danandjackie
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2003
- Messages
- 440
Day 2
Wake up in the Hilton DTD at 6.30, our breakfast is wheeled into the room and after a quick shower to wake up we're ready to leave..Its still looking dark outside and it appears to have been raining the night before.. A quick check on the weather channel confirms that rain is indeed expected and we should expect it go cooler.. After assembling a collection of clothing we head out to the car only to return back to the room to grab an extra jumper..ITS COLD.
Arrive early at Sea World its only 5-10mins down the road and park in the 2nd row of cars thats arrived.. At the rope/chain drop we wait with about 6 other people. Do Sea World know something that we dont or has the entire population of Florida decided its far to cold to leave the house.
After the rope drop its straight onto Kraken to join the queue. Well I say Q its actually us and one family from Yorkshire. We ride it once on the front row then re-ride and then have another go from the Back Row basically on our own. I think the CMs are looking at us slightly bemused. Have to say I love this ride and it sure does wake you up early in the morning. The initial drop is one of those nice imminent death approaching moments we both so love on coasters and theres plenty of different types of inversions. Absolutely great.
We noticed after the 2nd time climbing up the initial drop that it was starting to spit with rain on and off so we decide to play it safe and make the poncho purchase. This turns out to be wise because as soon as we leave the shop it starts spitting more persistently, however we walk straight onto Journey to Atlantis which seems very tame after Kraken though the first drop is nice. We appear to be the only people foolish enough to be riding this in the cold rain.
So after one more Kraken (just to make sure) we have a good look inside the penguin encounter. These guys are so cute.
Next its time for the Clyde and Seymour show. This is as great as always though I have to feel for the Trainer dressed as the captain who takes the dive from the top of the boat into the pool. She is standing at the exit after the show wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and is looking blue in the face, She must be frozen. Although the air temp is ok when the wind is down, everytime the wind does pick up it feels like zero.
We then go to Pets Ahoy show which is V Good though Danny is thinking that if the female blonde presenters talk in a much higher squeaky voice all the glass in the building will surely shatter. This show is actually a sell out probably because its indoors and warm.
Next to the Stingray Lagoon and to feed the gummy creatures. Its like putting you're hand next to a very strong underwater vacumn cleaner as they suck the fish from between your fingers with those big floppy mouths. Such fun though, I find myself trying to make sure the smaller ones get there fair share.
Then to Dolphin Cove, the dolphins keep teasing us by coming up then turning away with a quick flick and splashing us. One Jumps in front of Danny and soaks his trousers but at least the waters warm.
Next we are off to Sharks Underwater Grill, for which we had made PS, for a long leisurely lunch which is beautiful. I`ll put the details and pictures for that in a separate meals report. We get an excellent booth looking out into the tank, great view and so mesmerising. Part way into the meal as the restaurant starts to fill up we realise everyone is coming in absolutely soaked through. The rain has finally come big style oh no.
After a couple of hours over lunch we go to the duelling pianos show and sing a long with the carols and the odd Barry Manilow song as the players simply ask for any requests Nice and warm and dry in here as well.
Next the wild arctic simulator which 2 secs after starting grinds to a halt and the exit doors open. But we the brave helicopter full of intrepid explorers who have braved the rain on Christmas day refuse to move until the CMs sort it out and start us off again.
Then we go for a look at the Polar Bear whos hiding in a corner(probably a warm spot) and the beluga whales.
We go to the 3.30pm Shamu show. Its as wonderful as I always remember and I am always so moved to see these powerful animals in action, such shear power and grace and agility. The trainers are so amazing diving down with the whales to achieve those almighty jumps. It was great to see the baby doing its first few tricks as well.
We then went to have a look at the Clydesdale Horses being prepared and then to the Manatees who are so gentle though it was tea time for them which seemed to consist of Iceberg Lettuce. Lastly a quick look around the Tropical Area but its getting so wet and cold now we decide to head back to the Hotel for a warm bath before we get dinner.
Dinner is at Fultons Crab House in DTD , a PS I made 90days ago, so in trepidation of seeing if this system actually works, we walk over to DTD and check in with no problems, DTD is only a 5min walk from the pool exit of the hotel though the Pedestrian crossing over the road is hilarious giving you 45secs to get across which it counts down in large letters, (God help you if you cant walk fast). We wait around 15mins in the bar lounge of fultons where I am served the strongest Campari and Soda ever, I think he poured so much Campari in there wasnt enough room for the Soda, before we are seated on the 2nd floor of the steamer for Dinner.. Lobster it is then.
Arrive early at Sea World its only 5-10mins down the road and park in the 2nd row of cars thats arrived.. At the rope/chain drop we wait with about 6 other people. Do Sea World know something that we dont or has the entire population of Florida decided its far to cold to leave the house.
After the rope drop its straight onto Kraken to join the queue. Well I say Q its actually us and one family from Yorkshire. We ride it once on the front row then re-ride and then have another go from the Back Row basically on our own. I think the CMs are looking at us slightly bemused. Have to say I love this ride and it sure does wake you up early in the morning. The initial drop is one of those nice imminent death approaching moments we both so love on coasters and theres plenty of different types of inversions. Absolutely great.
We noticed after the 2nd time climbing up the initial drop that it was starting to spit with rain on and off so we decide to play it safe and make the poncho purchase. This turns out to be wise because as soon as we leave the shop it starts spitting more persistently, however we walk straight onto Journey to Atlantis which seems very tame after Kraken though the first drop is nice. We appear to be the only people foolish enough to be riding this in the cold rain.
So after one more Kraken (just to make sure) we have a good look inside the penguin encounter. These guys are so cute.
Next its time for the Clyde and Seymour show. This is as great as always though I have to feel for the Trainer dressed as the captain who takes the dive from the top of the boat into the pool. She is standing at the exit after the show wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and is looking blue in the face, She must be frozen. Although the air temp is ok when the wind is down, everytime the wind does pick up it feels like zero.
We then go to Pets Ahoy show which is V Good though Danny is thinking that if the female blonde presenters talk in a much higher squeaky voice all the glass in the building will surely shatter. This show is actually a sell out probably because its indoors and warm.
Next to the Stingray Lagoon and to feed the gummy creatures. Its like putting you're hand next to a very strong underwater vacumn cleaner as they suck the fish from between your fingers with those big floppy mouths. Such fun though, I find myself trying to make sure the smaller ones get there fair share.
Then to Dolphin Cove, the dolphins keep teasing us by coming up then turning away with a quick flick and splashing us. One Jumps in front of Danny and soaks his trousers but at least the waters warm.
Next we are off to Sharks Underwater Grill, for which we had made PS, for a long leisurely lunch which is beautiful. I`ll put the details and pictures for that in a separate meals report. We get an excellent booth looking out into the tank, great view and so mesmerising. Part way into the meal as the restaurant starts to fill up we realise everyone is coming in absolutely soaked through. The rain has finally come big style oh no.
After a couple of hours over lunch we go to the duelling pianos show and sing a long with the carols and the odd Barry Manilow song as the players simply ask for any requests Nice and warm and dry in here as well.
Next the wild arctic simulator which 2 secs after starting grinds to a halt and the exit doors open. But we the brave helicopter full of intrepid explorers who have braved the rain on Christmas day refuse to move until the CMs sort it out and start us off again.
Then we go for a look at the Polar Bear whos hiding in a corner(probably a warm spot) and the beluga whales.
We go to the 3.30pm Shamu show. Its as wonderful as I always remember and I am always so moved to see these powerful animals in action, such shear power and grace and agility. The trainers are so amazing diving down with the whales to achieve those almighty jumps. It was great to see the baby doing its first few tricks as well.
We then went to have a look at the Clydesdale Horses being prepared and then to the Manatees who are so gentle though it was tea time for them which seemed to consist of Iceberg Lettuce. Lastly a quick look around the Tropical Area but its getting so wet and cold now we decide to head back to the Hotel for a warm bath before we get dinner.
Dinner is at Fultons Crab House in DTD , a PS I made 90days ago, so in trepidation of seeing if this system actually works, we walk over to DTD and check in with no problems, DTD is only a 5min walk from the pool exit of the hotel though the Pedestrian crossing over the road is hilarious giving you 45secs to get across which it counts down in large letters, (God help you if you cant walk fast). We wait around 15mins in the bar lounge of fultons where I am served the strongest Campari and Soda ever, I think he poured so much Campari in there wasnt enough room for the Soda, before we are seated on the 2nd floor of the steamer for Dinner.. Lobster it is then.
Enjoying the photos too.
