ok--need some help if possible

[smfritz03]

We are going straight from the airport to the beach--then back to Disney. Im having a heck of a time getting driving directions. Does anyone know how to get from the Orlando Intl to Ponce Inlet? And then back to Disney? And how long does it realistically take? Or do you have a better beach to recommend? We are not looking for the most "popular" but more a friendly, family beach w/out all the crowds. Thanks!!!!

 

[joe1946]

Looks like it's about an hour and a half from the airport to Ponce Inlet:

http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?newaddr=MCO&taddr=&csz=&country=us&tcsz=ponce+inlet+FL&tcountry=us

and an hour and 45 minutes from Ponce Inlet to WDW:

http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?new...let+FL&country=us&tcsz=orlando+FL&tcountry=us

 

[smfritz03]

Are there any beaches closer that the kids would enjoy and it not be so crowded?

 

[snowy76]

Cocoa Beach would be closer though I don't know how busy it'll be in August...
http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?new...L&country=us&tcsz=Cocoa+Beach,+FL&tcountry=us
http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?new...h,+FL&country=us&tcsz=Orlando,+FL&tcountry=us

 

[WedwayRocks]

Cocoa is for sure closer. I assume you are flying into OIA (Orlando International Airport)? If so, you can hop on the Beach Line and in 30 - 45 minutes arrive @ Cocoa Beach. This has nice beaches, never crowded, and close access to the Kennedy Space Center if the kids are into space stuff. To get to Disney, hop back on the beach line (going west) get on I-4 (going west) and just follow the signs to Walt Disney World. I am a native of Orlando for 25 years and I only go to Cocoa. Just my 2 cents

 

[smfritz03]

Thanks---is there a road called Beach Line? Im hoping its easy to find!! 30-45 min sounds great--i kept hearing everything was 1.5 hrs away!!!!! coco was my first choice but I read somewhere its busy busy--and someone else said it was dirty--but from all the pics ive seen--it looks the best!!!

 

[WedwayRocks]

Its much more laid back then Daytona or Ponce Inlet. The Beach Line (formally known as the "Bee-Line) is also State Road 528 and there are a ton of signs once exiting the airport that allow you to get right onto the 528. One thing about Orlando is that there are a ton of signs pointing you in the right direction.

 

[smfritz03]

Thanks!!! Im going to print this out and take it w/ me!!! Dh wouldnt be too happy if I said ok--lets head that way and wasnt able to give him some sort of road names!!!!!

 

[WedwayRocks]

HAHA. I am a DH and if my DW did that to me, I would probably be pretty TO'ed. Good luck and I hope you have a great time. I am going this weekend for the 108th time this year and it never gets old for me, I love it everytime

 

[smfritz03]

I hope you have a wonderful trip!!!!! This is our first so Im pretty excited!!! And I havent been to the ocean since 11/04 and that was the bay area I was at---so Im ready to hit the alantic again!!! So if I dont pick the right beach w/ the right directions--Im sure I will never live it down!!!!

Since your from around there---is there any orange groves along the route or just off of it?? Dh's kids have never seen an orange tree and I'd like to show them---I will never forget my first time seeing it---it looked soooo strange!!! So I'd like to hear their perspective on it!!!

and why do guys hate asking for directions????!!!!

 

[WedwayRocks]

Because, it shows our "stupid side". We're men, we should know everything. Orange groves, probably once you get close to Disney there are tons of orange groves. Also, in Epcot, at the Land Pavilion (my favorite ride @ Epcot) They have all kinds of fruit bearing trees and it is extremely interesting, I would definitely check it out. It's funny there are so many things I take for granted (i.e. orange trees) that I dont even think about.

 

[smfritz03]

Yep--us Northerners do not have the luxury of peering out our back window and seeing an orange tree!!! I brought one (the touristy type) back w/ me and attempted to grow it. LOL--what was I thinking!!! But I did take pics and I know alot of Flordians prob. thought I was crazy!!! But those trees are a novelty for me!!!!
Im not sure if we are doing Epcot--so we will just keep our eyes open for them when we are driving by and keep our fingers crossed we come across one!!!!

 

[Golter]

Cocoa is for sure closer. I assume you are flying into OIA (Orlando International Airport)?

FYI - Orlando's Airport is MCO, most will understand what you mean by MCO. Just like LAX. I dont know where they came up with MCO..

 

[joe1946]

FYI - Orlando's Airport is MCO, most will understand what you mean by MCO. Just like LAX. I dont know where they came up with MCO..

"MCO - Orlando International. Another totally meaningless code for the average air traveller. Well it stands for "McCoy Air Field", the former name of the Military Air Base, before it transformed into an international airport."

(quoted from http://www.airodyssey.net/articles/aircodes.html)

 

[mco-missy]

Just another FYI- I work at MCO (for the FAA- how's that for acronyms!). Anyway, everyone still calls 528 the Bee-Line- I'm not sure it has even been officially changed yet to the "Beach Line". But, the locals will definately know it as the Bee-line. It is easy just follow the signs for the North Exit and for 528- it is easy to find!

 

[WedwayRocks]

The name of the Bee-Line was changed yesterday 07/28/2005. Signs changed and everything. Just an update.