SLIDING INTO DOUBLE DIGITS: PORTER’S DAYTONA LAGOON BASH

We decided to head to Daytona Lagoon to celebrate our son Porter’s 10th birthday. We grabbed our towels and swim gear and hit the road. Tiffany had booked a party package that gave us a great group rate perfect for birthdays and special events. Included in the package was our own concierge, Mia, who was there to cater to our needs throughout the day, and a cabana with plenty of space for everyone. It was the perfect home base: a spot to eat the included pizza, store our stuff, and take breaks between water adventures.

We arrived as soon as the park opened and were greeted by Mia, who was friendly and quick—no waiting around. She got us checked in and pointed us in the right direction, and we made our way to the cabana area. We had eight kids and seven adults in our group, and there was plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and settle in. Once sunscreen was applied and the kids were hyped up, we started our day of fun in the sun at Daytona Lagoon.

TOP WATER PARK ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

The kids were pumped. Porter and his friends immediately grabbed tubes and hit the lazy river. Bailey, Porter’s older sister, and her cousins headed off to do their own thing. I’m not exactly sure where they went—but that’s pretty much the teenager move, right? Stay as far away from the adults as possible.

As for me, the lazy river was calling my name. Tube or no tube—it didn’t matter. I was floating aimlessly in a giant circle, soaking up the sun, feeling the water cool me down. It was total relaxation. After a good long float and starting to feel like a raisin, I decided it was time to grab a bite. I stopped by Stroud’s, where they’ve got BBQ, pizza, burgers and more. Bonus—there’s a full bar and TVs. I caught the end of The Open golf tournament while I waited for my corn dog nuggets (yep, keeping it healthy).

Feeling recharged, I decided to level up the excitement. The kids were all doing their thing, so I headed over to the slides. There’s something about the anticipation and joy of flying down a slide and plunging into the pool that brings out the kid in you. Tiffany was there waiting, camera ready, and caught a great video to remember it all.

Wanting to share the fun, I pulled Mimi and Matt in to race down the headfirst “woop-de-doo” slide. We flew down, laughing the whole way—Matt took the win, I lost my hat, and he lost a sunglasses lens. It was a good time for all. The park has a variety of slides: some for solo riders and others that can fit two or three people per float. There’s also a separate area for younger kids, with smaller slides and splash features, so everyone is included.

INDOOR FUN ACTIVITIES

Around 1:30—right on schedule—Mia brought over two pizzas, juice and sodas for the kids, and goody bags filled with small toys. We brought a cookie cake for Porter, sang him “Happy Birthday,” and enjoyed the cake together. Then it was game on. Literally.

The arcade at Daytona Lagoon is epic—wall-to-wall games, flashing lights, and cool air-conditioning.

The kids ran wild, and it gave everyone a chance to recharge. Next up was laser tag, also included in the package. We suited up, the countdown started, and… I got tagged immediately. Pretty sure I was every kid’s first target. I didn’t end up on the leaderboard, of course Tiffany beat me and placed 2nd, but it was still a blast playing together and even mixing it up with people outside our group.

Tiffany and I then headed over for a little friendly competition on the mini golf course. She beat me by two strokes and finished with a hole-in-one. Go Shugs! Meanwhile, Porter and his buddy Liam were all about the bumper cars—crashing into each other nonstop. Porter said that was his favorite part of the whole day.

We wrapped it all up with go-karts. Tiffany and I channeled our inner racers and zipped around the track, finishing strong and leaving the kids in the dust—at least in our minds. It felt like Formula 1 out there. Fast, loud, and so much fun.

DAYTONA LAGOON: THE ULTIMATE FAMILY FUN DESTINATION

Seven hours flew by like it was nothing. The kids had a blast, the adults had fun too, and everything ran so smoothly. I highly recommend taking the day to come out—whether you’ve got something to celebrate or just want a break from the usual.

Big thank you to all the parents who came out and to the staff at Daytona Lagoon, especially Mia—you were amazing. And most importantly…Happy 10th Birthday to Porter Yancey! We love you so much, buddy.

Until next month,
Bobby G, Out.

5 Time Shag Lineup:

8/6 @ Beachside Tavern | 8-12:30
8/14 @ Peanuts Sports Bar | 8-11
8/27 @ Beachside Tavern | 8-12:30
8/31 @ Trader’s Sports Pub | 2-6
9/7 @ Toni & Joe’s Patio | 5-8
9/10 @ Beachside Tavern | 8-12:30
9/11 @ Main Street Station | 8-11
9/24 @ Beachside Tavern | 8-12:30
9/25 @ Peanuts Sports Bar | 8-11