"ENCHANTED TALES with ROB" - A Birthday/Christmas DISer Celebration! **NEW TR LINK**

[amberg93]

I'm terrified of roller coasters. Like the big ones, I can't do them. So if I ever get to Sea World, I'm not going on your favorite ride

But the peguins do look cool, even if I agree about how silly it is that you have to ride the ride to get there.

Ooh it does look like a cool show. Maybe someday I can talk Marie into going and seeing things elsewhere besides Disney

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

So happy to hear about Sea World! My parents are going on my move in day in May and we might all go back in August if they enjoy it!

OMG PENGUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My favorite animal ever and there are so many of them!!!!!!!!

That show looks very cool! I will have to tell my parents to check it out!

 

[Tracy161]

I haven't been to Sea World in any of my adult trips to Orlando. Therefore, your pictures are mostly "foreign content" as they are new since I've last been, but quite intriguing I must say looking forward to reading more about your Disney cheat day

 

[katt789]

Great seaworld updates!! I'm super glad to be reading them now and its getting me super excited for when we go in September!! I think Imma brave Manta, it does look awesome, although the kraken is a no go for me lol.

UGH THAT SHOW

Seriously though, it does look amazing, and if you can compare it to fotlk, then it pretty much means I'll love it…

Also good to note that some of the cast comes out!!

 

[natebenma]

BINGE CATCH UP!!!



I have lots of comments- don't feel you need to respond to them all. I also had to skip others' posts, so if I am repeating them... Oh well

Day 5/Part 3:

FoTLK is such a visually stunning show- I love the music and the action!

I am not a parade person, but the floats at the Jingle Jungle parade are pretty impressive.

Chip and his handler- BWAHAHAHA!!!

HILARIOUS Avatar Photopass Photobomb

Congrats on your first Magic Shot. Sorry Em was hurt in the process, but sometimes one has to suffer for the arts.


Day 5/Part 4:

What a great happy birthday greeting from the bus driver! I haven't seen the bus arrival screens. Love it!

First time at AKL- wow! Great pictures.

***************************************************

The picture of the HS Christmas tree is gorgeous.

Not surprising that you met some nice people on the "Friendship" boat. I have, too.

for your visit to the Beach Club- you might not know, but I happen to love that place I have heard the burgers at Hurricane Hanna's are the same ones that are served at Beaches & Cream. Glad you enjoyed it.


Day 5/Part 5- Illuminations Cruise

WOW from me.

Would you mind if I put a link to your posts on the BC/YC FAQ page? I have others' reviews of the Illuminations Cruises, Albatross cruise, Marina rentals, etc in the Resort Amenities post. FYI- Brenda has given me permission to link whatever I want to to this page.

BTW- don't look on that link until you give me permission. j/k

What a spectacular view of Illuminations!!!

Loved your snack raid!!! I would have done the same.

I didn't know my buddy Beth was on the cruise with you

 

[natebenma]

Sea World-

I am glad you didn't wear a Disney shirt to SW. That would have been awkward!

Antarctica looks so cool!!! (Rim shot)-- I am sure that has been said.

The penguin ride seems like fun, but what a bummer that is the only way to see the birds. That reminds me of the Living Seas. Mark and I loved looking at the aquariums, but at one point I swear if we had to watch that movie one more time "Imagine. Just for a moment. Drip. Drip. Drip." we were going to lose our minds! We decided that we would sneak in through the exit- when a group was leaving the attraction, we got onto the elevator from Sea Base Alpha.

Spoiler Alert- It wasn't a real elevator!

And boy did we surprise the CM when we came in through the out door.

Your pictures from the Blue Horizon show are spectacular! I can see why you love the show. It does look like there are a lot of different things going on (Like FotLK)

 

[JessM]

If our trip had been longer we definitely would have cheated on Disney for the day too. The SeaWorld Christmas stuff all sounded fantastic!

Can you believe I haven't made it over to Sea World since the Manta opened?? It looks so fabulous!

I didn't realize you had to ride the new Antarctica ride before seeing the Penguins now, I'm glad you didn't end up having to wait too long for it, I agree the long wait time is all you seem to hear about!

Great pictures of the dolphin show! I totally wrote an essay in 6th grade about wanting to be a dolphin trainer when I grew up, that should have been me!

Oh and great pic with the Dolphin at the entrance!

 

[amazingact21]

Man oh man, Rob. I've been dying to go back to Seaworld for years now, and your updates made me want to print some tickets out right that minute. Mainly, I want to ride Manta sooo bad! It looks amazing, and I'm not even a huge coaster junkie.


So, with all my envy poured out to you, I can definitely say I wasn't opposed to you cheating on Disney with your mistress. And it looks like you picked the right day to visit the park. Crowds didn't seem atronomical and extremely short waits for the coasters...can't get much better than that.


And I'll admit, I haven't seen much when it comes to the next Antartica exhibit/ride, so that was pretty cool to read about. Didn't even know they had a ride with two versions created.

 

[CaseFace5]

Cheating on Disney??

Just kidding we did it last time too. We went to Universal and IOA though, I've never been to Seaworld. I would like to try it though. My step-father and uncle went on the Manta and they were terrified! I think I would love it. I love the lay down coaster in Six Flags New Jersey, called Superman, same concept.

Can't wait to hear all about the Christmas shows! Trying to plan a trip for next year and thinking about going between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Either that or near Halloween. Ahh.. decisions, decisions LOL.

 

[missangelalexis]

HAHA love the dolphin photo!!

Yayyy penguins Good job beating the long line!

Love this Blue Horizons photos, looks like a great show!

 

[Careree22]

Okay so I'm not a big fan of Seaworld because of the way they treat some of their animals. But I do have to say that my favorite animal in the WHOLE world is a Manta Ray and seeing as how you like that ride, I enjoyed this update

 

[scrpbookr]

COMPLETELY enjoying your Sea World day! You took some really great shots in the show! Beautiful!

I grew up in So Cal so the Sea World there is "home" to me. I haven't visited the FL counterpart. It would be hard to take a day away from Disney for it but your day, so far, makes it seem totally worth it! Looking forward to more.

Great shirt btw!

 

[khertz]

It's been a long time since I made it to Sea World but I remember LOVING Kraken! That aerial shot of Manta looks really amazing. I haven't been back there since it was opened.

Penguins!! One of my favorite animals. They are so freaking cute! But that's kind of lame that in a marine wildlife park you have to go on a ride to view the marine wildlife.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great start to your Sea World Day! One of these trips we are going to have to get there but we never go for very long so hard to fit all the Disney stuff in ... plus no one else in my family seems to push for it, but definitely some day!

That's kind of a bummer that the Antarctica ride is only "fine" ... seems like something that could have been super duper awesome ... and the fact that you have to go through it first before getting to the penguins - that would be like forcing people to sit through the Norway movie before getting to Maestrom

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Cheating on Disney!

I love Manta and Kraken, but I only rode them once. I saw a few shows too. Only having been to SW once, there are more things that I haven't done though.

I'll be cheating a lot on Disney this next trip, two days at Universal, one at SW and one at Busch! Two weeks and I'll probably feel like I didn't spend enough time at WDW! Thank goodness we are staying on property.

I really am enjoying the pictures you're sharing though, they are great shots!

Hehe, I hope I didn't confuse anyone.

Manta is just Amazing and Kraken ain't too bad either. The shows are really good.

I have done exactly that before. The majority (and best) was still Disney, but also the others were visited. Generally in a group setting everyone wants to see everything. I do like the other parks though. Busch is AWESOME for animals.

Thank you!! I took a LOT of pictures this day. I figure since not a lot of people leave the bubble, much will be new, so I figure, why not post a ton, lol.

The Manta ride that you like like seems very similar to 2 rides near the amusement park about 40 mins from my home. https://www.cedarpoint.com They have one called Gatekeeper & Raptor.

Oh I'm sure there are many like it around, but this was the very first "flying coaster" I've ever done, so it's very dear. Funny too that have plans to go to a Ceder Fair park this summer, but Canada's Wonderland. I have heard of Cedar Point though. It's pretty legendary.

That's so awesome that you were able to do the Illuminations cruise. These boards are awesome though! You meet people, and you really feel like you know them. It's a great feeling.

Haha! It is the Chunnel! I've been through the Chunnel! Very unique experience.

I'm so glad that the experience was so awesome for you! Makes me want to do it someday.

Um, of course you take the snacks.

Of course you pose with a dolphin! That's a cute dolphin too.

We have a flying coaster at our Six Flags here that is aptly named.....Superman.

Penguins!!! Oh man, they are my absolute favorite. Next to ducks of course.

No, there is nothing Barbie can't do! Oh, except get married. Apparently she can't do that. LOL.

OMG Dani, it was such a wonderful experience. You are SO right. The people here are just so amazing and welcoming, and I think this group on the cruise certainly proves that. Every single one of them were beautiful.

I'm certain that's what Disney was going for here. How could it not? They think of everything.

I highly recommend it. Without a doubt the cruise itself is a blast, but sharing it in that environment is what really made the night.

I am NOT leaving free anything behind. I even asked the captain what else I could take, lol. Sadly there was nothing.

Oh I know!! Adorable little princess. I've met Shamu before out front, so I was pretty pumped they chose to Change it up.

BAHAHAHA, see I figured there had to be an actual Superman ride. But I'll tell ya, flying coasters have ruined me for other coasters unless you're either in a Disney park or named The Mummy.

Of course. I really liked that it was open air so you really felt in their environment, despite the cold. So much fun to watch.

Hahaha, very true. She's an independent woman.

I'm terrified of roller coasters. Like the big ones, I can't do them. So if I ever get to Sea World, I'm not going on your favorite ride

But the peguins do look cool, even if I agree about how silly it is that you have to ride the ride to get there.

Ooh it does look like a cool show. Maybe someday I can talk Marie into going and seeing things elsewhere besides Disney

Aww Amber!!!! You worked at a amusement park!!!! You have to like coasters. Honestly, Manta does look intimidating mostly because it just looks different. But it is so smooth. Ah I love it.

I so love watching the penguins that it pains me that I have to do this stupid ride first. I assume the waits will die down over time, but still. Before you could just walk right in.

OMG I LOVE THIS SHOW!! Granted I love dolphins anyway, but this show is so good. You need to see it!

So happy to hear about Sea World! My parents are going on my move in day in May and we might all go back in August if they enjoy it!

OMG PENGUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My favorite animal ever and there are so many of them!!!!!!!!

That show looks very cool! I will have to tell my parents to check it out!

It's certainly not Disney Caitlin, but there is still a lot to like. I think they'll really like it, so expect a return in August!! It's a very different vibe in that it's mostly shows and exhibits, so you're generally not just moving line to line which is kind of a nice change.

See that, I have a feeling you might get over there before August, lol!!! If you love them that much you HAVE to go see them. Their area is really well done and completely open. One word of caution given your love of them... you might die of excitement.

DEFINITELY!!!! If given the choice, I would choose this over any show in SeaWord including the Killer Whales. Basically if I only had time for one show, this is it. I'm obsessed.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I haven't been to Sea World in any of my adult trips to Orlando. Therefore, your pictures are mostly "foreign content" as they are new since I've last been, but quite intriguing I must say looking forward to reading more about your Disney cheat day

I expect many if not most of the people on the board are exactly the same Tracy. That's part of the reason I like to have a Seaworld day since for many it's entirely new. It's never been an every trip kind of thing, but I certainly do enjoy it. It's a nice change.

Great seaworld updates!! I'm super glad to be reading them now and its getting me super excited for when we go in September!! I think Imma brave Manta, it does look awesome, although the kraken is a no go for me lol.

UGH THAT SHOW

Seriously though, it does look amazing, and if you can compare it to fotlk, then it pretty much means I'll love it…

Also good to note that some of the cast comes out!!

Thanks Katt!! OOOh I didn't know you were planning SeaWorld for Sept. I hope you do Manta, it really is smooth. And honestly Kraken is no where near as bad as it looks.

It is so fabulous, it really is. I really do think you'll love it!!! Probably not as much as Lion King, but then your love of Lion King is pretty epic. But I do find there are elements that remind me a bit of Lion King like the "bird" and their own version of "Tumble Monkeys" with the divers. I can't wait to hear what you think!!

And yes, hang around after. They often do come out.

BINGE CATCH UP!!!



I have lots of comments- don't feel you need to respond to them all. I also had to skip others' posts, so if I am repeating them... Oh well

Day 5/Part 3:

FoTLK is such a visually stunning show- I love the music and the action!

I am not a parade person, but the floats at the Jingle Jungle parade are pretty impressive.

Chip and his handler- BWAHAHAHA!!!

HILARIOUS Avatar Photopass Photobomb

Congrats on your first Magic Shot. Sorry Em was hurt in the process, but sometimes one has to suffer for the arts.


Day 5/Part 4:

What a great happy birthday greeting from the bus driver! I haven't seen the bus arrival screens. Love it!

First time at AKL- wow! Great pictures.

***************************************************

The picture of the HS Christmas tree is gorgeous.

Not surprising that you met some nice people on the "Friendship" boat. I have, too.

for your visit to the Beach Club- you might not know, but I happen to love that place I have heard the burgers at Hurricane Hanna's are the same ones that are served at Beaches & Cream. Glad you enjoyed it.


Day 5/Part 5- Illuminations Cruise

WOW from me.

Would you mind if I put a link to your posts on the BC/YC FAQ page? I have others' reviews of the Illuminations Cruises, Albatross cruise, Marina rentals, etc in the Resort Amenities post. FYI- Brenda has given me permission to link whatever I want to to this page.

BTW- don't look on that link until you give me permission. j/k

What a spectacular view of Illuminations!!!

Loved your snack raid!!! I would have done the same.

I didn't know my buddy Beth was on the cruise with you

WooHoo!!!

I love long comments, so have at it.

It so is. I used to skip this show (and most shows frankly) on older trips. Now, I just can't.

I do agree on that. They are impressive and very unique. But I find them kind of similar after seeing a few of them.

OMG Dee, this was priceless. Just one of those shots that wasn't intentional at all. I did take the picture more as a reminder that Chip had a wardrobe issue since I never takes notes. I just happened to take it at the worst/best possible time, lol.

Hehe, I promise this will be real one day. So I can always say that I took the first!!

I still can't believe I had never done a Magic Shot before, but I attribute that to not buying Photopass. And poor Em. But she's a trooper!!

It was so nice of him to do that. I can't lie, I loved the attention. I love these screens. I hope they show up everywhere.

I know right??!! I had planned on visiting on the previous trip, but the Coronado bus showed up first, lol.

Aww thank you!! I love that the tree is actually outside the park.

Hahaha, I never thought of that, but you're right. It's a Friendship Boat. It's mandatory!!

Haha, yeah, I kinda know you like the Beach Club a little. Oh really about the burgers? That's good to know, because it was the best burger I've had in Disney. So good!!!

Wow indeed.

Oh my goodness Dee, I'd be honoured!!! By all means, YES!

Hahaha!!

Oh my, it is the best view available I think. It feels like your own private viewing.

So glad everyone else would have done this because to me it seemed like, how can you not? They're "free" snacks!!

She sure was. Though she did miss out on the first group photo, lol. But that's ok since she was in the second one (and I stole her photo of it).

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Sea World-

I am glad you didn't wear a Disney shirt to SW. That would have been awkward!

Antarctica looks so cool!!! (Rim shot)-- I am sure that has been said.

The penguin ride seems like fun, but what a bummer that is the only way to see the birds. That reminds me of the Living Seas. Mark and I loved looking at the aquariums, but at one point I swear if we had to watch that movie one more time "Imagine. Just for a moment. Drip. Drip. Drip." we were going to lose our minds! We decided that we would sneak in through the exit- when a group was leaving the attraction, we got onto the elevator from Sea Base Alpha.

Spoiler Alert- It wasn't a real elevator!

And boy did we surprise the CM when we came in through the out door.

Your pictures from the Blue Horizon show are spectacular! I can see why you love the show. It does look like there are a lot of different things going on (Like FotLK)

Haha, yes that was absolutely by design. Though I did see lots. But then again, I also sees loads of SeaWorld ponchos in Disney.

Haha, nice! Nope, haven't seen it.

It does look fun, and it's not terrible, but really, it's not great in my opinion. I just wish there was a way to bypass it. I would absolutely do what you did at Living Sea if it was possible. But the way it's set up, it's just not sadly.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG that would have been priceless. But hey, Disney vets have to come up with ways to work the system.

Oh Dee it is so good. It's really hard to photograph because there is so much going on, but I tried to capture as much as I could. It's just really well done, there's no "preaching" or "learning" like you get at the Shamu show. It's just a show.

If our trip had been longer we definitely would have cheated on Disney for the day too. The SeaWorld Christmas stuff all sounded fantastic!

Can you believe I haven't made it over to Sea World since the Manta opened?? It looks so fabulous!

I didn't realize you had to ride the new Antarctica ride before seeing the Penguins now, I'm glad you didn't end up having to wait too long for it, I agree the long wait time is all you seem to hear about!

Great pictures of the dolphin show! I totally wrote an essay in 6th grade about wanting to be a dolphin trainer when I grew up, that should have been me!

Oh and great pic with the Dolphin at the entrance!

Just wait until I get to the Christmas stuff Jess. I was so impressed. They really did go all out in my opinion, and the fact that it was all included made it all the more impressive.

YOU NEED TO RIDE MANTA!!!!!! I know there are lots of this type of coaster around, but this was my first and only in this style, and I'm addicted. I can't say enough good things about it.

Yeah, this is a real issue to me. If the ride had be mind blowing I could maybe tolerate that, but while it's fine, it's certainly not a must do in IMO. But the penguins ARE a must do I think, so this setup kind of sucks. I am SO GLAD I beat the long wait.

I am completely obsessed with Blue Horizons. God it's amazing. And look, you could have been SeaWorld Barbie!!!!

Ah thanks!!! She was a cutie!

Man oh man, Rob. I've been dying to go back to Seaworld for years now, and your updates made me want to print some tickets out right that minute. Mainly, I want to ride Manta sooo bad! It looks amazing, and I'm not even a huge coaster junkie.

So, with all my envy poured out to you, I can definitely say I wasn't opposed to you cheating on Disney with your mistress. And it looks like you picked the right day to visit the park. Crowds didn't seem atronomical and extremely short waits for the coasters...can't get much better than that.

And I'll admit, I haven't seen much when it comes to the next Antartica exhibit/ride, so that was pretty cool to read about. Didn't even know they had a ride with two versions created.

Alica, get on it!!! Hmmm, I wonder if they offer some sort of referral program, lol. Manta is heaven is coaster format. I know there are many more thrilling coasters around, but for pure fun, this one's hard to beat.

Haha, thank you!! I actually expected it to be busier given it was a weekend day. But no complaints from me. It did pick up a bit, but still nothing crazy. Having those short waits was even better since there was still quite a bit I wanted to do and long lines can really kill your morning pretty quick.

I actually heard so much buzz about this leading up to the opening. Then it opened and the consensus was "meh" which I do have to agree with. Of course now I'm curious what "Mild" looks like since "Wild" wasn't all that wild.

Cheating on Disney??

Just kidding we did it last time too. We went to Universal and IOA though, I've never been to Seaworld. I would like to try it though. My step-father and uncle went on the Manta and they were terrified! I think I would love it. I love the lay down coaster in Six Flags New Jersey, called Superman, same concept.

Can't wait to hear all about the Christmas shows! Trying to plan a trip for next year and thinking about going between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Either that or near Halloween. Ahh.. decisions, decisions LOL.

Haha, yup, I'm a rebel.

SeaWorld is for sure worth a try since it's pretty unique. I find it pretty relaxing overall since it's mostly walk through type exhibits and shows. I can see Manta being pretty terrifying to some given it's very different that a "normal" coaster. I just love the whole idea of "flying".

Without giving too much away, the Christmas stuff at Seaworld was REALLY impressive.

HAHA love the dolphin photo!!

Yayyy penguins Good job beating the long line!

Love this Blue Horizons photos, looks like a great show!

Ha me too Alexis. Plus, there's very few opportunities to get actually get in photos when solo in SeaWorld, so you get 'em while you can.

OMG I was SO happy I got in before the line jumped. I love watching the Penguins. They are so fascinating.

It is SO GOOD!!!! I'm just so obsessed with it. Hopefully you'll see it some day and find out why.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Okay so I'm not a big fan of Seaworld because of the way they treat some of their animals. But I do have to say that my favorite animal in the WHOLE world is a Manta Ray and seeing as how you like that ride, I enjoyed this update

Yes, there has been a lot of media coverage largely as a result of the Blackfish movie, which I have seen. I'm certainly not knowledgeable enough to debate either side, so I'll refrain. BUT MANTA!!!!!! There is no debate here. It's AMAZING!!!!!

COMPLETELY enjoying your Sea World day! You took some really great shots in the show! Beautiful!

I grew up in So Cal so the Sea World there is "home" to me. I haven't visited the FL counterpart. It would be hard to take a day away from Disney for it but your day, so far, makes it seem totally worth it! Looking forward to more.

Great shirt btw!

YAY I'm so glad. And thank you. I love that show so much!

I really wish I had been able to go to San Diego the one time I was in Cali. I know they added a Manta, but I think it might be VERY different. But they do have Blue Horizons now. I think it's really hard for many to leave the comfort of WDW (not to mention lack of transportation), but if time permits, I do recommend SeaWorld for something different. Plus, generally one day is plenty.

Ah Thank you!! I actually bought that shirt IN Florida back in 2009.

It's been a long time since I made it to Sea World but I remember LOVING Kraken! That aerial shot of Manta looks really amazing. I haven't been back there since it was opened.

Penguins!! One of my favorite animals. They are so freaking cute! But that's kind of lame that in a marine wildlife park you have to go on a ride to view the marine wildlife.

Kraken is fantastic, but MANTA is so much better!!! I'd ride it all day if I could.

I KNOW!!!!! I don't get this at all. The new viewing are is indeed better than the old one, but honestly, I would take the old one to avoid the long wait. They did the same thing with the Manatees and Sea Turtles in that you have to watch a show. Granted THAT one is phenomenal in 360 vision or 720 vision. The screen is everywhere is what I'm saying. But I preferred just being able to view the animals when I wanted.

Great start to your Sea World Day! One of these trips we are going to have to get there but we never go for very long so hard to fit all the Disney stuff in ... plus no one else in my family seems to push for it, but definitely some day!

That's kind of a bummer that the Antarctica ride is only "fine" ... seems like something that could have been super duper awesome ... and the fact that you have to go through it first before getting to the penguins - that would be like forcing people to sit through the Norway movie before getting to Maestrom

Oh for sure a great start Phil. SeaWorld is definitely a place when you have the extra time. But Disney still comes first!! I think the kids would enjoy it though.

That's exactly what it felt like. Granted it's better than the Norway film, but at least the Norway film is optional. I would for sure recommend it once just to see it (the ride's not THAT bad), but it's just ok in my book. The penguins ARE awesome though.

 

[JDUB]

Great update Rob! You got a lot done in the morning and still have those VIP passes for later. Definitely nailed your touring plans this day!! I'm with you regarding the coaster are many out there. You've already commented on Cedar Point which is 2hrs from me. Those suckers are so fast that My bad hurts when I ride those coasters there

 

[JulieODC]

What an awesome day at Sea World!! I've never been - and I had absolutely NO idea that there were rides!? Learn something new every day!!