OT - Going to Florida 12/2005 - but NOT Disney

[riu girl]

You may remember that DH and I decided to go to Mexico/Caribbean for a 10th year anniversary holiday Dec/2005. Well, after the wonderful holiday we had we decided that we would rather do something that involved the kids also. They were so great on our 12/2004 WDW holiday. They seem to be at the perfect age for this sort of thing. I am afraid that 10 years from now when I mention a family vacation they might not be as inclined. Also, DH and I have been to Mexico/caribbean at least a dozen times and relly want to focus more on family type holidays.

So 12/2005: We are flying BUF-TPA and staying for 2 weeks in a 1 bedroom condo in Siesta Key (near Sarasota). This 8 mile long island looks amazing and the beach, perfect white sand. We are going to get an unlimited day pass for Busch Gardens and go there for a few days. The rest of the time we will walk this beach and visit state parks/nature typs activities.

In 12/2006 we were originally going to do two weeks in WDW followed by one week in Siesta Key. We thought that this might be a little long for the kids to be away from home (especially since at the end of two weeks 12/2004 they were both really missing their house and pets etc). So in 12/2006 we are going to do two full weeks in WDW (hoping to rent DVC points and stay at a couple really nice DVC resorts).

I am so excited. I have the condo and rental car booked. Just waiting for Southwest to publish their December fares!!!!
Can anybody tell me anything about Busch Gardens for a very adventurous 5 and 8 year old?

Suzy V.

 

[Scratch42]

If they love animals, they will love Busch Gardens!

Be prepared for a lot of walking but well worth it!

It's a day trip only.

You'll love Siesta Key too!

Scratch

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the info. DD7 is nicknamed "nature girl" and is deeply connected to animals. We live in the woods/on the water and she "plays" with snakes, frogs, turtles, bugs etc. She has memberships at WWF and the Toronto Humane Society. I think Busch gardens would be right up her alley.

Do you think Busch Gardens would only be a one day trip? We spent a full day at AK (were there at opening until one hour after close) and still didn't see everything. I could have easily spent another full day there.

Is there anything you can tell me about Siesta Key (We have no interest in shopping or restaurants, but would love to hear about anything else). We will be there for 2 full weeks and besides Busch Gardens we are planning on going to MOTE aquarium (the sea life touch tanks sound amazing), the lighthouse, the bird re-hab centre and Myakka state park (and do the alligator boat tour). We are also hoping to go to the beach (Siesta Key Public Beach) the one night each week when everyone is invited to bring a drum and drum/dance. Other then that we will mostly hang out around the beach and the pool condo. Can you think of anything I have missed?

Suzy V.

 

[Scratch42]

http://www.simplysiestakey.com/about.htm

Check out this site, good information about the area.

St. Armonds Circle (sp) is also a great place just to look and shop a bit!

The beach is great for seashell hunting!

Great place for that relaxing vacation!

Scratch

 

[riu girl]

I finally had a chance to look at the web site you posted.
Can't wait to go. It looks like an ideal holiday for us.

Thanks again for all the info.
Suzy V.

 

[sammi]

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is also a great place to spend the day. The animals and the gardens are awsome!

Here's a link to their site:
http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/flash.html

We've spent time on Siesta Key, Longboat Key and just this past December Anna Maria Island and I think you'll love the area!

Have fun planning!

 

[riu girl]

sammi:
Thanks for the link to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This is supposed to be a very relaxing holiday for us, but now I'm not so sure. There are a ton of family type attractions in the area!!!!

Thanks again to those who responded to this thread.

I can't wait to go.

Suzy V.