One Day at Seaworld at Christmas--Review with Tons of Photos

[cnjmom]

I posted a few questions about SeaWorld prior to our visit last month, and was so grateful for the answers, as well as all I read in other threads, that I figured I would do a review of our one day visit to SeaWorld once we returned. I also thought that maybe it might help others who are looking for information about visiting at a particularly busy time.

My family of five--me, DH, DD11, DS8 and DS6, spent some time with my MIL the week between Christmas and New Year's. We only had one day to spend visiting the park, so we knew right off that we'd be missing some things. It was too pricey ($30/person x 6 people) to buy the quick queue, and even knowing now how things were going to turn out, I would not have changed anything.

We did take advantage of the Blue Friday BOGO tickets, so that was a big help. We also opted to purchase the "All Day Dining" ahead of time online, so that saved us almost another $20 over what we would have paid had we purchased it once we arrived at the park. I figure, that savings was like getting our parking for free.

My MIL lives a little more than an hour away from Orlando, so we left her house about 7:30 and were in the parking lot by about 8:45. We could tell it was going to be a busy day. We got through, got our dining bracelets and we were off.

I got no photos of anything which said "SeaWorld" at the start of the day. I figured there would be time for those later.

Anyway, I had read that Antarctica was their newest exhibit (18 months old) and was still pretty popular, so the recommendation was to do it early.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/16279700216_9a4f452fc3_z.jpg" width="300" />

We got there and the board said a five minute wait, which essentially was nothing and the employee told us that was the quickest it would be all day.  We waited a few minutes in the pre-show room and then we watched a show about a cute animated penguin and then it was time to decide if we wanted the "mild" or "wild" ride.  I had heard that wild was nothing more than a few gentle spins, so we went with that.

The ride itself was pretty short and not all that memorable...we followed our penguin friend on a few adventures.  I knew, though, that the highlight of the attraction was soon to come.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7473/16305636025_ffd039361f_z.jpg" width="600" />
These penguins were spotted as we were still riding in our car, but I knew that soon we'd disembark and get to walk around and see them without the high glass.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7529/16119785567_dd23a1b2b8_z.jpg" width="300" />
It was cold in the attraction, but considering it was about 75 degrees outside, we didn't mind.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/16303849211_a687db8516_z.jpg" width="600" />

It was tough to get both people and penguins in focus or lit properly.  The penguins behind them are completely blown out.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7462/16304775822_a0a47a2872_z.jpg" width="600" />

 

[cnjmom]

DH noted that there were different types, and we were told that there were four different species there.</p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/15683213674_419ba652e2_z.jpg" width="600" />
Not a zoomed in photo.  He was right there next to me.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7529/16279701266_667c6abac9_z.jpg" width="600" /></p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7530/16305635225_93a91222b6_z.jpg" width="600" />
I doctored this one a little bit so you can see both DD and the penguins behind her.</p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/16119783877_9400b3b78e_z.jpg" width="600" />
They were fun to watch.  DS6 loves penguins, and by watching these little guys, it's easy to see why he loves them so much.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7474/16119484489_559e7e63bb_z.jpg" width="600" /></p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16119484319_7c4ff1cb8a_z.jpg" width="600" />
There is a baby in a nest under the penguin that is prone.</p><p>Although I could have stayed longer, it was time to move on.

Before you exited the attraction, you could watch them swim in the tank.</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/16119784067_d1db914c74_z.jpg" width="600" /></p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8645/16303848051_f7caf9d101_z.jpg" width="600" /></p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7505/16303847941_cdeabd8552_z.jpg" width="600" />
So fun!

 

[cnjmom]

<p>Since we were fairly close to Kraken and it was still early, DH, DD and DS8 decided to give one of the two big coasters a try.  MIL, DS6 and I would wait it out, some of us more patiently than others. </p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7517/16304095881_f663a811ec_z.jpg" width="600" />
I tried to distract DS6 with this guy, but he was pretty annoyed that he couldn't ride the coaster (even though he probably would not have really wanted to, had he been tall enough). This was another reason we opted not to purchase the quick queue--three of us wouldn't use the coaster options.

Thankfullly, the wait itself was probably only about 10 minutes or so.

Here they come! My family is in the very last row, with one single rider who was added at the very last minute.
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/16279950976_f053ca2637_z.jpg" width="600" />

DH's trademark wave, which we see in all coaster pictures I take, no matter where we are.
<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8609/16305882035_308527a5d1_z.jpg" width="600" />

They really enjoyed Kraken, and decided to walk over to Manta next to check out the wait.   On the way there, we found ourselves in the middle of a flamingo flash mob.
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/16304095651_899045e641_z.jpg" width="600" />
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/16120032167_714999a98f_z.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>The flamingos behind the kids just really amuse me, for some reason.
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7577/15683461334_5db01190e2_z.jpg" width="600" />

There they go...</p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8626/16279950206_5f88a28a3d_z.jpg" width="600" />


After we dropped the coaster riders off, we decided that since we weren't near anything that DS6 could ride, we'd pacify him with a snack and put our dining bracelets to use.  We consulted the map and headed over to Seaport Pizza for a snack.  They opened at 10:30 and it was a little after that and already a line.  We weren't there very long when we were joined by the coaster riders, who reported back that Manta had a 45 minute wait and they didn't want to do that.  I recalled seeing no wait when we were hurrying off to Antarctica, but we didn't stop then.  DH never seems to mind if he doesn't get to ride a particular coaster, so that is good. </p><p>We went through the line and while it was only supposed to be a snack, all of us except MIL got the full allotment of food.  The kids got one piece of pizza apiece, while DH and I got two.  We all got drinks, and snacks.  I think they messed up the kids snacks, because they were just like ours--DS6 chose strawberries and oranges, DS8 had some sort of pudding/cake as did MIL, DD had a salad, I got just strawberries and DH got four sugar cookies, which we packed away for later.  What I found with regard to the kids' meal is that what they allowed the kids to get seemed to depend on the server/cashier.  I don't know if they were so busy they didn't care/notice, but often the kids often wound up with full-sized items. </p><p>We were laughing at our 'snack', but later on, we were happy that we ate what we did then, since it turned out to be lunch at 10:45.  Given that the day was pretty busy, we found it best to eat at off times.

Our next stop was something that I <b>knew</b> DS6 would enjoy--Pets Ahoy!

</p>

 

[cnjmom]

After our "snack", we walked over to the Seaport Theater for the 11:30 showing of Pets Ahoy.  We were trying to heed the advice that guests really needed to get to the shows early, although 45 minutes seemed like overkill.  Truth be told, we probably could have arrived right at 11:25 for this show (not others, stay tuned) and been seated, although our seats would not have been that great.  The doors opened right around 11 AM and we shuffled in.  We bypassed all the reserved seats and wound up seated in the center section, pretty high up.  But center was good!

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8646/15688919584_a90bba3b4b_z.jpg" width="600" />
The juxtaposition of Christmas tree with palm tree jarred me throughout our entire Florida visit.  I just couldn't get used to seeing that.  Not what I'm used to.

We waited the thirty minutes and then were treated to a very cute, fun show.  DS6 particularly loves animals, so I figured he would get a kick out of their antics.  Turns out we were all entertained.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/16309549221_e56810ee1a_z.jpg" width="600" />
A dalmation jumping rope

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7536/16123789348_db724644e3_z.jpg" width="600" />
Holding on for dear life?

This made me giggle.  The dog had to pull a weight up...
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7463/16125486787_ae400d9cfc_z.jpg" width="300" />
and was rewarded witht this message to Shamu.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/16310471852_76324ab86c_z.jpg" width="300" />

Eh, he probably could!

They spoke a little bit about their rescue and training program.  These Great Danes were only 8 months old. They're going to be huge when they're full grown.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/16311333945_c0a6eb3cbe_z.jpg" width="600" />

So graceful
<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8567/16123788508_5fb78a99f5_z.jpg" width="600" />
This was part of a coordinated musical number.  Animals would do their trick and enter a door and another animal would pop out somewhere else.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7525/16125178069_e121f7ba89_z.jpg" width="600" />
This happened right near our seats.

There were mainly dogs and cats in the show...but they ended with this friend.
<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16125485747_c3cfec9721_z.jpg" width="600" />
The show is about 20 minutes, and it went quickly. 

I will post more tomorrow. Our SeaWorld day is still young, but not the day here.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Loving it so far! Can't wait for the next installments .

 

[cnjmom]

Gina--Aw, thanks. I have to thank you for all of your terrific reviews. I loved reading them all, and they were so helpful in my planning.
_______________________________________________________________

<p>We all spilled out of the theater after the show and we spied the snow globe where you can be photographed.  We took family photos first, and I need these from my MIL because she took them with her camera.  The kids then got in line again and we had MIL pose with the kids.

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8625/16286644076_b221fe8361_z.jpg" width="300" />
Unfortunately, in order to avoid the SeaWorld photographer who was stationed right in front of the snow globe, all the photos are angled and from a distance.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7463/16127110837_66d6af6d63_z.jpg" width="300" />

The close up of the one above, so you can actually see them.  (And honestly, the SeaWorld photos you purchase don't include the actual globe but a graphic, so they don't even really need the globe for the photo they try to sell you, but it's a nice touch and fun to play in the snow.)



<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/15690166884_80d36efd7e_z.jpg" width="600" />
The props are a fun addition, and you can see the photographer I'm trying to avoid in the lower right corner of the photo.

Close up:
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7490/16312965845_6ce0284f37.jpg" width="300" />

Then the SeaWorld folks tell you to pick up snow...and let it go.
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7506/15690166624_750a15736a_z.jpg" width="300" /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/16126797489_77f0cdeb5d_z.jpg" width="300" />

Looks like DS8 is actually cold.

And the last one:
<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16126731007_d81962d627_z.jpg" width="300" /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/16125421058_a9709d56ba_o.jpg" width="300" />

The snow got everywhere, and was tough to get out of my hair, at least.</p><p></p><p>We did not purchase any of the SeaWorld photos, so we'll have to be content with these.  I do hope I get our counterparts from MIL.

After the posing, which took a good chunk of time because of the line and the swapping out of employees taking photos, manning the snowglobe and working the photography booth, DH and DS8 went to look for drinks, MIL and DD went to the restroom, and DS6 hammed it up for photos.
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/16126420249_4452be37aa_z.jpg" width="300" />
You can see the festive decorations behind him...and not one bit shy, is he?

We headed over to the Sky Tower and waited for the rest to join us.  It was around 12:45 or so, and our wait was about 20-30 minutes.
</p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8661/16126729597_5587f3003f_z.jpg" width="300" />
You can faintly see the 50th birthday celebration wrap around the Sky Tower.  The problem is that it blocked your view from the inside and prevented you from seeing out clearly, or getting good photos...but here are a few:
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7545/16311715522_4fc5568e31_z.jpg" width="600" />
Hazy Manta
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7515/16311715412_168278cb71_z.jpg" width="600" />
Sea of Trees...unfortunately, this is the closest we got to them this day.
</p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16311714932_5bc952985d_z.jpg" width="600" />
Sea Lion and Otter Theater, which was not in use the day we were there.
</p><p><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/16286640696_4b3b93b724_z.jpg" width="600" />
Shamu Theater, mid-show.  We did get there.

The Sky Tower ride is about 10 minutes long, and it does give you a nice aerial view of the park. It also helped us plan out what to do next, as we were waiting for the 2:30 Shamu show.





</p>

 

[cnjmom]

<p>After our Sky Tower ride, we decided to start to walk towards Shamu for the 2:30 show.  En route, we encountered divers at the Oyster's Secret.
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/16287642016_54c2e0b2f8_z.jpg" width="300" />

The one who interacted with DS6 was quite animated.  I forgot that eventually, she'd have to come up for a breath, she seemed that relaxed.

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8618/16287641316_c43e38cba0_z.jpg" width="300" />
Contrary to what I just said in my last post, he seemed a little shy at first, but then he warmed up to her.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7495/15691160584_4ffb8302a6_z.jpg" width="300" />

Eventually, though, she had to head up for air and she waved goodbye for us:

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7472/16126035078_dc7b1f65ce_z.jpg" width="300" />

As we headed in that direction, we stopped at the Shark Encounter/shark feeding.  We've been to aquariums and seen fish, but it's always fun to see more.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/16312708682_b808fed644_z.jpg" width="600" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/16311790601_7071999f78_z.jpg" width="300" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/16126033938_914bc132fa_z.jpg" width="600" />
You don't get to see the sharks until the very end, but there they are, swimming above you.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15691159994_f94a8241ec_z.jpg" width="600" />

Outside of the aquarium, you can watch the fish swim from above.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7520/16312707502_c418941dfd_z.jpg" width="600" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7495/16127720217_9a4522284e_z.jpg" width="600" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/16287640006_abd9c5f337_z.jpg" width="600" />

We decided we needed to keep going...DS6 wanted to ride the swan boats we had spied from the Sky Tower, but we found out that there was an additional charge for them.  I thought that was sort of weird.  At our Six Flags, we would have to pay extra for a few of the individual thrill rides, but not something tame like the swan boat...unless they didn't want people to take them out and monopolize them, because once you were out on the lake, there would be no way to bring people back in a reasonable time?  We told him we weren't going to do them today and kept going.

At this point, it was about 1:45 and while we thought briefly of food, we also knew we wanted to see the Shamu show and that it would start to fill up.  We arrived at Shamu around 1:50 and had our choice of seats.  The kids wanted to sit in the Soak Zone, so DH went to sit with them, while MIL and I opted to stay dry.  After a few minutes, we saw the kids move down from the second to last row in the Soak Zone to the <u>second row</u>.  We knew they'd get wet, and I figured, it was part of being a kid.  DH moved back to the second row and called us and told us to save him a seat...when the show started, he'd join us, but he wanted to stay in the Soak Zone for the time being so he could keep his eyes on them. </p><p>MIL was hungry and we had said we'd get food after the show, but in the interim, she got popcorn and soda from a vendor.  This snack was not included with the dining bracelet, which was a bit of a drawback to the bracelets.  (You had to go to certain places to eat, although many places did allow you to get bottled water or a soda).

Unfortunately, I must go to work, but there is more to come...Stay tuned.

</p>

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We decided we needed to keep going...DS6 wanted to ride the swan boats we had spied from the Sky Tower, but we found out that there was an additional charge for them.  I thought that was sort of weird.  At our Six Flags, we would have to pay extra for a few of the individual thrill rides, but not something tame like the swan boat...unless they didn't want people to take them out and monopolize them, because once you were out on the lake, there would be no way to bring people back in a reasonable time?  We told him we weren't going to do them today and kept going.

lol, those swan boats are awful ... it was good that you skipped them! Not only is the extra charge rather maddening, but they are super hard to navigate. We did them on our first visit in 2012, and vowed never again!!! Thought they'd need to send a tug boat out to pull Jake back in from the farthest reaches of the lagoon .

Another awesome update.....your photos are lovely and your little fellow is such a sweetie. I am looking forward to more .

Edited to add.....I can't wait until they take that blasted wrap off of the Skytower. Our August pictures from above were equally as fuzzy and disappointing. I love the 50th anniversary promotion, but hate that wrap!

 

[JaxDad]

Awesome photos and report so far! Thanks for sharing!

 

[chiamarie]

That's actually Bayside Stadium. Which, if you were there during the Christmas Celebration; it was used for the Winter Wonderland show (I can't fully recall what the name of the show is) but they have ice skaters; and then you get a perfect view of the fireworks show after the ice skating show ends.

SeaLion and Otter Stadium is back by Kraken


Loving your Christmas Summary thus far!

 

[cnjmom]

Gina--I felt bad because DS6 really wanted to do them...but it's good to hear we didn't miss much. Aw, thanks...he is a real sweetie...I remember seeing your photos so I wasn't surprised, but DH and MIL were disappointed with the lack of clear views.

JaxDad--Thank you!

Chiamarie--You are absolutely right. So much for my map reading skills. We didn't even really pass by Bayside Stadium (let alone see the ice skating, although I would have loved to do so), so it wasn't on my radar at all. We did see the Sea Lion and Otter Theater as we walked by.

________________________________________________________________________

<p>Finally, 2:30 rollled around and it was time for the Shamu show to begin.  I will mention that it seemed like people were still coming in right up until 2:30, but they had to take their luck with the seats, and if the only seats were in the Soak Zone, you'd have to take those.  Of course, some people (my kids) were happy with their seat selection.

I believe that there were seven orcas, and each one seemed to be bigger than the next!
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/16127818429_6b65c397db_z.jpg" width="600" />

I loved when they came close to us.
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/16126446718_c0ae392985_z.jpg" width="600" />

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8581/16313994345_fee18493dc_z.jpg" width="600" />

This is just magnificent.  This whale is something like 12,000 or 13,000 pounds.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/16126614390_337c75517a_z.jpg" width="300" />

And of course, the whales were purposely directed over to the edge of the tank, to ensure that the Soak Zone lived up to its name.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/16312201651_3b626314ae_z.jpg" width="600" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/16313993855_20508a9efe_z.jpg" width="300" />
You figure, when 6 or so tons flap their tales, a lot of splashing can result.  Certain areas of the Soak Zone were drenched, and it was amusing to see people running out of their when the whales really got going.  Of course, my kids in the second row were goners.

A two-fer:
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/16126612760_998121f9ed_z.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>This show was also about 20-25 minutes long.  One thing I missed was that the trainers did not tell us the names of the orcas, or give us any facts about them.  (Their weights, which we learned later at another attraction).  Those type of stats are things people remember/enjoy, because they are so extreme.  It was great to see the orcas, but a little more information/interaction with the audience would have been nice...but I'm not complaining.  I could have watched them a lot longer!

Once the show was over, DH booked back down to the aisle between our seats and the Soak Zone, and waited for the kids to climb back up, in all their dripping glory.  DD had been saying her ear ached for a good part of the day, and by now she was quite uncomfortable , so we decided to find First Aid and see if they had anything to help her.  On the way, we stopped at the concession stand just outside the stadium and all got sodas and a few bottled waters for later.

The First Aid station is over near Shamu's Happy Harbor, which was pretty close by.  DH and MIL took the boys to see what was available to play with, and I figured DS6 would be in his glory, since this was an entire area which he could probably run around and rule.  DD and I found the First Aid station and were given some Tylenol.  It was nice that this was available, since we didn't have anything on us.  I hoped it would kick in and make her feel better.

</p>

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

thank you so much for taking the time to post this review. I love it.
I even love the way you are reviewing the all day dinning also. I did purchase it for our upcoming trip. We will also only be there one day.

I cannot wait to read the rest!

 

[debsters41]

Thank you for this review! I am finding it very helpful

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

One thing I missed was that the trainers did not tell us the names of the orcas, or give us any facts about them.  (Their weights, which we learned later at another attraction).  Those type of stats are things people remember/enjoy, because they are so extreme.  It was great to see the orcas, but a little more information/interaction with the audience would have been nice...but I'm not complaining.  I could have watched them a lot longer!

If you return to the park again in the future, Dine with Shamu would be a great choice for you . It provides a much more personal "show" (though I use that word loosely) where the trainers share lots of little tidbits about each individual whale's personality, size, abilities, etc. Its very informal, not choreographed, and a completely different way to showcase the orcas versus the very polished One Ocean show. They are a nice compliment to each other and I think DWS is exactly the "piece" that was missing for you.

 

[canadiankim]

loving the report, I got so carried away, I went to click next page and realised it wasn't there - yet!

Can't wait for the next installment.

 

[cnjmom]

Can'twait--Thank you for your kind words. I will talk about the dining more in this post.

Debsters--Thank you.

Gina--That makes sense. It just seemed really odd that they didn't tell us anything about the whales. I'll have to remember that for next time.

Canadiankim--Here you go!

_________________________________________________________________

<p>DD and I caught up with the rest of our group.  The boys had decided that they wanted to play on the huge jungle gym, which included multiple levels of netting and many places to crawl and hide.  We told DD she should sit it out for a bit and let the Tylenol kick in, with the hopes that it would dull her earache for a few hours.  The boys took off with DH in tow, but he didn't last long and we all sat at a table underneath the net and watched.

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/16313682402_37f942c207_z.jpg" width="300" />
First, one of DS8 to show how wet he was from the Shamu show.  That t-shirt is light gray, not dark.

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8655/16288606856_efbde39059_z.jpg" width="600" />
The boys are near the red ball on the net.

Another, closer up photo:
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/16128370559_15fce6f89f_z.jpg" width="300" />
All smiles, although it's tough to see.

After about 15-20 minutes, DD was starting to feel a little bit better so we sent her off to play with her brothers for about 15 minutes.  When time was up, we ventured off to see what the lines were like at the Polar Express.  Unfortunately, even the walk through line was still about 30 minutes.  Since it was almost 4 PM, we didn't know how that timing would work out, since we still wanted to eat and see the 6:00 PM dolphin show, wihch was the last one of the day.

We decided to head back to the Terrace BBQ for an early dinner.  On the way back, we bumped into a park photographer with "Shamu", so we got a few photos.
</p><p><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8660/16126994808_f3ab99fc56_z.jpg" width="600" />

We arrived at the Terrace BBQ around 4 or 4:15.  Even at that time, the line was still about 10-15 minutes.  Here is the menu.  I finally remembered to take a photo, since it was tough to find any photos when I was doing research on my trip...however, I do think this is the one I did see on the boards here before we left, courtesy of Gina. (Still annoyed I didn't think to take a photo at Seaport Pizza earlier in the day.)
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/16312753651_032d252123_z.jpg" width="600" />
I will mention that the All Day Dining is $3/person cheaper if you buy it ahead of time, online (or at least it was for us, although I just read here the other day that there were increases in the rates, so I don't know if that is still true or not).  That doesn't sound like much, but it saved us $18, which covered the parking with $1 left over.  It's refundable up until the day you go to the park, so it might be worth looking into.

I will mention that the "regular spare ribs" meal was pretty small, so DH got a BBQ chicken meal to supplement on a second trip through the line.  Once again, the sides got all mixed up with the kids.  If you notice, it says the Shamu meal includes a main dish, two sides here and a drink.  My kids wound up with adult sides (corn on the cob) or desserts as well as dinner rolls...just not sure how that happened, but we all ate until we were full.  I had the BBQ chicken salad, which was good and we got a few more sugar cookies for the road.  I shared a piece of yummy chocolate cake with the kids, and MIL got a peach torte which looked good--sort of like apple crumb cake.

And again, eating at off times was great.  The Terrace BBQ has lots of seating, including outside, which is where we sat.  The lines weren't too terrible, so we were able to go through to get what we needed.

</p>

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Do you get your main item 1 side 1 drink and 1 desert every time in line?

Also, lets say the kids meal is not enough for my daughter, can she go up a second time right then and order another kids meal?

I did already buy my all day dinner and my trip is not until September. Yes I know I am that crazy pre planning mom

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Do you get your main item 1 side 1 drink and 1 desert every time in line?

Also, lets say the kids meal is not enough for my daughter, can she go up a second time right then and order another kids meal?

I did already buy my all day dinner and my trip is not until September. Yes I know I am that crazy pre planning mom

Just to clarify....under the all-day dining plan, you can get:

- one entree
- one drink, and
- one side

each time through the line.

Some of the entrees already include a side (such as brisket and fries, a chicken burger and tater tots, etc.), which means you can pick an additional side as well but it doesn't necessary have to be a dessert. In addition to your entree, you could get a side salad, a pickle, or another non-dessert item if you choose. Its a little different than Disney's plans....a "side" does not always mean something sweet (but can, if you want it to....have the chocolate cake, mmmmmmmmm!).

And yes....if one kids meal isn't sufficient to fill your daughter's tummy (or if the adult meal isn't enough for one of your older members) then you can absolutely go back through the line and get another full set of entitlements (entree, side, drink.....or any combination thereof).

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Just to clarify....under the all-day dining plan, you can get:

- one entree
- one drink, and
- one side

each time through the line.

Some of the entrees already include a side (such as brisket and fries, a chicken burger and tater tots, etc.), which means you can pick an additional side as well but it doesn't necessary have to be a dessert. In addition to your entree, you could get a side salad, a pickle, or another non-dessert item if you choose. Its a little different than Disney's plans....a "side" does not always mean something sweet (but can, if you want it to....have the chocolate cake, mmmmmmmmm!).

And yes....if one kids meal isn't sufficient to fill your daughter's tummy (or if the adult meal isn't enough for one of your older members) then you can absolutely go back through the line and get another full set of entitlements (entree, side, drink.....or any combination thereof).

Thank you very much!

 

[cnjmom]

Can't wait--I can relate to the planning. It is nice to be able to go back through the line and supplement if you need something else. That is also one of the advantages to eating at off times...the lines aren't as long.

Gina--I didn't realize that some meals had sides. It might explain why some of my crew had dinner rolls and a side. Thanks.

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Before leaving the Terrace BBQ, I made the kids pose for a photo in front of the poinsettia tree which graced the entryway of the restauranat.
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/15692656824_9d3f860f10_z.jpg" width="300" />

We left the restaurant and I started taking some scenery photos because I noticed it was exceptionally beautiful and Christmasy here and I hadn't really done so yet.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7553/16313286211_8331b4091a_z.jpg" width="600" />

I don't know if the red and white was intentional for Christmas, but it reminded me of candy canes.

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/16313286271_519dc0fe8a_z.jpg" width="600" />

And a requisite shot with the kids posing in the Sea Garden.
<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8605/16315071665_c3e760597c_c.jpg" width="600" />
I can tell here that DD isn't feeling great.

We then noticed that this garden had a ton of sculptures of sea creatures...all made out of material which had washed up on beaches.  It was very cool.

We had a seahorse:
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/15692656534_94d1bb2142_h.jpg" width="900" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7551/16128896319_247e2668c5_z.jpg" width="300" />

and a sea anemone reef, with a nice view of Terrace BBQ in the background
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/16129215727_65a786d03f_z.jpg" width="900" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/16314212302_c796c1f670_z.jpg" width="600" />

a parrot fish:

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7581/16313285031_4754bece00_b.jpg" width="900" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7498/15695192283_89300b9e97_z.jpg" width="600" />

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7521/16315071965_3686a36b6b_z.jpg" width="600" />

and an octopus:

<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15695192193_e3dceeb04d_b.jpg" width="900" />
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/16128895669_717bd6fa39_z.jpg" width="600" />

We then headed toward the dolphin show.  We passed the theater for O Wondrous Night, and I figured we'd make it back for the 8:30 show.  It was about 5:35 or so when we made it to the stadium for the dolphins, but we were too late.  There were signs that it was full and we'd have to miss it.  I was bummed, but we knew that might happen.  I thought back to how we rushed by the theater first thing that morning and I had noticed the sign for the 10 AM show then, but we had figured we'd be able to fit it in and we had wanted to see the penguins.  The 6 PM show was the last one of the day, and I guess we weren't the only ones who had put it off until then. So here is where that "arrive 45 minutes ahead of time advice" for shows probably held true. Live and learn.