Oh, The Places We’ll Go! From the “stars” to the “sea”: Universal, SeaWorld & beyond - Spring 2016

[dancin Disney style]

If a set of identical twin women married a set of identical twin men and each couple had children, their kids would genetically be siblings.

 

[ElenaJane]

I caught up again! I loved the "Dolphin Tale"! I can just picture you going place to place to figure out what to do with the dang thing, while Jake is taking selfies with it. Too funny!

I lovelovelove Manatees! I now have to do the behind the scenes tour sometime!! Thanks for taking great pics of Sea World!

 

[squirrel]

I received an e-mail from Sea World about non-passholders and the lounge. They said there is a small fee of $5-$10, hopefully that is for the full day and not a one time use.

 

[Penguinempress]

That Shamu sundae is adorable! I love that you get to keep the cute little bowl.

And you should TOTALLY book the sea lion tour for your October trip! Feeding the sea lions was one of my favorite parts of Sea World, they just have so much personality. I think it would be really interesting to do a more in-depth encounter with them.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

That sundae bowl is so cute! And thag sounds like such a good deal for a sundae that includes a souvenir bowl.

We thought the price was excellent! Especially in comparison to the Mickey Pants Sundae which, if this link is correct, is $22.99 (assuming prices haven't increased since that article was written in 2014):

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/...the-mickey-pants-sundae-in-walt-disney-world/

I know the Mickey Pants sundae is larger, but I don't think it is 4 times as large.

Be honest now....there was nothing innocent about suggesting ice cream.

That pick of Shamu Stadium makes it look really small. Where do they keep Shamu and his friends because you can only see that one pool?

Okay, so I may be guilty of knowing where their soft spots are .

Shamu Stadium has always felt massive to me. I think the picture from the air dwarfs it just because of the perspective. There are multiple pools within that complex, and you can see five of them in the pic: the one in front of the seating area, two more behind the whale tail screen, the large one to the bottom where Dine with Shamu is held, and the fifth one beside that (under the shaded cover).

If a set of identical twin women married a set of identical twin men and each couple had children, their kids would genetically be siblings.

That sounds like a perfect idea for a new TLC show.

I caught up again! I loved the "Dolphin Tale"! I can just picture you going place to place to figure out what to do with the dang thing, while Jake is taking selfies with it. Too funny!

I lovelovelove Manatees! I now have to do the behind the scenes tour sometime!! Thanks for taking great pics of Sea World!

Aw, what an adorable picture!! I love it!

I received an e-mail from Sea World about non-passholders and the lounge. They said there is a small fee of $5-$10, hopefully that is for the full day and not a one time use.

Yikes! That's not bad for a single person, but woud be pretty pricey to take in a whole other family.

As a pass member, though, a big part of me is rather glad they are taking steps to keep it pretty much for pass members only.....otherwise, it does tend to minimize its value.

That Shamu sundae is adorable! I love that you get to keep the cute little bowl.

And you should TOTALLY book the sea lion tour for your October trip! Feeding the sea lions was one of my favorite parts of Sea World, they just have so much personality. I think it would be really interesting to do a more in-depth encounter with them.

They have personality for sure, but my gosh they are LOUD. We fed them as part of the VIP tour in and I thought I'd go bananas before we got ouf there!!

LOL in all seriousness, I'm keeping it on as a 'maybe'. We have a few other things to ensure are covered first, and then if there's extra resources left over, we can always book the tour same-day. We have to ensure we actually have time to squeeze in the shows this time around!!

 

[Joanna71985]

2 rooms, 2 ROOMS! There was only 1 room in February. We had the Pretzel Kitchen when we were there but opted to take the food to the passholders lounge and get our drinks for free. I think next time we will just order our food from the lounge. The selections looked good to us, and you know that's rare.

Both rooms opened at the same time (I have pictures of both from Nov). However, the windowless room isn't always used (the main room is the window one).

I didn't get a picture of the menu, unfortunately, but I found this one online on another website:

You may be able to bring in your niece as your guest (that would be my assumption), but if you want a more definitive answer beforehand, their Guest Services department are excellent at responding to email inquiries. Fill out the form here:

https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/Contact/

and you should receive a reply within a couple of days.

If you happen to ask, be sure you pop back here and let us know what they say, as I'm sure many others are in the same boat . We'll be having guests with us on one of our SW days in October (Steve's one brother and his family are coming to Orlando for a week while we, too, are in town) so definitely I'd be interested to know if we will be able to introduce them to our perks as passmembers.

Unfortunately the menu has since changed (which is a shame, as I *loved* the turkey wrap)

 

[Joanna71985]

The penguin is so CUTE!! I need to do that tour (there are a few others I really want to do too, especially the Marine Mammal tour)

I love the pretzel place! My go-to pretzel is the pepperoni pizza one (which I get all the time)

And the lounge is amazing! I go there every weekend, and take advantage of the soda machine

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Both rooms opened at the same time (I have pictures of both from Nov). However, the windowless room isn't always used (the main room is the window one).

Unfortunately the menu has since changed (which is a shame, as I *loved* the turkey wrap)

Joanna, would you be able to snap a picture of the new menu the next time you are there? Either you or @Inhislove whoever will be there first. For the life of me, I can't remember what the food options were! (though I do remember thinking they looked pretty darn good )

The penguin is so CUTE!! I need to do that tour (there are a few others I really want to do too, especially the Marine Mammal tour)

I love the pretzel place! My go-to pretzel is the pepperoni pizza one (which I get all the time)

And the lounge is amazing! I go there every weekend, and take advantage of the soda machine

Not being a huge ride person, the tours very much appeal to me. And SeaWorld does such a FANTASTIC job with them, once you do one.......well, let's just say they are addictive .

The meatball pretzel is my next must-try from Mama's Pretzel Kitchen. I think that might make a nice mid-day snack for Steve and I to split, along with drinks from the lounge .

I am totally with you on that AWESOME complimentary Freestyle machine!! Especially on those crazy hot days: I can never get enough to drink.

 

[pigletto]

I've loved this trip report Gina and I'm sad it's winding down. Usually I have a little bit if a reprieve before the "I want to go to Orlando!!!" impatience takes over, but not this time. I'm already dying to get back and 4 months seems like a long time. I'm glad we'll be able to countdown together.
Sending you job luck for this week Gina. I know it's a big change but I'm excited for you!

 

[toystoryduo]

Love the sundae bowl!

Best wishes for your interview tomorrow!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I've loved this trip report Gina and I'm sad it's winding down. Usually I have a little bit if a reprieve before the "I want to go to Orlando!!!" impatience takes over, but not this time. I'm already dying to get back and 4 months seems like a long time. I'm glad we'll be able to countdown together.
Sending you job luck for this week Gina. I know it's a big change but I'm excited for you!

Aw, thank you so much!!! I hope you will join me over on my October PTR once I get it started......we can enjoy the planning and countdown to autumn together! I will be sure to post a link to that here on this thread, once its officially underway. Since the next trip is non-Universal based, I will probably put that PTR over on the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board. I think that's the best fit for this next vacation.

Thank you, too, for the good wishes on tomorrow's interview. I will admit, I am getting a bit nervous .

Love the sundae bowl!

Best wishes for your interview tomorrow!

Thank you, my friend . You guys have been such a great support, I can't even begin to tell you how much I have appreciated it!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Monday, May 2nd: Dine with Shamu





The walkway that leads to the underwater viewing area next to the Dine with Shamu pool is lined with some really neat themed décor that is new since we first enjoyed this special meal back at Christmas 2012. I thought they were great additions to this area, and “fit” very well......the colours and the message (may I also say, too, that I just love it that so much at SeaWorld does have such a great message?).











As we waited to check in, it was fun to read each of the various inscriptions on the statues that were nestled into the stunning signature SeaWorld gardens.











The area quickly filled up as people began arriving for the late afternoon sitting. It was empty when I captured this photo earlier in the day, but in the 30 minutes before the doors opened, it was abuzz with activity .





We checked in for our Dine with Shamu reservation at exactly the time we were directed, and then posed for the photograph which was provided complimentary with our reservation. While the actual 6x8 print that they include has a Dine with Shamu border on it, the photo itself looks like this (and comes in a nice, sturdy SeaWorld cardboard cover for protection):





The Dine with Shamu border is not available for online download, unfortunately. The hard copy photo was delivered to us about a half an hour or so after we were seated…..right around the time we were enjoying dessert .


The doors opened right on time, and we were each ushered inside and shown to our table by friendly SeaWorld TMs.





The seating is open-air but still covered and (I am pretty sure) air conditioned or otherwise cooled to a certain degree. The roof above definitely blocks out the searing sun (and would protect against rain during inclement weather) but it was definitely not as hot in the seating area as it was outside.



The seating is organized two rows deep: you are either at a table that is right along the glass, or there will be one row of tables between you and the glass. We have always been told that the earlier you book your seats, the better seats you will receive, but this was a fairly last-minute add-on to our trip: we only booked at the very end of March for our May 2nd visit. We totally expected that we may not get a great table as a result, so imagine our surprise when we were literally dead centre and right along the glass. We literally had the most perfect view imaginable .





Now, I will clarify: this meal was not sold out. There were actually quite a few empty tables, so visiting at a slower time of year definitely worked in our favour. If planning a trip during peak season, a late minute booking will likely not yield such great results as we enjoyed.




A few of the whales were already out and swimming around as we sat down, just playing and splashing and jumping as we watched in admiration. It’s hard not to be simply awed by these majestic creatures .








Our seats were literally so close to the pool that we were frequently sprayed with water from their blow holes as the whales swam by our table. How awesome is that?








Our server came by before we had even sat down and took our drink orders. Beer and wine was included for anyone who wished to partake in an alcoholic beverage. We opted for the soft stuff instead: Jake had water, Steve had a Coke Zero (he was driving, remember), and I had lemonade. All drinks were unlimited and refilled throughout the meal.


We were invited to partake in the buffet as soon as we were ready, and, well…..you know my guys. They are virtually always ready to eat . I stayed to watch our table and take some pics of the whales while they loaded up their plates, then took my turn in the buffet line once they had arrived back at our table.





This is really a great buffet as far as the selection goes: there’s something for everyone, including the kids (and the big kids, too.....those chicken nuggets were delish!). While the menu is said to change seasonally, this is what is officially listed on the website in regards to the menu:


https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/dine-and-shop/dining/dine-with-shamu/


Dine With Shamu Menu

SeaWorld’s commitment to care for the natural world extends into the food we serve. Our menu features sustainable, organic, seasonal or locally grown ingredients that aim to minimize environmental impacts to animals and their habitats.

Buffet Featuring:

· Greek Salad

· Spinach Salad

· Caesar Salad

· Pasta Salad

· BBQ Salad

· Jambalaya

· Caribbean Pork Loin

· Vodka Pasta Alfredo

· Loaded Mashed Potato

· Southwest Quinoa

· Pepper Steak

· Cuban Bread

· Focaccia

· Dinner Rolls

Drinks:

· Assorted Coca-Cola® products

· Beer

· Wine

· Coffee

· Hot Tea


Kid’s Buffet featuring all kids’ favorites:

· Chicken Nuggets with Dipping Sauce

· Hot dogs

· Mac and cheese

· Green Salad

· Seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables


Desserts:

· Chocolate Chip Cookies

· Strawberry Shortcake

· Red Velvet Cake

· Chocolate Cake

· Carrot Cake

· Key Lime Pie


Menu changes seasonally.

· Proof of age (21) for purchase or consumption of alcohol beverages on these premises. SeaWorld requires identification from anyone appearing 30 years of age or younger.

· Service Type: All-you-care- to-eat Private Buffet.

Additional Information:

· If you are concerned about food allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg or soy, please note allergens at time of booking.

· MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover®, JTB® and American Express®accepted.

· Florida sales tax will be added to all taxable items.

· Menu subject to change

· Dine with Shamu will be refunded if cancelled 24 hours in advance of the scheduled dine.


Everything was really tasty, but if you will permit me a complaint: none of the hot item were hot enough . It’s a pet peeve of mine…..hot food should be served HOT in my world…..so that was a disappointment. Everything had a great presentation and flavour, but needed to be warmer.


Desserts were excellent and Steve was thrilled to find their signature chocolate cake on the dessert buffet. I think he ate two slices of that rich awesomeness. I thought he might slip into a diabetic coma before the night was over , but luckily…..he was fine .





Just as we were enjoying the last of our dessert, the trainers began the informational session that showcases the unique talents and abilities of the SeaWorld killer whales. Just to be clear, this is not a formal “show”: it’s more like the trainers giving a class on killer whales, and is packed full of whale facts while punctuated with demonstrations of some of the behaviours by the whales themselves.





The trainers talk a lot about what it’s like to work alongside the whales and some of the methods they use for training the whales (all of which are based on positive reinforcement). They introduced us to each of the whales individually, and chatted about their unique personalities and how they integrate those whale-specific attributes and temperaments into the shows and training approaches.





There is no music like in One Ocean. There are no massive flips or designated soak zones. It is a very relaxing, low-key and yet amazing opportunity to admire the killer whales from literally just a few feet away.





Oh, those faces. Couldn’t you just kiss ‘em?








Buckets and buckets of fish are offered up as positive reinforcements during the Dine with Shamu experience. As each whale showed us their smarts, they were happy to swim over for a nose rub by their trainer and a few handfuls of food from the stainless steel buckets.







While I did say there were no MASSIVE splashes, don’t take that as there not being any impressive demonstrations of their power and agility in the water. There were times you could just see those whales itching to make a big jump…..and the trainers were happy to let them strut their stuff to the amazement and wonder of the crowd.











Throughout the entire show, we were well attended to with beverage refills and regular reminders that the buffet was still open and that we were welcome to continue helping ourselves as our stomach saw fit.


All too soon, though, the trainers wrapped up their session, and the whales offered us a most beautiful wave goodbye.





It was the perfect way to end our trip .


We collected our things and unanimously decided we were ready to head back to the hotel. It was brutally hot, we were all exhausted, and we had a LOT of packing to do to prepare ourselves for an early commute to the airport. We wanted everything to be ready to grab and go the following day: for the first time in several trips, we had a morning departure, so there would be no dilly-dallying after breakfast at the Residence Inn.


We were all quiet and reflective as we worked away at sorting and packing our clothing and souvenirs in preparation for the journey home. Once everything was organized as much as possible (a few items, of course, still had to be left out for use in the morning), Jake and I decided to head down to the pool for a swim and a soak. Arriving down at the hot tub, we watched the lightening dance across the sky in the distance and black clouds roll ominously overhead. Sometime during our packing session, our gorgeous day had turned thundery and dark. In the interest of safety, we decided to head back to our suite and just relax until the storm passed.


Pass, it did not . Within 15 minutes, the skies opened up and the rain pounded down as thunder rolled and lightening flashed in long, menacing chains. It was as if Orlando knew we were leaving and the heavens were having the temper tantrum and emotional breakdown that I could have so easily indulged in. It was the only rain we had experienced over our entire 10 days in the sunny south, and it couldn’t have been more fittingly timed.


Changing into our jammies, we watched a little TV, caught up on our social media and emails, and then headed to bed at a decent hour: our wake-up call would come much too soon.

Tomorrow, we would be going home .

 

[Lynne G]

Great pictures. I will be trying to book that meal when the Christmas meal one goes up for sale. I think my kids would enjoy, and so would I. Ahh, last day blues. Yep, it happens every time. Only good thing, you start your head to plan where we go next time. Hope the travel back to home was quiet and quick.

 

[Raeven]

The Dine with Shamu looks nice, that might be something to do when we finally make it over to SeaWorld.

The last day is always so sad but at least the rain held out until then!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

What a great day Gina. I would like to do the dine with Shamu when we are there at Christmas but my dd thinks we will get better value from the all day dining ( this is for Christmas Eve) - any thoughts?

 

[caralovesdis]

Dine with Shamu looks absolutely fantastic! We have it booked for our trip in a few days!

Good luck on the interview tomorrow!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Great pictures. I will be trying to book that meal when the Christmas meal one goes up for sale. I think my kids would enjoy, and so would I. Ahh, last day blues. Yep, it happens every time. Only good thing, you start your head to plan where we go next time. Hope the travel back to home was quiet and quick.

Having the next trip already in the works by the time the current one ends is definitely the best cure for last-day sadness.

The Dine with Shamu looks nice, that might be something to do when we finally make it over to SeaWorld.

The last day is always so sad but at least the rain held out until then!

We were SUPER grateful that the rain held out until that very last night . And really, it all worked out for the good because it forced us to not put off the packing and just get everything done.....and into bed at a decent time .

What a great day Gina. I would like to do the dine with Shamu when we are there at Christmas but my dd thinks we will get better value from the all day dining ( this is for Christmas Eve) - any thoughts?

For Christmas Eve, if it were me, I would totally book either Santa's Fireside Feast (if you are looking for a buffet specifically) or one of the Christmas dining packages that come with reserved seating for the Christmas Celebration shows (an absolute must....the shows *and* the reserved seating). Much as I adore Dine with Shamu, when you are there during the holiday season, I would absolutely say do the Christmas events and leave DWS for another time (assuming it doesn't get the ax as the park continues to evolve).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Dine with Shamu looks absolutely fantastic! We have it booked for our trip in a few days!

Good luck on the interview tomorrow!

That is awesome!! I hope you have a spectacular time!! (and that the food is hotter for you than it was for us )

And thank you for the good luck wishes. My stomach gets all knotty just thinking about it .

 

[samheatherwhite]

I am so glad that your Dine with Shamu was so enjoyable. My family did it last Summer in San Antonio and it was a trip highlight for us for sure. We ended up seated right by the trainer that did all of the speaking and after the demo he talked to G fora quite a while, answering questions and making her day. I was so pleased and surprised when my very shy 3 year old talked to him as well. SW does a really good job both entertaining and educating!

 

[BonnieP]

Enjoyed reading your trip report very much. All of our days in the Orlando area, we have not made it to Sea World-might have to get ourselves there.

Have you heard of Manny's Chop House? They have 5 locations and also a location on RT192-very close to the rental house we stay at. It can get noisy (metal walls...), but very popular. Always a line, even before they open at 4. Very close (west) to all our favorites, Miller's Ale House, Bahama Breeze, Sweet Tomatoes, Olive Garden, Flipper's Pizza-just about every restaurant....

Packing is such a chore ... We drive, and I always pack too much...

Good luck, sounds like you have a very good chance for the new job! Did you ask for your days off in October during the interviews?! ....