Day two brings us to our visit to Discovery Cove. We got up early because I had read on this board that it was best to arrive before opening time in order to check in and get a good swim time. We arrived at around 7:30 (they open at 8:00) and walked right in. Signed in and was able to get first swim time. Our DS was the only one doing this ($$ consideration). He is a real nature guy and was very excited. They gave us the mesh bags with the towels, snorkel (your's to keep) lotion and we went on to get wet suits. We all watched a brief video about dolphins and then it was time to meet the guide/trainer. I need to digress a bit. I sometimes watch the TLC channel, in particular, a show called "The Makeover Story" where two friends get makeovers on the same day. Well, a while ago, I watched a show about two dolphin trainers at DC (that is really where I learned about DC). They were friends and it was one young lady's birthday so they were getting makeovers. Well, it was so funny, but one of the guides that was taking groups for the first swim was the friend that had been made over. I was hoping that she would be his guide, but she went to another group. Couldn't believe she was still there. The swim for DS was great. He really enjoyed it and we of course bought numerous pictures that they take, as well as the video (DS begged for that). Expensive, but I guess worth it.
We went on to the stingray pool, the snorkling area and the natural "lazy river" area. Loved them all. The aviary was great too.
Lunch was included in the price of admission and was very filling. Above average cafeteria style fare.
We stayed at DC until about 3:30 and just missed a tremendous storm, making it back to the hotel just in time to stay dry.
Got back to the room and rested and cleaned up for dinner. Did I say I hated that shower????
Dinner was at Hard Rock Cafe. Walked right in, no problems. DH had some sort of BBQ sandwich, I had fettucini, and DS had the required "chicken". Yeah, he's picky. Chicken and Pizza are standard for him.
Went over to IOA. DH and DS got in line for The Hulk. I was poised to try to take a picture and the next thing I see is DS coming back. He had chickened out. He had been so pleased that he met the height requirement, but he said he just wasn't ready. That he would ride before we left. I said no problem. We waited for DH to get off, "it was awesome" from him. On to Spiderman. Another awesome from all of us on this one. I think we rode twice this night. FOTL rocks!!!
We were all pretty tired after spending all day at DC, so we opted to go back to the room.
Guess what? NO COOKIES. Called Star Service again and requested for third time. (once at checkin, once the first night and now this time.) Apology accepted and promise of another delivery the next evening. We'll see . . .
More to come . . .
We went on to the stingray pool, the snorkling area and the natural "lazy river" area. Loved them all. The aviary was great too.
Lunch was included in the price of admission and was very filling. Above average cafeteria style fare.
We stayed at DC until about 3:30 and just missed a tremendous storm, making it back to the hotel just in time to stay dry.
Got back to the room and rested and cleaned up for dinner. Did I say I hated that shower????
Dinner was at Hard Rock Cafe. Walked right in, no problems. DH had some sort of BBQ sandwich, I had fettucini, and DS had the required "chicken". Yeah, he's picky. Chicken and Pizza are standard for him.
Went over to IOA. DH and DS got in line for The Hulk. I was poised to try to take a picture and the next thing I see is DS coming back. He had chickened out. He had been so pleased that he met the height requirement, but he said he just wasn't ready. That he would ride before we left. I said no problem. We waited for DH to get off, "it was awesome" from him. On to Spiderman. Another awesome from all of us on this one. I think we rode twice this night. FOTL rocks!!!
We were all pretty tired after spending all day at DC, so we opted to go back to the room.
Guess what? NO COOKIES. Called Star Service again and requested for third time. (once at checkin, once the first night and now this time.) Apology accepted and promise of another delivery the next evening. We'll see . . .
More to come . . .
