Where is the best place to vacation? (Orlando, Kissimmee: coupon, buying)

[ang123ela]

My husband and I have three children 12 and under and want to vacation in Orlando. We want to be able to spend at least two days at Disney World and 4-6 days in the surrounding area. I would like to know of great things to do and nice places to stay. We dont mind camping and we love to try diffrent things. All information is welcomed.

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

You'd probably get better information by going to tripadvisor.com. There are forums on there and you'll get a lot of travel information.

[spunky1]

I don't know when your planning on coming, but if you are speaking of tent camping it gets pretty uncomfortable in a tent at night between say May-Oct. in central Florida due to the hummidy. Ocala National Forrest which is a bit north of Orlando has nice camping at Juniper and Alexander Springs if you want to get away from the tourist scene. Also camping on the beach. I have never been but the one every one raves about is St. Josephs but that is up around the panhandle.

[Prichard]

Central Florida really has a lot to offer for tourists. I guess that I've been to Disney World and Sea World so many times that I tend to focus on other things there are to do around here. However, there's no doubt that kids love the main theme park at Disney World. There's also other things to do at Disney when it's warm out like Blizard Beach, Ft. Wilderness, the race track, etc. Younger kids don't like Epcot all that much. Most everybody really likes Sea World. Universal would be more for those that are into roller coaster rides. Wet & Wild is the big water park on I-Drive, still pretty fun thing for kids to do.

North of Orlando in Seminole County there if you like a laid back more natural setting, there is Rock Springs and Wekiva Springs where you can camp, swim and cannoe. One of my favorite things to see is the Kennedy Space Center, about 1 hour's drive to Cape Canaveral - that's something I wouldn't pass up, it's worth a day trip and you might even be able to splash around on the beach too on Canaveral Nat. Seashore. If you have kids that love animals, I'd suggest a petting zoo farm in Kissimmee - can't remember the name right off the top of my head, but someone here will know it. It's not glamourous, but I found it worth while.

[cmj_fla]

The petting zoo Prichard was referring to is Green Meadow's Farm and it is so much fun (unless you don't like farm animals) but make sure you find a coupon before you go because it can save you a lot of money.

My family and I stayed at the Ron Jon Cape Caribe resort in Cocoa Beach and it was amazing. We really didn't have to go anywhere. It is on the beach, it has an amazing pool that has a huge water slide and a lazy river, a HUGE play room for the kids and even has a putt putt golf course. I would suggest going to their web site and sign up for there "hot deals" newsletter because they will send you the specials they are running and that can save you a lot. Cocoa isn't too far from Disney (50 minutes or so) especially if you plan only to go there for a few days.

PS - Cabe Caribe is a timeshare as well as a resort but they do not pressure you into buying if you are only there as a resort guest.

[ang123ela]

Thanks everyone for all the great info.!

[Floridasunshine]

Ang123ela,
See the classfied section of this site, for beach places available.