New Smyrna Beach ? and other local advise

[lademps]

I wasn't sure where to post this question....
We would like to take a daytrip to a beach when in Orlando in April. Any thoughts or comments on New Smyrna Beach area? We will also consider Cocoa Beach (cruised from there with DCL but no time to check out the beach) and Daytona Beach.
We are a family with a DS7 - we enjoy the beach, fishing, casual dining. Just looking for a relaxing visit midweek during our vacation.

We will be staying off-site on Millenia Blvd - is it correct to guess we'll be approx 30 minutes from WDW? And would I-4 be best route, as crazy as it gets - or other route to from the parks suggested? We are in no hurry to get to parks etc, so we will do our best to avoid peak traffic times....

Thanks for helping us - sorry so many questions....
Have a great day
Ann

 

[Jason71]

New Smyrna is nice, quieter and more laid back (and less tacky) than Daytona. Good for families with kids.

25-30 minutes to WDW sounds about right, depending which park you want. I-4 is your only realistic option, but honestly it's not that bad from Conroy to WDW, the route you will be taking.

 

[lademps]

Thanks so much Jason71. I appreciate the information....
Anyone else have opinion of these beaches...Thank you!!!

 

[kerrynic78]

We love New Smyrna and would choose it over Cocoa and Daytona anytime.

 

[Mousekateer In WI]

New Smyrna is a great beach. I lived about 20 minutes from there and it was way better then Cocoa or Daytona. I also agree with Jason71. I-4 would be the best way to go, just not during rush hour. I worked for Disney and took I-4 to work every day. After about 9am it was okay till about 2:30pm.