Do they have a refillable mug program like at IOA?
Yes they do.Dont think its a mug, its a fairly large plastic bottle.
Do they not mind a couple of waterbottles sealed brought in the park?
Not a problem. I usually have a few water bottles that I freeze with water in them and take them in with me. Never had any one say anything about it. The other thing I ll do is to buy a water bottle or bottle of gatorade there, and when its empty, refill it from the water fountains.
Is there a website that gives me overview and statagy and tip information summarized like it seems easy to find for Disney and US/IOA?
Havent seen one, but that doesnt mean it doesnt exist.
Would like to reserve a dinner at Sharks grill but you can't do it ahead of time like Disney dining, right?
According to their site, Sharks is walk up reservations on the day of your visit. No advanced reservations.The dining requests start at 10 am in front of the restuaraunt.Get there early to be able to get in somewhere near a normal time.
Any good counterservice recommendations? Must have entrees, appetizers or desserts/ice cream treats?
Voyagers or Seafire are the only 2 places that come to mind that fit those requests.
I assume you have to lock up fanny packs for Kracken and Manta, what about Journey to Atlantis?
I believe so.
How are the coasters for 9 year old that just makes the height requirement? I worry about the intensity, speed and G-force, of some of the newer coasters on young bodies. Any opinions on how it compares to Thunder railroad mountain?
Not sure as I havent been on Manta yet, and its been a while for Kracken and Journey.
Is there a waterplay area for a 9 year old such that you should bring swimsuit or is there just a really little kid area (remembering last time there with 3 year old in area that son would be too old for now I think).
Yes there is a water play area, in Shamus Happy Harbor that also has child sized rides etc.[/QUOTE
Just adding to PP who gave great advice.....
In comparison to Thunder Mountain which is a simple coaster, the SW ones are very intense, faster with loops and twists.
For your 9 year old I wouldn't bring a change of clothes. I am one for taking the least amount of anything into the parks for convenience. If he gets wet he will dry. Most kids in Florida his age just wear baggies( their swim trunks almost everywhere actually) with a shirt to the parks so when they ride wet rides they dry faster.
As for counter service.... there are 5 that are included in the all day all you can eat meal plan. You get an entre, a side or dessert, and drink whenever and however many times you wish to go back in. Look at the menus at their site to see what sounds good. They range from eating BBQ indoors at Voyagers and eating deli sandwiches, stir fry, and fajitas on patios at Seafire Inn, Spice Mill, and Mango Joes. My family jokes that "I eat my way through Sea World" so I think the CS places are better than most at Disney. You don't have to eat burgers and hot dogs at SW. You can get salads and they have great brownies, cheese cake, and their chocolate cake is to die for( usually) LOL Personally, I think they have the best strawberry waffle cones in Orlando, too. The bakery has really great desserts, too. Usually stop there on the way in or out. The one thing I avoid now that they moved it out of Voyagers is the PIZZA ! It used to be really good at Voyagers but not any more.
As for planning and advice this site is probably the best. Just pick up a schedule of shows or get it off computer the day you are going, and figure out the best way to see the shows. Then do all the other stuff between or in the evening before the nite shows if you are there during the summer.
On busy days get to the stadiums early-about half hour before shows start.
It is not a commando type park where you have to rush and rush, just enjoy the slower pace and have fun with your family.
One place people miss that kids love is in the gift shop by Atlantis. There is an aquarium in the room behind it in the floor that you can walk on and one in the ceiling. Nice and cool in there to get out of the heat for awhile or wait for people riding Atlantis or Kraken if you aren't riding.
