Adventures of a DisneyWORLDholic! Updated1/24 I was an unofficial WDW tour guide.

[jmskinner]

I forgot to mention that KRR is one of Jacob's and my favorite rides. Jacob's fun wasn't over yet though, he loves to squirt people:


Also loves to play in the fountains




Next up


We had a little wait still, so we found some rocks to sit on, except for Jacob


It cracks me up when he does that pose, he hasn't seen Karate Kid.

Finally it was FP time, and even though Jacob doesn't ride, I still make him stand in line with us and then go the chicken way.











Hadn't noticed these before:






Uh oh, going backwards


We were under attack:



Think she likes this ride?


That's us in the back.

We stopped for ice cream. Didn't have time to take pictures, it was melting quicker than we could eat it.

And some pics on the way out








July 4th, these were just babies:


Awww, they grow up so quickly.

We headed to the truck and goodbye Orlando.

Don't worry, our fun wasn't over with Kara. She still had a full week with us and I was not going to just sit around even though Jonas had to work. Remember how Kara loves dolphins, I had to show her the most special dolphin of all, next update.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday everyone!

 

[dismagiclover]

Always bittersweet to leave Orlando. Great to have those memories to take with you, but sad to be leaving. You guys almost look dry after KRR. Not fair! We've always gotten soaked!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Yeah, I always get soaked, too! Each time I go on a water ride, I think: well, maybe this will be the time I won't get totally soaked.

Fail.
Maybe that's why I am not so much a fan of water rides!

I like that you got a picture of Kara laughing, Melissa -- that was a great shot. That is my favorite ride, too, and I know I am either laughing or screaming on most of it!

Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend, too!!

 

[jmskinner]

Always bittersweet to leave Orlando. Great to have those memories to take with you, but sad to be leaving. You guys almost look dry after KRR. Not fair! We've always gotten soaked!

Believe me, we've been soaked a few times. The funny thing was, I think I would have liked to be soaked then walking around with just our pants being wet, like we couldn't take time for a potty break.

Yeah, I always get soaked, too! Each time I go on a water ride, I think: well, maybe this will be the time I won't get totally soaked.

Fail.
Maybe that's why I am not so much a fan of water rides!

I like that you got a picture of Kara laughing, Melissa -- that was a great shot. That is my favorite ride, too, and I know I am either laughing or screaming on most of it!

Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend, too!!

I have quite a few shots of Kara laughing on rollercoaster, or maybe most of them she is screaming because that is normally what she is doing.

 

[natebenma]

Nice update!

That baby rhino IS SO cute! Great gator, too. And that's no croc (or is it???)

We love KRR too. My youngest son does not ride EE either, but my older son turned into a coaster-junkie during our latest trip, so our family gets 4 FP and my DH and I switched off with him.

I guess with Kara's feet hurting so much, it is time to go... so sad

 

[jmskinner]

Nice update!

That baby rhino IS SO cute! Great gator, too. And that's no croc (or is it???)

We love KRR too. My youngest son does not ride EE either, but my older son turned into a coaster-junkie during our latest trip, so our family gets 4 FP and my DH and I switched off with him.

I guess with Kara's feet hurting so much, it is time to go... so sad

on the Croc comment.

We started letting Jacob go the chicken route when he was 10. He usually just finds a spot to sit and play his DS. ToT is the best, it has a nice area with lots of seats.

At least your oldest gets two rides.

Don't know what is up with Kara's feet hurting so much. I don't think she has been getting much exercise over the summer.

 

[jmskinner]

After getting home Wednesday, I decided we would stay home Thurday and just relax. I had something special planned for Friday. Last year when Kara came to see us, I meant to go to the beach but we just never made it over there. We are about 45 minutes from the best ones. This trip I was determined. Since Kara likes dolphins so much, I thought we could go to Clearwater Aquarium, which we are members and then hit the beach.

Clearwater is on the other side of Tampa from us, not too bad of a drive once rush hour has passed. On the way we stopped at a Burger King for a quick lunch.

Now Clearwater is more a research facility so it isn't as fancy as the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. They do a lot of rescues and hope to release those rescues. Some animals just aren't able to be released though.

Here is a pic of a surgery getting underway on a Seaturtle with tumors:


They do have a spot where you can touch the rays:




After looking at the rays, we made our way to their new tank with Nicholas and Indy show. This isn't like a dolphin show at SeaWorld. It is more educational and the dolphins only did a few small tricks. This portion is a little depressing, but I thought it should still be shared.


Here is one speaking(click pic for video):



One of the tricks (click pic for video):


A little info on these two guys. Indy is six years old and found on a beach with shark and dolphin bites back in 2004. They tried to teach him to eat in order to be released, but he wanted to make friends with the fish and play with them, so he could not be released.

Nicholas was found with his Mother, but sadly his mother passed away. Nicholas was so young that he never learned the basics to be released. He has white spots on his back that we learned are from a sunburn he had when they rescued him.

Another Dolphin that can be seen is Winter. You may have heard of Winter, she has been on The Today Show, CNN, BBC, and in hundreds of papers. At only three months of age, Winter found herself wrapped tightly in a crab trap line and was unable to escape. She was rescued from Mosquito Lagoon (near Cape Canaveral) and transported to CMA to begin a long rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Winter lost her entire tail as well as two vertebrae a result of the serious injuries that she had sustained.



Here is a little video of Winter (click on the pic):


You can see she gets along well, and she has a prosthetic tail they are constantly improving. She didn't have it on this day, but I did see one of the trainers with it. Winter is the whole reason we became members of the aquarium.

Around her tank were things you would see on a movie set. They were preparing her for her very own movie, "Dolphin Tale". Right now it looks like Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Connick Jr. are going to be in it. They are closing the Aquarium sometime this month to do filming.

Ok, I apologize if I have depressed everyone. How about a quick pic of somethng else? Jacob didn't watch the dolphin show, but instead went to do something else. I found him here:


This was a large tank where they would let you touch different sea creatures. Jacob was really enjoying himself here.

Next up, the beach!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

well, although it is sad, it's also good to know there are people with the time and resources to take care of these guys. I didn't know you were members of something like this!

One thing I can say: being in Florida (versus the middle of Texas!) has really opened up a lot of different experiences for you to expose Jacob to. I'll be sad with you, when you go.

 

[jmskinner]

well, although it is sad, it's also good to know there are people with the time and resources to take care of these guys. I didn't know you were members of something like this!

One thing I can say: being in Florida (versus the middle of Texas!) has really opened up a lot of different experiences for you to expose Jacob to. I'll be sad with you, when you go.

They do a lot around here. They also keep track of the turtle nests on the beaches.

Being a member is pasically buying an AP, not that we go often, this was only our second time, but I figure for another $40 and it would go to help the animals, why not. Lots of benefits come with that membership also.

I think Jonas may have to hog tie to get me away from here.

 

[dismagiclover]

I think it is inspiring to know there are people willing to give the resources and do what it takes to help these animals that wouldn't other wise have a chance.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Ok, Melissa I'm all caught up, though I really wasn't that far behind, though one of my comments didn't seem to have posted, because I remember reading one of the updates previously but didn't see a post from me afterwards.

Anyhoo.... Love your Epcot day, how fun. Glad you got your free 5X7, that picture is great.

Your AK days looks like fun too, but I know what heat at animal places can be like. KRR was just the thing though I'm going to have to check the height requirements on that one, because both my kids don't mind getting water on their heads anymore they don't love it, but we won't have meltdowns anymore

Wow what an amazing aquarium, that is so cool that you are members of something like that. It is sad, but it is so nice to know that there is something like that for the dolphins and other marine animals.

Can't wait for your fun beach day update, how fun

 

[TinksThree]

I love AK! I think they did such an awesome job designing the park. The only part that doesn't thrill me is Dinoland...it somehow seems out of place with the entire rest of the park! And EE is my favorite!! I am always soaked when I get off of KRR...so that is unfair that you weren't too wet!!

The dophin story could be depressing I suppose, but the whole time I read it, I thought how blessed the dolphins are that there are people who can help them and they are still able to survive! And how cool that a dolphin can have a prosthetic tail!! I had not heard of Winter but I will definitely be watching for the movie!!

 

[jmskinner]

I think it is inspiring to know there are people willing to give the resources and do what it takes to help these animals that wouldn't other wise have a chance.

It is inspiring and I wish we lived closer to it, I would love to volunteer there.

Ok, Melissa I'm all caught up, though I really wasn't that far behind, though one of my comments didn't seem to have posted, because I remember reading one of the updates previously but didn't see a post from me afterwards.

Anyhoo.... Love your Epcot day, how fun. Glad you got your free 5X7, that picture is great.

Your AK days looks like fun too, but I know what heat at animal places can be like. KRR was just the thing though I'm going to have to check the height requirements on that one, because both my kids don't mind getting water on their heads anymore they don't love it, but we won't have meltdowns anymore

Wow what an amazing aquarium, that is so cool that you are members of something like that. It is sad, but it is so nice to know that there is something like that for the dolphins and other marine animals.

Can't wait for your fun beach day update, how fun

I've done that before, know I've read something but can't find where I commented.

Jacob loves KRR, hope your boys do also.

I love AK! I think they did such an awesome job designing the park. The only part that doesn't thrill me is Dinoland...it somehow seems out of place with the entire rest of the park! And EE is my favorite!! I am always soaked when I get off of KRR...so that is unfair that you weren't too wet!!

The dophin story could be depressing I suppose, but the whole time I read it, I thought how blessed the dolphins are that there are people who can help them and they are still able to survive! And how cool that a dolphin can have a prosthetic tail!! I had not heard of Winter but I will definitely be watching for the movie!!

Did you know there was suppose to by a Mystical land there at AK? I think that was the name, it is why there is a Unicorn area of the parking lot. I hope they build it one day.

I'll have to see that movie also. Very inspiring, hopefully it will be as popular as Free Willy!

 

[jmskinner]

The beach was just down the road from the Aquarium, but finding a parking spot wasn't so easy. And it didn't help that I hate going to new places. It is an axiety thing with me, I get nervous and talk excessively. For those of you that have met me, I talk even more when I am nervous. So trying to figure out where to stop was bugging me but we finally did. Then I found the one spot that the meter didn't work. So I then moved the truck over one spot, and we were on our way.

We found a nice spot, and I barely had time to lather sunscreen all over the boy because he was ready for this


Some pics of our location:




Kara taking a break




As you can see, we found a spot right between all of the large resorts. We were just next to a sign stating no lifeguard just beyond where we were.



These college kids ate their lunch and fed some of it to the birds. This caused a problem because once they hit the water, the birds knew where to go:




We thought this was funny, shouldn't have fed the birds. Some ol man kept trying to get them to fly off and we just kept laughing.

Want to go ride this jet boat some time:


So much to do here in FL and so little time...and money. Oh, and I apologize for the ...um gentleman in the speedo.





We ended up not spending too much time here and planned on stopping at another beach on the way to the house, Ft. Desoto, which is the beach we normally go to, just south of St. Pete. We drove down what I believe is Bayshore Drive, which goes through all of the beach towns. Turns out Kara likes to do something I love to do, just drive around looking at houses and boy are there some big beautiful houses along the beach.

I offered to stop at the other beach, but we decided to just drive home. Ended up taking a very long way home and Jacob wasn't happy about it. Took Kara over the large bridge, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Turns out she doesn't like heights, so no big bridges for her. I'm so mean:


This was taken on another trip.

We finally made it home and were glad to be a nice cool house. Next up, the Ringling Museum.

 

[DFD]

The beach

Some pics of our location:

is that a Fishing Pier??????????????? I need to go there!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dismagiclover]

I had to laugh at the pictures of the birds. Guess those kids will learn the hard way not to feed the wildlife Laughed even harder at the gentleman in the speedo. No apologies necessary. I'm glad you included him because it gave me some entertainment

 

[JPFamilyMom]

I love driving down the coast and looking at beach homes. I use to take the long route when I lived in CA on my way to school (on the way home of course),LOVE it. Glad Kara enjoyed it too.

The man in the speedo

Looks like Jacob had a lot of fun in the water

 

[SimmerBaggins]

The birds!! Man, I don't think I've ever seen seagulls so voracious -- to go through those people's things??!? That was funny. I guess the only time we've fed seagulls is in a parking lot...which is kind of weird. Occasionally they'll follow a cruise ship close to land and snatch left-over food from the dining tables out on the deck -- but the waiters are pretty quick to shoo them off and grab up the plates. Still entertaining...

Nice pictures of the beach -- beautiful sand!

 

[jmskinner]

is that a Fishing Pier??????????????? I need to go there!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes it is. I know where several more are also!

I had to laugh at the pictures of the birds. Guess those kids will learn the hard way not to feed the wildlife Laughed even harder at the gentleman in the speedo. No apologies necessary. I'm glad you included him because it gave me some entertainment

We were getting irritated at the ol guy trying to get rid of them. It was the kids fault for feeding them.

So glad I brought a smile to your face.

I love driving down the coast and looking at beach homes. I use to take the long route when I lived in CA on my way to school (on the way home of course),LOVE it. Glad Kara enjoyed it too.

The man in the speedo

Looks like Jacob had a lot of fun in the water

Jacob loves the water. And I forgot to mention, Kara doesn't spend much time in the water, the girl can't swim.

I bet there are some gorgeous home you use to look at in CA.

The birds!! Man, I don't think I've ever seen seagulls so voracious -- to go through those people's things??!? That was funny. I guess the only time we've fed seagulls is in a parking lot...which is kind of weird. Occasionally they'll follow a cruise ship close to land and snatch left-over food from the dining tables out on the deck -- but the waiters are pretty quick to shoo them off and grab up the plates. Still entertaining...

Nice pictures of the beach -- beautiful sand!

Clearwater is one of the best beaches around. A little crowded for me though. It's the big tourist spot.

And the seagulls are everywhere here. Every single parking lot you will find them.

So glad everyone enjoyed the speedo. I was looking at a family at BB last time we were there, the father and son had on speedo's. That when I realized that it all begins with a Dad wearing it, a Mom allowing it and then putting her son in one. And the awfulness will continue for generations from there.

 

[jmskinner]

I apologize for no updates, spent Friday with one of my neighbor. Her DH is overseas for a year and this was our first chance to get out without our boys. Had a great day, but my allergies decided to attack. I spent yesterday on the couch sleeping most of the day. Feel better today, but I now have the cough.

But on to better things. We woke up Saturday morning and headed south to Sarasota. We were going to do something I had wanted to do since first hearing about it over a year ago. The Ringling Museum. Sarasota ended up being the place that the large circus' made their home bases. And John Ringling made it into a magnificent home.





We made our way into the Welcome Center and paid our admission. Now this is why we had not done this before. It was $50 for the four of us and Jonas was free since he was military. Not an inexpensive place to visit at all. But, I would highly recommend it and there is enough to do for a whole day.

The buildings are spread out and the grounds are just lovely


We stopped here first


All the posters for the circus coming to town




One of the main attractions of the museum is this model.













Now that you know the story behind the model, let's see the model.





This is the dining tent.










I couldn't get the whole model in one shot. The size and detail of this model were amazing.