Buckley trip Day 1-3, Daytona Beach, KSC

[Dana_Buckley]

Cast: DH & me haven't been since teens w/parents & DS 2 yo
I've been planning since last July, DH just follows along, DS doesn't know what he's in for!

Day 1 Thursday May 30 - Marathon travel day
Flight 11:00am from San Diego to Atlanta, then on to Daytona Beach 10:00pm. DS, 2 yo, gets randomly flagged for security check at the gate, they actually wave the wand around him & even take his shoes off?! We were chuckling, but I'm not sure how serious they were. Flight was fine, DS didn't sleep, but didn't fuss either. Listened to his new headphones for an hour We land about 10:00pm, check into hotel, Perry's Ocean Edge, about 10:45pm. Our room is efficiency, very big w/ balcony, v clean. The ocean is right outside our room, v nice.

Day 2 Friday May 31 - Sleep in, swim & Putt-putt
DS slept until 9:30 then off to IHOP for pancakes, yummy! We went swimming in the pool for awhile, then down to the beach. DS hates the sand! Tip toes to the water. We carry him into the waves & he loves it. Back to the room to relax. Dinner was at Starlight Diner, pretty good. Then ice cream at Cow Licks, then putt-putt golf, DS's first time. He was very patient, and we let him hit our balls into the hole once we were close. He really had a good time. It wasn't crowded, so we weren't worried about how long we took. There were waterfalls etc at this course too. Very nice. DS didn't go to sleep until after 11:00pm (8:00 our time though).

Day 3 Saturday June 1 - Sleep in, swim, Kennedy Space Center
DS slept until 9:00am, went to get donuts from the lounge, then swimming. Pool & ocean again. Once DH ready about 11:00, we head out. Mc Donalds for lunch, then drive about 1 hr to KSC. It was HOT! We took the bus tour & I mostly watched DS while DH looked at & read everything at the exhibits. We were a little disappointed though. We went to the presentatin on robotics, but it was pretty trivial, not technical at all, which my DH was interested in. We had some ice cream then went back about 4:00. Stopped at Longhorns for steak dinner, pretty good. Then swimming again in the indoor pool for awhile. Tomorrow WDW!!

Overall we were disappointed in Daytona Beach. My father always took us here, so that is why I picked it. But it seemed very run down. The beach is very nice, soft sand, no rocks, nice easy grade into the ocean, wonderful waves to play in. But I don't think we will be back here.

 

[jmkst58]

I started my April trip to WDW in Daytona and felt the same way. It was actually better when I was younger and into cruising, looking cool, and a bit of partying. Now.....I'd rather spend my time elsewhere doing different stuff. Sounds like you had a great time with your family though.

 

[susy]

Hi!!! Been anxiously awaiting your return and trip report. We are in south FL and yes, Daytona is a "hick town" with nothing much to see. (I can say that being half hick- other half Cuban). I also have zero interest in ever going to KSC. A lot of people from out of state like ,though.
Can't wait to read more!

 

[pumba]

Hope you enjoy your vacation

 

[yepod]

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to more!

 

[Poohshoney]

Thanks for your trip reports! We felt the same way about KSC and so did some friends. I'm glad we did it but we won’t be back!