Somewhere other than Orlando?

[jmagla]

Hi All,
We are off to Florida for three weeks in August, but are also giving some thought as to where to go next year, we have been to Orlando many times (14! including a couple of visits to the gulf coast) and love the USA. We have a 6 year old and a 16 year old, so it has to be somewhere which will keep them (and us) entertained.

I was thinking about Los Angeles/San Diego and would appreciate any comments from those who have been there, how does it compare with Orlando? We will probably go in August again so it may depend on flight prices; they seem to be creeping ever higher!

We may yet go to back to Orlando as one of the major benefits for us is that we "know" the area and feel comfortable there.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Michael

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Of all the places I have been in Florida I like Naples the best, it is really refined and quiet.
Not necessarily ideal for your children but for a lazy few days away from Orlando it's ideal.

The beaches around Clearwater and St Pete's are great, and I also like Fort Lauderdale/Miami area.

It's just kind of difficult finding something for active young children to do too, unless as I say you fancy a week at a nice resort on the beach.

 

[juliebrooks35]

I've been to LA for a few days but didn't have my children with me so we didn't really look for any kids stuff. They do have Disneyland & Universal, a pier with fairground rides at Santa Monica, lovely beaches and I'm sure plenty of other stuff that will keep them entertained. I don't think anywhere compares to Orlando for the sheer amount of entertainment available though but I'm sure it would have enough to amuse everyone if you fancy a change.

We are breaking up our Orlando holiday with a week in South Carolina next summer just for a change as I like to get out and about and explore new places as well.

 

[kieras nana]

we couple our trip,to orlando with somewhere else.in 06 it was with hawaii & this year,with san francisco.that way you get the best of both worlds & in my case,i get to keep both the husband & the grandaughter happy
we travel with united vacations,as they give 2 free stopovers,in america & a free flight to heathrow,from manchester.they are also very competitive price wise.
tracy

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We went to Chicago & took our DD then 3 with us. Surprisingly (for me anyway) we had a great time - there was plenty to do with the lake, aquarium, zoo etc. We then drove up to Toronto & Niagra Falls. We had a really good time.

We talk about doing it again - but haven't managed so far.

Back to WDW this year!

 

[Aardvarks]

Fly to Las Vegas, do all the free shows on the strip, visit glitter gulch in the evening, drive to the Hoover damn or take a heli flight over the grand canyon, then drive 4 hours down to Disneyworld in Annaheim. Aslo visit Long Beach and the museum of the pacific.

We did this a few years ago with a 13 yo and an 11yo. We went Whale watching in a boat as well from long beach.

Go on...it's great

 

[paulh]

Fly to Las Vegas, do all the free shows on the strip, visit glitter gulch in the evening, drive to the Hoover damn or take a heli flight over the grand canyon, then drive 4 hours down to Disneyworld in Annaheim. Aslo visit Long Beach and the museum of the pacific.

We did this a few years ago with a 13 yo and an 11yo. We went Whale watching in a boat as well from long beach.

Go on...it's great

Did the same a few years ago but drove up to vegas from LA,with kids in toe were in vegas for 5 nights did flight/heli/boat and reverse to GC,its worth it,plenty to do even with kids.DW had to tell me to go too casino as was having soo much fun.we stayed at the hotel@mandaley bay,for its wave pool great for the kids.Only downside was LA we went in may and boy is it cool at that time of year
Paulh

 

[Babyboo]

We are having the same dilema after 3 trips last year and 17 nights in August this year.

We are looking for something for next Feb or April.

At the moment we are thinking of going with a cruise with a few days at Disney before.

The cruise lines have loads for the kids to do and we get to relax a little while seeing places we wouldn't take a holiday to.

 

[wayneg]

We have been over to West coast for last 2 Octobers. Oct 06 was Disneyland/LA/San Diego. Bought Southern Cali pass for £100 each great value http://www.citypass.com/city/socal.html
Oct 07 went to Vegas for 4 nights then Disneyland/LA for 5 nights.
Some say Vegas is not for kids, I don't believe that, its a great experience for all ages. Didn't do Heli to GC decided to hire a 4x4 and drive out myself, so glad we did, loved it gave the car some hammer sliding all over on the dirt roads kicking dust, drove to glass walkway, ate lunch at guano point(best location I have ever eaten) Also had lunch at Bellagio, best buffet I have ever eaten at Sunday brunch $24 each it would be easier to name what they dont serve, 88 chefs preparing food for it.
Next time considering flying into Vegas and driving upto San Fran. So much to see over on West coast.
We also loved New York, only 4 days on way to Florida a few years ago but it wasn't enough time. Amazing city.

 

[CustardTart]

We (DH, DS15 and myself) are travelling to LA again this summer - we're sailing on a DCL 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise followed by a week at Disneyland. TBH, we have got so much planned it's going to be a struggle to fit it all into the time allowed! And we're just scratching the surface - like Wayne says, there's so much to see/do on the West Coast... Can't wait!!!

 

[davidr]

For August 09, we have decided to have our 3rd week on marco island (stayed on Sanibel before). Relaxing time on the beach/trip to Everglades/ time in Naples/ maybe visit the keys. We love southern Florida - everyone is so friendly