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

[chiamarie]

The "screen thing" is the 50th anniversary logo and takes up part of the windows. I don't think it's the whole way around. So there might be a few seats that still get the normal view

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Wow what a great surprise Gina you certainly got some this trip

 

[JaxDad]

That is awesome that you received the special surprise! From what I have seen during my short time on this forum, it is the least they could do for you. You are a marketing resource for SW and have probably steered thousands of dollars of business their way through your posts!

I've thought about doing the guided tour at SW, but with little ones it may be too structured. We're not big eaters, so the dining plan is not a huge benefit for us, but the quick queue and reserved seats would be great. I can't wait to see the rest of your report.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

As always I'm loving your trip review!! because of your reviews, we decided to take a year off from Disney and purchase super Grover passes. We went for a week over New Years, Easter, 4th of July and will be back at Christmas! The Christmas trip we're actually staying on Disney property but will be going to Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica weather permitting.

Hoping you can answer a question for me... How would I go about finding the pass holder rate for Discovery Cove? And do they keep the water pretty warm during dec? Thinking it might be a nice Christmas surprise

 

[ArwenMarie]

Which parks do you get with the Super Grover passes? We were thinking of going to Williamsburg in the spring...are those parks included (BGW and Water Country)

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

This has probably been asked but I couldn't find it. I noticed in the description of the one bedroom Villas it states that one has a kitchenette and the other a kitchen. Does the one bedroom kitchenette have a balcony and is it enclosed? I noticed that it says some Villas have balconies so I am wondering what kind don't have balconies. Thank you. Any help is appreciated.

I personally have never stayed in (nor even had the opportunity to tour) a one bedroom villa at SVR. I *think* that the one bedroom premiums have the full kitchen and balcony, while the basic one bedrooms do not. But that's just my understanding.....I could be wrong.

bankr63 is our resident SVR expert. I haven't seen him around this thread in a while (yoo hoo, bankr63, where are you?!?) but hopefully he will see your question and add his infinite knowledge to my much more limited info!

The "screen thing" is the 50th anniversary logo and takes up part of the windows. I don't think it's the whole way around. So there might be a few seats that still get the normal view

Oh, thank goodness!! And DUH! to me.....I didn't even think about the 50th anniversary wrap around the outside . I will blame my lack of a logical conclusion on the heat. It fried my brain . Super happy to know its not something permanent!

Wow what a great surprise Gina you certainly got some this trip

We sure did!! Sweetie was particularly in awe of our repeated good fortune. She kept saying "does this kind of thing always happen to you guys on vacation?" .

That is awesome that you received the special surprise! From what I have seen during my short time on this forum, it is the least they could do for you. You are a marketing resource for SW and have probably steered thousands of dollars of business their way through your posts!

I've thought about doing the guided tour at SW, but with little ones it may be too structured. We're not big eaters, so the dining plan is not a huge benefit for us, but the quick queue and reserved seats would be great. I can't wait to see the rest of your report.

The tour was pretty hectic.....with just an hour long break for lunch in the middle, the rest of the time we were moving from one attraction to the next. Definitely an "eat your wheeties before you start" kind of tour....lots of walking and every moment accounted for. But I am sure the heat made it more tiresome, too. It was, once again, about 95 degrees (without the humidity factored in) and lots of sun.

As always I'm loving your trip review!! because of your reviews, we decided to take a year off from Disney and purchase super Grover passes. We went for a week over New Years, Easter, 4th of July and will be back at Christmas! The Christmas trip we're actually staying on Disney property but will be going to Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica weather permitting.

Hoping you can answer a question for me... How would I go about finding the pass holder rate for Discovery Cove? And do they keep the water pretty warm during dec? Thinking it might be a nice Christmas surprise

Water temperatures are as follows per the DC website:

What is the temperature of the water in the pools?
The temperature of our pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Serenity Bay, Freshwater Oasis and Wind-away River are maintained around 85-88 F (30 C). The salt water Dolphin Lagoon maintained around 72 F (22 C), and The Grand Reef are 77 F (25 C).

Our first visit to DC was in January 2012 (New Years Day, to be exact) and the water felt super warm. I wouldn't hesitate to do a winter visit to Discovery Cove again.

To find out the passholder rate for December, I would give them a call. Or, greenclan67 might pop back to this thread to say hello, and she's a passmember and AWESOME about checking passmember rates for people. What are your exact travel dates?

SeaWorld at Christmas is absolutely amazing. You will love the holiday decor, the special shows, and all the little extras they add to the park for the Christmas season. Top notch all the way!

Which parks do you get with the Super Grover passes? We were thinking of going to Williamsburg in the spring...are those parks included (BGW and Water Country)

Super Grover passes include admission to 11 parks:

Busch Gardens® (VA, FL)
Water Country USA® (VA)
SeaWorld® (FL, TX, CA)
Aquatica SeaWorld's Waterpark™ (FL, TX, CA),
Adventure Island® (FL) and
Sesame Place® (PA)

Super Grovers have normally gone on sale for about 20% off on or just after Black Friday. They are a fantastic deal!!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Thanks Gina! That is a great deal and with 20% even better. I'll have to keep an eye out for those around Black Friday.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks Gina! That is a great deal and with 20% even better. I'll have to keep an eye out for those around Black Friday.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thanks Gina! I will wait to see if bankr53 replies. I have a feeling that you are spot on about the one bedroom differences.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wednesday, August 27th……part 3! (there's probably going to be a lot of smaller posts for this day....we covered a LOT of ground, and I took a staggering amount of photos, so breaking it up is easiest for my typing fingers!! )

Before continuing on with my report on our activities of the day, I do want to add my thoughts about the all-day dining plan. I have to say, in the unbelievably oppressive heat of the summer, it was a complete Godsend and was hands-down the best purchase we could have made (yes, technically, we didn’t have to purchase it on this day, but you get what I mean). We tried to keep track of just the bottled water we each drank while at the park (on this particular date, from open to close….9 am to 6 pm) and assuming we didn’t miss one along the way, we each had at least 9 bottles. So not even taking into account our entrées and sides (or other beverages, such as the lemonade and pop that we had with lunches and dinner), we virtually drank our plan value in bottled water alone. It was so nice (and quite honestly, the saviour of the day) to be able to duck in and just grab another ice cold water when we needed it.

Now, back to my report!



We really took it easy for the last little while before the tour began, seizing the opportunity to browse in some of the shops and just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that we have come to adore at SeaWorld. Around 11 o’clock, we started to head back to the front of the park to be ready to meet our guide at the assigned time. My trio couldn’t resist one more opportunity to ride their beloved Manta, and with Quick Queue, we knew they’d have plenty of time to squeeze in one more tour on their favourite coaster regardless of the stand-by time:



Returning to our meeting area by guest services, we sat and waited for our guide to collect us. The heat was REALLY mounting by now, and Jake was certain he was going to die (or melt into a big pool of sweat right there in the middle of the pavement ). We sent him and Sweetie to Shamu’s Emporium to purchase a misting fan to ensure they didn’t face death on such an otherwise exciting day. Another family was waiting alongside us: a mother, father, and their three daughters who turned out to hail from Long Island, NY (such nice folks!). They were the other big winners of the day in the 50th Anniversary celebration, and their tour was combined with ours to make one small group of 9 for our guide.

It wasn’t long before “Kelly” arrived kick-start our tour. After a quick round of introductions and congratulations, we were off to our first stop: Turtle Trek.





We were escorted inside the building to the underwater viewing area, and treated to a front-row view of these beautiful creatures and a very informative narrative from the attending SW staff member:





Following the session in the underwater viewing area, we were escorted to the front of the line to enter the theatre for the 3D dome production which chronicles the life of Nyah, the tiny sea turtle, from her birth on the shore into adulthood. I love this attraction, as it just has such a powerful message that really speaks to almost everyone (Be an Everyday Hero).

Following the conclusion of the show, we were led outside to visit the turtles from their open-air habitat:







This is also the part of the park where the manatees reside. I just can’t get over their size….they are so HUGE! But apparently, their bodies have a much lower fat percentage than the average human. Very interesting, indeed.



One of the greatest things about having the guided tour versus the do-it-yourself approach? Kelly, our guide, was SUPER knowledgeable. She was able to provide us with all sorts of little tidbits and pieces of information about the animals that we would have never known otherwise. Like the story behind the one turtle who we saw from the underwater viewing area, who only had one front leg. The leg was apparently bitten off by a shark, so SeaWorld’s rescue team intervened to save her life. Once she was fully healed, they attempted to re-integrate her back into her natural environment, but each time they set her free she kept swimming back to the boat. They tried multiple attempts over several releases with the same result every time. The animal care experts eventually concluded that she no longer felt safe in her natural surroundings as an amputee, so they brought her back to SeaWorld to live out the rest of her days in the safety and comfort of the Turtle Trek aquariums. It’s just those little “extras” from the guide, borne from casual comment (“Hey, look at that turtle….she only has one front leg!”) that made the formal tour so cool.

Next stop: the DOLPHINS!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks Gina! I will wait to see if bankr53 replies. I have a feeling that you are spot on about the one bedroom differences.

No problem! If he doesn't see your post, it might be worth a PM to him, too .

 

[JaxDad]

Did you just take the Manta picture from the computer screen? I think it's funny how the bearded dude is in there! We bought a roller coaster picture at LEGOLAND this Spring and they did a nice job of editing out other people. We always locate the cameras on rides and ham it up as we go by, so we can run to see the pictures. We make faces or pretend to be asleep or looking at the park map, etc. There are some really funny roller coaster photos on the web. People get very creative!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Did you just take the Manta picture from the computer screen? I think it's funny how the bearded dude is in there! We bought a roller coaster picture at LEGOLAND this Spring and they did a nice job of editing out other people. We always locate the cameras on rides and ham it up as we go by, so we can run to see the pictures. We make faces or pretend to be asleep or looking at the park map, etc. There are some really funny roller coaster photos on the web. People get very creative!

Nope, no photo of the screen.....we bought the CD of all the digital images taken throughout the day ($75 + tax). I don't know why they didn't edit out that fellow.....they did on some of the others.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Following our visit to Turtle Trek, our guide took us to the dolphin underwater viewing area. Ya’ll know I absolutely adore these animals, so this really made me smile!



The dolphins were VERY active and put on an incredible show with their expressive antics. They are absolutely captivating…..I could have stood and just watched them swim and play for hours. Add in the fact that it was marvellously cool down here, and it made the experience even that much more enjoyable!!







Sweetie was really happy to spend some more time with the dolphins. After our day at Discovery Cove, those majestic creatures had really wormed their way into her heart, too.



Kelly was able to give us lots of great information about the dolphins, too, especially about the little social groups that exist within the dolphin population at SeaWorld. They have quite the interesting social structure that must be just incredible to witness from the “inside”. I totally wish I had went through for a dolphin trainer when I was young!!!

Following our time admiring the dolphins, we stopped briefly at the alligator exhibit before moving on to Dolphin Cove:







For some reason, despite our multiple visits to SeaWorld in the past, we had never bothered to stop to see the alligators . A strange fact, when I am such an admirer!! So it was really quite nice that this was an included stop on the tour.

Following the alligator visit, we arrived at Dolphin Cove to do some dolphin feeding!!!





Being escorted by guide Kelly to the front of the line, we had a just a couple of minutes to wait while the current session (the dolphin interaction tour, I think) finished up. While we waited, we enjoyed some cold water bottles and this view of the dolphin pool:





Then it was our turn! We stepped up to the ledge and got a rundown of the feeding do’s and don’ts from the SeaWorld dolphin staff. After our day at Discovery Cove, we considered ourselves dolphin professionals!!



Each of us were assigned our little tray of fish, and the dolphins were keen to enjoy the treats that we had to offer. These pics were taken by the park photographers from the other side of the pool:







These kinds of experiences are what makes a visit to SeaWorld so special. The animal feedings really are so much fun, and definitely some of the highlights of our day. Smiles all around!

There was no time to waste basking in the glow of the moment, however. At the conclusion of our feeding session, we were off and running to the next exhibit. We were about to get up close and personal with the sting rays!

 

[Lynne G]

Yep, that is what we liked doing too. Kids had fun at the feeding areas. DD still thinks she wants to be a marine biologist. We will see once she gets closer to college age. She wants me to take her to scuba school. I probably will. I am certified.


Ready for more.

 

[pigletgirl]

Have you guys ever done Gatorland?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yep, that is what we liked doing too. Kids had fun at the feeding areas. DD still thinks she wants to be a marine biologist. We will see once she gets closer to college age. She wants me to take her to scuba school. I probably will. I am certified.

Ready for more.

We had thought about doing the scuba session at the Vistana.....but it both intrigues and terrifies me at the same time!!

I think that's awesome that your DD has such exciting career goals . How many years does it take to become a marine biologist, anyway? 4 years of university? Or is it more?

Have you guys ever done Gatorland?

Yes ma'am . You can read about it here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3041415&page=4

beginning at post 60.

We had a ball there. In fact, I'd like to go again some day. Hmmmm....maybe an idea for May?

 

[ZehnJahren]

More dolphins!

The VIP status must have been very cool to win. I can't imagine how excited you guys must have been when you knew what was happening!

 

[chiamarie]

We had thought about doing the scuba session at the Vistana.....but it both intrigues and terrifies me at the same time!!

I think that's awesome that your DD has such exciting career goals . How many years does it take to become a marine biologist, anyway? 4 years of university? Or is it more?

A-Scuba Diving is awesome! But it's for some and not others. If you're easily claustrophobic or have panic attacks, it may not be for you. Otherwise It's just learning how to comfortably breath out of your mouth instead of your nose.

B- Real, True, "Marine Biologists" don't work at SeaWorld. They do field research studying anything and EVERYTHING in the ocean; from currents, to trench depths, patters of coral growth, etc. And they can have anything from a bachelors to PhD's.

From job postings online- it looks like they just require some kind of bachelor's degree. But the most common (if working with any of the animals) are Biology, Psychology, or Zoology.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

More dolphins!

The VIP status must have been very cool to win. I can't imagine how excited you guys must have been when you knew what was happening!

We were very pumped!! And you know, we got to see a lot of the park that day.....you cover a lot of ground. Its a great idea for someone who wants to make the most of a one-day visit.

A-Scuba Diving is awesome! But it's for some and not others. If you're easily claustrophobic or have panic attacks, it may not be for you. Otherwise It's just learning how to comfortably breath out of your mouth instead of your nose.

B- Real, True, "Marine Biologists" don't work at SeaWorld. They do field research studying anything and EVERYTHING in the ocean; from currents, to trench depths, patters of coral growth, etc. And they can have anything from a bachelors to PhD's.

From job postings online- it looks like they just require some kind of bachelor's degree. But the most common (if working with any of the animals) are Biology, Psychology, or Zoology.

Well, since I had a hard time dissecting a frog and a worm in high school biology, perhaps I am less suited for a marine biologist and more suited to selling ice cream at the Dippin Dots booth .

And as for the scuba diving.....I have neither had a panic attack nor a bout of claustrophia just yet, but I can't help but wonder if that would be the first time? On our next trip to DC (whenever that may be) perhaps I will give SeaVenture a whirl and see how that goes. Baby steps and all that!