Penmac
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2017
Our next Disney trip has evolved many times and we have tossed around so many different dates and scenarios. We are finally settled on late July but need a plan! We have decided to drive from the Northeast (said I would never do it again last summer lol) This decision has enabled us to add a few days on to our trip with the savings from airline travel and renting a car (we are a large family so the airline savings are substantial).
We had originally planned to hit up one of the Carolinas on the way home. But, after thinking about it more, we would really like to explore the gulf coast FL for 3 nights at the start of our trip (I have to end with Disney- can't spend my beach vacation with the Disney blues-- no thanks). I think we would like to focus on the Clearwater/St. Pete's area since (traffic aside) it's not too crazy of a drive from the Orlando area. Anything under 3 hours is good. I was looking at Tradewinds but we will be there on the weekend & rates for a larger suite are very pricey- even with no view, etc. I am so bummed because this looks like a perfect beachfront place. I just don't think we can manage a $700+ nightly rate.
I am not opposed to just booking a less expensive but larger hotel suite near the beach with free cancellation and lots of online reviews to look at. Free cancellation with my bookings is always a huge selling point for me because we are notorious for changing our minds. Even now I am thinking of throwing in the towel on this whole idea and just staying in Orlando longer, but I know my teens would love a couple days at a white sandy beach. I am going to try to come up with a workable plan that doesn't bankrupt us but also allows us to feel like we are on a nice vacation.
I think a VRBO would be the best option but I am terrified to book one. It's been a few years and I have heard so many horror stories. I also have ZERO experience with the area or neighborhoods. I think more space and beach access within a 7-10 min walk would be the best value for our money and more comfortable for all of us. I don't want to end up in a rental that's at the ends of the earth and requires us to drive to the beach/look for parking etc. I just don't know where to start. Need some advice from budget minded-people like ourselves who are familiar with the area.
Any ideas? Pool access is a must. Thanks!
We had originally planned to hit up one of the Carolinas on the way home. But, after thinking about it more, we would really like to explore the gulf coast FL for 3 nights at the start of our trip (I have to end with Disney- can't spend my beach vacation with the Disney blues-- no thanks). I think we would like to focus on the Clearwater/St. Pete's area since (traffic aside) it's not too crazy of a drive from the Orlando area. Anything under 3 hours is good. I was looking at Tradewinds but we will be there on the weekend & rates for a larger suite are very pricey- even with no view, etc. I am so bummed because this looks like a perfect beachfront place. I just don't think we can manage a $700+ nightly rate.
I am not opposed to just booking a less expensive but larger hotel suite near the beach with free cancellation and lots of online reviews to look at. Free cancellation with my bookings is always a huge selling point for me because we are notorious for changing our minds. Even now I am thinking of throwing in the towel on this whole idea and just staying in Orlando longer, but I know my teens would love a couple days at a white sandy beach. I am going to try to come up with a workable plan that doesn't bankrupt us but also allows us to feel like we are on a nice vacation.
I think a VRBO would be the best option but I am terrified to book one. It's been a few years and I have heard so many horror stories. I also have ZERO experience with the area or neighborhoods. I think more space and beach access within a 7-10 min walk would be the best value for our money and more comfortable for all of us. I don't want to end up in a rental that's at the ends of the earth and requires us to drive to the beach/look for parking etc. I just don't know where to start. Need some advice from budget minded-people like ourselves who are familiar with the area.
Any ideas? Pool access is a must. Thanks!