Labor Day weekend

[AndreaDM]

Well, we've drastically changed our plans for our Labor Day weekend getaway. We had planned on staying at Yacht Club CL for 3 nights with 2 day park tickets. Due to some unexpected financial stuff, we've had to make some changes. We have non-refundable flights paid for so we're still going to Orlando, but are instead staying at the Residence Inn with the kids free promotion to Sea World, one day there and one day to Aquatica. I'm trying to get excited, I KNOW DD will have just as much fun there, heck she is happy at a hotel with a nice pool. The last time we went she wasn't big enough for the coasters, but I know she'll ride them now and love them. I'm afraid I'm the one going to be really bummed to be in Orlando and not at WDW. Thinking about going to Downtown Disney the first night for dinner and to walk around, but that might make it worse, lol, maybe just steer clear of the whole area. Anyway, it's a no brainer, our package we had booked was $1351 and this package is $462, only 1/3 of the cost.

We will have free breakfasts at the hotel and we'll stop and get snacks and drinks since we'll have a kitchen in the suite so we shouldn't be spending too much on food. If I feel comfortable by then spending the $, we might do the Dine with Shamu as our splurge.

Anyway, just sharing my thoughts here, I know you guys will understand!

 

[2girlsmom]

It is definitely a different vacation experience, but SeaWorld is such a fun park, I am sure you will end up enjoying it, and having QQ passes through the hotel will make it so relaxing for you. The Dine with Shamu is better than average food when last we did, and enjoyed being able to have a drink with dinner and the show as well.

 

[Lynne G]

It's always fun to branch out. There is so much to do in the Orlando area that is NOT Disney.

My kids liked our SW/Aquadica/DC/BGT and USO/IOA trip. Though they did miss Disney, they had a great time. You will like the hotel, and it's a 5 minute drive to SW and Aquadica. The rapids river in Aquadica is one of the best in waterparks. My family can be in it for quite awhile. SW has great coasters and good shows. If your DD wants to feed the dolphins, do it early. Also, we vacationed over labor day week-end 2 years ago. Loved it, as SW stays open late and has the Shamu Rocks and fireworks nights over the week-end.

And, Disney is not going away anytime soon. You can visit it another time, when it's doable for your family. Also, my kids are an almost teen and teen. They are generally bored at Disney, as both are ride junkies. We enjoy all types of amusement parks.

If you do go to DTD, it is not a bad ride. We ate a late dinner at DTD when we came back from our day trips to BGT, and were staying at the Fairfield at SW for our Busch park days. It was our Disney fix. In fact, we liked the Busch parks so much, we will be visiting them again this year, and not WDW.

Have a great trip!!

 

[AndreaDM]

Thanks so much! Yes, I know we will have a great time no matter what! I think we will go to Raglan Road for dinner the first night, we've never been there.

We did the Dolphin feeding the last time we went and it was the highlight of the trip, so will definitely do it again!

One question, I noticed we get 10% off dining with our package, does anyone know if that applies to Dine With Shamu? I know I can call...but...

ETA: I just printed our tickets and noticed they are good for length of stay! That's awesome, even though we're only there 4 days/3 nights I won't feel like we have to do ALL of SW or ALL of Aquatica on one day. Should also keep us busy enough so that we're not tempted to go buy an outrageously expensive one day WDW ticket.