My trip report. (I'll post some pics later, we just got home late last night).
This is our Dolphin 2016 Week.
My daughters (10 and 8) love dolphins, so much that they listed seeing Winter and Hope and swimming with dolphins ahead of a Disney trip.
(We went to WDW last year for a week, Oct 31-Nov 7)
Preface: we had planned on taking a year off of a large vacation, but remembered that we are headed to Austin TX next summer to visit my sister, so moved the trip to this year. We also had 2 other itineraries (Outer Banks, Dollywood), but the girls voted on Dolphin Week.
Nov 19 depart - drive from NC to Clearwater FL.
Arrived late at Homewood Suites - nice hotel, but a bit dated. 1 bedroom suite with largish kitchen/eating area.
Sunday we checked out The Dali, a Salvador Dali musuem in St. Petersburg. Very nice and interactive. Walked around the waterfront. Had dinner with friends.
Monday went to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to visit Winter and Hope. The first stop was the movie museum where the sets of the movies are on display and other interactive areas. Nice place that is included in the cost of the ticket. They offer shuttle or water taxi to the Marine Aquarium. We had lunch on Clearwater Beach (Frenchy's) then went to the Aquarium. It was packed and not as big as I imagined. But we did see all of the exhibits and learned a lot about the dolphins and other sea creatures.
Tuesday we went Madeira Beach and took a Pirate Ship cruise, very family friendly...the kids had a blast. Then headed north to Tarpon Springs and checked out the Sponge Docks.
Headed to Orlando on Tues evening.
Checked into Holiday Inn Suites Resort - Waterpark. See this thread for my little review.
On Wed we went to SeaWorld. Used our BOGO All Day Eating pass. I really think SeaWorld Group needs to up their game with the food, it is "ok" at best, it would be a disappointment if the BOGO wasn't offered.
We did the 4 shows and enjoyed Journey to Atlantis and the walk through of Antarctica.
The last time we were here was 5 years ago, so it was pretty much new to the girls. One thing that struck me was the shows didn't seem to change much from 5 years ago (esp the Pets Ahoy! show). Clyde and Seymore was updated (as High School). It is still an enjoyable trip though. And I really like how SW does the Christmas decorations.
Thanksgiving, we stayed at the hotel and did the pool and water slides. Pizza dinner at Blaze @ Disney Springs...walked around there and watch the drone light show.
Friday was our Discovery Cove day, with dolphin swim. Girls had grins from ear to ear the entire day!
It was really cool. Again I'll harp on the food, it was ok, but could definitely be better.
We got back to the hotel and watched a movie at the pool, a nice end to a great day.
Saturday, back to SW. This time early in the morning to catch a short line for Antarctica. The ride is "ok", I'd hate to wait for more than 10 min for it though. The penguin viewing area is where its at. If I had to wait I would forgo the ride and just view the penguins.
As always the Christmas shows at SW are outstanding. We made a mad dash to see all but Elmo.
Tip: Go to the last Christmas version of One Ocean (if that is your cup of tea). You won't have trouble finding low center seats.
You can walk through the Christmas Market and met Rudolph, time it just right and walk behind the Ice Show while making your way to Shamu Theater.
The Winter Wonderland On Ice show was great, and even better with the Sea of Trees behind.
Sunday morning, headed back home
2 gripes with SW (isn't there always something)
1- the kids play area, it would be nice if that was fenced in a bit. Sure its up to you to keep an eye out, but there are a lot of people.
2- carnival-midway games. These seem to cheapen the experience. At least make them part of admission and just let the kids play.