Flying into Jacksonville, Anything we should plan to do to & from WDW?

[Texas Trio]

We couldn't use miles to get free tickets into MCO so we are flying into Jacksonville and doing about a 2.5-3 hour drive. Any suggestions where to stay one night before and one night after our POR reservations? It wouldn't have to be right by WDW maybe further away to get a cheaper rate. Are there any must see things between Orlando and Jacksonville? We have 3 kids ages 5-11 and don't get to see the ocean very often.

 

[mndisfam]

We flew in that way, and as I recall, there wasn't much to do btwn except St Augustine, which is very close to JAX and Daytona Beach, which we didn't visit.

St Augustine was awesome we thought - more our style than Daytona Beach...I think there was also some big golf world close to JAX.

Since we had never seen the ocean much either, we took A1 (I think) down quite a bit until we joined up to the major interstate...THe scenic way was very very worth the time...Once you are on the interstate tho, there was nothing to see.

That's my recall - only been there that one time tho, so if someone else has better ideas, I wouldn't be surprised!

 

[kimntrent]

St. Augustine is amazing. What a great town to go to. Cracker Barrell Baby. If you don't have one stop there on your way in.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Jacksonvillite here!

No, not much to do here in Jacksonville in the tourist department. St. Augustine is fabulous, tho. Beautiful B&Bs, as well as regular hotels, fantastic food and some pretty interesting sights, too. There's the oldest church in the country, as well as the "pool room" from It's a Wonderful Life...you know the scene I'm talking about, the one where everyone fell in the pool. Evidently, a lot of filming was done here on the First Coast during that time.

If you're ansy to get to Orlando, scrap taking A1A. Way, way long route. Just get back to I-95. My hubby and I make it from our front door to hopping on a tram at WDW in two hours w/out stopping -- add 10 minutes if we need to stop and use a restroom. St. Augustine is half-an-hour south of us, so it would be even less time for your family. Keep in mind the traffic on I-4 in Orlando is brutal during rush hour, so plan it so that you're not in it. We generally leave our house at 7:30 a.m. and are parking at MK at 9:30 a.m.

Please feel free to pm me if I can be of help if you decide to stay overnight in Jax and I can steer you towards some good eats/hotels.

 

[boBQuincy]

An alternate route from JAX to WDW is to continue South on I-95 past Daytona and pick up 528 near Canaveral. 528 meets 417 near Orlando, for a much more hassle-free drive than I-4.

It takes about 20-30 minutes longer but at rush hour it may be quicker than I-4. It's certainly easier on the nerves (but adds about $5 in tolls to your budget). If you drive by on the right day you might take 5 minutes to catch a glimpse of one of the Disney cruise ships.

If you take I-4 try to find time to visit Blue Spring near Orange City. This amazingly clear spring is about 10-15 minutes off the interstate and the natural Florida scenery is worth it. In Winter the manatees gather here for the constant 70 degree water.

And yep, St. Augustine is well worth the side trip. Take the scenic drive there from JAX:
9A to Butler (JTB)
Butler East to A1A
A1A South to St Augustine.
Then head for I-95 to WDW.

 

[paults]

WE STAYED IN St. Augustine for 2 nts before WDW in MAY. Very nice. Lots to do. Oldest city in the country.

here is the site

http://oldcity.com/attractions-sightseeing-information.cfm

took us about 2 hrs from the Monterey motel to WDW straight drive.

If you go down the coast it will be a lot longer.

 

[siouxi31]

If you have the opportunity to see St. Augustine even for just 2 hours then do it. It's a beautifully quaint old town with the cutest shops and cobblestone streets.
I'm sorry but I have no suggestion on motels to stay at. We stay at my uncles when we're down there.

 

[Antonia]

Definitely drive down A1A from Jacksonville. So many beautiful views of the ocean. Stop at the Guana River State Park just before you get to St. Augustine and cross the road over to the steps that lead over the HUGE sand dunes. The beach is usually deserted, but it is beautiful. BobQuincy gave you good directions.
There is also a state park called Blue Spring. It is closer to Orlando. Not sure when you're going, but in the cooler months you can see manatees in the wild.
Definitely see St. Augustine - we stay at Bay Front Inn so we can look out over the Mantazas Bay just across the street. The Santa Maria restaurant across the street gives you bread to throw to the fish if you sit by the window - there is a little hatch in the window sill - your kids would love it.

 

[boBQuincy]

Almost forgot... at one of the St. Augustine exits on I-95 is the Belz Outlet Mall, with a Disney Outlet store!

The mall is on the East side of I-95, the Disney store is just to the North of the food court. Great prices on most items!

 

[ccw]

We all enjoyed visiting the World Golf Hall of Fame just south of Jacksonville, near St. Augustine(which is also a nice little side trip). Have stayed at the Comfort Suites at that exit and REALLY liked it...big room, nice breakfast, good rate! You are then only two hours from Disney and have gotten thru the often messy Jacksonville traffic!

 

[Texas Trio]

Thanks everyone for the ideas!