Siesta Key or Florida Keys

[rsmithx]

We're planning a big vacation in Florida for January 2011 that includes quite a bit of time in DisneyWorld, however we're also adding in some beach time. We just returned from Siesta Key and enjoyed it very much, and the proximity to Orlando is very nice, but the Keys really seem like they might be worth the drive. We've been to some outer cays in the Bahamas and loved it, and think they could be similar. So, any opinions on this? How far of a drive from Orlando? We'd consider flying to Miami and out of Orlando to give us less driving time, but the car rental is about 200 dollars more that way. We'll have our 3 and 5 year old with us, who travel very well.

 

[denisenh]

we loved the keys! the drive from WDW is too long unless you plan to do this side trip over a several days. we tried it once.
we ended up booking a non disney trip and spent just over one week exploring the keys....lots to do.
there is a ferry service from the gulf coast to key west http://www.seakeywest.com/ but it is $$$.
i have never used it so i can't comment on it.
i think that unless you want to go with the fly into south florida plan, your best option would be to visit the beautiful beaches along the gulf. you can always go into the naples area for a bit of the caribbean feel. the keys are not really that "beachy" anyway
good luck with your planning!

 

[momrek06]

Yes, it is a very long trip by car. I did the opposite. DH&I were vacationing in Key West and decided to GO TO DISNEY after KW!!!!! YEAH!!!!! It was a very long drive. We did do it all in one day BUT that was just DH&I, no kiddos.

 

[HeatherC]

There is also a ferry from somewhere like Ft. Myers or the Sarasota area that can take you there.

If you want more "guaranteed" warm beach weather, I think the Keys would be better.

 

[NotUrsula]

There are very few actual beaches in the Florida Keys; the action there is mostly fishing, boating, snorkeling, and in Key West--nightlife. For beach time, I would stick to the mainland barrier islands.