Are You Paying More for Less on Your Disney Vacation?

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How to Go Green on Vacation

Even on vacation? Yup!

Happy Earth Day!

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to "Go Green" on vacation?

It's easier than you may think!

We'll show you some simple steps to make your next vacation more sustainable and environmentally-responsible.

The Environment's Nightmare Vacation

But first - here's what NOT to do on vacation...

You're in a rush to get your family to the airport and you accidentally leave your entire home office - and all your other home electronics - plugged in. Whoops!

But good news! You've made it to the airport and have everyone's tickets, maps, and itineraries printed out - in triplicate. So you know you'll have everything ready to get through the lines.

Now to check the luggage and get through security. You've packed more than you wanted, but you'll definitely need everything you packed right?

Once you've made it through security, it's off to the vendors for food and water. Good thing they have so many water bottles for sale - you're thirsty after lugging around all that luggage.

Ahhh - a short 3 hour plane ride later and your family's arrived. It's vacation time!

That is, after you've picked up the rental car. You have a few options, but forget it! You've earned this vacation and now it's time to ride in roomy, eight-seat SUV style with your family of four.

Woo-hoo, another fabulous family vacation! And an extremely costly trip for the environment.

And now the more responsible way...

5 Ways to Go Green on Vacation

1. Unplug. If you're not at home, there's no need to cool your house. Set the thermostat higher so the air conditioning doesn't kick on throughout the day.

Turn off and unplug any electronics including printers, computers, alarm clocks, coffee makers, lamps, and TVs. Not only will you prevent unnecessary electricity usage, you can save up to 10% on your bills by doing this regularly.

You can do the same things at your hotel or vacation home. Turn off lights and other electronics while out touring and participate in the laundry and recycling programs.

2. Go paperless. Most travel companies offer e-tickets and correspond via email. Use to your smartphone to check-in and store itinerary information. Going paperless may even save you time, since you can go straight to the security checkpoint.

3. Pack lightly. Every extra 10 pounds/traveler requires 350 million additional gallons of jet fuel/year, according to author Thomas Kostigen. Most hotels and vacation homes have washer/dyers so you can pack fewer clothes, wash, and reuse them.

And unless you're vacationing in the jungle, you'll probably have access to a major convenience store or retail center for any essentials you forgot to pack. No need to pack your entire house for the "just in case" instances that probably won't happen.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle. Bottled water bottles add 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. And the water is no healthier than tap water. Purchase a BPA-free water bottle with a filter and never overpay for tap water again.

5. Rent a smart car. If possible, take the train and public transportation. But if you need to rent a car, opt for a "smarter" car. Start by choosing a car for the number of people in your party - family of four? A four-seater is the best option!

If you have the option to rent a fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric car, do so! Not only will you be saving yourself gas money, but you'll be reducing your carbon footprint.

What Next?

If you're interested in other simple ways to live a Go Green life, check out The Green Book.

Curious about the dwindling resource, clean water? Watch Thirst from PBS.

We want to know - how do you vacation while still being environmentally responsible? Leave a comment or Tweet to @ROV_Homes.


Are you or a friend about to take a trip? Share these tips to Go Green on vacation!

 

Shh! 10 Disney World Secrets...

One of the few pictures of the Utilidors 

Have you ever wondered if Disney World has any secrets?

Oh yes, it does!

Behind the magical world of characters, rides, shows, and food, there's a secret world that Disney keeps hidden.

What if we revealed 10 of Disney's biggest secrets to you today?

Keep reading.

Learn About Disney's Underground City

1. Disney World is built on top of an underground city. When you walk through Magic Kingdom's gates you might notice a slight incline. That's because Walt Disney built a series of underground tunnels and utility corridors called "Utilidors" so cast members and deliveries can be transported without disrupting the park's guests. By the time you reach Cinderella's Castle, you're technically on the third-story of Disney World.

2. You can tour the underground kingdom. If you're at least 16 years old and willing to pay $229 for a ticket, Disney will take you on a 7 hour "Backstage Magic" tour. Besides exploring the utilidors, you'll get the chance to check out behind the scenes action at every park. Don't bring your camera though - photos are forbidden backstage.

3. Disney World actually is its own city! You read that right. In 1967, the Florida State legislature created the Reedy Creek Improvement District for Disney World and received a number of economic benefits in return. Disney's district has the same authority as any city's government, including the power to open a school or create a criminal justice system. Disney's board of supervisors hasn't done anything like that yet, but if it did, they would probably have full support from the district residents - all Disney Cast Members!

"Disney World's Magic Kingdom sits 16 feet above an underground kingdom of tunnels, corridors, and warehouses that spans 9 acres."
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Look for these Above Ground Secrets

4. Smells like...Have you noticed that delicious, sweet, cooking food smell on Main Street? What about the burning smells at EPCOT Center and Future World? The water and leather smell in Pirates of the Caribbean?  What you're smelling are really patented scents created by Disney's Air Smellitizer. Located in the underground kingdom, the Smellitizer wafts its scents above ground to help create the perfect experience - and keep Florida's swamp smell at bay.

5. Why is the park so clean? You won't walk more than 30 feet without finding a garbage can at Disney World. That's because Walt Disney did extensive research to create a safe and clean environment for his parks. During his research, he discovered that theme park guests would drop their trash on the ground if they couldn't find a garbage can within 40 feet. And your garbage doesn't last long in the park. It's suctioned at 65mph through underground vacuum pipes to a landfill.

Do you see the Hidden Mickey?

6. Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys. Throughout the park, "Hidden Mickeys" abound. Created by the Imagineers, they are hidden in plain sight and come in many forms, including the tri-circle Mickey head symbol and full figure silhouettes. Mickey isn't the only hidden character, though. Try to spot Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and other characters, too.

7. Camouflage. Disney paints its administrative buildings, fences, and garbage bins in two shades known as "Go Away Green" and "Blend in Brown" . It's meant to blend all the non-magical parts of the park into the background so you focus on just the park fantasies.

What about Cinderella's Castle?

8. You can (theoretically) stay in Cinderella's suite. The 650 sq ft apartment was originally created for Walt Disney and his family, but he died before they could occupy the suite. Now Disney's board grants overnight access to some guests, who access the 4th floor suite via a hidden elevator. In case you were considering making reservations, some of the most recent overnight guests were Tom and Suri Cruise.

9. The castle is smaller than it looks. Thanks to the Imagineers' trick called "forced perspective", each story of the 189 foot castle is smaller than the story below. The bricks and castle windows are also smaller and spaced closer together as you look up. On Main Street, the buildings are angled to make the castle seem further away.

And One More Secret...

10. Celebrate your child's birthday at Disney World! Go to City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom entrance and ask for birthday button. Your child will receive special attention all day from Cast Members and characters! If you're a resort guest, don't forget to the tell the resort front desk a day in advance. You can expect a few birthday surprises to show up in your room!

Do you have a friend vacationing at Disney World soon? Share these secrets with them to make their vacation even more exciting!
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Experience Extra Magic at Disney World with Limited Time Magic

Limited Time Magic at Disney World

What if there was a way for your family to celebrate surprise events and collect special souvenirs at Disney World?

Well get ready for your dreams to come true, because every Friday through 2013, Disney World Resorts announces a new Limited Time Magic.

These "extra sprinkles of Pixie Dust" are the perfect way for your family to enjoy a little more magic at Disney.

Expect Surprise Entertainment & Souvenirs with Limited Time Magic

A new Limited Time Magic celebration or souvenir will be featured every week, so make sure you take advantage of them while they last.

If you love a theme, event, or souvenir, tell a park employee because there's a chance your favorite could show up again later in the year!

Characters at the Winter Wonderland

Last week Disney hosted a Winter Wonderland at Epcot's Canada Pavilion. Some of Disney's favorite characters were there for pictures and families enjoyed playing in the "snow".

Tell us: Did your family see last week's Limited Time Magic? Which characters were your favorites?
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Show us: Do you have some great pics from the Winter Wonderland? Email your pics to ROVH and they could be featured on our Facebook & Twitter pages!

Upcoming Disney World Limited Time Magic Events

This week, January 21-27, Disney is hosting the Long Lost Friends Week. 

Keep your camera ready for old favorites like The Three Little Pigs, Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, Clarabelle Cow, and Horace Horsecollar!

Disney World Limited Time Magic Souvenirs

Couture Ear Hat from Disney World

It's Year of the Ear at Disney World. Every month, Disney will release a new set of ear hats and head wear.

January is Disney Couture Ear Hats. Pick up all 5 fashionable hats for your Ears collection at the parks.  

Tell us: What do you think February's ear theme will be?
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Show us: Do you have a fantastic Ear collection? We'd love to see pics! Email your pics to ROVH and they could be featured on our Facebook & Twitter pages!

Subscribe to ROVH for Limited Time Magic Updates

With free updates from ROVH, we'll make sure you family knows the latest Limited Time Magic news. We'll keep you posted on what events are happening this week, where to find them, and what souvenirs are available this month. 

There's 3 Easy Ways to Subscribe to ROVH:

1. Sign up to receive free email newsletter updates from ROVH on Limited Time Magic and Disney news.

2. Like ROVH on Facebook to read our posts on Limited Time Magic and Disney news.

3. Follow ROVH on Twitter to get our Limited Time Magic and Disney news tweets. 

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It's Raining, It's Pouring! 5 Fun Things to Do in Orlando When It's Raining.

Titanic: The Experience

Have you ever wondered how your family can have fun in Orlando when it's rainy?

With over 236 days of sunshine, your family should have plenty of time to visit the theme parks' attractions and rides.

But when the weather conditions aren't ideal, check out these 5 fun, indoor activities.

Don't get stuck indoors - Orlando has a wealth of exciting indoor activities for rainy days! 
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Take a Break from the Heat & Sun with These Activities 

1. Titanic: The Experience. Located on International Drive near Universal Studios, this blockbuster attraction has storytellers in period costumes that bring your family back 100 years to the Titanic. Explore real artifacts, memorabilia, and re-created rooms in the 17 gallery exhibit. Recommended for adults, teens, and older kids. More details...

2. Orlando Science Center. An Orlando landmark, the OSC boasts a Star Wars exhibit, a digital adventure theater, and many interactive science exhibits. Visit during Saturday evenings in February for a special look at the night sky. Great fun for adults, teens, and kids. More details ...

3. WonderWorks. With over 100 interactive exhibits, this is one of Orlando's most popular upside-down indoor attractions. Walk through the inversion tunnel, climb the ropes course, play Lazer-Tag, or take a ride in the 4D theater. Fun for kids, teens, and adults. More details...

4. DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. Located in Downtown Disney, this interactive theme park includes 5 floors of fun. Kids and teens can enjoy classic video games like Pac-Man and Frogger, or take a high tech adventure like creating your own roller coaster and testing it (virtually)! More details...

5. Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Filled with unusual art and collections from around the world, Ripley's Odditorium is a favorite among kids, teens, and adults alike! More details...

ROVH's Recommended Activities

1. Receive an In-Home Massage. Indulge yourself in a professional in-home massage to alleviate stress, muscle soreness, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

2. Enjoy a Professionally Cooked Meal. Treat your family or spouse to a catered meal, by ROVH's personal chef. Menus are customized to specific preferences, diets, and allergies. 

3. Check Groupon. The coupon app has daily deals running for events and activities in the Orlando area. Purchase and download on your smartphone and use the same day!

Vote on the Best Rainy Day Activity!

Whats' Your Family's Favorite Rainy Day Activity?
	Titanic: The Experience
	Orlando Science Center
	WonderWorks
	DisneyQuest
	Ripley's Believe It Or Not
	We Go to the Parks Anyway!
pollcode.com free polls

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Get Ready for MyMagic+! Disney World's Smartphone Solution to a Better Vacation.

Are you ready to plan your best Disney World vacation ever, with just the internet and your smartphone?

Starting this spring, Disney World is unveiling its MyMagic+ program.

Disney's newest technology creation combines the power of the internet, smartphone apps, and wristbands to allow your family to plan the perfect Disney World experience.

MyMagic+ Means No More Waiting in Lines

The idea behind MyMagic+ is simple.

• Reserve times for park attractions that your family actually wants to experience. 
• Show up at your reserved time. 
• Avoid waiting in line for rides or splitting up to collect FastPasses.

The best part is that you don't have to stick to your itinerary. 

Update your MyMagic+ plan with your smartphone, while at the parks - anywhere - anytime. 

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Here's How MyMagic+ Works 

1. Decide which group you fall into. 

• Group 1: If you're staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you're an Annual Pass holder, or you've purchased a photography package, MyMagic+ is available to you. 

• Group 2: For now, all other guests will receive a ticket with touch features that allow them to enter parks, redeem FastPasses+, and pay for items. These guests can also use the My Disney Experience website and purchase MagicBands. Don't worry - Disney World plans to make the entire MyMagic+ available to all guests by the end of 2013. 

2. Research with My Disney Experience. Look up park information online or on the app (available for iOS and Android).

3. Reserve with FastPass+. Reserve times for rides, attractions, and dining using the enhanced FastPass system.

4. Breeze Past Lines with Your MagicBand. Show up to your reserved park attractions, swipe your MagicBand wristband and you're on your way to a full day of family fun at Disney World. Don't forget that your MagicBands serves as a room key, theme park ticket, and PhotoPass card. You also have access to your FastPass+ selections and can use it to make purchases.

5. Revise Your Itinerary on the Go. Use your smartphone to update your itinerary anywhere, even at the parks!

So What's Next?

We're thrilled about the MyMagic+ system because we think it will help families create the best Disney World experience. But there are a lot of questions still unanswered. 

• Do young children have to wear the MagicBands?
• How does MyMagic+ work for families with handicapped members?
• Will all smartphones support the new technology?
• When do we get full access to the technology?

What questions do you have about MyMagic+? Do you love the idea or have concerns about it? Share your thoughts below or sign up to receive ROVH's updates on MyMagic+ breaking news.

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3 Ways to Protect Your Skin from Orlando's Sun

With over 236 days of sun per year, it's no wonder there are so many outdoor activities in Orlando! During your vacation, you and your family will be outside walking around the parks, watching a baseball game, or spending the day at the beach.

But beware! Harmful ultraviolet radiation light can cause major skin damage if your family's skin is unprotected. Even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun's rays penetrate through the clouds. Don't set your family up for skin damage and the potential for serious skin diseases and cancer. Read on for 3 ways to protect your skin from Orlando's sun.

1. Apply Sunscreen. Apply a Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30-35 sunscreen to the whole body including missed areas like the ears, neck, back of the hands, and feet. Sunscreen is most effective when applied every 2 hours, but if you're swimming wait until the sunscreen has dried before entering the water and reapply when you get out. Sunscreen sprays provide easy application, while sport sunscreens prevent eye sting from sweat. Don't forget SPF lip balm!

2. Wear Protective Clothing & Hats. Health care providers recommend covering your skin while outside, meaning long-sleeve shirts and pants. To keep covered and cool in Orlando's humidity, choose cotton, rayon, and linen, which are the lightest summer fabrics. Many clothing companies sell clothing that "wicks" moisture and sweat away. Wicking clothing are made from a cotton/polyester blend and is a great option when vacationing in Orlando. To protect the often overlooked head and face, outfit your family with wide-brimmed hats, which can protect the neck as well.

3. Avoid the Sun. Orlando's sun is strongest and most damaging from 11-2. It's best to stay inside during this time. Choose an indoor activity at a theme park, go to a movie, eat lunch, or enjoy an afternoon siesta during this time! If you can't avoid the sun during this time, seek the shade or use an umbrella to block the sun.

Thinking about a trip to the beach during your Orlando vacation? Check out ROVH's beach packing list. Don't forget to plan for the essentials - ROVH's Food, Clothing, & Shelter article will launch your planning!

Food, Clothing & Shelter in Orlando

The best Orlando vacations involve planning and preparation.  While it's important to make sure your flight and park tickets are purchased, don't forget the basics once you get there.  Be sure you've covered your family's 3 basic needs while vacationing in Orlando...

1. Food.  Eating out at restaurants everyday is an expensive prospect - and especially challenging for families with dietary concerns or needs.  Instead of eating on the go, plan to eat at least one meal at home at regular times.  Go grocery shopping for this meal and healthy snacks to eat between meals.  Sliced veggies, raw nuts, and dried fruits are healthy choices.  When eating out, choose simple entrees featuring proteins and fresh vegetables.  And don't mistake hunger for dehydration - make sure each family member is drinking at least 8oz of water every hour.  Looking for a chef to prepare your family's meals?  Try ROVH's personal chef service.

2. Clothing.  Orlando is a humid subtropical climate and has 2 seasons throughout the year.  May to September is rainy and hot.  October through April is cooler and drier.  Pack a rain jacket during the rainy season and a light jacket during the cooler season.  And don't forget hats, sunglasses, and clothing that is light and wicks away sweat for the abundant sunshine and heat!  Read 4 other things to pack when traveling to Orlando and for a day at the beach.

3. Shelter.  There are 3 options for shelter in Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort hotels, a corporate hotel, and vacation home rentals.  Vacation home rentals are privately-owned condos, town homes, and single family homes located on vacation resorts.  Vacation home rentals offer your family amenities like private pools, multiple bedrooms, and resort Clubhouses.  Overall, vacation home rentals are 56% less expensive than hotels, but offer 3 times the space.  ROVH encourages your family to explore renting a vacation home for your next Orlando vacation and benefiting from one of Orlando's best kept secrets.

Do you have any tips about traveling to Orlando?  We'd love to hear them - please leave a comment or contact us.  Your advice may be featured in our next newsletter! 

5 Things to Pack When Traveling to Orlando

If you're traveling to Orlando, don't forget to pack these essentials.  If you're flying in the U.S. make sure all liquids are in 3oz. containers that fit into a quart size Zip Lock bag.  Read our tips for packing for a day at the beach, too!

1. Spare Change for Toll Roads.  Florida’s toll roads, called the Sun Pass Lanes allow you to avoid rush hour traffic and arrive at your destinations faster.  If you don’t purchase a Sun Pass voucher, you will need to pay for the tolls with change (dollar bills, quarters, dimes, and nickels).  Read more tips for driving in Orlando.

2. Backpack or Waist Pack.  Bring a tote for your wallet, park tickets, camera, maps, water bottles, snacks, and other daily necessities.  Consider opting for a small bag with since many rides do not allow loose, large bags.

3. Sunblock.  Florida’s sun is more intense than other climates and can cause skin damage even when it’s cloudy.  Even when not at the beach, avoid the sun from 11:00AM-2:00PM and re-apply sunscreen every two hours.  ROVH recommends Coppertone with a minimum SPF 35.

4. Clothes for Different Weather.  Orlando is in a humid subtropical climate and has two seasons during the year.  May to September is hot and rainy, while October through April is dry and cooler.  If you’re traveling to Orlando during the rainy season bring a rain jacket or poncho and if you’re traveling during the cooler season, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.

5. Comfortable Shoes & Flip Flops.  If your family is planning to tour the parks, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.  Don’t ruin your vacation with blisters and sore feet.  Bring a comfortable pair of tennis or walking shoes and pair with socks that wick away sweat.  And remember your flip flops when you’re poolside at a ROVH home’s resort pool!

Visit ROVH's Vacation Planning Tools to download a printable Orlando Packing List, purchase tickets, or rent a car.

10 Tips for Driving in Orlando

If you're driving to Orlando, or renting a car once you get to Orlando, follow these tips to ensure a smooth, short, and safe ride:


1. Bring your GPS or use a new map.  Orlando is continually growing and there’s a chance that new roads and highway extensions are not included on an outdated map.

2. SR 528 = Beachline = Beeline.  The Beeline has been renamed to the Beachline, which is the quickest route to Cocoa Beach.

3. Avoid I-4 during rush hour.  Leave early in the morning to avoid any rush hour/commuter traffic.

4. Take the toll roads during rush hour.  The Florida Turnpike and 417 Greene Way expressways are clear during rush hour.  Purchase a Sun Pass Voucher or bring extra change to take the toll roads and avoid sitting in rush hour traffic.

5. Be prepared for route names that change.  The best way to know where you’re going is to follow the route number.

6. Be prepared for route directions that change.  Most of Central Florida is former marshland, so natural and man made bodies of water make it nearly impossible to lay out state roads and highways in a grid-like fashion. Outside of the compact downtown area, many of the main thoroughfares start out north-south and end up curving east-west (or vice versa).  Continue on your route and use the route numbers to guide you.

7. I-4: Where East-West is North-South.  If you are heading on the 528 from the airport, just remember that the attractions are west (technically south) on I-4 towards Tampa and downtown Orlando is east (technically north) on I-4 towards Daytona Beach.

8. Sun Pass Lanes.  These lanes are for Florida residents who pay their tolls electronically.  Purchase a Sun Pass voucher while renting your car or prepared to use the exact change.  If you realize you are in a Sun Pass lane without the correct change, just continue forward.  The authorities generally pursue repeat offenders only.

9. Follow the signs.  Even drivers with a poor sense of direction should have a pretty easy time getting around Orlando. The city does a very good job of pointing people in the direction of the two major expressways that run through downtown (I-4 and the 408).  Disney World and Universal also have numerous signs on their properties ensuring that no visitor gets too far off track.

10. Send your greetings to your friends at home from Lake Buena Vista.  If you are vacationing at Walt Disney World, you are staying in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, which is southwest of downtown Orlando. There’s no need to search for Lake Buena Vista signs, however, since all of the highway signs directing you to WDW say “Disney.”

Once you've booked your vacation home, don't forget to check out ROVH's other guest services, including family photography, in-home massage, and a personal chef!

Packing for a Day at the Beach!

Now that you've read about ROVH's recommendations for Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast beaches near Orlando, read on for what to bring to the beach and some general guidelines to stay safe and have fun!

Tips for the beach:

1. Wear sunscreen.  Florida’s sun is intense throughout the day and can even cause sunburns on cloudy days.  An SPF 30 or higher with application every 2 hours is recommended.

2. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours.  Find shelter from the sun from 11:00AM to 2:00PM when the sun is at its strongest and more likely to cause skin damage.  

3. Drink water.  Make sure to pack water bottles to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.  Avoid carbonated beverages like soda because they cause dehydration and attract insects.

4. Don’t swim alone & only swim in designated areas.  Areas where rip currents or dangerous wildlife are detected will be posted and it’s best to avoid these areas altogether.  And it's always safer to swim with a buddy!

Beach Day Essentials:

• Sunscreen
• SPF Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Umbrella
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Water toys
• Camera
• Beach towels
• Beach chairs
• Cash for parking or tolls


Other items you may want to consider are Zip-Lock baggies to protect your valuables from the sun and disposable hand wipes to clean your children after the day at the beach.  Don’t forget Aloe products, which help heal skin from sunburns.

Most beaches have nearby stores that sell everything for your beach day including water and food, beach toys, sunscreen, and souvenirs.

Select umbrellas and towels with bright colors and patterns, so your family can locate your position along the shore.  Don’t forget a disposable cooler with ice to hold your treats and keep them cool!  

Does your family have other tips to stay safe and have fun at the beach?  We'd love to hear them - comment below or email us your tips at rovh@rent-orlando-vacation-homes.com.  Your tips could be featured in our next newsletter!

Still need a place to stay for your Orlando or Disney World vacation?  Browse ROVH's vacation homes for the best quality homes, closest to Disney World!

Gulf Coast Beaches Near Orlando

In case you missed the first part of this series, check out ROVH's recommendations for Atlantic Coast beaches.


Beaches on the Gulf Coast...

ST PETE & TREASURE ISLAND BEACHES
Located on Florida’s west coast, between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, “St Pete” and Treasure Island Beaches are known for their white sand beaches, beachfront restaurants and bars, and water sports.

Don’t Miss: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball, water sports including jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddle boarding, the annual fall sand sculpting competition, and the annual spring Taste of Pinellas food and music festival.

Parking: Many parking garage and metered street parking options.  Tolls are charged on the Pinellas Bayway, which connects St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto Park. Tolls are also charged on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which connects St. Petersburg to points south.

From Kissimmee: 2 hours


FORT DE SOTO STATE PARK
Built for the Spanish-American War, Fort De Soto was named America’s most family-friendly beach by Parents Magazine in 2011.  Two piers offer free fishing 24 hours a day and visitors can view the ocean wildlife from the piers, including sea turtles, birds, and dolphins.  And don’t forget your dog because this beach is pet-friendly too!

Don’t Miss: Camping on the beach, kayaking and canoeing, fishing off the piers, exploring the old fort, and trail hiking.

Parking: Beachfront parking lot with a daily rate of $5.  Visitors entering by foot or bike are free to enter.

From Kissimmee: 2 hours



OTHER GULF COAST BEACHES
• Sunset Beach Park: 2 hours, 10 minutes
• Caladesi Island State Park (Near Tampa): 2 hours, 7 minutes
• Anna Maria Island (Near Bradenton): 2 hours, 17 minutes
• Siesta Key (Near Sarasota): 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key (Near Sarasota): 2 hours, 21 minutes

Read on for ROVH's Beach Trip Packing Tips...

Atlantic Coast Beaches Near Orlando

Florida’s beaches are the perfect destination for a day trip from Orlando.  The Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches are meticulously maintained and offer visitors breathtaking scenery and an array of activities including water sports, restaurants, and wildlife preserves.  Don’t hesitate to include a beach day in your Orlando vacation itinerary – it is well worth the drive!

Continue reading for some of ROVH’s favorite beaches and must-see area activities.

Beaches on the Atlantic Coast...

COCOA BEACH

Known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach offers visitors six miles of pristine beaches, natural wildlife, and space launches.  Along the beaches are restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and stands offering rental items including surfboards and bicycles.  

Don’t Miss: The Kennedy Space Center, deep sea fishing and dock fishing at Cape Canaveral Inlet, turtle nesting from May-September, and the Brevard Zoo.

Parking: Metered beachfront parking at $1-$2/hour. 

From Kissimmee: 75 minutes

DAYTONA BEACH

Known for its sparking waters, Daytona Beach is also one of the few beaches that still allow driving on the sand.  Parked along the beaches, you can find collectors showcasing antique cars.  Check out Daytona’s varied restaurant scene or play a round of miniature golf after a day at the beach.

Don’t Miss: Daytona International Speedway, LPGA International Champions & Legends Course, snorkeling or scuba diving at the offshore reefs, and kayaking the area’s waterways.

Parking: Ocean Walk Parking Garage with hourly and daily rates and hourly beachfront metered parking.

From Kissimmee: 93 minutes

OTHER ATLANTIC COAST BEACHES

• New Smyrna Beach: 68 minutes 

• Canaveral National Seashore: 69 minutes

• Melbourne Beach: 84 minutes

Stay tuned for Part II of this article, featuring Gulf Coast beaches!