I-75 Cocoa Beach, Vistana Villages and Beach Club

[epcotitis]

We are on our way to the World! It's been a long time since we have made the trip for the sole purpose of going to Orlando. This will be a somewhat live report.
Right now we are driving on 75 through Ohio.
First off I will tell you who we are...
There are 5 of us in the van heading south right now. More players will be introduced along the way.
I am Deb. the mom of this bunch. My favorite character is Mickey Mouse. My favorite movie is Mary Poppins. I'm really excited for Monster's U! My favorite park is Epcot. My favorite resort is Animal Kingdom Lodge because I love the ambiance. We have stayed at every resort except GF, Poly, CR, and AA.
My DH is a lover of all things Disney. His favorite character is Donald Duck. His favorite resort is Wilderness Lodge. His favorite movie is Jungle Book. His favorite park is Epcot. He is really excited to relax by the pools and eat and be together.
Next is my oldest DD. She is almost 22. She love Epcot, test track, EE and Harry Potter. She will probably make a trek to the park that is not to be named with her 14 year old brother.
14 year old DS is a thrill seeker. Last time we were here he was not so I am looking forward to having somebody ride ToT and RnRC with me. The last time we were at the parks it was Christmas and we did all four mountains, TT and Soaring in one day!
Finally filling our last van seat is DS of 3 years! Yep. You read that right. Our 3 year old DS went to his first Disney park in Hong Kong last spring (2012). His favorite was Mickey's Philharmagic.
He LOVES the mouse! He owns 4 or 5... I lost count. He thinks he is excited to see Mickey. We shall see. He loves Sophia especially when James is sword fighting. "Take that!"!!
This is his third trip to Florida in less than a year. But his first time to parks.

Our touring style is relaxed. More on that in the next update.

 

[epcotitis]

We made it to TN. Traffic on I75 is moving swiftly except for one slow down between Florence and Lexington. We have gone 420 miles in 7 hours including a dinner stop. Hello Peach milkshake at Chick-fil-a....
I don't know how but littlest DS cut the top of his foot during the stop. He didn't even go in the play area. It's right where the strap of his sandal crosses his foot so I hope it doesn't give us problems.

Our Disney touring style is very relaxed. We have hopper passes left from a previous trip that cost us 33 bucks a day for ten day non-expiring. I guess we bought those several years ago.

DH wants to wake up on the beach Sunday morning. Hence our little jaunt to Cocoa. I'm kinda wanting to stay at the Swan or Dolphin. We are just winging it.

Tentative plans
Sunday-beach
Monday-older 2 to Universal
Tuesday-MK and ??
Wednesday- non park
Thursday-SAB day swim and enjoy atmosphere
Friday-?? Surprise guest arrives
Saturday-commando Park day.
Sunday- Resort tour??
Monday- pool day SAB. Check out.
Start the depressing drive home. Use iPhone to plan another trip.

Planning on stopping soon to sleep. Looking for a Holiday Inn Express. Like IT!

 

[epcotitis]

We stopped in Athens GA and now are heading into Atlanta. We didn't get up too early which surprised me. Our 3 year old alarm clock let is sleep until 8. We did get a holiday inn express but we were disappointed. See the review in Trip Advisor under the same name.
Driving to FL is tough. A few meltdowns by the boys. Aaahhh. Family life! Love it!

 

[epcotitis]

Live Update-

We are about an hour from Florida. The late start is putting a cramp in our beach plans. Thinking maybe of just going to my sister's house.
Lots of sleeping going on. DS3 poked a lady at lunch in the booth behind us. She was good natured about it. Then he introduced himself as "Poopy" such a silly boy. He is getting tired of riding in his car seat. That said, he a super travel buddy!

 

[epcotitis]

The weather did not look great as we arrived in central Florida so instead of the beach we came to my sister's house. Gulf side... Enjoyed a barbecue dinner and the kids swam in her pool. Very relaxed as DS3 is going to sleep now and I just had a nice shot of "buttered nipple" ahhh. Family in warm climates! Love it!

 

[epcotitis]

Check in at VV and had a relaxing night. Dinner at Carrabas and a swim. Food was good but not the usual amazing food we get in HHI or Cbus.
Today we had a morning at DD and lunch at Wolfgang Puck express! It was very good. And there was no waiting. Ben rode on the bench on the merry go round and also the train. Gearing him up for real rides! We shall see. It's hot and he quickly got tired. Even with breaks in the stores and lunch we were back to the resort by 1.

 

[epcotitis]

We had a pool day and downtown disney day. In the morning we went to downtown disney and shopped and ate at Wolfgang Puck Express. We got 3 dishes to share. the half chicken, chicken Alfredo and the pepperoni pizza. i also went back and got the kids mac and cheese because i heard it was soo good. Then Ben bought a cowboy Mickey. We also had pool time. Ben took a nap. When we went to the pool to meet bro mad sis it was getting cloudy. We only had about ten minutes to swim before we had to go in because it was thundering. After supper in our condo we split up. Daddy took Ben to some playgrounds and I took the older kids to the outlet. Yep sure!
I bought a new Vera. Love it! Zack got some clearance shoes at Nike and Emily got some shorts.
Next up is Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Ben meets Mickey!

 

[wiigirl]

In!

 

[epcotitis]

Wow, I was just about to give up but somebody is reading even If it's only 1.
We went to MK yesterday and it was hot as burnt turd. Now that's stinking hot! Haha!
Seeing as DS3 was ready for a rain rise we headed in on the monorail. I really hate staying offsite and parking lot at MK is a good reason. We missed opening by 5 minutes an headed right to Dumbo! We were all wondering what he was going to think of these rides. DS3 is often afraid of stuff. Not this! He loved it!!! We the. Headed to Space mountain for our older 2 and did the child Switch. It was different from many years ago and we were just just handed a fast pass for return.
While they road DS3 went on on the people mover with mama! I love this ride. He was scared to death when it was dark. I think now he will ride anything as long as its not dark. At home... Not afraid of the dark in the least!
Next we waited In the arcade in the cool air. It was great! He had a blast climbing on All. The rides and driving the cars and motorcycles! Much fun!
Space MTn was great. DS3 rode the cars with Dada while the rest hit SM again.
Finally before heading to Splash MTn we hit the laugh floor. This was a first for us and we loved it!
Mike had us rolling! And Roz got her canister full! Yea us!
Time for me to go chill at the pool! But hey- my one reader.... I will be back for ya!

 

[Schmoodle]

I'm here too! Love your laid-back style! Are you at the Beach Club now? I'm staying there for the first time in August, can't wait. How is DS's little foot?

 

[angela3676]

I'm here. Enjoying your laid back way of touring. Ready for more.

 

[epcotitis]

I'm here too! Love your laid-back style! Are you at the Beach Club now? I'm staying there for the first time in August, can't wait. How is DS's little foot?

His little foot is better. No complaining. Thanks for asking.
We go to the Beach Club tomorrow! So excited.
We stayed at BC many many years ago. Loved it but couldn't afford it again. We got a great rate for the 4 days we are staying.

 

[epcotitis]

I'm here. Enjoying your laid back way of touring. Ready for more.

So here is some more!

 

[epcotitis]

We are now on our way to Splash Mtn. We passed a dance party and it looked like a lot of fun. DS3 got his first glimpse of Mickey. When we made it to Adventureland he also spotted Chip and Dale. I think he is going to like the characters. My tummy was grumbling. Why does it do this as soon as we get close to SM? I do not care for the crazy food options at Pecos Bill. We dropped the older 2 at Splash Mtn. as the wait was an hour and went to get food. Of course, Pecos Bill. The wait was not long but by the time we got our food the seating was hard to find. A cast member found us a seat but we had a table that spins around. So much fun, if you are 3! Unfortunately he also dropped his PBJ on the floor! Grrrr. I cute little CM happened by and I asked for another and he was so quick to go get one for my little cutie! Brought him more grapes too so that was a little pixie dust bonus!
By the time the older kids finished their ride we were really suffering from the burnt turd. Had to get out of MK! We made our way to the car and the thunder started. A quick drive back to VVR and little man was ready to sleep. I dropped him and DH and older son off. DD and I went to Panera to get her lunch and take a sandwich back to big DS.
After some resting and the rains look like they are departing we head to Epcot! More on that after we go round up some dinner and fun for the night!

 

[Schmoodle]

How's the Beach Club? I bet you're just having too much fun to post...
Did you get to Epcot the other day? Any great meals to report? I haven't been tracking the weather down there, hope the heat broke for you. Are you heading home this weekend?

 

[epcotitis]

We had a great the at the Beach Club! Time goes so fast and when I am on property I just want to maximize every second! We checked out a few minutes before 11:00. I will update the report after my turn driving I75!