Where to stay/What to do?

[seven dwarfs]

Ok. I think I need some help because my brain can't handle much more. We have decided (yes, last minute) to go to Florida for Christmas break. We have a total of two weeks to stay. My husband had to close his business due to the economy and has landed a job teaching. (yeah, he has a job!)

We have been to Disney many, many times and of course love the fort. I called last night and they had a site available but it is $130 a night! (including taxes) Gulp! I am concerned that Disney thinks it is ok to charge the same price for a camping spot as a room at the AllStars!! And yes, I understand Disney has the right to charge whatever they want as long as people continue to pay. But, we can not pay that much.

So, here's where I need help. We have only been to Disney. Are there other things we could do in the area instead that would be age appropriate? Like Universal or Sea World? (I know I can't believe I even said it) And, any ideas of other campgrounds in the area that aren't so much $$$ to stay that we would still enjoy? We could also go to a different area in Florida. Thanks so much for any help you can give my tired brain! Oh and one last thing my kids range in age of 5-9.

 

[Rhonda]

How about half and half? You could spend the $130 per night, for some of the time, then make up for the high price, by staying someplace with lower prices - like a state park, or county park - near the beach!

You'll get lots of ideas from others here -- but I really like Fort Desoto, near St. Pete. It's on the water, and the campsites are beautiful. The sites are around $30/night (at least the last time we were there). But, I'm not sure what they have available. Here's their link: Fort Desoto. There's a link on the left to check availability.

 

[seven dwarfs]

Thanks so much. I am looking at the link your provided now.

 

[dfchelbay]

There are several KOA campgrounds in the area. Check into those.

 

[rapriebe]

You might want to check out Bill Fredericks Park@Turkey Lake. It is located near Universal Studios. It's only $18 a night for full hookup (incl. sewer) or $15 a night without sewer. It's a quiet park but definitely a close enough commute to Disney since the price is so reasonable. I believe it is city run park.

 

[AllenV]

Ft. Desoto is great. We leave for Ft. Desoto tomorrow actually for a long weekend.

It's a solid 2 hours from the Orlando / Disney area, but it's a bike ride to the beach, and there's an actual "Fort" at this Fort

Kelly Park and Rock Springs are up near Apopka and are good camping spots as well. Lots of wildlife at Kelly Park.

Trimble Park is also out that way. Very small camp ground, lots o' spiders, and the alligators are noisy at night, but its scenic and fun.

 

[seven dwarfs]

Thanks so much for all your help! I hope to be able to book something by tonight!