip again in April. We ususlly go to Sanibel/Captiva however, some of the porperties we have stayed at are not ready yet due to the hurricanes that blew thru last season. If you are interested, Naples is just as beautiful. There are many beautiful places to stay within every budget right on the beach.

There are all the major car rentals in Ft. Myers and you can just return the car at Orlando....or you can do the trip vice versa, fly into Orlando then drive to the Gulf coast. The gulf coast is beautiful, warm and calm. October is a great time to go to the gulf coast. The water is still warm, and you will find shells galore so remember to pack plastic bags to bring them home in

 

[kikif]

we are also flying into tampa and renting a car from Alamo then returning it to the Disney Car Care Center, hopefully this will work out well !

 

[ptrbryant]

I appreciate all the suggestions! We only have 8 days/7 nts., so I'm trying my best to move everything along smoothly!

Thanks again!
Karla B.