Last week of hols ...where /what ...?

Question

Have 18 nights total in Florida in Aug. Already doing 4 nights in Daytona (to get over jet lag, acclimatise to heat, visit Kennedy Space ctr) and then have 7 nights on site at Disney.

We have 7 more nights.

We will have a Disney pass for the last 7 days as well so could stay off site Disney for the last 7 days and do day visits to the parks and shopping. Or we could head to a beach ?

Not interested in Universal.

2 adults and an 11 year old.

Answer

Given that you already have 4 nights in Daytona and 7 nights on-site at Disney, your remaining 7 nights can be used flexibly to balance relaxation, local exploration, and shopping. Since you’re not interested in Universal, you have a few appealing options that will suit both adults and an 11-year-old.

If you want a change of pace from Disney and enjoy some downtime, consider a beach stay. Florida has several great beaches within reasonable driving distance of Orlando:

Cocoa Beach: About 1 hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach offers wide sandy shores and family-friendly activities. You can visit the Cocoa Beach Pier, which has restaurants and shops, or take a short drive to the Kennedy Space Center if you want a repeat or more in-depth visit. Perfect for swimming, relaxing, and casual shopping.
Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach: About 2–2.5 hours drive from Orlando, these Gulf Coast beaches are renowned for soft white sand and calm waters. Clearwater has Pier 60 with evening sunset festivities, street performers, and local vendors—great for a relaxed evening out. The area has a variety of hotels and vacation rentals suitable for families.
New Smyrna Beach: Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from Orlando, it’s quieter than Daytona or Cocoa Beach and has a charming small-town vibe. Nice for easy beach days, casual dining, and minimal crowds in August.

If you prefer to stay closer to Disney and enjoy day trips:

Off-site Disney resorts or vacation rentals near Lake Buena Vista: This allows easy access to your Disney passes, plus the freedom to cook meals or enjoy resort pools without the higher costs of on-site accommodations. Many resorts have waterparks, lazy rivers, and other amenities suitable for your 11-year-old.
Shopping excursions: Orlando has numerous options for shopping, including Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, and The Mall at Millenia. These are easy day trips if staying off-site.

Additional tips:

August can be hot and humid, so if you choose a beach stay, plan beach time for mornings or late afternoons, and use the middle of the day for indoor activities.
Consider mixing a few nights at a beach with the rest near Disney. For example, 3–4 nights at Cocoa Beach and the remaining nights near Disney will give a balanced itinerary.
Book accommodations early, as August is still within summer peak season in Florida.
Waterparks and resort pools are a great way to beat the heat without needing to leave your accommodation.

Overall, for a family with a child, combining a few days at a beach (like Cocoa Beach or Clearwater) with some nights closer to Disney for easy park access and shopping makes for a varied and relaxing end to your Florida holiday.

Last week of hols ...where /what ...?

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