If you really want to do Disney, you can't beat staying on the grounds. But, if you're going to Orlando for everything else, Cocoa Beach is the closest.

Florida-wide, I don't care for any of the beaches on the peninsula, except near Miami. My favorite place to go is Perdido. The beaches are pristine (although I haven't been there since the 'canes), but that's too far away from Orlando.

Karen