Just got home from a week in Florida.
This was our first visit taking foster son Kobe, he is now 4.5 years old.
Been going to the St Augustine area for 39 years. Probably our 25th trip. We typically stay just south of the city, in St Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach area. St Augustine is the oldest city in America, predating the nation by 200 years. Lots of history. Lots of touristy stuff. But it is laid back and not too kitchy. We obviously enjoy it. Kobe loved the beach. We rent condos on the beach, this visit we had a 2nd floor unit, 4th from the ocean, overlooking the pool, couldn't have asked for a better view. Got both an unobstructed ocean and a pool view.
Took a day trip to Orlando. We got there right after the park opened, stayed almost until the bitter end. At 4.5 years old, he is slightly too young to really appreciate it. After the visit we agreed that age 6 to 7 is probably the 'sweet spot' for Disney visits for kids. I used to go to Disney for business regularly, so the lovely Mrs_Bob and I have been there a dozen times, may be more? Often with Melen tagging along. But we have not been there in maybe 15 years? Disney's changing. Most for the older kids, less for the younger? Or maybe we were in the wrong spots. That said, Kobe loved it and had an awesome time, so no complaints.
On the bright side ... a week or two after Labor Day and there are ZERO crowds in the St Augustine area. No waiting for anything. Just walk up and get a seat at the popular restaurants. Disney was not crowded, but nor was it empty. Popular rides had 30 minute waits. Less popular rides 5 to 15 minutes. FAST PASS holders had shorter waits. All the character experiences were roughly 20 minute waits.
We planned ahead and had a nice lunch in the park, made reservations in advance and were treated to a quiet table in an upgraded dining room, but the same menu and prices as the 'walk up' customers who had to wait. Food was good too. And price was moderate for Disney.
Actually got in/out of the park for less than a $1000 for the day, including tickets, souvenirs and a nice meal. It's a fleece joint to be sure. But we got off pretty cheap all things considered.
This was our first visit taking foster son Kobe, he is now 4.5 years old.
Been going to the St Augustine area for 39 years. Probably our 25th trip. We typically stay just south of the city, in St Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach area. St Augustine is the oldest city in America, predating the nation by 200 years. Lots of history. Lots of touristy stuff. But it is laid back and not too kitchy. We obviously enjoy it. Kobe loved the beach. We rent condos on the beach, this visit we had a 2nd floor unit, 4th from the ocean, overlooking the pool, couldn't have asked for a better view. Got both an unobstructed ocean and a pool view.
Took a day trip to Orlando. We got there right after the park opened, stayed almost until the bitter end. At 4.5 years old, he is slightly too young to really appreciate it. After the visit we agreed that age 6 to 7 is probably the 'sweet spot' for Disney visits for kids. I used to go to Disney for business regularly, so the lovely Mrs_Bob and I have been there a dozen times, may be more? Often with Melen tagging along. But we have not been there in maybe 15 years? Disney's changing. Most for the older kids, less for the younger? Or maybe we were in the wrong spots. That said, Kobe loved it and had an awesome time, so no complaints.
On the bright side ... a week or two after Labor Day and there are ZERO crowds in the St Augustine area. No waiting for anything. Just walk up and get a seat at the popular restaurants. Disney was not crowded, but nor was it empty. Popular rides had 30 minute waits. Less popular rides 5 to 15 minutes. FAST PASS holders had shorter waits. All the character experiences were roughly 20 minute waits.
We planned ahead and had a nice lunch in the park, made reservations in advance and were treated to a quiet table in an upgraded dining room, but the same menu and prices as the 'walk up' customers who had to wait. Food was good too. And price was moderate for Disney.
Actually got in/out of the park for less than a $1000 for the day, including tickets, souvenirs and a nice meal. It's a fleece joint to be sure. But we got off pretty cheap all things considered.
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