Is 24 days too long?

[JohnnySharp2]

I think 1st few visits there is plenty in central Florida but agree after that you need to explore other areas, this last trip we did a long drive upto Georgia, day in Daytona another in Cocoa Beach and 4 nights on a cruise. Although we could easily enjoy 24/25 nights around Disney its more enjoyable to explore.
For beaches I love Castaway Cay(DCL) or Cocay Cay(RCCL) with lots going on, snorkeling, fishing trips etc just hate sitting on a beach doing nothing.
Too right though, no right, no wrong the key is finding whats right for you.

Definitely mate.

Good morning Johnny, no need to shut up m8 i always value your opinion. I think the one reason we dont venture out too far is because i just dont like driving in florida - that and the fact the kids love all things disney!!

Is there much to keep the kids intrested at clearwater/st petes what i dont want is to get there and hear constant groans of when are we going back to disney, which would you choose to stay at clearwater or st petes?

Morning Burt,

I agree about the kid's aspect, and that's part of the reason why we stay in Orlando ourselves really, Joshua loves the parks but also likes his home comforts, private pool etc in a villa - as you will know from my posts, he comes first, me I would love to get back to exploring more but long as he is happy that's fine.

I don't think it matters which you choose to be honest, Clearwater and St Petes are very close to one another you could easily spend time at both. If you decide to stay there I would base the decision on which hotel you like.

My favourite beach is actually at Anna Maria Island - which is just south near Sarasota, very tranquil.

As for your kid's it just depends on whether they like a beach holiday, there isn't a lot going on in the area to be honest but the websites below may help you make your mind up.
There is a nice marina at Clearwater with a dolphin experience that is very good value for money and an awesome bridge that spans St Pete's Bay called 'Sunshine Skyway'.
I would say 3 or 4 days would be plenty should you choose to go there, if not - like you say enjoy Orlando. We all have different opinions on here, if your kid's don't fancy the beach it would be daft to take them there.

http://www.beachhunter.net/
http://www.clearwaterbeach.com/
http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/
http://www.floridasbeach.com/
http://www.amichamber.org/

http://maps.live.com/ - great for those overhead views, find a zip code for the area you want to view, and put it in 'address, city or postcode'.
If you put 33767 and click the search button it takes you to area close to Clearwater Beach, switch to 'Birds eye' and drag over to the left and there you go - a day at the beach!
You can look anywhere in Florida on this if you know the post code, even WDW etc

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We have stayed 4 weeks,3 weeks and 2 weeks,and I was quite happy with 3 weeks it's more than enough for us,with 2 children.
I'm looking around 17-18nights for the next.
But then go for it,if that is what you want to do,you can never have enough of Disney.

 

[burt]

Thanks for the websites Johnny that should give me a bit of light reading for when i get home tonight. As you say the kids come first so its a case of whatever they prefer only problem is there 3 kids and if i ask i will probably get 1 say yes lets go to the beach, 1 say no stay at disney and the third say im not bothered either way lol

 

[orlandothebeagle]

We love clearwater, also can i just say I love florida but not as much as my dog so that would be too long for me, Now if I could take Orly with me that would be a differant matter, i might just never come home!

 

[SammieG]

I dont think its too long but the accomodation would drive me mad for that length of time. No way I could spend that sort of time with 5 of us in one room!

Have you considered FW Cabins? Much more space! and SO much fun!

 

[gaylie]

you've gotta be joking me - 24 nights in Orlando - its goes so quickly - I havent got there yet (26th) for 23 nights and im dreading coming back already - you wont be bored, there's too much to do, you'll be looking for extra days in the end - ENJOY!!

 

[burt]

where are you staying Gaylie?

Have a great time im so glad we are booked up but its an eternity to next August!!!

 

[gaylie]

where are you staying Gaylie?

Have a great time im so glad we are booked up but its an eternity to next August!!!

Im in Cumbrian Lakes - cant wait - taking 5 year old DGS with us, it will be like old times again, with a littleun - flying from Manchester (urgh, hate flying, its a necessary evil)....

 

[amystevekai&bump]

we were there for 24 nights in May - and we did travel around quite a bit - but it was marvelous - felt like a real holiday

(unfortunately no matter how long the holiday - as soon as you hit british soil it feels like you've never been away still!! )

 

[Claireybear]

Hi Claire

Lots of people have said to do universal last because of the fotl passes on your room key but we just cant imagine the last couple of days not been spent at disney! We looked at the beach/yacht club villas and they do look lovely so we are still unsure what to book accomodation wise, mainly because we loved POR on our last visit especially the boat to downtown disney but then again the bc/yc has the advantage of walking distance to epcot and HS - desicions desicions lol

Do you have a car Claire or rely on disney transport?

We always hire a car - it is just so much easier - we always drive to all the parks except the Magic Kingdon - the advantage of using disney transport to the MK is that you get dropped off right at the entrance rather than having to get bus/monrail from car park. With 3 kids its just easier to drive! We stayed at POFQ last year and loved that!! What swayed us to B/C is mainly Stormalong Bay, walking to Epcotand the Boardwalk, the full DDP (free) and as my son is over 2 we need a bigger hotel room! As for the question of doing Universal first or last we had the same dilema - we chose to do Universal last becuase of te FOTL and therefore more relaxed pace- although Wishes on our last night has always been a must I'm sure that after 3 weeks at Disney we'll be happy to move on to Universal fora rest!! Lots to think about...

Claire.

 

[Anne64]

24 days - bliss

We were there for 14 nights - its goes so quickly What I would have given for an extra 10 days.

Go for it - I'm sure you won't regret it

 

[janine]

Gosh no. I could live there and never be bored!!! I always say 3 weeks is just never enough time for us. You will have a great time!!!