Need a vacation spot

In My Humble Opinion
1

In the past, my wife and I have always left the kids with grandma and grandpa and hopped on a cruise, but this winter we feel compelled (read: “guilt driven”) to take them along.

So any dopers have any ideas for a warm winter’s week with a four year old and a two year old? Someone suggested Sanibel Island in Florida, but I’m open to anything. So far, nothing I’ve come up with sounds appealing…lot’s of ideas for a romantic vacation for two…but with kids, it’s a lot more difficult.

Don’t get me wrong…I love my kids! Just need a different kind of trip.

Ideas?

2

What about Disneyworld & Epcot? As an adult, I love the place, and I hear kids like it, too.

3

I would suggest Key West. It’s very family-oriented these days.

Things that kids might like:
Shipwreck Museum
Treasure Hunting Museum
Lighthouse
Aquarium
Conch Train (like riding Mr. Roger’s Trolley around Key West)
Mallory Square (on the waterfront, has lots of jugglers, musicans, artists, clowns, etc etc )
Glass bottom boat rides (see the coral reefs)
Bike Rentals (rent bikes with child seats)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum (might be scary for some kids, was scary for me)

Beaches – Smathers Beach is sandy and full of volleyball and practically naked people. Ft. Zachary Taylor Beach is a bit rocky, but with sandals it is good for kids because the water is beautiful and it is not very crowded.

Restaurants fun for kids:
Turtle Kraawls – on the waterfront, depending on the time of year they have various marine life in tanks. Mexican, burgers, salads, etc.
Blue Heaven – cafe type restaurant … this is great for breakfast. Dining is out-of-doors in a barnyard type area with baby chicks, geese, and kitties running around underfoot. Personally this gives me the heebie-jeebies – I might be eating EGGS for goodness sake, but it was a hit with the kids.

Most of the larger hotels have some sort of day-care or supervised children’s activity in the event you and Mrs. Rundogrun want to knock back some margaritas at Sloppy Joe’s one afternoon.

I love Key West because it is warm and tropical, yet it is easy to get around. At the risk of sounding like a complete Philistine, there is a Blockbuster, K-Mart, Walden Books, Super Cinemas etc etc for all the things you will no doubt have forgotten. Also conveniently has things like Pizza Hut in case your kids want something generic to eat.

You do not absolutely need a car in Key West, but with kids I would recommend one. Especially if you are staying in a condo unit or other apartment-style accomodation, you will need a car to get to the market.

4

Key West is nice, But could get boring for small ones. Athena is right on with Orlando. Disney, Universal, Sea World for the family and House of Blues, Church Street, Disney downtown for the adults in the evening. Close to Tampa (1 1/2 hr.)Busch Gardens, Ybor City, Tarpon Springs. Close to Kennedy Space Center (1 + hr.) Lots to do within driving distance for the day. Just my $.02.
later, Tom.

5

We spent a fantastic two weeks in the Bahamas on a Paradise Island resort called Atlantis (see http://www.atlantis.com). It is basically a huge aquarium and water theme park built in and around a hotel. Great beaches, countless pools, great diversions for kids aged 4 and 2 (mine happen to be the same age so I know where you are comming from).

If you do go, stay at the newer tower because the rooms are slightly bigger. If you are thinking of getting a suite I would suggest getting two adjoining rooms in the beach tower (that’s what we did to avoid having the same bed time as the kids). The adjoining rooms option works out cheaper and in a way better.

There is no lack of activities for both adults and children right on the resort. No car needed. You can even walk across the bridge to the main island if you are bored and want to experience some local art at the straw market or simply get a little more local flavour in your food and tourist goods.

Fun place.

6

Thanks for everything so far…

We were at Disney back in June, but since I need to be there in February anyway, it’s a strong possibility.

Key West I love! I spent 10 days in the Keys back in 1990. I was back in Key West a few years ago and amazed at how much it had changed. I still remember watching the sunset from the Pier House.

I didn’t care much for the Bahamas, but have heard alot of good things about Atlantis. I’m definitely going to check this out. Kids + pools = hours of entertainment.

7

I live down the street from Disney.
Muay many changes in the area.
There are more and more ‘kid friendly’ hotels in the area. WonderWorks on I-Drive has gotten some pretty rave reviews. The Orlando Science Center is fun (if it hasn’t gone bankrupt by then). Mini-golf abounds.
Universal’s Islands of Adventures has SeussLand, with the “Caro-Seuss-el”, complete with Seuss-ish animals. [WARNING: Do NOT ride “The Cat In The Hat” before or after eating, unless you like being really queasy.]
If you are staying as a guest on Disney property, there are scheduled kids activities. Don’t know if Universal is starting this yet, since they’ve opened Portofino Bay and are in the process of doing MORE expansion.
Contact me and I can keep you updated on changes.

Orlando’s new motto - The city that made Bob (from Bob’s Barricades) rich.