Shells9
My Tag Fairy Tags are gone!
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2003
- Messages
- 1,493
I apologize in advance for the length of this. It appears I may be long winded!
Arrived at Sea World at about 8:30 am, to the regular line for parking. Parking lot opened up at about 8:40, and we paid our discounted fee for preferred parking (AP holders get a 50% discount from the regular $10 fee) and we were off!
Parked the car with no problem and made it through the security check with no line. Waited at the turnstyles for a short period of time, and the turn styles opened at about 8:45. Bought DH a hat at the first available stand since he forgot his at home. Paid $12.44 (I think) with the 10% AP discount, and made our way to the rope for the Sea World version of the rope drop, which is VERY non-ceremonial.
After the National Anthem played and the rope dropped, we made our way to Kraken, so DH could ride. I wanted to, but did not feel like doing a baby swap since DD is just a wee bit too short for this one, so she and I wormed our way up through the exit (more of an accident, but we were okay with it!) and waited to see DH ride. The first two trains had only the front row of four filled, then came DH on the first fully loaded train. DH is a coaster freak and loves the ones at Busch Gardens. He said Kraken is now among his top three, beat out only by BG's Kumba & Montu, running a close third to Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood.
From there we get a locker and go to Journey to Atlantis. This is first time we have ridden this despite a few previous visits to Sea World because DD is finally tall enough. (Note: DH does NOT put his new hat in the locker.) We get on with no wait, and I end up in the front, by myself, with DH and DD behind me. Also in the car with us are a nice bunch of older folks, one guy wearing a crazy umbrella hat! He was a riot. He also had a huge gold hoop earring like Mr. Clean. He had an awesome spirit and seemed like a super nice guy.
We enjoy the ride, and after the first drop, I get what appears to be a 55 gallon drum's worth of water poured directly into my LAP! We kind of thought the ride was over at that point, (or at least winding down) so DH puts the hat back on his head. The ride then takes to the rails and spins us down a very curvy turn, and DH loses the hat. Umbrella guy loses his, too.
They ask us if we want to ride again, but I am entirely soaked, so we decline. DD loved it.
From there, we go to Key West Stadium and see the dolphin show. We love the bit they do with the child who gets to meet the dolphins and the rest of the story that goes with (don't want to ruin it for anyone who has not seen it.) DD is 6 and has wanted to be a dolphin or whale trainer since she was 2, so she is of course just mesmerized, taking notes on who does what and how. This is the first time she goes down by the tank to get splashed. She is very impressed.
From there, we go to Dolphin Cove, so DD can touch a dolphin, something she was not too keen on doing last time. That is actually our whole reason for the trip, DD wants to pet the dolphins this time. The thing I hate about Dolphin Cove is the crowd. You have to practically squirm up the tank, and the line for food, although it appeared long, moved actually quite quickly. DH and DD stayed at the tank, while I bought two cups of food ($6 using AP discount, regular price $4 per cup).
We fed the dolphins, and it seemed like everyone else around us was touching the dolphins and DD did not really get the full benefit of us buying the food, but she was happy so I was happy. I did not get as good of pics as I would have liked because of the crowds of people. There are photographers around snapping pics. If you absolutely need one you can hope they snap you. They will give you a slip if they take your photo, and have you come back in 20 minutes for the pic. They got DH, but he didn't care about the pic, so we never went back to look at it.
After that we went to see Clyde & Seamore. If you do this, get to the stadium early as the preshow is my favorite part of Sea World, lol. There is a mime who mocks people as they walk into the stadium. He unloaded some lady's EVAC (except for her), got on it, and drove her to the other side of the stadium. One lady walked by wearing a very pajama-like duster dress, and he pointed her out after she had passed by, folded his hands to the side of his head and motioned like he was sleeping. After enjoying him, we noted a few changed had been made to the Clyde & Seamore show, but it was just as enjoyable as ever. Full of jokes and great performances by the animals. One of our favorites.
We dropped through the Penguin Encounter, and rode the conveyer past the penguins. Why do they always have a few sea gulls in there with the penguins? Does anyone know???? It baffles us every time (but then again, it doesn't take much, lol!)
Let's see, after that we ate at Smoky Creek Grill for the first time. I had wanted to eat Sharks Underwater Grille, but we were not sure how hungry we really were, and the BBQ smelled wonderful from where we were standing. I had a two meat combo with spare ribs & beef and a side order of beans. DH had the baby back rib combo with a side of corn, and DD ordered an ear of corn and a cup of strawberries. This is the first time I have not made her order a kid's meal, but I thought why bother, she never eats them anyway. I was going on the premise that she will eat until she is hungry, so if this is what she wants, this is what she'll get. All in all with 3 drinks and the AP discount, we paid $32 and change. It was good. The spare ribs were a little tough, but the baby backs were wonderful, and the beef was out of this world. The fries were average, the corn was super, and beans were good, too. We were also entertained by a chubby little squirrel who kept snatching up crumbs as people dropped them. We left just as a kid was feeding the birds. I guess that sign that says "birds may become aggressive when feeding" was not a deterrent.
After that we ventured over the Wild Arctic. On the way, we bought DH another hat ($8 something with the AP discount). This was our first time walking through the new waterfront area. It kind of reminded me of Busch Gardens (wonder why) in the detail department, with all of the little props scattered about. It was nice.
We had never done Wild Artic before, and chose the "air" version of travel, which is a simulator ride through the artic. The preshow prep by the CMs made DD a little nervous and she decided she did not want to go, but we told her it would be okay and once the simulator started, she was fine. It was a nice little ride! DH said it made him light headed. I felt like I needed to sit for a second after the ride ended, but we exited and saw the beluga whales and two very cite (albeit sleepy!) polar beers. One fell asleep with a bucket tucked under his arm, the other with his tongue out. DH kept telling me this was just what the buildings look like in Antarctica, but I have no idea how he knows because he has never once left the lower 48.
After that we crossed the boardwalk to the waterfront (which, when you are tired, is a long walk!). This was the first time I got to feeling hot that day. We were trying to catch the 1:50 Cat and Kaboodle Show. I was looking forward to some AC and a brief rest, knowing we were going to cross right back over that long boardwalk for the 2:30 show at Shamu Stadium. I was disappointed to find out the show is more of a street show, and is not air conditioned at all (unless you are a cat in the show, then your kennel is air-conditioned). DD liked the show, since it involved cats, but unless you happen to be walking by when it starts, or you are a major cat person, I would not make it a point to see it again. A jolly harbor master provides a little pre-show entertainment, asking folks if they have cats, how many, what are their names, and cracking jokes. Then, a cute young girl ¡V Miss Katie ¡V drives up on a rather odd looking bicycle filled with cat kennels. She then shows off a few unique breeds of cats. One cat jumps through hoops, the other runs between slalom poles and that, my friends, is pretty much the show.
Like I said we would, we then cross the Boardwalk back to Shamu Stadium, I see they have Dine with Shamu at 3:45 today. Wish I had known that, maybe I would have planned for that, but we have done that before and I am sure DH is getting weary, so I mention nothing. We sit in the Soak Zone for the first time and don't get soaked, but love The Shamu Adventure as always. They no longer have the eagle fly out at the beginning of the show, or maybe they just don't happen to do it for the session we are at. The show also appears to be a little different ¡V with less trained behaviors (they are not tricks, lol!), then we have seen in the past, but like I said, we enjoy it.
I had planned for DD to play at Shamu's Happy Harbor. This would be the first time we had actually thought ahead and had her bathing suit and all. I was getting hot, though, and DH said he still felt a little "messed up" from the Wild Arctic (wimp, wimp!), so we just kinda walk past the Happy Harbor and go to the games area.
We are big game players. We not GOOD game players, though. We have often joked that the best savings account for us would be a crane machine in our own living room. We always play the ring toss game. You know the one with bottles and you buy a bucket of those red plastic rings. We cannot walk by this game no matter where we are. We even have a refillable bucket that we take to Busch Gardens (you get a $5 for $2 that way). Anyway, this is first time I have seen $10 buckets. I start to get a $10 bucket and DH says, "No, we never win ¡V just get a $5" So, a $5 it is. I WON! I could not believe it. I don't think DH could believe it, either. There was a couple there, each with a $10 bucket, and I don't think they could believe it either, lol. DD picks a HUGE horse as our prize. We ask if they can hold it for us. Nope. We ask if there is any way they can take it to the front of the park. Nope. This is not good. DH is already tired, now he has to carry a HUGE horse all over. He does it, though. This cuts our visit a bit short. We had planned to visit the Clydesdales, but we get to the walkway, and DH decides to rest on a bench. I try to carry the horse, and the plush is just way too hot (I am a wimp, now!) against my skin. DD cannot even pick the thing up, let alone carry it. So, DH throws the thing over his shoulders and off we go.
People joke with us about having to buy and extra seat on the place ¡V thankfully we are within driving distance, and recently bought a car with a large trunk! One lady says, "Oh, look what her daddy won for her!" and I tell her, "No, look what MOMMY won for her!"
We decide to do the Shark Encounter, and DH carries the horse without complaint through the exhibit and on to conveyer that takes you through the tunnel. The CM as we are leaving says, "We will have to charge you extra for him" referring to the horse. I buy him a bottle of water when we are done.
Rain clouds start to roll in, and since we are on our way out anyway, we decide to call it a day. We were not able to see Pets Ahoy, which we have missed every time we have been there, and we don¡¦t ride the Sky Tower, which was closed the last two times we were there, but we will do that next time.
We made it to the car just as it started to sprinkle. We got into pretty heavy traffic on I-4 twice due to accidents. One was very bad, right into front of Dixie Stampede, and the other was minor a few more exits up. We stopped for gas and paid $2.09 a gallon (YIKES!) for super.
It was a great trip. Can't wait to go back.
Oh, and we stayed the night before at the Wyndam Resort on I-Drive & Sand Lake Road, right next to Ripley's Believe it or Not. It was a nice hotel, expect for the kid next door who was screaming and crying at the top of his lungs, "I want ice cream!" at 11:30 at night, which caused me to beat on the adjoining door (real nice, huh? I felt like a read adult the next morning!) and call the front desk to complain. They seemed surprised I could it hear that well. I tell her that I can not only hear that, but I can clearly hear the negotiations and the kid wants ice cream, not raisins or cereal. Finally at about 12:15 they must¡¦ve given him ice cream or he gave up, because he stopped. Anyway, we stayed the Wyndam because I got it for $40 on price line.
One more thing, we were surprised to see fireworks are a nightly thing at Sea World now, as part of the new Waterfront area. The Waterfront area is very nice, although we did not spend much time there, it appeared to be really neat.
Thanks for the long read.
Arrived at Sea World at about 8:30 am, to the regular line for parking. Parking lot opened up at about 8:40, and we paid our discounted fee for preferred parking (AP holders get a 50% discount from the regular $10 fee) and we were off!
Parked the car with no problem and made it through the security check with no line. Waited at the turnstyles for a short period of time, and the turn styles opened at about 8:45. Bought DH a hat at the first available stand since he forgot his at home. Paid $12.44 (I think) with the 10% AP discount, and made our way to the rope for the Sea World version of the rope drop, which is VERY non-ceremonial.
After the National Anthem played and the rope dropped, we made our way to Kraken, so DH could ride. I wanted to, but did not feel like doing a baby swap since DD is just a wee bit too short for this one, so she and I wormed our way up through the exit (more of an accident, but we were okay with it!) and waited to see DH ride. The first two trains had only the front row of four filled, then came DH on the first fully loaded train. DH is a coaster freak and loves the ones at Busch Gardens. He said Kraken is now among his top three, beat out only by BG's Kumba & Montu, running a close third to Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood.
From there we get a locker and go to Journey to Atlantis. This is first time we have ridden this despite a few previous visits to Sea World because DD is finally tall enough. (Note: DH does NOT put his new hat in the locker.) We get on with no wait, and I end up in the front, by myself, with DH and DD behind me. Also in the car with us are a nice bunch of older folks, one guy wearing a crazy umbrella hat! He was a riot. He also had a huge gold hoop earring like Mr. Clean. He had an awesome spirit and seemed like a super nice guy.
We enjoy the ride, and after the first drop, I get what appears to be a 55 gallon drum's worth of water poured directly into my LAP! We kind of thought the ride was over at that point, (or at least winding down) so DH puts the hat back on his head. The ride then takes to the rails and spins us down a very curvy turn, and DH loses the hat. Umbrella guy loses his, too.
They ask us if we want to ride again, but I am entirely soaked, so we decline. DD loved it.
From there, we go to Key West Stadium and see the dolphin show. We love the bit they do with the child who gets to meet the dolphins and the rest of the story that goes with (don't want to ruin it for anyone who has not seen it.) DD is 6 and has wanted to be a dolphin or whale trainer since she was 2, so she is of course just mesmerized, taking notes on who does what and how. This is the first time she goes down by the tank to get splashed. She is very impressed.
From there, we go to Dolphin Cove, so DD can touch a dolphin, something she was not too keen on doing last time. That is actually our whole reason for the trip, DD wants to pet the dolphins this time. The thing I hate about Dolphin Cove is the crowd. You have to practically squirm up the tank, and the line for food, although it appeared long, moved actually quite quickly. DH and DD stayed at the tank, while I bought two cups of food ($6 using AP discount, regular price $4 per cup).
We fed the dolphins, and it seemed like everyone else around us was touching the dolphins and DD did not really get the full benefit of us buying the food, but she was happy so I was happy. I did not get as good of pics as I would have liked because of the crowds of people. There are photographers around snapping pics. If you absolutely need one you can hope they snap you. They will give you a slip if they take your photo, and have you come back in 20 minutes for the pic. They got DH, but he didn't care about the pic, so we never went back to look at it.
After that we went to see Clyde & Seamore. If you do this, get to the stadium early as the preshow is my favorite part of Sea World, lol. There is a mime who mocks people as they walk into the stadium. He unloaded some lady's EVAC (except for her), got on it, and drove her to the other side of the stadium. One lady walked by wearing a very pajama-like duster dress, and he pointed her out after she had passed by, folded his hands to the side of his head and motioned like he was sleeping. After enjoying him, we noted a few changed had been made to the Clyde & Seamore show, but it was just as enjoyable as ever. Full of jokes and great performances by the animals. One of our favorites.
We dropped through the Penguin Encounter, and rode the conveyer past the penguins. Why do they always have a few sea gulls in there with the penguins? Does anyone know???? It baffles us every time (but then again, it doesn't take much, lol!)
Let's see, after that we ate at Smoky Creek Grill for the first time. I had wanted to eat Sharks Underwater Grille, but we were not sure how hungry we really were, and the BBQ smelled wonderful from where we were standing. I had a two meat combo with spare ribs & beef and a side order of beans. DH had the baby back rib combo with a side of corn, and DD ordered an ear of corn and a cup of strawberries. This is the first time I have not made her order a kid's meal, but I thought why bother, she never eats them anyway. I was going on the premise that she will eat until she is hungry, so if this is what she wants, this is what she'll get. All in all with 3 drinks and the AP discount, we paid $32 and change. It was good. The spare ribs were a little tough, but the baby backs were wonderful, and the beef was out of this world. The fries were average, the corn was super, and beans were good, too. We were also entertained by a chubby little squirrel who kept snatching up crumbs as people dropped them. We left just as a kid was feeding the birds. I guess that sign that says "birds may become aggressive when feeding" was not a deterrent.
After that we ventured over the Wild Arctic. On the way, we bought DH another hat ($8 something with the AP discount). This was our first time walking through the new waterfront area. It kind of reminded me of Busch Gardens (wonder why) in the detail department, with all of the little props scattered about. It was nice.
We had never done Wild Artic before, and chose the "air" version of travel, which is a simulator ride through the artic. The preshow prep by the CMs made DD a little nervous and she decided she did not want to go, but we told her it would be okay and once the simulator started, she was fine. It was a nice little ride! DH said it made him light headed. I felt like I needed to sit for a second after the ride ended, but we exited and saw the beluga whales and two very cite (albeit sleepy!) polar beers. One fell asleep with a bucket tucked under his arm, the other with his tongue out. DH kept telling me this was just what the buildings look like in Antarctica, but I have no idea how he knows because he has never once left the lower 48.
After that we crossed the boardwalk to the waterfront (which, when you are tired, is a long walk!). This was the first time I got to feeling hot that day. We were trying to catch the 1:50 Cat and Kaboodle Show. I was looking forward to some AC and a brief rest, knowing we were going to cross right back over that long boardwalk for the 2:30 show at Shamu Stadium. I was disappointed to find out the show is more of a street show, and is not air conditioned at all (unless you are a cat in the show, then your kennel is air-conditioned). DD liked the show, since it involved cats, but unless you happen to be walking by when it starts, or you are a major cat person, I would not make it a point to see it again. A jolly harbor master provides a little pre-show entertainment, asking folks if they have cats, how many, what are their names, and cracking jokes. Then, a cute young girl ¡V Miss Katie ¡V drives up on a rather odd looking bicycle filled with cat kennels. She then shows off a few unique breeds of cats. One cat jumps through hoops, the other runs between slalom poles and that, my friends, is pretty much the show.
Like I said we would, we then cross the Boardwalk back to Shamu Stadium, I see they have Dine with Shamu at 3:45 today. Wish I had known that, maybe I would have planned for that, but we have done that before and I am sure DH is getting weary, so I mention nothing. We sit in the Soak Zone for the first time and don't get soaked, but love The Shamu Adventure as always. They no longer have the eagle fly out at the beginning of the show, or maybe they just don't happen to do it for the session we are at. The show also appears to be a little different ¡V with less trained behaviors (they are not tricks, lol!), then we have seen in the past, but like I said, we enjoy it.
I had planned for DD to play at Shamu's Happy Harbor. This would be the first time we had actually thought ahead and had her bathing suit and all. I was getting hot, though, and DH said he still felt a little "messed up" from the Wild Arctic (wimp, wimp!), so we just kinda walk past the Happy Harbor and go to the games area.
We are big game players. We not GOOD game players, though. We have often joked that the best savings account for us would be a crane machine in our own living room. We always play the ring toss game. You know the one with bottles and you buy a bucket of those red plastic rings. We cannot walk by this game no matter where we are. We even have a refillable bucket that we take to Busch Gardens (you get a $5 for $2 that way). Anyway, this is first time I have seen $10 buckets. I start to get a $10 bucket and DH says, "No, we never win ¡V just get a $5" So, a $5 it is. I WON! I could not believe it. I don't think DH could believe it, either. There was a couple there, each with a $10 bucket, and I don't think they could believe it either, lol. DD picks a HUGE horse as our prize. We ask if they can hold it for us. Nope. We ask if there is any way they can take it to the front of the park. Nope. This is not good. DH is already tired, now he has to carry a HUGE horse all over. He does it, though. This cuts our visit a bit short. We had planned to visit the Clydesdales, but we get to the walkway, and DH decides to rest on a bench. I try to carry the horse, and the plush is just way too hot (I am a wimp, now!) against my skin. DD cannot even pick the thing up, let alone carry it. So, DH throws the thing over his shoulders and off we go.
People joke with us about having to buy and extra seat on the place ¡V thankfully we are within driving distance, and recently bought a car with a large trunk! One lady says, "Oh, look what her daddy won for her!" and I tell her, "No, look what MOMMY won for her!"
We decide to do the Shark Encounter, and DH carries the horse without complaint through the exhibit and on to conveyer that takes you through the tunnel. The CM as we are leaving says, "We will have to charge you extra for him" referring to the horse. I buy him a bottle of water when we are done.
Rain clouds start to roll in, and since we are on our way out anyway, we decide to call it a day. We were not able to see Pets Ahoy, which we have missed every time we have been there, and we don¡¦t ride the Sky Tower, which was closed the last two times we were there, but we will do that next time.
We made it to the car just as it started to sprinkle. We got into pretty heavy traffic on I-4 twice due to accidents. One was very bad, right into front of Dixie Stampede, and the other was minor a few more exits up. We stopped for gas and paid $2.09 a gallon (YIKES!) for super.
It was a great trip. Can't wait to go back.
Oh, and we stayed the night before at the Wyndam Resort on I-Drive & Sand Lake Road, right next to Ripley's Believe it or Not. It was a nice hotel, expect for the kid next door who was screaming and crying at the top of his lungs, "I want ice cream!" at 11:30 at night, which caused me to beat on the adjoining door (real nice, huh? I felt like a read adult the next morning!) and call the front desk to complain. They seemed surprised I could it hear that well. I tell her that I can not only hear that, but I can clearly hear the negotiations and the kid wants ice cream, not raisins or cereal. Finally at about 12:15 they must¡¦ve given him ice cream or he gave up, because he stopped. Anyway, we stayed the Wyndam because I got it for $40 on price line.
One more thing, we were surprised to see fireworks are a nightly thing at Sea World now, as part of the new Waterfront area. The Waterfront area is very nice, although we did not spend much time there, it appeared to be really neat.
Thanks for the long read.
