Questions from almost first timers

[Freyja]

Hi everyone,

Since I got such great response from everyone the last time I posted here, I'll give it a go once more.

We would really like to go to the beach once or twice while in Orlando. What are the best beaches for families within 1 hour driving distance from I-drive?

How cold will the water be? Do you think we will be able to swim in the beginning of October?

Another thing, we have ordered the 30 day Florida fun in the sun tickets? Do you know where we can exchange the vouchers for real tickets? Can we do that at Disney Quest?

Downtown Disney, is it open to everyone or is it within one of the parks?

I know that´s a lot of questions. But hey guys, you´re all so great!

Bye for now
Freyja

 

[coli]

Hello - I'm afraid i can't answer how close the beach is but Downtown Disney is open to anyone - it is not within one of the 'tradional' parks - it is just with in the boundry of WDW's property - it consists of DTD, Pleasure Island and Westside. When you see the huge Crique du Soliel 'tent' you know you're in the right area.

Swimming - well i live almost a thousand miles North of Florida in bermuda - but still in the gulf stream - and we can swim in October (just). I would think the water is still great for visitors.

Hope you find the answers to your other questions!

 

[Dan Murphy]

As for DtD, the only area not open without admission is the central, Pleasure Island area (Market Place and the West Side are on either side of it) in the evening and night. PI access is free in the daytime. http://wdwig.com/downtown.htm http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/ddmap.html

 

[cleo]

For a lovely beach, lots of activity, and warmer water head over to St. Petersburg (apx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Orlando). The ocean will be warmer and calmer than on the coast, and the beaches more relaxed. You can also get a Dolphin cruise there, and there are wonderful shops to explore.

On the coast, Daytona Beach is only an hour away and has beaches, shopping, dining, etc in a more upbeat atmosphere (think Spring Break).

With small children, I'd head to St. Petes both for the benefit of the warmer, calmer water and the shells the children will be able to collect as they're playing.

 

[3stooges]

We just used them last week and it was not a problem for any parks, DQ, or PI. We activated ours at Epcot with a CM named Howard who was a hoot! It took about 15 minutes, but we were entertained by his banter. We used the character breakfast at Restaurantosaurus without a hitch.

 

[Grumpy92]

Cocoa Beach is the closest to Orlando. Just a straight shot on the Beeline Hwy, it will take about an hour to get there. We always try to go to one not to far from Ron Jons. So we can pick up some Fla surfing souvineers. As for the temperature it all depends on where you are from. For the natives I would probably say not warm enough for us but for you I dont think it will be that cold. The lowest might be in the 70s. The problem will more likely be how rough is the water the day you go.

Your ticket pkg pretty much includes everything. Downtown Disney is a seperate area from the parks. It is made up of three sections. The old shopping village, Pleasure island & West side. PI will be closed off during the day but the other two sections are open during the day and into the evening.

 

[Nebsky]

Agrees with the Grumpy92

Cocoa Beach is Great. 1 hour away on the East Coast.
Well worth the trip. I will be doing that next week.
Ron Jon Surf Shop is awesome. You can get all sorts of surf gear (rentals on boards runs like 10 bucks for 4 hours), shirts, souveniers etc. Also you can get one of the most famous stickers in the world. I have seen RJSS stickers on cars in Paris, London, Sydney, Moscow (believe it or not) along with most major cities in the US.

St. Petersburg is nice but if you really want a Florida Icon, go to Cocoa Beach. You wont be sorry.