20 Nights in Orlando ....August itinerary?

Question

Hi,

2 adults + 11 year old have 20 nights in Orlando.

Night 1 :close to airport

Night 2-5 Cocoa Beach (visit Kennedy Space ctr and general sight see)

Nights 6-10 Clearwater

Nights 11-20 Disney Resort possibly but which one ?

Considering either Carribean Beach Hotel or Disney Contemporary Resort or Disney Animal Kingdom . Any recommendations?

And does itinerary sound OK. We are coming from UK so going coastal to acclimatise to the heat before inland Disney.

Thinking of only doing Disney as we are not massive roller coaster fans, will fit some shopping and sight seeing in too.

All suggestions /help welcome.

Thanks

Answer

Your proposed 20-night itinerary in Florida sounds thoughtful and well-paced, especially considering you are coming from the UK and want to acclimatize to the heat before heading into Disney. Starting with coastal destinations before Disney is a smart move, giving you time to relax and enjoy Florida’s beaches.

Here’s a breakdown and some recommendations for each leg of your trip:

Night 1 – Near Orlando Airport: This is practical for a late arrival or to ease jet lag. Consider hotels with airport shuttles and comfortable amenities. Examples include Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport or DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport.
Nights 2-5 – Cocoa Beach: Great choice for beach time and visiting Kennedy Space Center. While in Cocoa Beach, you can also explore local attractions like Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Village for dining and shopping, and possibly a dolphin or manatee tour.
Nights 6-10 – Clearwater: Clearwater Beach is beautiful and perfect for relaxing. Plan visits to Pier 60 for evening festivities, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and possibly a day trip to nearby Tarpon Springs for sponge docks and Greek cuisine.
Nights 11-20 – Disney Resort: Since you’re not roller coaster fans, you can focus on immersive experiences, shows, and gentle rides. Here’s a comparison of your options:

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Moderate resort, tropical theme, good pool areas, convenient Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Suitable if you prefer a lively, colorful atmosphere without spending excessively.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Deluxe resort, iconic monorail access, walking distance to Magic Kingdom, excellent dining options. Ideal for first-time visitors who want a central location and easy transportation around Disney.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Deluxe resort, unique African savanna views with live animals, immersive theming, larger rooms. Great if you and your child enjoy a themed stay and learning about wildlife, although it’s a bit farther from most parks.

Additional recommendations for your Disney stay:

Since you’re not big on thrill rides, focus on shows, parades, character meet-and-greets, and gentle attractions like “It’s a Small World,” “Jungle Cruise,” and “Frozen Ever After.”
Consider using Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane for the few popular rides to minimize waits.
Include a few rest days or pool days at your resort to avoid exhaustion during a long stay.
Shopping: Disney Springs offers great dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences, suitable for non-park days.

Overall, your itinerary flows well, moving from coastal relaxation to Disney immersion. Staying on property at Disney for the final 10 nights is convenient for park access and allows a more leisurely pace without daily commuting. Caribbean Beach is a balanced choice for moderate cost and convenience, Contemporary offers the iconic experience, and Animal Kingdom Lodge provides a unique themed stay with educational value.