Where should I stay?

[Tdon]

Looking to do first week Disney and second week Florida. Where is the best place to go/stay for second week? We have 2 kids age 10 and 7. Thanks

[orlandoamber]

What do you mean by Florida - it’s a huge place Let us know where you plan to visit and we can help with suggestions for somewhere close.

[cornishfrogboy]

When you say Florida.. what do you mean? It is a rather large State.

If you are not sure, then tell us what you like doing as a group and maybe we can then make suggestions.

[Elmhurst 5]

As above, Florida is a huge state.

[Tdon]

Sorry and good point, Florida is huge. Was thinking week to visit beach, but not sure which side to go ? Ft Lauderdale or Tampa? Any preference for 2 young kids?

[cornishfrogboy]

I have sampled Beaches all the way from Pensacola to Key West and up the other side as far as Daytona Beach. I don’t like built up areas such as Newquay, Benidorm, Daytona, Clearwater, Ayia Napa etc. I like peace and tranquility.

I would always go gulf side as I much prefer the quality of sand. There are other Dibbers who very much like the Atlantic Coast… but the Gulf Coast is for me.

You haven’t aged your children and thus, I do not know how many facilities you seek.

If they are very young, then you have to consider ice creams, drinks, shade from the sun, restaurants etc etc.
I would look at the area of Anna Maria Island, Holmes and Bradenton. It is low rise, civilised, has fantastic sand and never seems overcrowded. You can also see you children for a good distance in all directions, so I guess that it is safe.
At Bradenton, you can swim with Manatees (I am told).

You are not far via the skyway from the beautiful For de Soto National park, in fact you can see it across the water from AMI.

You can take a day trip due South to Casperson Beach at Venice, where you find Fossilised Sharks teeth in the sand (take a Walmart Seive with you). This has lower quality sand, is a strip beach, has lots of bird life and a long boardwalk behind. You can also park your car for free within 50 yards of where you want to be.
Just half a mile away is Sharky’s by the Pier, a really nice, family friendly restaurant.. with a very long pier, where you can watch fish actually being caught.

If you really want to pull out the stops and do some driving (6.5 hours), the Pensacola is simply incredible.

[Tdon]

Thank you for reply thats really helpful and sounds amazing. My kids will be 10 and 7, so shade ice creams sound good. I agree on the calmness as looking for some relaxation after week at Disney! I will start looking at those areas and see what I come up with. Many thanks