Sun, Shopping, Sand, Surf, Sweat & Shamu: A Splashin Summertime Sabbatical at SVR!

[Princess Leia]

Jake and Steve adore soft pretzels . Its their favourite snack at Discovery Cove.

Hi Gina

Soft pretzels at Discovery Cove have a particular memory for me. Last Summer at DC my son and daughter were at the animal interaction station with this little marmoset on DD's shoulder. My son was nearby holding a half-eaten pretzel. Suddenly the marmoset launched itself at my son in hot pursuit of the pretzel. The handler really struggled to get the marmoset off him. Straight after the incident my son announced he no longer wanted to be a vet. So I guess you won't be the only one at Discovery Cove who likes soft pretzels!

 

[dancin Disney style]

That cash surprise is fantastic. It really is nice to feel that someone is thinking about you and appreciates what you do. I got some luv at work today also in the form of a plant Cash would have made me feel pretty darn good. Actually, I know how much this family appreciates what I do for them. So the fact that someone thought of me and went out and bought me a gift honestly makes me feel like it's all worth it.

 

[pigletto]

What a nice gift Gina! It's so nice to know you are valued.

So many of you have trips so soon!!! I promise to hold down the fort in here while you're all gone if you promise to bring me back pictures.
Four long months to go here. Dh has been working in another city and living up there during the week since March. It's really starting to wear on us all only having him here two nights a week. He did interview for a position in his field here just a few days ago. We haven't heard anything yet. Trying not to get our hopes up, but it's hard. So this vacation is a bright spot to look forward to.. and I will live vicariously through you all until December!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi Gina

Soft pretzels at Discovery Cove have a particular memory for me. Last Summer at DC my son and daughter were at the animal interaction station with this little marmoset on DD's shoulder. My son was nearby holding a half-eaten pretzel. Suddenly the marmoset launched itself at my son in hot pursuit of the pretzel. The handler really struggled to get the marmoset off him. Straight after the incident my son announced he no longer wanted to be a vet. So I guess you won't be the only one at Discovery Cove who likes soft pretzels!

That is so awesome!! (other than it sounds like it scared the crap out of your poor DS ....but how many people can say they've had that kind of experience with a marmoset?).

I must make a point of paying better attention to the animal interactions that DC hosts. I know they had a sloth out on one of our visits:



But I didn't even take note of the animals the handlers were featuring on the second visit.

If I see a handler out with a marmoset, I am totally grabbing a pretzel from the nearest snack stand and making my way over. As long as it promises not to pull my hair .

That cash surprise is fantastic. It really is nice to feel that someone is thinking about you and appreciates what you do. I got some luv at work today also in the form of a plant Cash would have made me feel pretty darn good. Actually, I know how much this family appreciates what I do for them. So the fact that someone thought of me and went out and bought me a gift honestly makes me feel like it's all worth it.

It must be the day for being appreciated!!

It really is the thought that counts.....not the plant, or the cash, or whatever the "thing" may be . I would have been just as touched by the card and the note, even if there was nothing inside. $100 really isn't a huge sum, but it was sweet nonetheless. So was your plant (and ya know, those little gestures are often the most meaningful, don't you think?).

What a nice gift Gina! It's so nice to know you are valued.

So many of you have trips so soon!!! I promise to hold down the fort in here while you're all gone if you promise to bring me back pictures.
Four long months to go here. Dh has been working in another city and living up there during the week since March. It's really starting to wear on us all only having him here two nights a week. He did interview for a position in his field here just a few days ago. We haven't heard anything yet. Trying not to get our hopes up, but it's hard. So this vacation is a bright spot to look forward to.. and I will live vicariously through you all until December!!!

Aw, my friend, your time will go soooo fast. I find that once the kids are back to school, all of a sudden its Thanksgiving and Halloween. Once those are over, then POOF!, its Christmas. The autumn months always fly by so quickly! Your trip will roar up on you, I promise. And we will all be jealous of you as the weather starts turning cold knowing you have a festive holiday reprieve in the Sunshine State while we're all stuck here in the frosty north.

Waaahhh! Now I want a Christmas trip, too.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Happy Friday everyone! We all made it through another work week (or almost, anyway).

My task today is to create a meal plan for next week, so that when we grocery shop this week we are only buying what we actually need. This is tougher for us than it may appear on the surface. We are generally the type of people who consistently have a freezer full of meat, a pantry full of boxed and canned goods, and a fridge stuffed with fresh items......so we whip up meals on a whim depending on who is home and doing the cooking and what we happen to have on hand at that particular time. Actually planning things out? A week in advance? Not our norm....but essential to ensure we don't end up tossing a whole pile of perfectly good food by the end of next week.

We have a busy weekend on tap (but that's nothing new). Tomorrow, we'll take my mom out on the town to do her last major banking and shopping run before we leave (though I may make a trip out to see her on Thursday night for one last quick shop for supplies if she happens to need a few last minute things). Steve is going to the stock car races on Saturday night with my brother. Sunday will be housecleaning, laundry catch-up, and yard work (so much for a day of rest ). Jake and Sweetie will be here and there.....probably mostly here!.....as both have them have worked all week, and will want to spend some quality time together over the weekend.

Monday, the suitcases come out and the packing officially begins!

I have really noticed how much shorter the days are becoming. Autumn's a comin'. Christmas is only 138 days away. Oy vey .

 

[Princess Leia]

That is so awesome!! (other than it sounds like it scared the crap out of your poor DS ....but how many people can say they've had that kind of experience with a marmoset?).

If I see a handler out with a marmoset, I am totally grabbing a pretzel from the nearest snack stand and making my way over. As long as it promises not to pull my hair

Interestingly enough although it has put him off working with animals it hasn't put him off salted soft pretzels. We will need to find other places to get them next trip. I can totally see you being attacked by a marmoset while shouting "Where are the warnings this is a foreseeable risk!" At least the sloth might be slower.

 

[Lynne G]

We've only seen the sloth both times we were at DC. We spent alot of time watching the moneys on the island. Our cabana was right near there, and right near an entrance to the lazy river. Great location for us.

Planning for meals would not be fun for me either. I stock the house over the week-end, and meals are on the fly. Whatever everyone wants when all are home is what is served. At least with a rental car, you can supplement whatever is forgotten.


Birthday parties are coming up. I was going to celebrate mine and DD's birthdays before we leave, but my dear sister thought we'd do it on Labor Day. Ummm, no, we'll be partying with Mickey that day. Apparently, I need to better coordinate with my family.

Have a great Friday!

 

[dennise]

I am excited for everyone that is vacationing soon, I love all the planning. Ours isn't until April and that is a long way off. Lots going on in the meantime, I have a biiig birthday that I really am not looking forward to. Five more work days until retirement. Nine more days until surgery with hopefully a good outcome. I may end up working a couple of days a week, which I think I would really enjoy.

 

[ZehnJahren]

Happy Friday everyone! We all made it through another work week (or almost, anyway).

My task today is to create a meal plan for next week, so that when we grocery shop this week we are only buying what we actually need.

We have a busy weekend on tap (but that's nothing new).

Monday, the suitcases come out and the packing officially begins!

I have really noticed how much shorter the days are becoming. Autumn's a comin'. Christmas is only 138 days away. Oy vey .

Yay! Friday! I have a very busy day today and a busy weekend too. But I knew August would be like this.

First, I didn't comment on your bosses gift; how nice of them to think of you in a personal sense - you don't get that very often anymore.

Good luck with the meal plan! I'm doing something similar - I will be moving at the end of the month, so I think a lot about shelf-stable food I'm buying and ask if I will REALLY eat it in the next three weeks.

Why on EARTH would you mention Christmas!!?? I can't believe we're over halfway through the year! And you leaving for vacation so soon! I'm glad my trip still feels a bit far away; I like the planning and anticipation, but I'm also getting a little tired of everything. I need a planning break, but I have so many things that I'm trying to tweak!

Here's to an easy last week before your great vacation!!

 

[tristyp]

Wow!!! 8 days that is so exciting.

I also got a little exciting news last night. I bought an annual pass at Aquatica and then used the discount to buy our discovery cove tickets this morning. We are going October 6th and we are so excited. I saved a bit of money by buying the annual pass first as we are not going to be using the Seaworld days anyway. The dolphin swim was 289 that day and I paid 169. my little guy was only 99 instead of 179 and the annual pass was 105 after tax and everything. I will use the Aquatica pass o buy 50% off tickets for the rest of the family for our Aquatica day and now get free parking and 10% off food there.

 

[bankr63]

We spent alot of time watching the moneys on the island.

Funny, I just had a mental image of the rich upper crust wandering around an exclusive island with their silver spoons firmly inserted in their mouths. Then the nickel dropped. "k", 'nuff said...

Why on EARTH would you mention Christmas!!??

Because if you don't get over to Costco soon, all the Christmas stuff will be sold out. It's been out for weeks already. I think they've already sold out of snowsuits at my store. In August. Seriously!?!?

You know the one time that Costco's crazy seasonal goods timing actually works for me is March Break. They bring in the sunscreen for summer in late February, just in time to stock up before we head south.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I can totally see you being attacked by a marmoset while shouting "Where are the warnings this is a foreseeable risk!"

Our cabana was right near there, and right near an entrance to the lazy river. Great location for us.

That's where we have requested to be this time. Near the Grand Reef was nice, but we only do so much snorkelling.....we spend gobs of time in the lazy river and Freshwater Oasis.

Nice that your fam wants to celebrate your birthday with you, even if they forgot that you will be away. Have a grand ol' bash when you get home, then you can tell them all about your trip too .

I am excited for everyone that is vacationing soon, I love all the planning. Ours isn't until April and that is a long way off. Lots going on in the meantime, I have a biiig birthday that I really am not looking forward to. Five more work days until retirement. Nine more days until surgery with hopefully a good outcome. I may end up working a couple of days a week, which I think I would really enjoy.

Wow, congrats on the upcoming milestone......what an exciting time! (but a big change, no doubt). Sending you good vibes and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery from your surgery . We will keep you company here while you have your feet up and get feeling better .

Why on EARTH would you mention Christmas!!?? I can't believe we're over halfway through the year! And you leaving for vacation so soon! I'm glad my trip still feels a bit far away; I like the planning and anticipation, but I'm also getting a little tired of everything. I need a planning break, but I have so many things that I'm trying to tweak!

I'm a Christmas girl . I love the holidays, all the "peace on earth and goodwill toward men" things that happen when there's a festive mood in the air. So I do look forward to Christmas.......though I wish I was celebrating with sand and palm trees versus snow and pines. Not a very good Canadian girl, am I?

I bet you will find that your trip sneaks up you sooner than you think, especially with a move in the works. I am glad you have a vacation to look forward to.....packing and moving can be so stressful!

Wow!!! 8 days that is so exciting.

I also got a little exciting news last night. I bought an annual pass at Aquatica and then used the discount to buy our discovery cove tickets this morning. We are going October 6th and we are so excited. I saved a bit of money by buying the annual pass first as we are not going to be using the Seaworld days anyway. The dolphin swim was 289 that day and I paid 169. my little guy was only 99 instead of 179 and the annual pass was 105 after tax and everything. I will use the Aquatica pass o buy 50% off tickets for the rest of the family for our Aquatica day and now get free parking and 10% off food there.

That's an awesome deal . We did the same thing in 2012, when they didn't black out the summer months from the passholder promo (believe it or not, day resort admission to DC was just $69 pp then.....you could not beat it for value!!). I am hoping to snag a similar offer to yours for next year, when we travel in May. DC is the one park I could visit on every trip, and never tire of.

Because if you don't get over to Costco soon, all the Christmas stuff will be sold out. It's been out for weeks already. I think they've already sold out of snowsuits at my store. In August. Seriously!?!?

You know the one time that Costco's crazy seasonal goods timing actually works for me is March Break. They bring in the sunscreen for summer in late February, just in time to stock up before we head south.

Isn't that the truth? This past year, I went to Walmart in February for a new pair of gloves (I had finally wore a hole in my tried and true favourite pair). Their response? "Gloves? Oh, those are seasonal items. We don't sell those in February".

Good grief.

 

[tristyp]

That's an awesome deal . We did the same thing in 2012, when they didn't black out the summer months from the passholder promo (believe it or not, day resort admission to DC was just $69 pp then.....you could not beat it for value!!). I am hoping to snag a similar offer to yours for next year, when we travel in May. DC is the one park I could visit on every trip, and never tire of.


My wife is so excited. My ds9 is really exhausted. It was grandma that made it possible for them to go as we were visiting her last night and she gave me 300.00 on the side and said plan something nice for the kids on vacation. She is 85 and took me the two times I have been to Disney. My sister and I are her only grandchildren and my 3 kids are her only great grandchildren. So when I coupled that 300 with cancelling pirate and pals it covered 550 and made it possible. Plus when I showed the kids the videos of the place they are so excited. I have dreamed of taking them to Disney and Orlando since I had them. I am like a little kid at Xmas.

On a separate note I am probably going to bug you with a bunch of questions now!! So here is the first one. Is there any pictures included in the price and if so what. If not what are the rough costs of doing a pic or something. Also in your opinion what is the best time to do the dolphin swim. We are going to be there right at 7:15 and we are going to have to do it in two groups as ds4 will have to sit out. Good thing there is free snacks because he will be a sad little boy.

I was also wondering what the beach area was like?

Thanks Gina

 

[The Fab Four]

Lynne G, we must be from the same area, because my area is also known for Tastykakes, soft pretzels and oh yea Cheese steaks. Anyone in the Orlando area can now try some tastykakes since WAWA in Orlando sells them. You have to try the Butterscotch Krimpet.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

My wife is so excited. My ds9 is really exhausted. It was grandma that made it possible for them to go as we were visiting her last night and she gave me 300.00 on the side and said plan something nice for the kids on vacation. She is 85 and took me the two times I have been to Disney. My sister and I are her only grandchildren and my 3 kids are her only great grandchildren. So when I coupled that 300 with cancelling pirate and pals it covered 550 and made it possible. Plus when I showed the kids the videos of the place they are so excited. I have dreamed of taking them to Disney and Orlando since I had them. I am like a little kid at Xmas.

On a separate note I am probably going to bug you with a bunch of questions now!! So here is the first one. Is there any pictures included in the price and if so what. If not what are the rough costs of doing a pic or something. Also in your opinion what is the best time to do the dolphin swim. We are going to be there right at 7:15 and we are going to have to do it in two groups as ds4 will have to sit out. Good thing there is free snacks because he will be a sad little boy.

I was also wondering what the beach area was like?

Thanks Gina

Aw, that was soooo sweet of Grandma!! No wonder you guys are so pumped!

The only picture that is included with your admission is a 6 x 8 family photo (one per family group, not one per person) that is taken just as you enter the park. All the photos taken during the dolphin swim and in the other areas of the park by the DC photographers are an extra cost. There are a whole bunch of different photo options, from one single picture to a package that includes a CD of all the photos taken that day, the DVD of your dolphin swim, a selection of prints of your choice, etc. This TripAdvisor post shows the prices as of September 2013:

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic...package_prices_Sept_2013-Orlando_Florida.html

Just a word of caution....I know at least some of the prices have increased since then (the Ultimate photo package, for example, is now $229 according to the mention on the DC website here, in the section about the Elite Package: http://www.discoverycove.com/Plan/PackageDetail.aspx?id=681 ). It will give you a general idea of the package components and their price points, though.

If you are doing the dolphin swim and the budget can swing it, try and budget for the smallest package that includes the photo CD. Its $159 (or thereabouts), where the CD alone is $150, so its well worth the extra $9 to get the prints and keychains included (plus, it would be so nice to bring Grandma home a nice family photo in appreciation for her kindness). Even though your littlest one can’t do the dolphin swim, they often allow them in the water for a family pic with a dolphin (definitely ask the trainer who is overseeing the rest of your family’s dolphin interaction).

We like having an early dolphin swim to get it done before the afternoon thunderstorms hit. The earlier you arrive, the earlier your swim time will be....so your plan to get there at 7:15 will virtually guarantee you an early morning timeslot. You don’t get to choose your time, they assign it to you when you check in.

The beach area is lovely. Lots of loungers for relaxing. Soft sand for building sandcastles. Tons of fun.





Any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Lynne G, we must be from the same area, because my area is also known for Tastykakes, soft pretzels and oh yea Cheese steaks. Anyone in the Orlando area can now try some tastykakes since WAWA in Orlando sells them. You have to try the Butterscotch Krimpet.

Wawa, the convenience store chain?

I may have to search for one on our travels .

 

[The Fab Four]

Wawa, the convenience store chain?

I may have to search for one on our travels .

Yes, that is the one in the same, they recently opened several in Florida, there is one close to SVR on 535 and Poincana Blvd, right next to the Walmart. Wawa's are great, we have one every few miles in New Jersey. They stock tastykakes if you've never tried them you must.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Vacation is getting close!!!!!!!!!! Wooohooo!!!!!!!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yes, that is the one in the same, they recently opened several in Florida, there is one close to SVR on 535 and Poincana Blvd, right next to the Walmart. Wawa's are great, we have one every few miles in New Jersey. They stock tastykakes if you've never tried them you must.

You and Lynne have talked us into it . We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for the Wawa just so we can sample some famous Jersey tastykakes.

This vacation is going to be very bad, bad, BAD for my waistline .

Vacation is getting close!!!!!!!!!! Wooohooo!!!!!!!!

I know!!!!



We're off today to shop for those last-minute vacation essentials.....enough allergy meds to get the boys through our getaway, a new travel laundry hamper (the kind that collapses and folds completely flat.....one of my oldies has done its duty and needs to be replaced), and new underwear all around (I don't know why, but vacation time seems to be the perfect opportunity for a family underwear update ). We will take my mom out so she can stock up on her necessities, too.

I hope everyone enjoys their Saturday! I cannot BELIEVE that this time next week, I'll be cleaning the house like a madwoman and prepping to be out the door just after noon!!!

 

[momof2gr8kids]

I love reading your trip reports. I think our next visit will be offsite and doing the other parks, not Disney. I was really nervous about that, but reading this and your other offsite/other parks reviews has really gotten me excited!