The Tale of the Grow Walk .Hunh?

[jenseib]

Sadly my tour was coming to an end.



I talked with Lucy a bit and she had called for the shuttle to come and pick me back up.







I think I was there just over an hour. The place is fabulous. I learned so much about it too. And if I had not already had plans for the rest of the week I would’ve booked a day there in a heartbeat. It is just like a little piece of paradise there.
I said goodbye to Lucy and got on the shuttle back to Sea World.



Back at Sea World I messaged my mom to let her know I was back….silence.



I just started walking randomly nowhere till I heard back from her.







I took this picture for my friend Cass as she hates turkey legs.





Mom finally messaged me back that they were at the Blue Horizon show. I know a lot of people love this show, but I saw it once and it’s just not my thing. I think mainly because I thought it was a dolphin and whale show, but they had a lot of swimmers and acrobats in it and being it wasn’t what I expected I just didn’t care for it. I thought the story was strange too.
I found a spot outside one of the exits and sat and waited.



And waited and waited and waited. I saw the place clear out and I texted mom who didn’t answer. Finally she responded that they were over by the turtles. Ok, why didn’t they look for me when they exited…or at least text me. So I pulled out my trusty map and headed towards the turtles.
I had to pass the dolphins on my way over.





I also found an underwater viewing area that I had not realized was there.





I also found my family.

We took a look at the manatees who were much more boring than the ones at Epcot.



And then we looked at the turtles, who were just so darn cute.







Claire and I departed.

 

[jenseib]

We stopped near the dolphins again as I saw a feeding going on and I wanted to take pictures.



Trying for an artsy shot.



The dolphins were so cute and kept jumping over the little waves. I took a zillion pictures and Claire was bored out of her mind and let me know it.

























Since Claire was so bored, we moved on.
Claire kept bugging me to ride Manta. I kept telling her no. She still kept up the whining about wanting to ride it….so I said…OK, you want to ride, let’s do it right now and get it done with. My thinking was this was going to scare the pants off of her, but at least she couldn’t go home blaming me for not letting her ride it.

So we went and found the lockers and put our bags and stuff in there. We got in line and there was basically no line at all for it. Well that tells me that only idiots ride this and the park didn’t have enough idiots attending today. LOL!

We got up to the individual queues and watched the people in front of us board. At this point I just thought it was a regular hanging from the track coaster. Then I see them clap everyone’s legs in place and tilt everyone down so they are facing the ground. HOLY CRAP! This is one of those flying coasters. I didn’t back out, but I was not too excited.
I asked her if she still wanted to go on it and she said yes.
So we were next. We jumped up into our seats and pulled our bars tight over our heads and got our legs clamped in and tilted….and I just started screaming right there. I am sure a few not so family friendly words might have popped out of my mouth. Claire was laughing hysterically about it all.
And then we were off!
I hate heights. I don’t mind the coasters….when they are smooth…but I can’t stand seeing how high we are going and this time I am facing the ground. One thing goes wrong and I am plummeting to the ground face first. I mostly kept my eyes shut and peeked every so often. And oh yes, I was still screaming. Claire was still laughing too.
And then we dove down…..head first! I stopped screaming because it got lost in my throat. Claire was squealing in delight. Who is this kid and where is my sweet lovable little girl?
When we did the loops, my body would slam back against the seat and then forward and down again. Not too bad, but I could feel the movement and that was really weird.
Finally it was over and Claire LOVED it. I couldn’t believe it. I had wanted to scare her and now she was begging to ride it again.
And we did. It was walk on this time and we got right back on. This time I didn’t get the bar pulled as close to me as I should have. The thing about a big curvy body and roller coaster bars are that they don’t form around you so well and if you don’t get it tight you will have a little space. This time I felt the loops a lot more and was really slamming around. My shins hurt and my shoulders hurt. And of course I still screamed the whole time.
Again, Claire loved it and wanted to ride it again. I wasn’t sure, but I agreed to one more time.
And yet again there was no wait and we got right on. This time was better than time 2, but I was still sore from that ride.
Claire begged to ride it again and I told her I just couldn’t do it again but if she wanted to I would walk her through the line and wait for her at the exit. She did think about it for a bit, but she was too nervous to go by herself, so we headed back to the locker and got our things.
I will now say I am one of those idiots that rode that ride. It was actually fun and if I could be blind folded because of the height and if it was smoother, I would probably have no issues riding it again. And I am sure whenever we go back she is going to rope me into it again.

So we were done with that exciting part of the day and we headed off.







I wanted to see Shamu. There was not a show currently going on during our stay as I think they were redoing the big tank, but there was an area to go and watch the whales.

As we headed in that direction we found the baby dolphins. I took a lot of pictures, but I couldn’t tell if these were truly babies, moms ready to have a dolphin or just smaller dolphins. Some did look bigger than others in there.



All my pictures pretty much came out the same.



And on we went again.



And we saw Cookie Monster and Elmo walk by. They were in a rush to get backstage though.





Elmo was too fast for me to get a picture, but Cookie stopped and gave some love to some random person.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh my gosh, you rode Manta 3 times in a row????? I probably wouldn't ride it once.
I wouldn't want to ride Peter Pan three times in a row!!! Okay, maybe I would.

 

[jedijill]

Manta is awesome! I'm laughing that you intended to scare Claire but she ended up loving it!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

Jen, your description of riding Manta is just too funny! You got some kind of real dare devil on your hands there with Miss Claire.
And I just love that you then rode it three times in a row.

The pictures of the dolphins are just too cute. I love watching them too. Thanks for sharing.

 

[rndmr2]

You are a brave woman! I couldn't do that Manta once let alone 3 times!

 

[dolphingirl47]

The tour looked ver comprehensive. I am one of the people who absolutely adores Blue Horizons, at least the version in Orlando. Did you do the Turtle Trek attraction with the underwater viewing areas for the manatees and the turtles? The film in the attraction makes me ill. For some reason I suffer from motion sickness when I watch this even though I am standing still, but the underwater viewing areas are amazing.

I for one love all the dolphin photos. I am really surprised that Claire braved Manta and wanted to do it over and over again.

Corinna

 

[jenseib]

Oh my gosh, you rode Manta 3 times in a row????? I probably wouldn't ride it once.
I wouldn't want to ride Peter Pan three times in a row!!! Okay, maybe I would.

I probably would have never imagined I would be riding it 3 times in a row either.

Manta is awesome! I'm laughing that you intended to scare Claire but she ended up loving it!

Jill in CO

She showed me!

Jen, your description of riding Manta is just too funny! You got some kind of real dare devil on your hands there with Miss Claire.
And I just love that you then rode it three times in a row.

The pictures of the dolphins are just too cute. I love watching them too. Thanks for sharing.

Claire has been sort of a chicken with some things in the past so it really shocked me.
I love watching dolphins, Claire wants to be on the move!

You are a brave woman! I couldn't do that Manta once let alone 3 times!

I think I am just a little bit crazier after that day!

The tour looked ver comprehensive. I am one of the people who absolutely adores Blue Horizons, at least the version in Orlando. Did you do the Turtle Trek attraction with the underwater viewing areas for the manatees and the turtles? The film in the attraction makes me ill. For some reason I suffer from motion sickness when I watch this even though I am standing still, but the underwater viewing areas are amazing.

I for one love all the dolphin photos. I am really surprised that Claire braved Manta and wanted to do it over and over again.

Corinna

We did not go in the Turtle Trek as the line was pretty long there too. Glad you told me about that though as I have issues with motion sickness with screens too so it probably would've bothered me as well.
Claire was so impressed with herself too and told everyone about it.

 

[jenseib]

We ran into Mom and Dad randomly then. I told them we were going to go see Shamu. Dad wanted to come, but Mom wanted to shop. Dad was worried about leaving Mom alone, but I told him she could handle herself.





This makes me think of Jaws 3 the movie. A lot of scenes were done in this lagoon, though it looked much different back then. If you ever get a chance, there is a guy on Youtube who has these great videos where he goes to places movies and tv shows were filmed and he shows how they are now verses then. His name is adamthewoo.



Across the way it used to be a stadium for the water ski show…now over there you will find Shamu Stadium. (I can’t remember if the seating is still over there or not anymore and I don’t seem to have a picture) Well not exactly across in the picture…but across the lagoon and to the left I believe of the picture…..







There was a long line to get into the area to go see Shamu and the other whales….or I guess I could say all the Shamus. I really don’t know all their names and they all look like a Shamu to me.

I saw these cute popcorn holders and I really regret not getting one now.



As we waited, Claire told me she had to go to the bathroom. I knew it was a little ways away to get to one so I did as any good parent would…I told her to hold it as I wasn’t getting out of line.

Soon the line moved and we were all let in to observe the whales swimming. It was hard to see at times over the people.



Some of my shots are through a glass window and some are over people’s heads.











I could watch them for hours….however, Claire could not as she had to pee.

So we made our way towards the exit…






…only to find an underwater viewing area, and again I told her to hold it.





AWWWWW!!!! There is a baby.

 

[jenseib]

Claire was griping and complaining so we moved on. I know she enjoyed the whales, but the call of nature was stronger. I guess I took a few random pictures on the way out.





Claire, if you stop here for a picture, I promise we’ll go to the bathrooms next.



We then quickly made it over to the closest bathrooms for Claire and she was a happy girl once again.







We just decided to explore over here as we haven’t been over in this area before.







We were getting a bit hungry, and I can’t remember if this was still open or not, but I think Mom wanted to go eat later with us, so we didn’t go in to check it out.

We just roamed the gardens near it.



I found Nemo.



These sculptures were made out of trash found in the ocean.

 

[KatMark]

Fun updates, Jen. I could spend hours watching the dolphins...they are so beautiful and fun.

You get Mom of the Year in my book. There is absolutely no way I would EVER, EVER get on Manta let alone ride it three times.

I'm glad you got to see the whales...the baby looks so cute.

 

[littlenellbell]

I'm laughing at Claire being a little dare devil and making you go on that coaster 3 times! Carson is the same way, for years I encouraged him to ride things and not be afraid....now he's the one pulling me on the big rides and laughing at me for screaming and being nervous! Sounds like Claire would enjoy a trip to Cedar Point.

Cool pictures of the whales!

 

[JKSWonder]

I'm so surprised Claire wanted to ride Manta! I wonder what made her all super brave that particular day.

Baby Shamu! So cute.

 

[dolphingirl47]

What a shame that Claire needed the bathroom just as you got to the whales. I like those sculptures made from trash. I saw a couple at Seaworld San Diego, but they seem to have more in Orlando.

They still have the seating at the Bayside Stadium. They use this for the ice show during the holiday season and I think there is also stuff going on there during the summer months.

Corinna

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh my Jen! Oh my gosh! Oh my Heavens! Three rides on Manta? I got shaky just looking at it when we were there a couple of years ago. That Claire sure is turning into a little daredevil.

I am like you and could stand around and whale watch all day long. To me they are just fascinating to watch. Too bad Claire had to go really really really bad and couldn't hold it any longer.

 

[Beth D]

Great updates! But you didn't get to go in the water anywhere at DC? I would have jumped in! I'm guessing that all the pools there are saltwater, because of the sea life?

You marathoned a coaster! And a crazy flying one at that! You and Claire are now ride warriors! You'll definitely have to make a trip up to CP next year. And if Claire's brave, I volunteer DS to be her ride partner. He'll be 10 in March.

I love all your Sea World pics. It brings back such memories, as we took DS there when he was 1 and 2. I have a great pic of him at the underwater dolphin area, he was holding onto the wall for dear life, as he was just learning to walk. We also got lucky and saw the last whale show before one of the orca's gave birth, and then got to go in later in the week to see the baby. When that happens they close the show and tank for almost a month so mom and baby can bond.

 

[jenseib]

Fun updates, Jen. I could spend hours watching the dolphins...they are so beautiful and fun.

You get Mom of the Year in my book. There is absolutely no way I would EVER, EVER get on Manta let alone ride it three times.

I'm glad you got to see the whales...the baby looks so cute.

I love watching them, but Claire can only do it a few minutes and then needs to move on.
I think I must've taken a crazy pill that day. The things we do for our kids!
The baby whale was just so cute!

I'm laughing at Claire being a little dare devil and making you go on that coaster 3 times! Carson is the same way, for years I encouraged him to ride things and not be afraid....now he's the one pulling me on the big rides and laughing at me for screaming and being nervous! Sounds like Claire would enjoy a trip to Cedar Point.

Cool pictures of the whales!

I am afraid of what she might rope me into at Cedar Point these days. I should send her with my sisters family as her daughter likes the wild stuff too.

I'm so surprised Claire wanted to ride Manta! I wonder what made her all super brave that particular day.

Baby Shamu! So cute.

I have no idea what made her brave. It was like a switch just got turned on.

What a shame that Claire needed the bathroom just as you got to the whales. I like those sculptures made from trash. I saw a couple at Seaworld San Diego, but they seem to have more in Orlando.

They still have the seating at the Bayside Stadium. They use this for the ice show during the holiday season and I think there is also stuff going on there during the summer months.

Corinna

I swear she times it so she has to go whenever I am doing something I want to do.

The trash sculptures were amazing, but sad that it all came from the ocean.

I was thinking they probably had to use it for something still, but I couldn't remember if I saw the seating there still or not.

Oh my Jen! Oh my gosh! Oh my Heavens! Three rides on Manta? I got shaky just looking at it when we were there a couple of years ago. That Claire sure is turning into a little daredevil.

I am like you and could stand around and whale watch all day long. To me they are just fascinating to watch. Too bad Claire had to go really really really bad and couldn't hold it any longer.

I took 3 rides for the team....and she couldn't even hold it to watch the whales with me.

Great updates! But you didn't get to go in the water anywhere at DC? I would have jumped in! I'm guessing that all the pools there are saltwater, because of the sea life?

It was strictly a tour and I was told that ahead of time, so I knew it going in. I would've loved to even spend half a day there though. I think some were freshwater and some were salt.

You marathoned a coaster! And a crazy flying one at that! You and Claire are now ride warriors! You'll definitely have to make a trip up to CP next year. And if Claire's brave, I volunteer DS to be her ride partner. He'll be 10 in March.


Yes she will need a partner as I can't handle too many rides anymore. My body just hurts too much after...and forget about Skip..he's worse than me with aches...plus he is a bit more chicken.

I love all your Sea World pics. It brings back such memories, as we took DS there when he was 1 and 2. I have a great pic of him at the underwater dolphin area, he was holding onto the wall for dear life, as he was just learning to walk. We also got lucky and saw the last whale show before one of the orca's gave birth, and then got to go in later in the week to see the baby. When that happens they close the show and tank for almost a month so mom and baby can bond.

How cute!
I didn't know that about them closing the shows when one is born. That would be really neat to go and see one that is really new.

 

[jenseib]

One more trash sculpture.



I found more flamingos….and you know me and flamingos….lots of pictures.

















Some were just relaxing while others were having a fit.









And they had some beautiful flowers in the area too.









We moved on in search of a snack.



Sea World has put in some charging stations too.





Oh…I want to see the sharks!

 

[jenseib]

We went into the shark area. The tunnel in here was also used in Jaws 3. I purposely went in there because I had thought it was, and later I found out I was correct.











Hi Dory.







Help! My daughter has been eaten.





Love the tunnel.











That was pretty darn cool and I was able to check something off my want to do list!

We headed back outside…..looks like an escapee.





We looked through a few shops. I was trying to find a 50th anniversary magnet, but I never did fine one.

I had Claire take this picture for Katmark (Kathy) on Dis.



And while we’re in the spirit of things she tried on another.



More pretty flowers.



Sea Worlds pick a pearl is a little different than Disney’s and pretty darn cool.

 

[jenseib]

I decided on a funnel cake. Claire said she didn’t want that, but of course she did end up helping me eat it.



We stood in the longest line for it too. Well the line wasn’t really long, just slow servers.

Claire went with chips.



I see we have a drink there too. We must’ve not gotten our mug refilled??? Hmmm. Maybe they couldn’t do it there, but I know we did refill it a few times that day.



After tackling Manta, Claire wanted to see how the line for Kraken was. Kraken is called a floorless coaster, which I guess means you are on top of the track but up a bit higher so your feet dangle.



This is the locker area for Manta. There is a charge to use them though.





We checked Kraken and the wait was pretty long….I think an hour. (which I found odd since Manta was still pretty much walk on) We also stopped and took a look at the penguin wait and that too was still really long.





So we worked our way back up front and decided to look through some more shops.





We shopped around a bit. I know I bought some sort of magnet, but I don’t think I got myself anything else…and I am sure Claire picked one or two items out, but I no longer remember what.

We then headed out to the car.



We drove the short distance back to the Marriott Grand Vista and took a walk around the pool area before heading back to our room.















It’s always a thrill to be the one to open the door.



We headed in and got cleaned up and decided where to go for dinner. Well if you know me, there is always one choice I have for offsite eats….The Cheesecake Factory.
Dad decided he would stay behind and watch TV, so I drove Mom and Claire over.



There was quite a wait. I know at one time we were sitting near one of the doors and it had cooled down quite a bit and it was quite cold there.
Mom was having a fit as she saw people going in who came in after us. She had me go up and ask how soon. Let’s just say I have this issue every time we go to a Cheesecake Factory. It’s like they want to torture me. They tell me soon and then we get called. It’s like they forget about us every single time we go.

Finally we got seated and made our orders.

We LOVE the bread there.



Claire got her usual pizza.



Mom got some different types of tacos.



And I got the crusted chicken parmesan.



It was all delicious. We had plenty of left overs and dad had an assortment to choose from when we got back.

I no longer remember our conversations that night, but I know we had some good laughs about something.

Of course we couldn’t leave without taking dessert with us.



I think Claire got one too, but I don’t have a picture.

I believe when we got back I took Claire for a quick swim before calling it a night.

And then we lay in bed watching TV till we fell asleep.