It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – an offsite, non-Disney, Christmas TR

[Ruthie5671]

The dreaded humidity in Florida is just awful for us gals with curly hair. Hair ties are my best friends most days!

I also think that it was the same snake stalking you - and probably laughing. I would have totally given him the squish.

Thanks to all your money saving tips, I've added Orlando to my Groupon e-mails I get. Have you seen the ones lately for CiCi's Pizza? I thought of your family when I saw it.

 

[ArwenMarie]

My kids (and husband) love the Atlantis ride.

SeaWorld is such a beautiful park.

I love the penguins, but I found the ride to be a bit of a snoozer, I was disappointed in it. Maybe I didn't get the point lol?

 

[chicagoshannon]

Looks like you guys are having so much fun.

We will be doing the same kind of trip starting next week. Although. We might skip Aquatica this trip since so far, the highest temperature forecasted is 72.

It will be our first trip to Universal since 2008. At that time there was no Harry and Simpsons was still under construction. We will miss Jaws I'm sure but dd is really looking forward to Harry Potter.

Antarctica is my favorite ride/area of Sea World. The penguins are just so close to you!

Quick question, is there an annual pass photo thingy for universal?

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We enjoyed the Penguins too and agree that the refill drink is good value. Did your 'boys' have a go on the water squirters (you know what I mean) at Atlantis, I can spend some time enjoying the fun round there while my family queue for Atlantis?

 

[dancin Disney style]

And thanks for having my back with bail money to spring me from the coop . If I ever need to call on you, you can be assured that the drinks at the Tacky Tiki Bar will be on me. I might even buy you one in a coconut monkey .

Hmmmm......Common Canadian Loon? Almost sounds like it might have described you.....except for that word common. Common you most definitely are NOT .
That was harsh!

You probably want to stuff me into a coconut monkey. I'd like the cheeky monkey.

I'm still hanging onto the loon thing....will get back to you on that.

Harsh....yes, kind of. I realized after I posted that no one gets our inside family jokes and probably took it the wrong way. Long story, short.....we drove down the highway once along side a prison bus. Short bus with caged sections. The guy in the middle looked just like DH. It could have been his twin. Ever since there are references to the short bus kind of guy. There is more to the story but I hope that covered it enough.

 

[pepperandchips]

Gina, that posing penguin is TOO CUTE! He is a ham. I adore penguins and this looks like a great exhibit! I wonder why they open the coasters staggered like that? Not enough morning thrill seekers? Interesting.

You really need to read a couple of her previous TR's where they hit Daytona and Clearwater (separate trips). And thanks to Mrs D. for confirming what I suspected about the traffic.

Oh don't worry, I'm a grade-A researcher and got sucked into Gina's great reports before our recent Universal trip so I read all of them!

I google imaged Siesta and love the way it looks and have never been there! Growing up in Atlanta, we vacationed a lot in the Florida panhandle so I'm spoiled on fine sugar sand beaches and blue-green water. I think if R's sister can drive up from Ft. Myers and meet us at Siesta Key we'll make the trip and if not, we'll go to Cocoa Beach since it's closer. Daytona was a once and done for me. We also have family in (and like on its own merits) New Smyrna Beach on the Atlantic, but it's not much closer than the greater Tampa area.

 

[dsmom]

Great update Gina! I love Seaworld, especially at Christmas. The Penguins were my favorite.

As far as beaches go Siesta is very nice, especially if you are used to Gulf beaches. St Pete is nice, have stayed at Dom Cesar lots of times. Clearwater is beautiful. My favorite beach in Florida is Boca Grande- LOVE this place! One of my favorite all time towns in Florida, besides St Augustine. hope you can make it there someday Gina, would love to meet up there.

 

[Callie]

Gina, don't go to the animal kingdom....a snake fell out of a tree and bit a boy...I'd have serious anxiety issues after that!

Also, ate at Steak and Shake today...did you know on top of their super cheap prices, they also offer coupons?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

ETA: and while I was writing that, Gina piped in. You really need to read a couple of her previous TR's where they hit Daytona and Clearwater (separate trips). And thanks to Mrs D. for confirming what I suspected about the traffic.

So far, we've never made it to Clearwater (or any of the Gulf beaches for that matter). That should change in April, though, when we'll be in St. Petersburg for a Rays vs. Jays game....while we are there, we'll definitely do a little exploring later in the day before returning back to SVR, and you can bet your boots that a beach will be one of our stops! (unless its raining.....fingers crossed that's not the case)

The dreaded humidity in Florida is just awful for us gals with curly hair. Hair ties are my best friends most days!

I also think that it was the same snake stalking you - and probably laughing. I would have totally given him the squish.

Thanks to all your money saving tips, I've added Orlando to my Groupon e-mails I get. Have you seen the ones lately for CiCi's Pizza? I thought of your family when I saw it.

We DID see the Groupon for Cici's, and I got so darn excited!.....then realized it expires at the end of February. Boo.

I would love to see the Outta Control Dinner Show come back on Groupon. And mini golf. I am thinking positively that some extra good deals will come our way over the next 84 days!

My kids (and husband) love the Atlantis ride.

SeaWorld is such a beautiful park.

I love the penguins, but I found the ride to be a bit of a snoozer, I was disappointed in it. Maybe I didn't get the point lol?

Nope, you didn't miss the point at all ....the ride itself is nothing to get too excited about. I guess that's why we weren't too taken with the "wild" side.....the "wild" movements just didn't enhance or change the experience at all (not for us, anyway).

The penguins are just adorableness overload though. I want to do one of their tours sometime that includes a penguin interaction. Its on my SeaWorld bucket list.

Looks like you guys are having so much fun.

We will be doing the same kind of trip starting next week. Although. We might skip Aquatica this trip since so far, the highest temperature forecasted is 72.

It will be our first trip to Universal since 2008. At that time there was no Harry and Simpsons was still under construction. We will miss Jaws I'm sure but dd is really looking forward to Harry Potter.

Antarctica is my favorite ride/area of Sea World. The penguins are just so close to you!

Quick question, is there an annual pass photo thingy for universal?

Universal has something called PhotoConnect.

https://presale.amazingpictures.com/PhotoConnect.aspx

Current pricing for the annual pass version is $139.99, but they often run sales (which are advertised on their Facebook page, so be sure to like and follow them). We got ours for a crazy $49.99, so its been a ridiculously good investment!

We enjoyed the Penguins too and agree that the refill drink is good value. Did your 'boys' have a go on the water squirters (you know what I mean) at Atlantis, I can spend some time enjoying the fun round there while my family queue for Atlantis?

Nope, we never did get a chance to partake in a little water squirting! With only one day on the itinerary, we barely stopped all day. But April.....that's another story . They take quarters, right?

I'm still hanging onto the loon thing....will get back to you on that.

For the first time ever, did I catch you without a comeback?

Gina, that posing penguin is TOO CUTE! He is a ham. I adore penguins and this looks like a great exhibit! I wonder why they open the coasters staggered like that? Not enough morning thrill seekers? Interesting.
Oh don't worry, I'm a grade-A researcher and got sucked into Gina's great reports before our recent Universal trip so I read all of them!

I google imaged Siesta and love the way it looks and have never been there! Growing up in Atlanta, we vacationed a lot in the Florida panhandle so I'm spoiled on fine sugar sand beaches and blue-green water. I think if R's sister can drive up from Ft. Myers and meet us at Siesta Key we'll make the trip and if not, we'll go to Cocoa Beach since it's closer. Daytona was a once and done for me. We also have family in (and like on its own merits) New Smyrna Beach on the Atlantic, but it's not much closer than the greater Tampa area.

I think Daytona can be a very different experience for visitors depending on the month. We've only been there in early May and the end of August, and its been super quiet and very enjoyable. I'm guessing spring break or summer would be a little less tranquil, though.....and my opinion of it might be very different!!

I love the ocean, though ....the waves. The smell . I am wondering if I'll get that same "feeling" from the gulf beaches. We shall soon see, I hope!

Great update Gina! I love Seaworld, especially at Christmas. The Penguins were my favorite.

As far as beaches go Siesta is very nice, especially if you are used to Gulf beaches. St Pete is nice, have stayed at Dom Cesar lots of times. Clearwater is beautiful. My favorite beach in Florida is Boca Grande- LOVE this place! One of my favorite all time towns in Florida, besides St Augustine. hope you can make it there someday Gina, would love to meet up there.

I have actually come up with an idea . I've been scheming all week while Steve has been away in Michigan (poor Steve....he has no idea what's coming ). I am thinking of adding a few days in St. Augustine on the end of our October trip, if the budget will allow. We had first considered a cruise, but I'm worried about the motion of the boat being an issue (or worse yet....hurricanes ). We considered a condo rental for a few extra days in Orlando or Daytona, but it wasn't "different" enough (and I like to try something new whenever possible). Then I thought.....St. Augustine!! So I have been researching hotels, resorts, and B&B's to see what's out there (SO MUCH CHOICE!). I may have to pick your brain to help me narrow the list to something a little more reasonable. I want to find something moderately priced (not the cheapest, but not Donald Trump fancy), quaint, and close to the charm. Feel free to throw out any suggestions you might have. I am thinking three nights.....is that enough, or should we push it to 4?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, don't go to the animal kingdom....a snake fell out of a tree and bit a boy...I'd have serious anxiety issues after that!

Also, ate at Steak and Shake today...did you know on top of their super cheap prices, they also offer coupons?

I read about that!! How scary!! (and gross )

I did know about their coupons......I don't know how they do it!! We used a free milkshake coupon on our last visit.....and had another for a free onion rings (but we didn't even try to apply both on one order....I am guessing they wouldn't have done so anyway).

Mmmm....what I wouldn't do for a Steak & Shake milkshake right now .... . With a Krispy Kreme donut on the side . Because hey, if I'm gonna dream....lets go big!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

My apologies for no update today.....this week has been rather trying in soooo many ways. Personally. Professionally. TGIF, indeed.

Ugh . I need chocolate. Or cookies. Or both .

At any rate, I will do my best to get back on track this weekend. More to come, I promise!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I definitely want to do a tour next time we go to SW. We did that $15 one where you get your picture with a dolphin, it was great for the money. I have my eye on the seals and sea lions one, I love them so much.

 

[JaxDad]

I am thinking of adding a few days in St. Augustine on the end of our October trip, if the budget will allow.

Hey Gina! There's our DISmeet! I'm less than an hour away. I met friends from Canada (Vancouver Island) there for a day last weekend, and we had a blast touring and eating and drinking our way around the Historic District!

 

[dancin Disney style]

For the first time ever, did I catch you without a comeback?

Nope.....just saving it for later. Maybe tonight

 

[pigletto]

I'm not sure why but I can't get any of the pictures in your latest update to load. Is it just me? I wonder if I need to update something.

 

[dancin Disney style]

My apologies for no update today.....this week has been rather trying in soooo many ways. Personally. Professionally. TGIF, indeed.

Ugh . I need chocolate. Or cookies. Or both .

ROUGH day for me too.....I came home and put my PJ's on at 4pm. How about chocolate cookies???

 

[bankr63]

So far, we've never made it to Clearwater (or any of the Gulf beaches for that matter). That should change in April, though, when we'll be in St. Petersburg for a Rays vs. Jays game....while we are there, we'll definitely do a little exploring later in the day before returning back to SVR, and you can bet your boots that a beach will be one of our stops! (unless its raining.....fingers crossed that's not the case)
I have actually come up with an idea . I've been scheming all week while Steve has been away in Michigan (poor Steve....he has no idea what's coming ). I am thinking of adding a few days in St. Augustine on the end of our October trip, if the budget will allow. We had first considered a cruise, but I'm worried about the motion of the boat being an issue (or worse yet....hurricanes ). We considered a condo rental for a few extra days in Orlando or Daytona, but it wasn't "different" enough (and I like to try something new whenever possible). Then I thought.....St. Augustine!! So I have been researching hotels, resorts, and B&B's to see what's out there (SO MUCH CHOICE!). I may have to pick your brain to help me narrow the list to something a little more reasonable. I want to find something moderately priced (not the cheapest, but not Donald Trump fancy), quaint, and close to the charm. Feel free to throw out any suggestions you might have. I am thinking three nights.....is that enough, or should we push it to 4?

Doh! [where did the darn facepalm smiley go]
By Clearwater I meant Cocoa. I know you've been a Right Coast girl all along.

I'll be sure to update you on our day in St. Augustine, but 3 days sounds like a lot more fun.

 

[dsmom]

So far, we've never made it to Clearwater (or any of the Gulf beaches for that matter). That should change in April, though, when we'll be in St. Petersburg for a Rays vs. Jays game....while we are there, we'll definitely do a little exploring later in the day before returning back to SVR, and you can bet your boots that a beach will be one of our stops! (unless its raining.....fingers crossed that's not the case)



We DID see the Groupon for Cici's, and I got so darn excited!.....then realized it expires at the end of February. Boo.

I would love to see the Outta Control Dinner Show come back on Groupon. And mini golf. I am thinking positively that some extra good deals will come our way over the next 84 days!



Nope, you didn't miss the point at all ....the ride itself is nothing to get too excited about. I guess that's why we weren't too taken with the "wild" side.....the "wild" movements just didn't enhance or change the experience at all (not for us, anyway).

The penguins are just adorableness overload though. I want to do one of their tours sometime that includes a penguin interaction. Its on my SeaWorld bucket list.



Universal has something called PhotoConnect.

https://presale.amazingpictures.com/PhotoConnect.aspx

Current pricing for the annual pass version is $139.99, but they often run sales (which are advertised on their Facebook page, so be sure to like and follow them). We got ours for a crazy $49.99, so its been a ridiculously good investment!



Nope, we never did get a chance to partake in a little water squirting! With only one day on the itinerary, we barely stopped all day. But April.....that's another story . They take quarters, right?



For the first time ever, did I catch you without a comeback?



I think Daytona can be a very different experience for visitors depending on the month. We've only been there in early May and the end of August, and its been super quiet and very enjoyable. I'm guessing spring break or summer would be a little less tranquil, though.....and my opinion of it might be very different!!

I love the ocean, though ....the waves. The smell . I am wondering if I'll get that same "feeling" from the gulf beaches. We shall soon see, I hope!



I have actually come up with an idea . I've been scheming all week while Steve has been away in Michigan (poor Steve....he has no idea what's coming ). I am thinking of adding a few days in St. Augustine on the end of our October trip, if the budget will allow. We had first considered a cruise, but I'm worried about the motion of the boat being an issue (or worse yet....hurricanes ). We considered a condo rental for a few extra days in Orlando or Daytona, but it wasn't "different" enough (and I like to try something new whenever possible). Then I thought.....St. Augustine!! So I have been researching hotels, resorts, and B&B's to see what's out there (SO MUCH CHOICE!). I may have to pick your brain to help me narrow the list to something a little more reasonable. I want to find something moderately priced (not the cheapest, but not Donald Trump fancy), quaint, and close to the charm. Feel free to throw out any suggestions you might have. I am thinking three nights.....is that enough, or should we push it to 4?

Oh! That sounds like a great idea! St Augustine is like a second home to us! We are only a thirty minute drive away! I can give you SO many suggestions( don't get me started-I am a huge planner!).
Check out the St George Inn , it is right in the middle of the historic district. If you want ocean front check out Vilano beach, much closer to the city than St Augustine beach. We rented a beach home through the Marin House, check out their website also. Love doing the carriage rides. For food the Columbia Restaurant is great, there are lots of nice bakeries and cafes also. I told you not to get me started!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I definitely want to do a tour next time we go to SW. We did that $15 one where you get your picture with a dolphin, it was great for the money. I have my eye on the seals and sea lions one, I love them so much.

The seals and the sea lions are super cute.....but my heavens, they are LOUD!! We fed them as part of the VIP tour that we won during the 50th Anniversary Celebration, and their barking was deafening!!

This is the tour I have my eye on.....and I have no doubt its worth every penny:

SeaWorld Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Do you want to see what happens behind the scenes? Your knowledgeable tour guide will provide fascinating facts about SeaWorld® and our commitment to wildlife. Join us behind the scenes on this approximately 75-minute tour to discover how our animal experts care for rescued manatees and sea turtles. Plus touch a shark and interact with a penguin.

I think Jake and his Sunshine are going to do the Dolphins Up Close tour in April (the $45 one).....I have heard rumours that Jake is going to set it up for her as part of her birthday gift .

Hey Gina! There's our DISmeet! I'm less than an hour away. I met friends from Canada (Vancouver Island) there for a day last weekend, and we had a blast touring and eating and drinking our way around the Historic District!

Absolutely!! We are totally up for that!

Nope.....just saving it for later. Maybe tonight

Oooohhh....that sounds ominous!!

I'm not sure why but I can't get any of the pictures in your latest update to load. Is it just me? I wonder if I need to update something.

Oh no! Is it still giving you problems? Maybe you just need a computer restart ... that often clears the bugs away.

ROUGH day for me too.....I came home and put my PJ's on at 4pm. How about chocolate cookies???
View attachment 148183

Oh, chocolate cookies sound like the perfect therapy .... but I ended up having a Bosc pear instead. It wasn't the same. At all .

Doh! [where did the darn facepalm smiley go]
By Clearwater I meant Cocoa. I know you've been a Right Coast girl all along.

I'll be sure to update you on our day in St. Augustine, but 3 days sounds like a lot more fun.

You've been there too? I'm beginning to feel like the only one that's been missing out!!

Between you, @dsmom and @JaxDad I am thinking I'm going to get some of the BEST insider advice!

Oh! That sounds like a great idea! St Augustine is like a second home to us! We are only a thirty minute drive away! I can give you SO many suggestions( don't get me started-I am a huge planner!).
Check out the St George Inn , it is right in the middle of the historic district. If you want ocean front check out Vilano beach, much closer to the city than St Augustine beach. We rented a beach home through the Marin House, check out their website also. Love doing the carriage rides. For food the Columbia Restaurant is great, there are lots of nice bakeries and cafes also. I told you not to get me started!

Okay, you totally had me at carriage rides and bakerys!!

You know I will be checking out your suggestions tonight . I assume we have to choose from either ocean front or the historic district? You can't see the ocean from the "town"?

 

[chicagoshannon]

That tour looks really neat. I'll have to check not the age limits for it. We'll have a lot more time during our September trip to try someone like that. I'm trying to convince my DH to go to Discovery Cove.