Disney & where else - "Easter" 2014
 

Hi,

We'll likely be heading from the UK back to our DVC rental in Easter 2014 for 5 or 6 nights, but will then want to go on somewhere else.

We're fortunate as the UK school holidays (which we're tied to) are off-set by a week from the main Easter break next year, so will do Disney first to hit a lower season.

However, where should we go for the week that runs up to the Easter weekend? We spent that week in Clearwater last year and it was absolutely rammed with those from the North and also spring-breakers. 1hr waits for tables in basic restaurants became the norm, etc.

(please help educate me here - does spring break sit across the easter weekend each year?)

So, is there somewhere with a nice beach but that's also quieter we could look at in Florida, or do we need to cast our net a bit wider? Would be willing to consider bundling with 4 or 5 nights in a city, but don't really want to have to lug winter clothes over with us!

Many thanks

Spring break varies from School to school, state to state and even county to county in the US. Florida is a popular destination for the 2-3 weeks before and after Easter because that will be the times of the various spring breaks.

Lots of places in the States will be warm that time of year so no need to bring winter clothes. If you want to forgo the beach then give an idea of what you are interested in.

Otherwise you could look at going somewhere less spring break oriented like Naples, or some of the smaller less developed places along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.

Thanks for that.

I think we'd like to stick with the beach assuming we an find somewhere that's not as manic, as the kids enjoy it a lot! We had maybe 5 days in Clearwater and I think on 4 of them it was the same routine - breakfast, beach, pool, dinner etc. If the kids are happy, then everyone's happy!

But you think heading to SW Florida might be sufficiently out the way? If so, I'll start scoping things out. Flying back from MIA to the UK certainly wouldn't be out of the question.

I think that the smaller places get less spring breakers. The farther from a big(ish) airport the less chance of spring breakers. You will always have local spring breakers.

So look starting at Sarasota, Longboat Key and heading south to Naples. If you can fly out of Miami then it would be just as close as MCO. Or you could look at RSW but would have to make a change.

If you want to know if the local public schools are out that week you just need to know what county. Then you can find the website for that school district. There will be an academic calendar that shows when the kids get days off. Might be handy to know.

Consider St. Augustine.
http://www.staugustine.com/visit/
http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine
http://www.getaway4florida.com/

They also have nice beaches (e.g. Crescent Beach) with smaller crowds.

Thanks all.

I'd always steered away from the East Coast as I know the water on the Gulf Coast is so nice & warm!

We stayed at the Hyatt on Clearwater Beach in 2012 & loved it - the mix of good quality resort facilities, nicely specced room and a great beach across the street, so if anyone has any similar recommendations like that, please let me know!

Why not Disney's Vero Beach or Hilton Head resorts?

1) They're both East Coast, aren't they?
2) I'll have had enough of the mouse after a week :)

Sanibel, Nsples, and Ft. Myers area. All an easy drive back across to MIA .