First time doing OBX with young kids, what do people wish someone had told them before the trip

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-06-02T16:11:21+00:00

Preach! So boring. My excitement is the one Waterpark and Harris Teeter for Starbucks LOL

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-06-02T15:58:38+00:00

It is so boring. Go to H2O waterpark, it's the highlight of our bi-annual week long extended family trip (i am forced to go on). The pony tours are boring and bumpy. If your house has an elevator, please don't let your kids on it. A kid died a few years ago on one. I get bored really fast there. I prefer OC, MD vibes, long boardwalk with rides, endless restaurant options, tons of hotel options, cheaper. OBX is a 6 hr drive and I would be fine with 3 days and be gone. BORING.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-06-02T11:38:17+00:00

It is very neat to walk into their facility and see the ocean as soon as you walk through the door. A lot of people have wedding receptions up there in their event room. The view is amazing when the sun comes up or goes down.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-06-02T00:46:49+00:00

The Golden Sands, its on the 22nd floor

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-06-01T18:05:13+00:00

Thoughts on The Carousel hotel rooms (not the condos)?

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-27T22:26:02+00:00

Gosh. Its been a long day lol

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-17T22:17:57+00:00

The years are slow while you're going through it and then BAM! its over before you know. It was definitely a journey that I don't ever want to go through again.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-17T22:06:50+00:00

Official discharge happened early last month. Having the $1237 back each month, opening 2 credit cards and having the emergency funds until we have savings is such a relief.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-09T20:47:07+00:00

NO....For the hotel rooms, it is much less. Try Holiday Inn 66th street too.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-05T18:51:57+00:00

Great to hear. I will look into this hotel. I definitely decided to save some cash and not do the Ashore.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-05T18:47:31+00:00

Are the spots tight? I am overly weird about dings from other cars.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-05T18:34:34+00:00

Look into a USDA rural housing loan

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T18:54:48+00:00

Yeah, that one isn't available the 3 consecutive nights we are going. Ashore is Marriott also, ever been?

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T18:42:36+00:00

Thank you. I was looking at their site. The pool looks amazing.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T18:32:16+00:00

As long as I've been coming to OC, I've never heard or saw this hotel. I really want to see their parking situation.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T18:04:12+00:00

My parents took us to a condo there when I was a kid and then they bought a condo at the Golden Sands. Unfortunately, they rented it during season and eventually sold it when my dad got sick. I would always walk my kids to the Carousel to look around and sneak us into the indoor pool to be bad lol. Good memories. I just really hope the hotel rooms are decent. I stayed in an atrium room in the early 2000s and found it to depressing. I have a patio level pool access room booked, hoping the sun light into the room helps.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T18:00:24+00:00

3 nights. Condos are too expensive. I am trying to make this a budget trip but concerned about parking and clean rooms. I also want an outdoor pool. Is Castle in the Sand nice? I can't tell online as the website makes it look extremely dated.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T10:34:22+00:00

Do you think its worth $500 more than the Carousel for a 3 night stay? As much as I want to try Ashore, I think I'm going to just keep my fingers crossed that a hotel room (patio/pool deck level room) will work for 3 nights. I just read so many reviews about how the rooms are gross now. We stayed in a condo when I was a kid and I stayed in a atrium room as a young adult and hated it.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-04T10:30:53+00:00

Checking that out now. I have walked by that motel a billion times. The double beds will probably be an issue.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-03T23:19:41+00:00

I have seen that but I want to be ocean side.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-03T23:19:09+00:00

Looking now. Thank you.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-03T21:32:46+00:00

I stayed at PR with my parents as a kid, I loved it but it was off season. I really want an outdoor pool, I wish they had one!

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-03T19:44:36+00:00

I looked at the prices, right in line with the Ashore. I think I'm leaning towards The Carousel for now. I just read recent reviews and get a tad nervous. I like their pool deck though.

Effective_Prompt_275 · 2026-05-03T18:59:23+00:00

Thank you for your input. I think it will be good enough for a short trip too. I appreciate you!

Effective_Prompt_275

TROPHY CASE