WWYD Siesta Key, SeaWorld, or local Waterpark?

[mommy22pumpkins]

We were thinking of taking a break from the parks for a day and going to Siesta Key, or Sea World, or possibly a local water park- have been to Typhoon Lagoon and BB and love them both but they are such a lot of walking and *work* to be a relaxing day.

I'm leaning toward a relaxing day on the beach somewhere. I've heard Siesta Key is really nice. But we wouldn't know what part of the beach to go to, where to park etc.

The last time we attempted to do a beach day we went to Coco beach and it was a disaster. Choppy water, dangerous current that day, 'nuff said

Anyone ever done this or can anyone recommend a relaxing escape from the madness of the parks one day?

 

[LMC]

What time of year are you going? There is not alot of public parking at Siesta Beach so you have to get there in the morning (I'd say 9am) to park at the public beach lot. It is probably an almost 3 hr drive from WDW so you would need to plan accordingly. I'm not sure what I would do, we are spending our down time at Storm along bay this year. What about busch gardens in Tampa (2.5 hrs away I think).

 

[mrsklamc]

How old are your kids and how is the budget?

It's expensive but if you can swing it and if your kids are old enough that they will remember it, Discovery Cove sounds like exactly the type of rest you are looking for.

2 years ago DH and I took my niece and nephew, then 8 and 9, and my sister to Disney, Universal Studios, and DC. It's still everyone's favorite part of the trip and my niece still sleeps with the large stuffed dolphin she got. She named it Maraya after the dolphin we swam with.

Also remember when looking at the price that all you can eat food and drinks are included as well as parking and dolphin safe sunscreen, wetsuit and snorkeling equipment, and at the time that we went, all you could drink anheiser busch products. (AB has since sold Sea World so I don't know if that still applies, haven't checked.)

 

[tlmdisney]

Siesta Key is very nice, the sand is wonderful but Holmes beach on Anna Marie Island is perfect and a little closer to Orlando. We just moved to Bradenton Fl this summer from Montana. Holmes beach is the beach that we go to most often, it also has great sand and is never as full as siesta key. There is also a nice little cafe on the beach that has music every night, a play ground, bathrooms, and a picnic area. As far as going to Sea World or a Water Park if you are looking for relaxation I would not choose to go to either of these as the are just as exhausting as a Disney park.

 

[mommy22pumpkins]

Thanks for all the responses. I looked up Stormalong Bay and had no idea they offered this at the Beach Club. We were given a pincode this year FINALLY. So we have a 40% off discount on the deluxe resorts- which makes it Do-able- but just barely! But figuring the trip is costing a little over $800 more and we can go to the *beach* every day if we want. Plus it's so close to Epcot and we can never seem to get enough of Epcot.

Thanks for the idea! I never would have considered this resort otherwise. I am excited.

 

[LMC]

Thanks for all the responses. I looked up Stormalong Bay and had no idea they offered this at the Beach Club. We were given a pincode this year FINALLY. So we have a 40% off discount on the deluxe resorts- which makes it Do-able- but just barely! But figuring the trip is costing a little over $800 more and we can go to the *beach* every day if we want. Plus it's so close to Epcot and we can never seem to get enough of Epcot.

Thanks for the idea! I never would have considered this resort otherwise. I am excited.

We usually camp at Ft Wilderness but due to a near catastrophic injury to DH, and the fact that FW had no avail when I tried to book, and I got a PIN, we booked YC. I never could consider such a resort before the PIN but as a family of 5 what can you do. We knew taking the camper is out for now. And since DH will be limited and special needs DS will be in a WC part of the trip, we decided on YC for the pool area for some down time. Only problem is DS hates the water (my other two love it) and DH has to make sure he can get into pools then.

 

[WeLuvTink!]

Siesta Key is fabulous! Took my family there last August. Water was perfect. We waded out maybe 200 ft and the water was only waist high. Very warm and calm. Lots of beaches and on-street parking if you use a public beach. The sand is like a fine powder. Wonderful time!