Help planning Disney/Beach trip for July!

[J'aime Paris]

Hi all!

I've been to WDW many times, utilizing MDE or private pick up, staying on property, immersed in the Disney magic. I'm familiar with that type of vacation, and we love it!

This is kinda a last minute mom/daughter trip, and I'm sooooo behind with all the scheduling. Yikes!
But we're planning on being more relaxed, go with the flow, etc.
(At least that's what I keep telling myself )

DD is almost 18, and really wants to spend a few days at the beach. This is a game changer for me, because I have no idea what to do, how to plan this.

I need some suggestions from those who've done this, or live in the area and can give me a few ideas.

1. Thinking of flying into/out of Orlando and renting a car. This is a bit scary, because I'm unfamiliar with driving in FL, and am unsure how the tolls work. Advise on this would be welcome!

2. Which beach should we visit? DD would like a bit of fun/action. I would prefer not too crazy busy, but I don't want DD to be bored either.

3. Where to stay at said beach? I'm open to hotels, private rentals, or condos. Needs to be on or very close to the beach. Since it's just the two of us, a safe area is very important.

4. My thoughts are to drive from Orlando airport to the beach destination. Stay at beach destination for 3-4 nights. Drive back to Orlando, stay at WDW property for 4-5 nights. Does this plan make sense? Open to suggestions!!

Many thanks to anyone who is willing to help!
J'aime Paris

 

[2dogmom]

We are leaving tomorrow to drive down, 5 of us, 3 are teen girls, 19,16,13. We plan on doing a week at disney then staying at Tradewinds in St. Pete (Gulf coast) for a few nights. It looks like a fun resort, great reviews and a coworker said it was a fun place. Take a look at that place.

 

[Chiefillini]

We are taking a similar family trip and staying on Anna Maria Island through a condo on VRBO. With the car rental I would rent from Alamo so that you can return at WDW and than take MDE back to MCO. Will save you 4-5 days of car rental.

 

[J'aime Paris]

We are leaving tomorrow to drive down, 5 of us, 3 are teen girls, 19,16,13. We plan on doing a week at disney then staying at Tradewinds in St. Pete (Gulf coast) for a few nights. It looks like a fun resort, great reviews and a coworker said it was a fun place. Take a look at that place.

I will check out Tradewinds, thankyou!

 

[J'aime Paris]

We are taking a similar family trip and staying on Anna Maria Island through a condo on VRBO. With the car rental I would rent from Alamo so that you can return at WDW and than take MDE back to MCO. Will save you 4-5 days of car rental.

Great advise about the car rental! Didn't even think of that!