What else to do?

[Chelley00]

We are planning our first trip to Disney in early November, and are thinking of planning a day outside the parks. Our kids haven't seen the ocean (how sad is that?), so we want to definately go there. Any must sees or must do? What's an easy/nice beach area? Should we do Kennedy Space Center or is not worth the trip there?

Our boys will be 13, 11 and 18 months, and our daughter is 4. Thanks in advance.

 

[alabamagirl]

DH and I are planning on going to SeaWorld on our next trip. You might want to try that if your kids like fish and/or dolphins. That said, if you have limited time, I would stick to the World. It really is a magical place for kids and where most of your "magical" memories will probably take place.

I swear Disney didn't pay me to say that!

 

[jdm]

There is so much to do outside the parks. KSC in my opinion is definitely worth the trip. Cocoa beach is the beach we always go to because it is close and we like to go to Ron Jons surf shop. I will say we usually go in Feb so we haven't actually swam there. There are loads of people who can give you advice on beaches- gulf side or atlantic etc.

Gatorland is a fun way to spend a day or half day. Very different.... however I'm not sure your little ones will be comfortable. Gators everywhere!

Do a search on here as there are lots of posts on activities outside of the parks.

Good luck,
Jenn

 

[stwyatt]

we took our 5yr old son to ksc and to see the ocean for the first time. it is a very different day than the hustle of the parks. we really enjoyed it. we also went to a nearby rest. called "dixie crossroads" while we were there. it is excellent seafood(especially for us inland folks who can't get much fresh seafood). if this is your 1st time to orlando, with an 11 and 13yr old, i would consider the universal parks. our son at age 5 and just this past yr at age 10 found them to be his favorite by a long shot. islands of adventure is a park for that age that where wdw has no alternative. but no matter what, you'll have a great time. we went this past november and it is a wonderful time to go--much less crowded

 

[jdm]

I would second Seaworld. I love it there, beautiful, calm. All your kids would enjoy it. I wasn't sure if you meant all the parks, when you said outside the parks.

Jenn

 

[Kycha]

we also went to a nearby rest. called "dixie crossroads" while we were there. it is excellent seafood(especially for us inland folks who can't get much fresh seafood).

Ohmygosh! I love Dixie Crossroads!! Their seafood is some of the freshest I have ever had. And their prices are reasonable too.

 

[f7prez]

If your kids have never seen the ocean I would highly reccomend that you plan a trip to either Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Ocean or Clearwater beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Cocoa beach is a lot closer on the east coast and would have larger waves for that true ocean experience. Now we live on the Atlantic Ocean in New Hampshire, so when we hit the beaches in Florida, we usually go to Clearwater Beach which is next to Tampa, calmer waters which are great for small children, and IMO a prettier beach. More like a caribbean beach. Then if you have another day to spend away from Disney, I would highly reccomend Sea World where your kids could see close up, the creatures that live in the ocean they just visited.

 

[palmickey2005]

Hi Chelley00,

The one place your two older sons might enjoy is the Race Rock restaurant. It's not too far from the WDW area. My two boys love cars, monster trucks and anything with wheels. They really enjoyed Race Rock. Big Foot is parked right outstide and they both took pictures right beside the trucks huge tires. This restaurant is motorsports themed. You can search their website for pictures of the restaurant and directions.

We also wanted to go to the beach but found that 1 week wasn't enough time to do it all. This was our first visit and basically just went to all 4 Disney parks and Typhoon Lagoon.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

If you are planning a beach visit, although they are further away Clearwater and St.Petes are easily the best.

Cocoa and Daytona are nearer, but the beaches nothing like as nice.