marias
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 11, 2004
- Messages
- 121
The Team:
DH: Long suffering one (42)
DD: Beautiful, amusing and very so slightly stroppy (9 going on 19)
MIL: Sexagenarian
FIL: Sexagenarian
Me: Planner, worrier, pessimist (35 almost)
ITS MY BIRTHDAY! And I can officially start using my camera
Wed decided to do SW today so that it would coincide with the Makahiki Luau. Although we had been before the park seemed to be a little tackier than I remember (or maybe I should stop comparing everything to Magic Kingdom). Nonetheless we were here for the animals and they were on top form. First we saw the dolphin nursery, DD was in her element as there was a baby (what do you call baby dolphins?) only 4 weeks old. After this we made for Journey to Atlantis. Id already seen this from the road and decided not to sample. So DH, DD and FIL went, while MIL and I got ready with the cameras. It seemed an age before they came down but we did manage to get a couple of happy snaps. DD was spared a soaking as she wore a poncho but DH and FIL spent most of the day drying out.
From here we went out watch the dolphins at the Key West stadium. Now bearing in mind it was only 10.00 both MIL and me were suffering due to the heat the show was brilliant but so was the sun and we were melting. It was a fantastic performance with loads of photo opportunities (hey the camera was really earning its keep today). A quick drink at a vending stall saw us refreshed enough for the brisk walk to the Shamu stadium. Unfortunately everyone else had the same idea and the brisk walk turned into an amble. Still the stadium is huge and there were no problems in getting a seat (out of the splash zone, thank goodness). This show always takes my breath away and today was no exception. After seeing the footage of the trainer in California being tossed about by a Killer Whale it really brought it home how awesome these creatures are.
Now although the bible says dont go straight to Wild Arctic as Shamu empties we kind of found ourselves herded along. Queuing was 15 mins for the helicopter start so not too bad. This was an OK attraction but there were too many people to be able to see the animals really well, and being quite dark with lots of glass the photo ops were pretty limited. We tried lunch at Mango Joes Café, which sounded really exotic but in reality was a bit plain.
Now it sounds as though we werent having a great time but we were, the things we did we enjoyed and it was a different kind of a day to Disney. After trying to cram as much as possible into the morning we headed back to the villa for a freshen up before the Luau.
On returning DD decides to part with some more money (which either she has on a piece of elastic or is getting topped up) and purchases an oyster (yes another one) shes aiming for a string before she goes home. She lands herself another white one about 2mm smaller than her first. DH purchases and picks an oyster for me which when opened was a gold/peach shade beautiful (slight pangs of guilt as I wasnt expecting anything else for my birthday ok that moment of madness didnt last longJ).
After a quick browse in the shops we made our way to the Seafire Inn.
Makahiki Luau
The e-ticket purchased in March worked well (ever the pessimist expecting a problem) and we were handed our flower garlands. On the way through to the waiting area we had the opportunity to have a traditional style tattoo on our arms. We didnt have long to wait (just enough time to down a cocktail, or two in my case, as I wasnt driving). We had a fab table at the front and shared it with a family of three whose DD was a couple of years older than ours. The food was not astounding but there was plenty, it was tasty and it was the show we had come for.
A couple of girls in traditional dress were wandering around talking to the children and although they didnt get to our table DD figured they were looking for volunteers to go up on stage and learn to hula. Putting all her powers of persuasion into practice she dragged other said DD up to the stage where they were greeted by the chief, given more garlands and taught to hula. DD was so in her element, up on stage performing to an audience; surely nothing could beat this WRONG! Next DH was chosen to go up on stage and copy the chief and bang a large drum (a.k.a. make a complete fool of himself). The atmosphere was great, after a rather large frozen cocktail, some brilliant photos and a happy birthday song sung by the performers we return to the villa. This has to be the best birthday ever (although spending my 40th at Magic Kingdom would really steal the show Mmmm!)
Now I really, really hate packing on the last day so I suggested to DH that we stay up late and do the majority while DD sleeps, and we zip through it in no time although we resolve that next time we come it will be 5 shorts and t-shirts each (makes more room for souvenirs and less time spent packing). Eventually we fall into bed exhausted at 2.00am.
Maria
DH: Long suffering one (42)
DD: Beautiful, amusing and very so slightly stroppy (9 going on 19)
MIL: Sexagenarian
FIL: Sexagenarian
Me: Planner, worrier, pessimist (35 almost)
ITS MY BIRTHDAY! And I can officially start using my camera
Wed decided to do SW today so that it would coincide with the Makahiki Luau. Although we had been before the park seemed to be a little tackier than I remember (or maybe I should stop comparing everything to Magic Kingdom). Nonetheless we were here for the animals and they were on top form. First we saw the dolphin nursery, DD was in her element as there was a baby (what do you call baby dolphins?) only 4 weeks old. After this we made for Journey to Atlantis. Id already seen this from the road and decided not to sample. So DH, DD and FIL went, while MIL and I got ready with the cameras. It seemed an age before they came down but we did manage to get a couple of happy snaps. DD was spared a soaking as she wore a poncho but DH and FIL spent most of the day drying out.
From here we went out watch the dolphins at the Key West stadium. Now bearing in mind it was only 10.00 both MIL and me were suffering due to the heat the show was brilliant but so was the sun and we were melting. It was a fantastic performance with loads of photo opportunities (hey the camera was really earning its keep today). A quick drink at a vending stall saw us refreshed enough for the brisk walk to the Shamu stadium. Unfortunately everyone else had the same idea and the brisk walk turned into an amble. Still the stadium is huge and there were no problems in getting a seat (out of the splash zone, thank goodness). This show always takes my breath away and today was no exception. After seeing the footage of the trainer in California being tossed about by a Killer Whale it really brought it home how awesome these creatures are.
Now although the bible says dont go straight to Wild Arctic as Shamu empties we kind of found ourselves herded along. Queuing was 15 mins for the helicopter start so not too bad. This was an OK attraction but there were too many people to be able to see the animals really well, and being quite dark with lots of glass the photo ops were pretty limited. We tried lunch at Mango Joes Café, which sounded really exotic but in reality was a bit plain.
Now it sounds as though we werent having a great time but we were, the things we did we enjoyed and it was a different kind of a day to Disney. After trying to cram as much as possible into the morning we headed back to the villa for a freshen up before the Luau.
On returning DD decides to part with some more money (which either she has on a piece of elastic or is getting topped up) and purchases an oyster (yes another one) shes aiming for a string before she goes home. She lands herself another white one about 2mm smaller than her first. DH purchases and picks an oyster for me which when opened was a gold/peach shade beautiful (slight pangs of guilt as I wasnt expecting anything else for my birthday ok that moment of madness didnt last longJ).
After a quick browse in the shops we made our way to the Seafire Inn.
Makahiki Luau
The e-ticket purchased in March worked well (ever the pessimist expecting a problem) and we were handed our flower garlands. On the way through to the waiting area we had the opportunity to have a traditional style tattoo on our arms. We didnt have long to wait (just enough time to down a cocktail, or two in my case, as I wasnt driving). We had a fab table at the front and shared it with a family of three whose DD was a couple of years older than ours. The food was not astounding but there was plenty, it was tasty and it was the show we had come for.
A couple of girls in traditional dress were wandering around talking to the children and although they didnt get to our table DD figured they were looking for volunteers to go up on stage and learn to hula. Putting all her powers of persuasion into practice she dragged other said DD up to the stage where they were greeted by the chief, given more garlands and taught to hula. DD was so in her element, up on stage performing to an audience; surely nothing could beat this WRONG! Next DH was chosen to go up on stage and copy the chief and bang a large drum (a.k.a. make a complete fool of himself). The atmosphere was great, after a rather large frozen cocktail, some brilliant photos and a happy birthday song sung by the performers we return to the villa. This has to be the best birthday ever (although spending my 40th at Magic Kingdom would really steal the show Mmmm!)
Now I really, really hate packing on the last day so I suggested to DH that we stay up late and do the majority while DD sleeps, and we zip through it in no time although we resolve that next time we come it will be 5 shorts and t-shirts each (makes more room for souvenirs and less time spent packing). Eventually we fall into bed exhausted at 2.00am.
Maria
