Family wants to travel to Cocoa Beach while there----How do we get there??

[THE 5 OF US]

This will be our 3rd trip do WDW and will be staying at POR the 3rd week in October. My family and I would like to travel to the east so that our kids can see the ocean this time, we live in Minnesota and they've never been to the ocean. Anyway, can anybody tell me what service would be best for a day trip to the ocean around the Cocoa beach/Cape Canaveral area?? We are also going to Sea World while we are there, wondering if just renting a car is our best bet and if you can get a rental right at POR?? Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

I would say renting a car and planning your sea world trip along w/ your beach trip on consecutive days. The drive is easy from the parks area, straight east down "alligator alley" to the space coast. There is a good public beach on Cocoa as well.

I have been to Orlando several times in October, and Sea World was a big disappointment to us in October. Many of the shows were not going during the week, so you don't even get the full experience. I felt there was a LOT of walking to see very little. As much as I love going to Orlando, I'll never go to Sea World there again.

 

[n2mm]

A rental car sounds like your best bet. There are companies on WDW property (National and Alamo). They can arrange to pick you up. One location is near MK and ther other is at the Swan/Dolphin. You won't really find any discounts for a day or 2, but watch for some coupons for a 3 day rental, as that might be cheaper than renting 2 regular days. There are a host of discounts available.

 

[sue1013]

I would say renting a car and planning your sea world trip along w/ your beach trip on consecutive days. The drive is easy from the parks area, straight east down "alligator alley" to the space coast. There is a good public beach on Cocoa as well.

I have been to Orlando several times in October, and Sea World was a big disappointment to us in October. Many of the shows were not going during the week, so you don't even get the full experience. I felt there was a LOT of walking to see very little. As much as I love going to Orlando, I'll never go to Sea World there again.

So the OP doesn't get confused the above poster is incorrect. Alligator Alley goes from south of Miami to Naples on the west coast.

 

[sympatico]

Alamo and National have 2 places in Disney: Car Care Center just past the parking tolls for MK and at the Dolphin. The hours at the Dolphin aren't too long so I'd pick the CCC. They will pick you up and take you back if you call a little ahead of time.
If you rented for two days you could do SeaWorld one day and the beach the next and maybe even a little shopping
Just take I-4 to the exit for 528 (Beachline or Beeline Expressway:toll) and you can take that right to the ocean. We went to Allan Shepherd Park and it was nice.
http://www.beachhunter.net/cocoa-beach/shepard-park.htm
Address is: 211 East Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL
You can put that in on google maps. There's a $7. parking fee, there's change/bathrooms, outdoor shower area, picnic tables, cabana rentals on the beach etc.

 

[goofy4tink]

THanks for the correction regarding 'alligator alley'...it is in fact much further south.
In any case...a rental car would be your best bet. You can get a car through Alamo/National at the Dolphin or the Car Care Center by the entrance to MK.
Or, you can head to DTD and rent a car at one of the hotels in that area...the Doubletree has Budget for instance.
The drive to Cocoa Beach is an easy one..about an hour and hard to get lost..going either way.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

My bad...I was thinking the Bee Line...

I have been on both and they are great drives.

Sorry for the confusion

 

[grimley1968]

My bad...I was thinking the Bee Line...

I have been on both and they are great drives.

Sorry for the confusion

Actually, I think it is called the "Beach Line" now. The highway number is 528, and it's a toll road, but a very nice road.

 

[Capt_BJ]

That's right

528 is now the Beach Line

from the Disney properties you may want to take 417 (also a toll road) towards the airport

just beyond the airport it crosses 528; head east and the next stop is Cape Canaveral; it will put you right on A1A. This route keeps you off I-4 and the conjestion that can be found at rushhour around the 4 / 528 interchange

first beach area you'll find is Jetty Park and it is a good beach.

head a bit further on A1A to RonJon surf shop. Beach there is nice too and you must buy a t-shirt. I believe it is a county ordinance or something.

Stop a Grills in the port for an early dinner and you may see a cruise ship leaving.