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

[courtneybelle]

MANTA MANTA MANTA!!! By far the most exhilarating experience of my life! Again, I can't thank you enough for being the one to convince me to go on it.

Yeah, I don't feel so bad about missing the Antarctica ride when I was there. It's a shame you can't see the penguins without riding it, though! You got so many cute penguin photos!

Oh man, I love Blue Horizons! That soundtrack and the dolphins just make it lovely.

 

[MEK]

I have never been to Seaworld and now you are making me really doubt my decision not to get a Super Grover Pass. Just for a little background on that - It's a calendar year pass to Sesame Place which is a children's park run by Busch. The beauty of it is the pass is cheap and can be purchased with a discount in the first few months of the year (25% discount) since the park only runs seasonally. BUT it can be used at any Busch Parks for that calendar year. I didn't think I would get my money's worth out of it for this year so I passed. But Seaworld does have a decent buy one get one half off deal. You are making me rethink my October plans.

I want to try Manta but the idea of riding flat on my stomach is a little intimidating. It does look super cool.

Beautiful pictures. It looks like a perfect day!

Love the Believe Christmas shirt - very festive and original!

 

[LindseyLou2222]

Great TR! We were there the same week! Our first trip during the Christmas holidays.

 

[emmysmommy]

I have to say that if you are going to cheat on Disney it better be worth it! Sounds like Manta is worthy of a fling. That looks like a serious thrill ride. I sure wish Disney had more coasters like that or penguins and not the Mary Poppins kind.

I love your Believe shirt. Good thing you didn't go into the penguin exhibit soaking wet from the Atlantis ride - that could have been a bit uncomfortable.

If Barbie can be a pilot surely she can be a Sea World trainer - nothing surprises me with that gal! Glad you got a chuckle out of her newest career move.

Blue Horizon's looks pretty entertaining. Great photos of the dolphins in flight.

 

[teekathepony]

Ahhhhh yes. Manta. I knew it was Manta but I second guessed myself! I've never done it, but I really want to, it sounds so cool.
Love the Santa shirt!
The Seaworld Christmas Celebration looked really cool, I looked it up a bit last year. The shows are tight, I can definitely see the benefit of having the VIP seating!
That new ride looks kinda cool. I'd have to do it because there is no way I'd be allowed to skip the penguins -- they're Johnny's absolute favourite. Also he loves the cold, so he wouldn't even mind the exhibit!
Blue Horizons is a very nice show. I love dolphins too, they're up there pretty high on my favourite animal list. Cool that you met some of the performers!

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[DisneyKid4Life]

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

Thanks Jeremy!! I really did get a chunk done on the to do list. Having been there before, these were the main objectives apart from the Christmas shows. Still lots more to see though. I'm telling you, Manta is just perfection to me. I am looking forward to trying a few Cedar Fair coasters though at Canada's Wonderland this summer. I haven't had a coaster get me yet. It remains to be seen if that changes.

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!!

It was for sure off to a great start I must say Julie. Yup, they do have rides. Not many, but they do have 'em. Quality over quantity I guess, lol.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

MANTA MANTA MANTA!!! By far the most exhilarating experience of my life! Again, I can't thank you enough for being the one to convince me to go on it.

Yeah, I don't feel so bad about missing the Antarctica ride when I was there. It's a shame you can't see the penguins without riding it, though! You got so many cute penguin photos!

Oh man, I love Blue Horizons! That soundtrack and the dolphins just make it lovely.

MANTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh Courtney I was just so thrilled you loved it as much as you did! It's coaster heaven.

Honestly, it's just not great. But that's the real travesty that you have to wait and do this to see the penguins. Of course, you got a little better look at them than I did.

I am literally obsessed. I just love everything about it. I want to watch it now!!! I guess I'll just have to settle with my video.

I have never been to Seaworld and now you are making me really doubt my decision not to get a Super Grover Pass. Just for a little background on that - It's a calendar year pass to Sesame Place which is a children's park run by Busch. The beauty of it is the pass is cheap and can be purchased with a discount in the first few months of the year (25% discount) since the park only runs seasonally. BUT it can be used at any Busch Parks for that calendar year. I didn't think I would get my money's worth out of it for this year so I passed. But Seaworld does have a decent buy one get one half off deal. You are making me rethink my October plans.

I want to try Manta but the idea of riding flat on my stomach is a little intimidating. It does look super cool.

Beautiful pictures. It looks like a perfect day!

Love the Believe Christmas shirt - very festive and original!

You know, they really do have some wonderful deals if you know where to look. Even just in Florida, the 2 park pass (Busch and SeaWorld) is an absolute steal. Plus you can add the water parks for almost nothing. I actually considered an annual pass for this trip on the off chance that I'd get back within a year. In 2 days you're ahead. At different times too SeaWorld will do a second day free promo. If you have the time, I'd definitely recommend a day there if for no other reason than something a little different.

It was intimidating to me too at first, no doubt. It's just unusual. But it's not uncomfortable at all thankfully. And once you get flying, oh my word.

Thanks Mary Ellen. I was so lucky with weather. It was a stunning day.

Hehe, thank you. I got almost as many comments on it as I do my Small World shirt. I wish I could take credit for making that one.

Great TR! We were there the same week! Our first trip during the Christmas holidays.

THANK YOU SO MUCH Lindsey!!! I am so happy to WELCOME you!!!! Wasn't that week amazing weatherwise? I miss it. I just want to do it all over again.

I have to say that if you are going to cheat on Disney it better be worth it! Sounds like Manta is worthy of a fling. That looks like a serious thrill ride. I sure wish Disney had more coasters like that or penguins and not the Mary Poppins kind.

I love your Believe shirt. Good thing you didn't go into the penguin exhibit soaking wet from the Atlantis ride - that could have been a bit uncomfortable.

If Barbie can be a pilot surely she can be a Sea World trainer - nothing surprises me with that gal! Glad you got a chuckle out of her newest career move.

Blue Horizon's looks pretty entertaining. Great photos of the dolphins in flight.

Trust me Brenda, I would never cheat unless it was this worthy. And Manta is very much worthy. I know there are many more intense coasters around, but none that make me feel like this one does. It's freeing. I do wish Disney had a bit more in that style too (California Screamin' comes to mind), but I guess they want to stick with what they do best, and I guess who can blame them?

Ah Thanks. I bought that at WalMart in Clermont Florida a few years ago. I love it. Oooh you're right, that would have been REALLY bad. Guaranteed I would have turned to ice.

She can do it all clearly, and all the while somehow manage to stay a size 0. It did make me chuckle though.

Oh Brenda, you need to see this. If you ever get a chance, take a spin down to San Diego as they have it there now too. It's amazing! And seriously, how do you beat flying dolphins!!

Ahhhhh yes. Manta. I knew it was Manta but I second guessed myself! I've never done it, but I really want to, it sounds so cool.
Love the Santa shirt!
The Seaworld Christmas Celebration looked really cool, I looked it up a bit last year. The shows are tight, I can definitely see the benefit of having the VIP seating!
That new ride looks kinda cool. I'd have to do it because there is no way I'd be allowed to skip the penguins -- they're Johnny's absolute favourite. Also he loves the cold, so he wouldn't even mind the exhibit!
Blue Horizons is a very nice show. I love dolphins too, they're up there pretty high on my favourite animal list. Cool that you met some of the performers!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Hehe, oh yes, it was indeed Manta! I figured a little shout out to those who read my first TR. Honestly Wendy, cool isn't even enough. It's mind blowingly fun!
Haha, thanks!! Gotta represent. Plus, I figured it tied into SeaWorld a bit since the old Shamu show was "Believe'.
It was fantastic, but that's still to come. Yeah, they either close at 9 or 11, so the 9 o'clock closes have less shows and much tighter times. This day was a 9pm close.
It's certainly not terrible by any means. I didn't hate it and parts were really cool. But for the potential wait time, it seemed a little underwhelming. But you have to see the penguins in that environment. But trust me when I say IT'S COLD. I like the cold too, but THIS WAS COLD!!!!!!!
Oh I so love that show. Granted I would love any old generic dolphin show probably, but this one is so well done in my opinion. It's just beautiful.

 

[librarygeek]

Ahh, I have some catching up to do! And I missed commenting on the GF last time, so here are my thoughts on that:

Those gingerbread houses at the GF are just amazing! I will have to go back there someday during Christmas since we never got to see them this time around. And your GF pics are getting me so excited because I will be staying there in October! I can't wait!!

And you got a pic with Richard! That charming older CM that works at the Grand. He is well known with Disney brides - so many of them get a pic with him on their wedding day! We tracked him down when we went to the Tea at the Grand on our DisBrides trip:


And on to the new stuff!

Thanks for the tip of taking video during the fireworks! I have to (well, my husband is going to do it) reformat my camera's memory card because it currently won't do video. Which is weird, but whatever. Now I have motivation for actually nagging DH to get that done!

Love the safari. I always take the hippo photo too, even though it's always the same. And after the Wild Africa Trek photos I got I know I will never get a hippo picture anywhere near as good, but I keep taking them anyway!

lol, I've never seen It's Tough to Be a Bug... because I'm certain I would be one of those people screaming that you would be laughing at!

I loved those Christmas trees at Camp Minnie Mickey too. I hope they are still around in the future. And Thumper!! I haven't met him yet either. We had FP+ for FOTLK as well and I agree, it was pointless. Ah well. I love, love, love that show.

And omg, that photo of Chip and CM is so hilariously inappropriate!! Yes, that does look really bad!!

Yay for AKL! I love it there so much. This will one day be my "home," when we can hopefully afford DVC one day. I know I definitely will want to buy there. Probably not for another 10 years though, when all my student loans are paid off...

Your cruise looks incredible! I would love to do that someday. What a fantastic view, and great company. And I absolutely do not blame you for grabbing those snacks. Why let free food go to waste??

I'm a big fan of Sea World, and also loved the Manta. What a great ride. My DH wants to plan a "non-Disney Orlando trip" (!!) and do Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal. Maybe Busch Gardens Tampa. So that will be interesting someday! I really want to do that penguin ride because I love penguins, and it wasn't there last time I visited Sea World. And yes, Blue Horizons is such a spectacular show.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahh, I have some catching up to do! And I missed commenting on the GF last time, so here are my thoughts on that:

Those gingerbread houses at the GF are just amazing! I will have to go back there someday during Christmas since we never got to see them this time around. And your GF pics are getting me so excited because I will be staying there in October! I can't wait!!

And you got a pic with Richard! That charming older CM that works at the Grand. He is well known with Disney brides - so many of them get a pic with him on their wedding day! We tracked him down when we went to the Tea at the Grand on our DisBrides trip:


And on to the new stuff!

Thanks for the tip of taking video during the fireworks! I have to (well, my husband is going to do it) reformat my camera's memory card because it currently won't do video. Which is weird, but whatever. Now I have motivation for actually nagging DH to get that done!

Love the safari. I always take the hippo photo too, even though it's always the same. And after the Wild Africa Trek photos I got I know I will never get a hippo picture anywhere near as good, but I keep taking them anyway!

lol, I've never seen It's Tough to Be a Bug... because I'm certain I would be one of those people screaming that you would be laughing at!

I loved those Christmas trees at Camp Minnie Mickey too. I hope they are still around in the future. And Thumper!! I haven't met him yet either. We had FP+ for FOTLK as well and I agree, it was pointless. Ah well. I love, love, love that show.

And omg, that photo of Chip and CM is so hilariously inappropriate!! Yes, that does look really bad!!

Yay for AKL! I love it there so much. This will one day be my "home," when we can hopefully afford DVC one day. I know I definitely will want to buy there. Probably not for another 10 years though, when all my student loans are paid off...

Your cruise looks incredible! I would love to do that someday. What a fantastic view, and great company. And I absolutely do not blame you for grabbing those snacks. Why let free food go to waste??

I'm a big fan of Sea World, and also loved the Manta. What a great ride. My DH wants to plan a "non-Disney Orlando trip" (!!) and do Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal. Maybe Busch Gardens Tampa. So that will be interesting someday! I really want to do that penguin ride because I love penguins, and it wasn't there last time I visited Sea World. And yes, Blue Horizons is such a spectacular show.

The gingerbread house was my main objective I must admit. Of course the added bonus was never having ever been there. AND YOU'RE STAYING THERE?????? I bet you're excited.

OMG BECKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PHOTO!!!!!!! I knew there had to be a story about him. He was just so adorable and charming, it makes perfect sense he would be sought out. That is truly wonderful.

Hehe there ya go. Yes, for photos for posting on TR's and the web in general, video is perfect because you never miss a shot. And much less opportunity to blur I find. It wouldn't be great for prints for the most part, but for web use, it's great. Plus, you have a video.

Haha, oh the hippo photo. It just feels wrong not to shoot it. It makes no sense, but then, how many castle photos do we all have?

Oh you have to at least once!!! It's just hilarity times infinity.

I so hope they do. I mean they've been removing so much from the parks as it is (RIP Push) that to not use something they already have would be so very wrong. I was SO EXCITED to meet Thumper and so surprised. Loved it. It did seem pointless to me, but then FP+ for any show seems pointless from what I've seen. At least it guaranteed me entry I guess. I can't wait for the new location.

BAHAHAHA, I thought a long time before posting that picture, but it was just way too funny not too. The fact that is was completely innocent helped though. Of course that made it even funnier as did Dale's antics.

It was so beautiful. I definitely understand all the hoopla about it. And stupid student loans getting in the way of happiness.

It was so wonderful Becky. I wish I could do the whole thing over again. Well, the whole trip really, but... It really does take Illuminations to a whole other level. And you cannot beat hanging with DISers. So glad on the snacks too. I just could not let them go to waste.

MANTA!!!! It just soothes me. I've done plenty of "everything" trips, but I would never NOT do Disney too. BUT, the other parks do have a lot to offer. Cost wise you can buy an all inclusive ticket for all of those which is actually a pretty darn good deal. And I really like Busch. Great coasters and animals you can almost touch.

 

[khaleesi]

Oh man... where to begin??? I'm sooo behind.

The stories I read on this board makes me think that all is right with the world. To be able to go on that Illumations cruise in and of itself sounds amazing. Being able to do so because of the generosity of someone you had never met speaks volumes about both of you! What a gracious thing to do on Brenda's part. SO GLAD you all enjoyed it so much!!

And I absolutely love that you took the snacks!!! Score!

I think I'd have an easier time cheating on Disney with SeaWorld than I would someplace else. When I was REALLY young, one of the places I went to in Orlando with my grandparents was called Circus World. I loved that place, but don't remember a whole lot about it anymore. I just remember loving it.

The fact that you described that roller coaster as being "smooth" makes me think I might actually be okay on it. That's the reason I generally dislike coasters. They jar my head and neck so badly that I want to cry.

Wonderful updates! And I love the "Believe" shirt!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh man... where to begin??? I'm sooo behind.

The stories I read on this board makes me think that all is right with the world. To be able to go on that Illumations cruise in and of itself sounds amazing. Being able to do so because of the generosity of someone you had never met speaks volumes about both of you! What a gracious thing to do on Brenda's part. SO GLAD you all enjoyed it so much!!

And I absolutely love that you took the snacks!!! Score!

I think I'd have an easier time cheating on Disney with SeaWorld than I would someplace else. When I was REALLY young, one of the places I went to in Orlando with my grandparents was called Circus World. I loved that place, but don't remember a whole lot about it anymore. I just remember loving it.

The fact that you described that roller coaster as being "smooth" makes me think I might actually be okay on it. That's the reason I generally dislike coasters. They jar my head and neck so badly that I want to cry.

Wonderful updates! And I love the "Believe" shirt!!

Begin wherever you like Sue

Wow, so well said!! I don't know that it says a whole lot about me, but it sure does say a whole lot abut Brenda. I still to this day find it all so hard to believe, and I am eternally grateful for that experience.

Those snacks totally had my name on them. I'm sure of it.

Oh my goodness... Circus World. Yup, been there, also with my grandparents. How funny. I don't have much of a memory of it either, but I do have a few photos.

I swear, both coasters at SeaWorld are really smooth. I don't like being jarred around either. These do not!

Aww thanks!! I fell in love with that shirt the instant I saw it. It kind of says it all, doesn't it?

 

[stacylm]

Coming out of Lukerdom!! Love your trip report Rob. The pics and your sense of humor are great.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Coming out of Lukerdom!! Love your trip report Rob. The pics and your sense of humor are great.

I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS just so I can officially WELCOME you!! And with a name (or handle) of Stacy, you know we can be friends. Thank you SO MUCH for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate it and I'm so glad you're here.

 

[stacylm]

I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS just so I can officially WELCOME you!! And with a name (or handle) of Stacy, you know we can be friends. Thank you SO MUCH for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate it and I'm so glad you're here.

Oh that's right!! Yep we Stacy's rock! And, our moms totally have it going on

 

[RKew]

You've inspired me Rob...I'm starting my first trip report.....Learning as I go.....

 

[thornton0511]

Rob shame on you for cheating on Disney.....lol just kidding! I made the mistake of trying to enjoy a bowl of cereal while reading your post and almost spit the milk out of my mouth on two separate occasions from laughing. The first your picture with the dolphin, which by the way your were rockin that Santa shirt. I guess I've just never seen a grown man pose with a dolphin? I dunno it just seemed funny to me lol. And I had no idea that you were such a thrill junkie my goodness. I was reading your post about the rides you were on and shaking my head saying "nope....nope....nuh uh". Good for you though. I wish that I did not have a fear of those things but I do. Then I got to the part where you exclaimed "My God the crowds" with the attached pic. And cue the spraying of the milk and cereal all over the desktop....good. Thanks Rob. It looks like you were off to a pretty good start for a day a Sea World. And the penguin area....okay there are three animals in the world that I am obsessed with. Koalas, Donkeys, and Penguins. Baby Penguins. I want one so bad!!! lol great update and I can't wait to hear more

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Looks like a fun morning at Sea World! Those are my most definitely my kind of rides!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh that's right!! Yep we Stacy's rock! And, our moms totally have it going on

You got that right Stacy!!!

You've inspired me Rob...I'm starting my first trip report.....Learning as I go.....

That's awesome!!! It really is fun to relive and share all the great memories. Oh and WELCOME!!! So glad to have you here.

Rob shame on you for cheating on Disney.....lol just kidding! I made the mistake of trying to enjoy a bowl of cereal while reading your post and almost spit the milk out of my mouth on two separate occasions from laughing. The first your picture with the dolphin, which by the way your were rockin that Santa shirt. I guess I've just never seen a grown man pose with a dolphin? I dunno it just seemed funny to me lol. And I had no idea that you were such a thrill junkie my goodness. I was reading your post about the rides you were on and shaking my head saying "nope....nope....nuh uh". Good for you though. I wish that I did not have a fear of those things but I do. Then I got to the part where you exclaimed "My God the crowds" with the attached pic. And cue the spraying of the milk and cereal all over the desktop....good. Thanks Rob. It looks like you were off to a pretty good start for a day a Sea World. And the penguin area....okay there are three animals in the world that I am obsessed with. Koalas, Donkeys, and Penguins. Baby Penguins. I want one so bad!!! lol great update and I can't wait to hear more

Hehe, I promise this is the only time I cheated on Disney, Jen A few "Aw c'mon baby, you know I love you" and I'm right back in Disney's good graces. Haha, well, while I never like to see food wasted, in this case I will make an exception. Hey I loved that dolphin. Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow. And I also do love that Santa shirt.
I'll tell you a little secret. I used to be TERRIFIED of thrill rides. When I was a kid, the flume ride at Busch Gardens terrified me. And it's like a 20 foot drop. My first time on a coaster... 2008 and it was 2009 before I really went wild. I just decided to go for it. And well, I haven't looked back since. Now I am officially addicted.
Bahahaha, but the crowds were CRAZY!!!! I was bumping into people, running over old people, insanity.
Honestly, I couldn't have asked for better. Low crowds allowing me to get everything done, a beautiful day, and all the Christmas shows still to come.
Oh I love penguins too. Their just... precious. And so entertaining. If it wasn't so cold I would have stayed much longer (which is probably the goal to keep people from staying all day). Go see them. Go see them NOW!

Looks like a fun morning at Sea World! Those are my most definitely my kind of rides!

It was great Lauren. SeaWorld's actually quite fun solo. And oh my those rides especially MANTAAAAAAAA!!! I love it so much!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS WITH MY DISNEY MISTRESS
Day 6 – December 8, 2013 Part 2



After my love that is Blue Horizons, I was getting hungry.
No the dolphins did not make me hungry, it was strictly a coincidence.
I had read online that the new QS spot in Antarctica was really good and unique, so I headed back there.

There was quite a bit of good choices and lots of variety, but I ended up choosing the three piece Fried Chicken.

Yes, I was hungry, but this was a lot of food. It was REALLY GOOD though.
I actually had to sit for a while after eating since, like I said, it was a LOT OF FOOD!!!

However, as I sat there completely stuffed to the gills (SeaWorld Yo), images of children pointing and yelling "LOOK MOM... SHAMU!!" entered my mind,

And since I’m not one to sit for too long when there’s doings to be done anyway, I finally waddled on my way.

A lot of people enjoy Pick a Pearl in Epcot… Well, SeaWorld has there own take on it.
The big difference is they actually dive and retrieve the oysters in giant tanks while a gawking public looks on.

The other big difference... Girls in Speedos.

And since I’m not one who ever seems to turn down the opportunity to have a photo taken with a lovely young women (even if she is under water),

I had already done the main Pre-Christmas show and the rides I had planned, so I just continued on exploring.
The Sea of Trees would come alive later, but for now they lay dormant.

I have to admit, SeaWorld really does go all out in their decorating and I was extremely impressed.

Since I was here, why not see some sharks?

For anyone who has never been here before,
Shark Encounter is pretty extraordinary as you glide on the moving walkway with sharks swimming all around you.

Afterwards, they even provide a sample of the tube identical to the one you just traveled through that separated you from the swimming sharks.

It’s pretty darn impressive.



CONTINUED NEXT POST
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[DisneyKid4Life]

Day 6 – December 8, 2013 Part 2 Continued



Even though I had no major priorities at this point in the day, Clyde and Seymore were about to take Pirate Island so here I went.

There was a Christmas edition a few hours away, so the set was made up for Christmas.

But for anyone who has ever been to this show, you know the true highlight happens beforehand,

In the form of the SeaWorld Pirate Mime.

Suffice it to say that he is a DO NOT MISS… Just make sure you show up early.

You have been warned.

The show itself is adorable, and best of all, if anything goes wrong or unplanned during the show, all the better.
In fact, the show actually features what I’ll call “Intentional Screwups” which often lead to the biggest laughs for the audience…
… Or at least those who don’t know any better.
I'd liken it to the Indiana Jones "extra", and leave it at that.

This really is a great show that doesn’t take itself seriously at all.
If you find yourself at SeaWorld, make some time for it; you won’t be disappointed.

After the show, I forced myself to stop and watch the divers one last time.

Hey, how'd he get in here?

"Yeah Hi... You'll have to excuse me though... Your partner is literally walking upside down."

Yeah, I like SeaWorld.

TO BE CONTINUED…
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