Anyone who's been to florida

[Chickencuddle]

We are going next year spending couple of days at universal then disney and for the rest of the time (10 days) we would like to have a chilled out time with lots of pool time and occasionally do an activity like airboat or a spring swim. Should you suggest villa with our own pool or a resort or hotel?
My kids love swimming and jumping in etc we would like it quite quiet but with things to do too (fussy🤣)
Any recommendations?
And also any recommendations on things to do.
We want to do old town and space centre and maybe air boat. Dont really want to do discovery cove or seaworld due to feeling sad for the animals

Been a few times and done both! both have their benefits tbh! Hotel complexes usually more central, closer to parks and other tourist attractions, a hive of activities and things to do of its a pool day etc. Villa in my opinion is much more relaxing and we loved having our own space to chill (2x teen DC) and of course private pool! However villas tend to be further out, so expect lots of travel time. We booked a villa that was 30mins from parks but with traffic and roadworks etc it was easy an hour each way. So a car is a must!

We’ve booked condos in the past - best of both worlds in that there is cleaning included, pool, reception, other people for a bit of community, etc. not as isolated as a villa but not as 24/7 as a hotel complex.

we've used Expedia to find brilliant condos local to the park. All bedrooms en suite, laundry room, fully equipped kitchen and comfy reception rooms, high end furnishings, gym and spa in the building.

Our last big holiday we combined a few days at an east coast city in an Airbnb then a few days at universal at a resort hotel then followed by a 5 night cruise to Mexico. Best holiday we ever had as get like 3 holidays in one.

Also just to add King's Landing, kyack down the crystal springs, do the guided tour, was brilliant. Gatorland, discovery cove, sea world etc all really enjoyable and there is so much there about conservation and rehabilitation for the animals etc I'll admit I had reservations before we went but I didn't see anything that worried me.
If you do have a car go west to the coast, its a drive but we had stops along the route, depends how old your DC are but we went shark tooth hunting at Caspersan Beach.. great fun! found loads!
Space centre also fab, we watched the Butch & Suni starliner launch! great stuff!

It depends what you like. After a day at Disney I’m done and want peace and quiet tbh. Villa gave us much more down time and helped the kids relaxed (teens -8 yrs). Having our own pool also meant they could use it anytime without having an adult having to trail down to the pool and sit, tho obviously kept an eye on them.

We’ve done both quite a few times! Personally, we’re not fond of Disney but love Universal! You’ll have a great time whatever you chose to do!

We prefer a villa but book a few nights in Universal hotel for early access and fast passes. Just prefer our own space for rest days! Highly recommend car hire because there is so much more to do in Florida other than the parks! The nature is beautiful and you’re willing to drive you’d see so much of it!

What time of year are you going? I would recommend seeing the space centre while you’re in Orlando for Universal & Disney. It’s about half an hour’s drive to the east coast on the BeeLine Expressway. Old Town Cocoa Beach is not far from Cape Canaveral. We haven’t stayed in Orlando for a long time, so I won’t advise on accommodation there. I can recommend villas on Captiva Island (SW Florida) they tend to be let out Saturday to Saturday, so if this doesn’t suit your flight dates I can recommend Tween Waters Hotel. Captiva is beautiful & there are lots of relaxing activities to do on the island: shell hunting & shell museum, Ding Darling Nature Reserve, boat hire, fishing, dolphin & manatee spotting, beach & pool swimming. There are lots of family friendly restaurants. The good thing about being on the island is that you get a breeze. That’s especially welcome in the summer months. I find Orlando too hot & humid then.