Tourism News
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Myrtle Beach Over Disney World
You know the song: “M-I-C … K-E-Y …M-O-U-S-E!”
Now discover why others are singing a different vacation tune: “M-Y-R…T-L-E … B-E-A-C-H!”
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been named America’s no. 1 family vacation destination by various travel groups and media outlets because it has so much to offer its visitors. Surrounded by a 60-mile stretch of beach known as the “Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach has all the great attractions, accommodations, dining, and shopping of Orlando, along with a few things you won’t find at Disney.
Here are five reasons to spend your next family vacation in Myrtle Beach versus Orlando:
1. The Beach: A Top Feature of Myrtle Beach
The beach is an obvious but critical variable when you’re deciding between Myrtle Beach versus Disney World for a family vacation. If you’re considering the Magic Kingdom because you think of Florida as a relaxing, beach-filled destination, think again. Orlando is landlocked, and you’ll need to travel about 60 miles to reach the ocean. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a beach vacation in South Carolina is the way to go versus Disney. The Grand Strand area has 60 miles of beach in its backyard, and sandcastles and swimming are just steps from your oceanfront hotel.
2. The Cost of the Magic Kingdom vs. Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand boasts one of lowest costs of living in the nation, making it easier for families to stretch their vacation dollars in Myrtle Beach compared to Orlando. The International Airport offers low fares from many US cities, and driving to and getting around Myrtle Beach requires less cash, since gas prices fall below the national average. You can also visit several top attractions in the Grand Strand for less than the $109 single day Disney admission. Plus, there are many resorts with water parks and pools in Myrtle Beach that do not charge extra admission, which beats the $74 daily fee of a Disney water park.
3. Family Vacations in Myrtle Beach Are Convenient
Simply put, its convenient location makes Myrtle Beach, South Carolina worth visiting. The Grand Strand is within a day’s drive of half of the US population, so folks with a one-week vacation won’t spend the entire time traveling. The Myrtle Beach International Airport also offers convenient nonstop fares from 50 US cities, and it is located less than five miles from resorts on the strip. You’ll also find attractions, including the beach, golf courses, and the popular boardwalk area, just a short walk along the ocean or a few-minutes drive away. Orlando International Airport is 20 miles from the resort via toll roads, and driving to the ocean and other attractions outside of Disney during your Orlando vacation will take at least an hour.
4. A Myrtle Beach Vacation Offers More Outdoor Fun
A noteworthy difference between Myrtle Beach and Disney is that your beach vacation offers many more opportunities for active outdoor fun, including water sports. A family vacation in Myrtle Beach can also include hiking, biking, and swimming (which isn’t allowed in any of the Disney lakes). There are amusement parks in the Grand Strand for thrill seekers, and also some rides you won’t find at the Magic Kingdom, like banana boats and jet skis. While you might spend a great deal of time outdoors at Disney, some will be lost waiting in long lines.
5. Golfing Is Better in Myrtle Beach vs. Disney
Golf course selection and availability are areas where Myrtle Beach excels compared to Disney. The Grand Strand has more than 80 golf courses within a 60-mile radius, which includes a mix of affordable courses for average Joes and top choices for pros, like the historic Dunes Golf & Beach Club and the award-winning Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. There are also tons of mini golf courses in Myrtle Beach for family entertainment. Walt Disney World offers only four standard courses and two mini golf courses on its property.
Whatever you’re looking for in a family vacation destination, you’ll find it in Myrtle Beach. With impressive resort deals and affordable attractions, your beach trip won’t cost as much compared to Disney, so you can splurge on scenic cruises, shows, and other top attractions without breaking the bank. You’ll find choosing Myrtle Beach over Orlando gives your family plenty of things to do, from beach days and water sports to golfing, and it’s all conveniently located near world-class hotels and resorts.
