malcolm silcock
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 26, 2002
- Messages
- 75
Holiday from May 19th to June 2nd
Staying at Shadow Bay Apartments, Kissimmee.
Players
Orion (Malcolm) 40 year old, Story teller, Grump and Organiser (if things go wrong).
DW (Maria Spanyardo) 34 years old, Saver of holiday money, Proposer of holiday and Organiser (if things go OK).
DS (Ben) 14 years old, six foot tall (going through the spot zone just now), very laid back (in love with Buffy the Vampire Slayer arent we all).
DD (Katie) 12 years old, two foot tall, is going to be an actress or a barmaid, unable to talk so sings everything to you (and anyone else that will listen).
DS (Keiran) 5 years old (Autistic) provider of the most fun and biggest problems.
DM (Elva) 260 years old pixie, thrill freak and recipient of the largest food portions in USA.
DF (Roy) 200 year old water park and water ride expert, talked a good talk about riding thrill rides but total score for the holiday NIL.
Day 5 Seaworld
Tuesday
Woke and got up at 07.30 am another night of fighting for bed space and Keiran is winning 3 0.
Got the crew going and out in reasonable time, down the road to Ponderosa for the hearty breakfast DF was having withdrawal symptoms as hes not had ice-cream for his breakfast for at least 24 hours, what chance have we got in having the kids eat a balanced diet?
Breakfast over we head to Seaworld (via Wal-Mart for the tickets) and get there late as usual, find the disabled parking are and check-in. Again once in I go to Customer Services and obtain a Special Assistance ticket for Keiran.
We turn left heading towards dolphins at Quay Cove (I think thats what its called) via the stingray petting pool. Last year Katie wouldnt put her hands in to touch the rays but she manages it this year they feel like wet velvet. DM wont put her hand in it smells of fish she says. Thats an amazing discovery I was going to report it to the controllers of Seaworld, their huge tank full of sea water and hundreds of Sting-rays smelt of fish!! But being sensible I didnt want to start a panic.
Next the Dolphins via a look into the Sea Turtles. The dolphins were playing football and seemed to be having a ball (no pun intended), I tried for ages to get a good shot of a dolphin but theyve so quick or some idiot would stick their arm out into view. I did manage to get a great shot in the end, more by luck than any photographically skill on my part.
Into the underwater viewing area but the dolphins where still playing ball over the other end of the cove. I think we did the manatees next and then the sharks. The sharks underwater viewing is great, I love this type of thing.
Last year we missed the Atlantis ride it was down for repair or something but today it was running OK. I was game, DW doesnt like thrill rides, DF says he will but doesnt and Keiran would probably break it. So DS, DD, DM and me hit the queues. I didnt take too long and we were in. This is a great water splash ride (Splash Mountain but IMHO better). I lost my hat and I had it for years but like a fool that I was if you wear them on these rides you will loose them. DM loved it, we all did and were going to go on again but there was still so much to see, so we cut out and headed for the Pirate Show. There is an area just off the shop that you come through after the water ride that is like a big walk-in aquarium area but not only are the fish all around you but the ceiling and floor are glass as well great fun.
After settling everyone down into the seats. The disabled viewing area here is on the far left and right hand sides for wheel chair access I assume, but the viewing is very poor. This is the biggest problem within Seaworld because its the same in all the show areas take note Seaworld (I know they read my reports with great interest). DF and myself get the drinks orders and head of to get some cool ones (its hot - 99 today). Now last year I was unaware that there is a free beer bar here (and at Busch Gardens), so we ask the young CM (she is guarding the disabled entrance, with some vigor I might add good job we had our pass - could have had a nasty bite on the ankle from this one) where the free beer is. Yes, sorry we mean the hospitality area follow the signs for the horses, its a bit of a walk we are told. BIT OF A WALK! 16 miles later we find the free beer - I mean the hospitality area. Well by now we've lost about 16 pints of fluid each and we know we've going to have to run back to catch the start of the show yet. Also going to have to think of a good reason (lie) to the rest of the crew for taking so long in getting the drinks. No queue, and I make my choice Ice Bud please, licking my lips. You should have seen the size of the paper cups you get small or what, I thought they wanted a sample from me when I got passed this thing. Looking into the cup I passed it back and said Yes please a pint of thats fine well you could have knocked me down with a feather. A 16 mile orienteering run soon to be followed by a return run and I get this sample, I was expecting a Gold medal and a pint of their best. Well no, thats what you get and they limit to you to two!
Well we get back (via a soft drinks booth) just as the show is starting yes love, the booth was miles away and there was a huge queue dear.
Its good fun this shows especially when the animals forget their lines. The warm up guy is great (lots of audience participation here) I remember him from last year.
As I remember we had to go to the dolphin show next which I still enjoyed though not as much as last year.
Because of the show times and the time of day (getting late already) we had to go straight over to catch the last Killer Whale show (Shamu I think its called). This is just great, the size and speed of these animals and the height the reach on their jumps has to be seen. But watching all the fools (Ben and Katie included) getting wet is just as much fun, theres always some people who seem surprised at getting soaked or running off clutching wet camera equipment dorrrr I gotted wet. We had a little problem with Keiran here, again and its the same one weve already experienced, the high level of volume from the PA system was too much for him and Maria ended up taking him out.
Last year we went to the killer Whale underwater viewing area and one of the whales came right up the glass front where Keiran was and Keiran got out his buggy, put his hands and face upto the glass and they both sat watching each other for ages with no more than two inches between both their heads it was absolutely amazing and nearly had both me and DW in tears (well DW anyway Im to manly for that sort of thing!)
Weve pretty tied again and its about tea time so we head out of the park, find our way back to the 192 and look for some where to eat.
We see a place called TropiGrill and wanting to try as many new eating establishments as possible we call-in. I think its supposed to be a Caribbean Island/South American type food, what it turned out to be was crap (can we say that word on DIS?). Sorry but it was, we all had various meals and we all agreed it was rubbish and most of it was left. The worst place weve eaten in ever go to Greecey Joes on the corner for better food and value for money.
We left and paid a visit to Wal-Mart (still waiting for my royalties to arrive Wal-Mart) for some bits and beer. I came across some Crackerjacks these are small cardboard boxes of toffee popcorn and nuts that also have a really, really cheap plastic toy in them. But I used to get them as a kid as a special treat (we lived in Libya when I was little, but had to make a run for it over the boarder when the war started and Colonel Mustard took over the Country). There was a big American Airbase there and much of the food was from the States still love Root Beer. But the Crackerjacks werent as good as I remembered them as a kid. Having said that Keiran got hold of the three boxes and only left me scrapes (he seemed to like them boy do they stick to the carpet).
The men and me have decided to go the pictures tonight and we found the Picture house was across the road from our Ponderosa on the 192. We went to see Gladiator which was good (better at the beginning than the end) but the Kissimmee Picture house is something else firstly its empty, its one of these multi viewing places and the show we were in had about six other people in. It also smelt like a cat had pissed somewhere!
While away Katie and Keiran went to the pool and the women did - womeny things!
Back to the apartment for some cold ones and a chance to watch the rubbish the on TV.
Late to bed again and I know weve got to get up early tomorrow morning because weve off to Clearwater beach.
Staying at Shadow Bay Apartments, Kissimmee.
Players
Orion (Malcolm) 40 year old, Story teller, Grump and Organiser (if things go wrong).
DW (Maria Spanyardo) 34 years old, Saver of holiday money, Proposer of holiday and Organiser (if things go OK).
DS (Ben) 14 years old, six foot tall (going through the spot zone just now), very laid back (in love with Buffy the Vampire Slayer arent we all).
DD (Katie) 12 years old, two foot tall, is going to be an actress or a barmaid, unable to talk so sings everything to you (and anyone else that will listen).
DS (Keiran) 5 years old (Autistic) provider of the most fun and biggest problems.
DM (Elva) 260 years old pixie, thrill freak and recipient of the largest food portions in USA.
DF (Roy) 200 year old water park and water ride expert, talked a good talk about riding thrill rides but total score for the holiday NIL.
Day 5 Seaworld
Tuesday
Woke and got up at 07.30 am another night of fighting for bed space and Keiran is winning 3 0.
Got the crew going and out in reasonable time, down the road to Ponderosa for the hearty breakfast DF was having withdrawal symptoms as hes not had ice-cream for his breakfast for at least 24 hours, what chance have we got in having the kids eat a balanced diet?
Breakfast over we head to Seaworld (via Wal-Mart for the tickets) and get there late as usual, find the disabled parking are and check-in. Again once in I go to Customer Services and obtain a Special Assistance ticket for Keiran.
We turn left heading towards dolphins at Quay Cove (I think thats what its called) via the stingray petting pool. Last year Katie wouldnt put her hands in to touch the rays but she manages it this year they feel like wet velvet. DM wont put her hand in it smells of fish she says. Thats an amazing discovery I was going to report it to the controllers of Seaworld, their huge tank full of sea water and hundreds of Sting-rays smelt of fish!! But being sensible I didnt want to start a panic.
Next the Dolphins via a look into the Sea Turtles. The dolphins were playing football and seemed to be having a ball (no pun intended), I tried for ages to get a good shot of a dolphin but theyve so quick or some idiot would stick their arm out into view. I did manage to get a great shot in the end, more by luck than any photographically skill on my part.
Into the underwater viewing area but the dolphins where still playing ball over the other end of the cove. I think we did the manatees next and then the sharks. The sharks underwater viewing is great, I love this type of thing.
Last year we missed the Atlantis ride it was down for repair or something but today it was running OK. I was game, DW doesnt like thrill rides, DF says he will but doesnt and Keiran would probably break it. So DS, DD, DM and me hit the queues. I didnt take too long and we were in. This is a great water splash ride (Splash Mountain but IMHO better). I lost my hat and I had it for years but like a fool that I was if you wear them on these rides you will loose them. DM loved it, we all did and were going to go on again but there was still so much to see, so we cut out and headed for the Pirate Show. There is an area just off the shop that you come through after the water ride that is like a big walk-in aquarium area but not only are the fish all around you but the ceiling and floor are glass as well great fun.
After settling everyone down into the seats. The disabled viewing area here is on the far left and right hand sides for wheel chair access I assume, but the viewing is very poor. This is the biggest problem within Seaworld because its the same in all the show areas take note Seaworld (I know they read my reports with great interest). DF and myself get the drinks orders and head of to get some cool ones (its hot - 99 today). Now last year I was unaware that there is a free beer bar here (and at Busch Gardens), so we ask the young CM (she is guarding the disabled entrance, with some vigor I might add good job we had our pass - could have had a nasty bite on the ankle from this one) where the free beer is. Yes, sorry we mean the hospitality area follow the signs for the horses, its a bit of a walk we are told. BIT OF A WALK! 16 miles later we find the free beer - I mean the hospitality area. Well by now we've lost about 16 pints of fluid each and we know we've going to have to run back to catch the start of the show yet. Also going to have to think of a good reason (lie) to the rest of the crew for taking so long in getting the drinks. No queue, and I make my choice Ice Bud please, licking my lips. You should have seen the size of the paper cups you get small or what, I thought they wanted a sample from me when I got passed this thing. Looking into the cup I passed it back and said Yes please a pint of thats fine well you could have knocked me down with a feather. A 16 mile orienteering run soon to be followed by a return run and I get this sample, I was expecting a Gold medal and a pint of their best. Well no, thats what you get and they limit to you to two!
Well we get back (via a soft drinks booth) just as the show is starting yes love, the booth was miles away and there was a huge queue dear.
Its good fun this shows especially when the animals forget their lines. The warm up guy is great (lots of audience participation here) I remember him from last year.
As I remember we had to go to the dolphin show next which I still enjoyed though not as much as last year.
Because of the show times and the time of day (getting late already) we had to go straight over to catch the last Killer Whale show (Shamu I think its called). This is just great, the size and speed of these animals and the height the reach on their jumps has to be seen. But watching all the fools (Ben and Katie included) getting wet is just as much fun, theres always some people who seem surprised at getting soaked or running off clutching wet camera equipment dorrrr I gotted wet. We had a little problem with Keiran here, again and its the same one weve already experienced, the high level of volume from the PA system was too much for him and Maria ended up taking him out.
Last year we went to the killer Whale underwater viewing area and one of the whales came right up the glass front where Keiran was and Keiran got out his buggy, put his hands and face upto the glass and they both sat watching each other for ages with no more than two inches between both their heads it was absolutely amazing and nearly had both me and DW in tears (well DW anyway Im to manly for that sort of thing!)
Weve pretty tied again and its about tea time so we head out of the park, find our way back to the 192 and look for some where to eat.
We see a place called TropiGrill and wanting to try as many new eating establishments as possible we call-in. I think its supposed to be a Caribbean Island/South American type food, what it turned out to be was crap (can we say that word on DIS?). Sorry but it was, we all had various meals and we all agreed it was rubbish and most of it was left. The worst place weve eaten in ever go to Greecey Joes on the corner for better food and value for money.
We left and paid a visit to Wal-Mart (still waiting for my royalties to arrive Wal-Mart) for some bits and beer. I came across some Crackerjacks these are small cardboard boxes of toffee popcorn and nuts that also have a really, really cheap plastic toy in them. But I used to get them as a kid as a special treat (we lived in Libya when I was little, but had to make a run for it over the boarder when the war started and Colonel Mustard took over the Country). There was a big American Airbase there and much of the food was from the States still love Root Beer. But the Crackerjacks werent as good as I remembered them as a kid. Having said that Keiran got hold of the three boxes and only left me scrapes (he seemed to like them boy do they stick to the carpet).
The men and me have decided to go the pictures tonight and we found the Picture house was across the road from our Ponderosa on the 192. We went to see Gladiator which was good (better at the beginning than the end) but the Kissimmee Picture house is something else firstly its empty, its one of these multi viewing places and the show we were in had about six other people in. It also smelt like a cat had pissed somewhere!
While away Katie and Keiran went to the pool and the women did - womeny things!
Back to the apartment for some cold ones and a chance to watch the rubbish the on TV.
Late to bed again and I know weve got to get up early tomorrow morning because weve off to Clearwater beach.
