wilma-bride
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- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
Day 6 Strangers in the Night (well, OK, the afternoon) Saturday 14th October
Cast:
Me Joh, 33 Extremely nervous about meeting all those Dibbers
DH Gary, 39 Extremely nervous about meeting all those internet freaks
DD1 Sian, 13 Can she get through a day without spending any money?
DD2 Rea, 12 Really wants to see the dolphins
Picture the scene; two complete strangers get chatting on the internet one day, discover theyre going to be on holiday in the same place at the same time and make some tentative arrangements to meet up. Then one suggests inviting along some more complete strangers and, there you have it, planning for the Sea World Dibb Meet at Sea World was underway
I dont think Sue and I ever imagined there would be as much interest as there was but the Sea World Dibb meet just grew and grew. As another Dibber pointed out, it was ironic really that members of a Disney forum should arrange the biggest meet ever at a non-Disney park. Anyway, before you know it, we had over a hundred interested Dibbers and family members. A wonderful Dibber by the name of Ian (love ya Big Dog) suggested making some name badges and kindly took on responsibility and did an absolutely grand job.
So, the long-awaited day had finally arrived. We had planned to spend the morning at Sea World, leaving shortly after lunch and chilling for a while before returning in the afternoon to meet the rest of the internet freaks as DH called us (however, his attitude to meeting strangers off the net has certainly changed now - well, apart from where Kev and Matt are concerned anyway
) at the Sky Tower at 4 pm. Anyway, like most of my plans, it didnt turn out quite like that.
We were up early and decided to catch the trolley to IHOP for breakfast (Mistake Number 1). IHOP was absolutely packed and, after waiting a while for a table, we were finally seated and quickly ordered choc-chip pancakes for the girls to share and some sort of breakfast/cinnamon toast combo thing for DH and I. The food took absolutely ages (they were very, very busy) and I started getting twitchy. I had planned to be at Sea World for opening, it was already 8:30 and we still had to get our tickets. The food duly arrived and was consumed as quickly as possible. It was very nice, although my cinnamon-roll-french-toast-thingy had obviously been marinating in egg for quite some time before being cooked as it was extremely soggy and tasted of raw egg.
Despite that, I managed to eat some of it (just to be sure, you know). We paid the check ($37 inc tip) and left.
It took absolutely ages for the I-ride trolley to turn up and we didnt get to the entrance to Sea World until about 9:30, by which time there was a massive line at the Hero Salute booth (we get free tickets to Sea World through the Heres to the Heroes program, as DH is in the RAF). We finally got our tickets (thank you Annheuser-Busch for your fantastic generosity and recognition of the marvellous job that all our servicemen and women all over the world do
) and entered the park just before 10. We knew where we were headed straight away Kraken of course. Didnt even bother today to try and persuade DD2 to ride, just left her holding the bags while we joined the line. Surprisingly enough, it was a walk-on or would have been had we not decided to wait for the front row. For me and DH, the front row is by far and away the best on this coaster and better to do it early on while lines are relatively short. It was fantastic as usual and we rode twice more, before deciding we really ought to find DD2 and see some more of the park. From Kraken, we headed over to Blue Horizons to see the dolphin (and people) show. I must admit, I liked this show more than I did the first time we saw it. There seemed to be more of the dolphins in it this time.
Next, it was off to ride Journey to Atlantis while DD2 again took on job of bag-minder. She decided she would go and see the penguins while we were on Atlantis. DD1 wanted to sit at the front so she would get wet so DH and I decided to play safe in the 2nd row. We were joined by an older gentleman and his grand-daughter, who was 8. He kept asking us what it was like as he was worried she might be scared. Funnily enough, she absolutely loved it and he was terrified
gig:
By this time, it was getting on for 12 oclock so we decided to see the Clyde and Seamore show and then leave for something to eat. The C & S show was fantastic really hilarious, and it was hard to decide which of the funny moments were staged and which were real. As usual, though, the highlight of the show was the mime artist at the beginning that guy is worth his weight in fish.
We had really wanted to see the new whale show today but, due to the birth of a baby killer whale a few weeks previous, there was an alternative Introduction to the baby type show going on and we never did get to see this, unfortunately.
We left Sea World, stopping to look at (and buy - they were surprisingly good) our pictures on the way, and caught the I-Ride straight down to the Village Inn for some lunch. Unfortunately, I dont remember what we had and, for some reason, I cant find the itemised check (only the one with the total on which, incidentally, was $30 inc tip). The food and service was OK and it was fine for a quick lunch but I dont think wed go back. Just our opinion, though, and I know I have read on previous trippies that other people have loved the place.
Although we had been a bit behind schedule, it was now only 2:20 and we still had plenty of time to get back to the hotel or so I thought (Mistake Number 2). We waited an absolute age for the I-Ride trolley. The Village Inn is quite far down I-Drive and, for some reason, the trolleys seemed to be running an alternative route. We saw 3 or 4 go past right at the end of the road we were waiting on but they all went straight on and none of them turned down towards our stop. By 3 oclock, I was really panicking. We still had to go back to the hotel to collect the Dibb Meet badges (which Ian had kindly sent to myself and Sue a couple of weeks before the trip) and I badly wanted to freshen up so I didnt turn up looking like a sweaty tourist. Finally, a trolley pulled up and we jumped on. At our stop, we got off, ran into the hotel and up to our room. We just had time for a quick wash and change, before grabbing the badges and heading out of the hotel and across the parking lot to Sea World its a good job we were staying across the road or wed never have made it.
We joined the huge queues at the entrance and finally got through the turnstiles, took a left and did a quick march towards the Sky Tower arriving about 10 minutes late. Big Dog was there greeting everyone and pointing them in the direction of the large group of Dibbers who had gathered by the Sand Bar behind the Sky Tower. Introductions were made and I immediately sought out Sue and her family. It was really quite strange we had exchanged so many PMs and chatted loads on MSN that I felt like wed known each other years but, in truth, she was still a stranger. We hit it off straight away though and I was introduced to Sean, Ben, Kate, Kirsty and the infamous Joan. It was a lovely afternoon and evening and it was great to meet so many Dibbers. Im afraid I lost track a bit of who exactly was there but I do remember meeting Rob, JeanWales, Typhoon Tilly, Big Dog (of course), Mrs Big Dog and son of Big Dog, Mr and Mrs Taz, Dizzy and family and Lynn (Loadsapixiedust), Stuart, Ben and Sammy. My apologies to those who I have missed (and I know I have missed some of you my memory is not what it once was). The kids seemed to hit it off quite well too and disappeared off to spend their quarters in the arcade, while us adults did what we do best drank and chatted.
I'm afraid I don't have many pictures from today but I know loads have already been posted so I'll just post the only half-decent one I have, which is of Lynn giving Sian a lesson in commando park touring
Unfortunately, a few weeks before the event, Sea World had suddenly changed their park hours so, instead of closing at 10 pm, it was closing at 8. All too soon, the staff were cleaning up around us and making polite Havent you got homes to go to gestures (only kidding, they didnt make us feel rushed at all). We strolled slowly back round to the exit, where we said our goodbyes. It wasnt all sad, though, as we had plans to meet up with Lynn and family and Sue, Sean et al later in the holiday (in fact, we became a regular fixture in poor old Sue and Seans holiday - sorry luv
)
Back at the hotel, it was quite late. DH and I were hungry but couldnt quite face paying for room service so decided wed go out to get something to eat. The girls opted to stay in the room and we left them some money to go to the deli downstairs and get some snacks.
We caught the trolley to Bennigans and asked about a table, only to be told there was a 30 minute wait. Unfortunately, being a Saturday night, everywhere in the near vicinity was exactly the same so we ended up back at Bennigans where we waited for almost 30 minutes and were seated just after 9. By this time I was ravenous and, despite knowing it was a mistake to eat so much food so late on, I ordered the chicken and steak combo. DH opted for the Guinness Glazed chicken stir fry (thanks for the recommendation Sue). With 2 diet cokes to wash it down, we sat and chatted about what a lovely day it had been. I think its safe to say that we really felt, for the first time this holiday, we were having a good time. The girls had really seemed to enjoy themselves today (and, for that, I thank Kirsty and Sammy from the bottom of my heart I really think it made the difference for them to have some others their age to talk to).
The food arrived promptly and looked absolutely delicious. It took no time at all to get through it but we turned down the offer of dessert, knowing that a) we were both full b) it was getting pretty late and c) we would definitely be coming back to Bennigans. The check was $36 inc tip and well worth every dime. Our server, Nikki, was great and even called a cab for us as the I-Ride trolley stopped running at 10:30 (typical that we saw one go past in our direction just as we got into our cab). The cab cost a pretty reasonable $6 (we were just down the road) and we were back in our room just before 11. The girls were still awake and tucking into the Halloween candy theyd picked up from Sea World. We sat and chatted for a while more and both girls were excited that they would be seeing more of Sammy, Kirsty and the other kids in a few days. After watching telly for a while, we put the lights out it was to be another busy day tomorrow!
Today's budget - $250
Total spend today - $146.25
Under budget - $103.75 (all this is under spending is doing my shopping budget the world of good)
Cast:
Me Joh, 33 Extremely nervous about meeting all those Dibbers
DH Gary, 39 Extremely nervous about meeting all those internet freaks
DD1 Sian, 13 Can she get through a day without spending any money?
DD2 Rea, 12 Really wants to see the dolphins
Picture the scene; two complete strangers get chatting on the internet one day, discover theyre going to be on holiday in the same place at the same time and make some tentative arrangements to meet up. Then one suggests inviting along some more complete strangers and, there you have it, planning for the Sea World Dibb Meet at Sea World was underway
I dont think Sue and I ever imagined there would be as much interest as there was but the Sea World Dibb meet just grew and grew. As another Dibber pointed out, it was ironic really that members of a Disney forum should arrange the biggest meet ever at a non-Disney park. Anyway, before you know it, we had over a hundred interested Dibbers and family members. A wonderful Dibber by the name of Ian (love ya Big Dog) suggested making some name badges and kindly took on responsibility and did an absolutely grand job.
So, the long-awaited day had finally arrived. We had planned to spend the morning at Sea World, leaving shortly after lunch and chilling for a while before returning in the afternoon to meet the rest of the internet freaks as DH called us (however, his attitude to meeting strangers off the net has certainly changed now - well, apart from where Kev and Matt are concerned anyway
) at the Sky Tower at 4 pm. Anyway, like most of my plans, it didnt turn out quite like that.We were up early and decided to catch the trolley to IHOP for breakfast (Mistake Number 1). IHOP was absolutely packed and, after waiting a while for a table, we were finally seated and quickly ordered choc-chip pancakes for the girls to share and some sort of breakfast/cinnamon toast combo thing for DH and I. The food took absolutely ages (they were very, very busy) and I started getting twitchy. I had planned to be at Sea World for opening, it was already 8:30 and we still had to get our tickets. The food duly arrived and was consumed as quickly as possible. It was very nice, although my cinnamon-roll-french-toast-thingy had obviously been marinating in egg for quite some time before being cooked as it was extremely soggy and tasted of raw egg.
Despite that, I managed to eat some of it (just to be sure, you know). We paid the check ($37 inc tip) and left.
It took absolutely ages for the I-ride trolley to turn up and we didnt get to the entrance to Sea World until about 9:30, by which time there was a massive line at the Hero Salute booth (we get free tickets to Sea World through the Heres to the Heroes program, as DH is in the RAF). We finally got our tickets (thank you Annheuser-Busch for your fantastic generosity and recognition of the marvellous job that all our servicemen and women all over the world do
) and entered the park just before 10. We knew where we were headed straight away Kraken of course. Didnt even bother today to try and persuade DD2 to ride, just left her holding the bags while we joined the line. Surprisingly enough, it was a walk-on or would have been had we not decided to wait for the front row. For me and DH, the front row is by far and away the best on this coaster and better to do it early on while lines are relatively short. It was fantastic as usual and we rode twice more, before deciding we really ought to find DD2 and see some more of the park. From Kraken, we headed over to Blue Horizons to see the dolphin (and people) show. I must admit, I liked this show more than I did the first time we saw it. There seemed to be more of the dolphins in it this time.Next, it was off to ride Journey to Atlantis while DD2 again took on job of bag-minder. She decided she would go and see the penguins while we were on Atlantis. DD1 wanted to sit at the front so she would get wet so DH and I decided to play safe in the 2nd row. We were joined by an older gentleman and his grand-daughter, who was 8. He kept asking us what it was like as he was worried she might be scared. Funnily enough, she absolutely loved it and he was terrified
gig: By this time, it was getting on for 12 oclock so we decided to see the Clyde and Seamore show and then leave for something to eat. The C & S show was fantastic really hilarious, and it was hard to decide which of the funny moments were staged and which were real. As usual, though, the highlight of the show was the mime artist at the beginning that guy is worth his weight in fish.
We had really wanted to see the new whale show today but, due to the birth of a baby killer whale a few weeks previous, there was an alternative Introduction to the baby type show going on and we never did get to see this, unfortunately.
We left Sea World, stopping to look at (and buy - they were surprisingly good) our pictures on the way, and caught the I-Ride straight down to the Village Inn for some lunch. Unfortunately, I dont remember what we had and, for some reason, I cant find the itemised check (only the one with the total on which, incidentally, was $30 inc tip). The food and service was OK and it was fine for a quick lunch but I dont think wed go back. Just our opinion, though, and I know I have read on previous trippies that other people have loved the place.
Although we had been a bit behind schedule, it was now only 2:20 and we still had plenty of time to get back to the hotel or so I thought (Mistake Number 2). We waited an absolute age for the I-Ride trolley. The Village Inn is quite far down I-Drive and, for some reason, the trolleys seemed to be running an alternative route. We saw 3 or 4 go past right at the end of the road we were waiting on but they all went straight on and none of them turned down towards our stop. By 3 oclock, I was really panicking. We still had to go back to the hotel to collect the Dibb Meet badges (which Ian had kindly sent to myself and Sue a couple of weeks before the trip) and I badly wanted to freshen up so I didnt turn up looking like a sweaty tourist. Finally, a trolley pulled up and we jumped on. At our stop, we got off, ran into the hotel and up to our room. We just had time for a quick wash and change, before grabbing the badges and heading out of the hotel and across the parking lot to Sea World its a good job we were staying across the road or wed never have made it.
We joined the huge queues at the entrance and finally got through the turnstiles, took a left and did a quick march towards the Sky Tower arriving about 10 minutes late. Big Dog was there greeting everyone and pointing them in the direction of the large group of Dibbers who had gathered by the Sand Bar behind the Sky Tower. Introductions were made and I immediately sought out Sue and her family. It was really quite strange we had exchanged so many PMs and chatted loads on MSN that I felt like wed known each other years but, in truth, she was still a stranger. We hit it off straight away though and I was introduced to Sean, Ben, Kate, Kirsty and the infamous Joan. It was a lovely afternoon and evening and it was great to meet so many Dibbers. Im afraid I lost track a bit of who exactly was there but I do remember meeting Rob, JeanWales, Typhoon Tilly, Big Dog (of course), Mrs Big Dog and son of Big Dog, Mr and Mrs Taz, Dizzy and family and Lynn (Loadsapixiedust), Stuart, Ben and Sammy. My apologies to those who I have missed (and I know I have missed some of you my memory is not what it once was). The kids seemed to hit it off quite well too and disappeared off to spend their quarters in the arcade, while us adults did what we do best drank and chatted.
I'm afraid I don't have many pictures from today but I know loads have already been posted so I'll just post the only half-decent one I have, which is of Lynn giving Sian a lesson in commando park touring
Unfortunately, a few weeks before the event, Sea World had suddenly changed their park hours so, instead of closing at 10 pm, it was closing at 8. All too soon, the staff were cleaning up around us and making polite Havent you got homes to go to gestures (only kidding, they didnt make us feel rushed at all). We strolled slowly back round to the exit, where we said our goodbyes. It wasnt all sad, though, as we had plans to meet up with Lynn and family and Sue, Sean et al later in the holiday (in fact, we became a regular fixture in poor old Sue and Seans holiday - sorry luv
)Back at the hotel, it was quite late. DH and I were hungry but couldnt quite face paying for room service so decided wed go out to get something to eat. The girls opted to stay in the room and we left them some money to go to the deli downstairs and get some snacks.
We caught the trolley to Bennigans and asked about a table, only to be told there was a 30 minute wait. Unfortunately, being a Saturday night, everywhere in the near vicinity was exactly the same so we ended up back at Bennigans where we waited for almost 30 minutes and were seated just after 9. By this time I was ravenous and, despite knowing it was a mistake to eat so much food so late on, I ordered the chicken and steak combo. DH opted for the Guinness Glazed chicken stir fry (thanks for the recommendation Sue). With 2 diet cokes to wash it down, we sat and chatted about what a lovely day it had been. I think its safe to say that we really felt, for the first time this holiday, we were having a good time. The girls had really seemed to enjoy themselves today (and, for that, I thank Kirsty and Sammy from the bottom of my heart I really think it made the difference for them to have some others their age to talk to).
The food arrived promptly and looked absolutely delicious. It took no time at all to get through it but we turned down the offer of dessert, knowing that a) we were both full b) it was getting pretty late and c) we would definitely be coming back to Bennigans. The check was $36 inc tip and well worth every dime. Our server, Nikki, was great and even called a cab for us as the I-Ride trolley stopped running at 10:30 (typical that we saw one go past in our direction just as we got into our cab). The cab cost a pretty reasonable $6 (we were just down the road) and we were back in our room just before 11. The girls were still awake and tucking into the Halloween candy theyd picked up from Sea World. We sat and chatted for a while more and both girls were excited that they would be seeing more of Sammy, Kirsty and the other kids in a few days. After watching telly for a while, we put the lights out it was to be another busy day tomorrow!
Today's budget - $250
Total spend today - $146.25
Under budget - $103.75 (all this is under spending is doing my shopping budget the world of good)
