Walking on Sunshine : Celebrating Spring at Universal & SeaWorld - an April/May 2016 PTR

[Lynne G]

Awww, so nice to be thought of. Dining is half the fun on vacation. Yep, we are to get the storm tonight, so a messy and cold next couple of days. Happily, our northern neighbors will most likely get more snow than us. Crossing toes and fingers.
I may try the breakfast at ST too. Not a bad price to pay for a spread of I would think good food.

 

[Lynne G]

Oh and I don't think cash is impersonal. It is the number one gift my teens want. Then a trip to where she would like to shop would be in order.

 

[toystoryduo]

Sending a your way, Gina. I'm sorry you had a rough week last week.

I am so happy for you that your friend sent some special blessings your way!

I don't think the cash is too impersonal. Does Sunshine like to shop? If so, I bet the cash would be much appreciated when you guys go shopping at the outlets.

 

[pigletto]

That's lovely that you were sprinkled with kindness again Gina. I am firm believer you attract kindness with kindness and there's the proof.
For Sunshine's birthday I am sure the right thing will come along, but cash always seems to be a welcome gift for that age group. I was just texting with dd about her upcoming birthday and she wants cash. I think at that age, it's nice to have a little extra money in their pocket to have for when they spot something they have to have.
Dh stopped at the bank and grabbed $800 USD today while the exchange rate was decent. So between that and the Universal Tickets I got today our travel account is sad looking, but I'm happy with the exchange rate I got... we all know it could be worse!

ETA) Oh and I forgot to say thank you for the tug suggestion.. I will keep an eye. I have to wait on booking our week simply for the fact that I have expenses for the May trip to cover now, and can't pay anything else on the December/January trip until we get back. I should be ready to secure our rental by June. However, if I see a screaming good deal I will make it work when it comes up.

 

[ArwenMarie]

How awesome to receive all of these extras! I know you will pay it forward one day if you haven't already

For Sunshine, I would go with the cash. Can't go wrong with that!

 

[Vestmama4]

Well I love your sense of humor because that made me laugh out loud! The wedding pavilion is actually part of the Grand Floridian, but it's on the walk to the Poly. We couldn't go inside the chapel (but you can see through the windows- it looks so pretty) and then we walked behind the pavilion and took pictures- the grounds were beautiful and there was a flowered arch with the castle in the background and 2 intertwined rings on top. That could be where you take the picture of your son and Sunshine lol. I took a pic of my younger daughter kissing my older daughter on the cheek under the flowered arch- too cute.

I think it's a great idea to take something for the characters to sign. We sometimes have multiple things for them to sign and the characters never seem to mind. A shirt is a great idea. We have done that (as well as the autographs books and regular Disney story books we brought from home.) Another good idea might be to buy a matted picture frame and just take the mat part with you to FL for them to sign and then she could put a picture of you all on that day in the frame once she gets home (or you could put it together and give it to her.)

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Once again it is lovely to hear that you have been blessed. You thoroughly deserve it and I think your openness, friendliness and generous spirit are evident when joining you in your trip reports. Enjoy!!

Aw, what a kind thing to say....thank you .

Awww, so nice to be thought of. Dining is half the fun on vacation. Yep, we are to get the storm tonight, so a messy and cold next couple of days. Happily, our northern neighbors will most likely get more snow than us. Crossing toes and fingers.
I may try the breakfast at ST too. Not a bad price to pay for a spread of I would think good food.

I am really excited to see how the freshness of the Sweet Tomatoes breakfast compares to their lunch and dinner.....and, how the Kirkman Road location compares to the Lake Buena Vista restaurant.

We escaped the worst of the snowstorm.....considering they had forecast 30 cm of the white stuff, we got next to nothing. I was certainly very happy to see just a skimming on the ground when I woke up this morning! The wind today is a killer, though.....cuts through you like a knife. I hope the worst of the storm's nastiness managed to miss you guys as well!!

Oh and I don't think cash is impersonal. It is the number one gift my teens want. Then a trip to where she would like to shop would be in order.

Sigh.....very true. Rather than trying to seek out something more personal, maybe I should just aim for a fun "presentation" . Suggestions welcome!

Sending a your way, Gina. I'm sorry you had a rough week last week.

I am so happy for you that your friend sent some special blessings your way!

I don't think the cash is too impersonal. Does Sunshine like to shop? If so, I bet the cash would be much appreciated when you guys go shopping at the outlets.

LOL, Sunshine LOVES to shop.....but as a college student with lots of education expenses, her funds for luxuries are limited at best. Ya'll are doing a good job in convincing me that cash is going to be the most well-received gift we could give her. Once she sees those outlet malls, she may just swoon.

That's lovely that you were sprinkled with kindness again Gina. I am firm believer you attract kindness with kindness and there's the proof.
For Sunshine's birthday I am sure the right thing will come along, but cash always seems to be a welcome gift for that age group. I was just texting with dd about her upcoming birthday and she wants cash. I think at that age, it's nice to have a little extra money in their pocket to have for when they spot something they have to have.
Dh stopped at the bank and grabbed $800 USD today while the exchange rate was decent. So between that and the Universal Tickets I got today our travel account is sad looking, but I'm happy with the exchange rate I got... we all know it could be worse!

ETA) Oh and I forgot to say thank you for the tug suggestion.. I will keep an eye. I have to wait on booking our week simply for the fact that I have expenses for the May trip to cover now, and can't pay anything else on the December/January trip until we get back. I should be ready to secure our rental by June. However, if I see a screaming good deal I will make it work when it comes up.

I am still holding out hope that late October to end-of-2016 dates will be released on Skyauction at some point. I would snag one of those for our second October week in a heartbeat. I am thinking maybe its just a little too soon....we're holding off committing to anything until we see if more dates are released later in the spring.

I am glad you were able to take advantage of the more favourable exchange. I am crossing my fingers that this little rise holds steady for the next little while!!

How awesome to receive all of these extras! I know you will pay it forward one day if you haven't already

For Sunshine, I would go with the cash. Can't go wrong with that!

I have to say, paying it forward is as much fun (maybe even more so!) as receiving those blessings in the first place .

Cash it shall be . I have no doubt she will have a ball picking out something special for herself!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well I love your sense of humor because that made me laugh out loud! The wedding pavilion is actually part of the Grand Floridian, but it's on the walk to the Poly. We couldn't go inside the chapel (but you can see through the windows- it looks so pretty) and then we walked behind the pavilion and took pictures- the grounds were beautiful and there was a flowered arch with the castle in the background and 2 intertwined rings on top. That could be where you take the picture of your son and Sunshine lol. I took a pic of my younger daughter kissing my older daughter on the cheek under the flowered arch- too cute.

I think it's a great idea to take something for the characters to sign. We sometimes have multiple things for them to sign and the characters never seem to mind. A shirt is a great idea. We have done that (as well as the autographs books and regular Disney story books we brought from home.) Another good idea might be to buy a matted picture frame and just take the mat part with you to FL for them to sign and then she could put a picture of you all on that day in the frame once she gets home (or you could put it together and give it to her.)

Ooohhhh......love the of the photo matte . Perhaps we will do both, the t-shirt and the matte. And I will keep one for me (letting Sunshine pick her fave of the two, of course)... because I love those unique souvenirs as well!

I told Jake about the wedding chapel, and my idea to take a picture, caption it, and text it to Sunshine's parents. He almost died laughing, but is totally on board. I think Sunshine's parents will get quite a chuckle over it......after they get the "just kidding!" text which follows and their hearts start beating again .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well, I happened to be logged in to the SeaWorld passmember site today, and look what I found is being offered:

Buy One, Get One Free SeaWorld Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Your knowledgeable tour guide will provide fascinating facts about SeaWorld® and our commitment to wildlife. Join us behind the scenes on this approximately 75-minute tour to discover how our animal experts care for rescued manatees and sea turtles. Plus touch a shark and interact with a penguin.

Details:

• Pass Members can take advantage of this special birthday offer once during 2016.
• Special offer does not have to be redeemed during your birthday month.
• Offer expires December 31, 2016.
• Admission to SeaWorld is not included and is required.
• Children under 3 are free but require a tour reservation.
• All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Small groups will be combined to form a tour group of about 16 guests.
• Late arrivals may miss tour components or may not be accommodated due to limited tour availability.
• Tour times, prices and components are subject to change and availability.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are nonrefundable.
• Participants must check in the park’s Information and Reservation counter at least 30 minutes prior to the tour start time.
• Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations for the tour are requested to provide two (2) weeks' notice of their need for accommodation. SeaWorld will attempt to satisfy requests received less than two (2) weeks in advance, to the extent it can do so within the time provided. Please visit the Contact Us page to submit your request.
• Must register online
• Must reserve prior to visit

Paid Guest
$29.00
Free Guest
$0.00

Admission to SeaWorld is not included and is required. Children under 3 are free but require a tour reservation. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Small groups will be combined to form a tour group of about 16 guests. Late arrivals may miss tour components or may not be accommodated due to limited tour availability. Tour times, prices and components are subject to change and availability. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are nonrefundable. Participants must check in the park’s Information and Reservation counter at least 30 minutes prior to the tour start time. Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations for the tour are requested to provide two (2) weeks’ notice of their need for accommodation. SeaWorld will attempt to satisfy requests received less than two (2) weeks in advance, to the extent it can do so within the time provided. Please visit the Contact Us page to submit your request.

This tour has always been on my radar, for the penguin interaction alone. I am seriously considering adding it on to one of our two SeaWorld days this trip. I know Sunshine, in particular, would almost faint if she knows she could spend some time with a real live penguin, and Jake will be super pumped to touch a shark. And when its on as a buy one, get one free offer.....its like its too good to pass up, right?

I think that's what I may have to tell myself, anyway .

 

[Lynne G]

ooooh, gonna use that for our trip too, thank goodness that offer is good until end of the year. Wahoo!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I am really excited to see how the freshness of the Sweet Tomatoes breakfast compares to their lunch and dinner.....and, how the Kirkman Road location compares to the Lake Buena Vista restaurant.

We escaped the worst of the snowstorm.....considering they had forecast 30 cm of the white stuff, we got next to nothing. I was certainly very happy to see just a skimming on the ground when I woke up this morning! The wind today is a killer, though.....cuts through you like a knife. I hope the worst of the storm's nastiness managed to miss you guys as well!!

The Kirkman Rd location is a little run down compared to the LBV. The food though is equal.

Well, we got at least 20cm of snow last night. It was a true storm....the sky was black all afternoon and the wind was wicked. It started snowing very lightly around 4pm and within an hour was coming fast and furious. It stopped around 4am at which time the first plow came by. It turned on my street, then back up and went forward at least 4 times before continuing along the street. How do I know this you ask? Because the driver had the blade on the road SCRAPING IT BACK AND FORTH RIGHT OUTSIDE MY BEDROOM WINDOW. If it's not one man it's another keeping me awake all night long...and not in a good way.

Snow vent....
My neighbour that I share the driveway with cleaned all the snow from his side(DH did part of ours before going to work at 7am) at some point today while I was at work. The guy has a snow blower and we do not. He left a strip of snow down the middle of the driveway that would have required one pass of the snow blower. He also cleared the snow from the end(the pile that the road plow leaves) of his side of the driveway but left the highest part in the middle. When I got home I got the shovel out and started to dig out. I look over and the neighbour is watching from the window. He then comes outside and stands in the driveway to watch me. Am I a bad person because I wanted to smack him with the shovel?
....vent over

 

[Ritchielace]

Too good a deal Gina. I would totally go for it!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

ooooh, gonna use that for our trip too, thank goodness that offer is good until end of the year. Wahoo!

That's awesome!! I thought the offer might appeal to you (and a few of the other AP holders too ....I have posted it over on the SW board to be sure the the other passmembers know about it as well). It's a nice little discount, and a decent savings for a family of 4!

The Kirkman Rd location is a little run down compared to the LBV. The food though is equal.

Well, we got at least 20cm of snow last night. It was a true storm....the sky was black all afternoon and the wind was wicked. It started snowing very lightly around 4pm and within an hour was coming fast and furious. It stopped around 4am at which time the first plow came by. It turned on my street, then back up and went forward at least 4 times before continuing along the street. How do I know this you ask? Because the driver had the blade on the road SCRAPING IT BACK AND FORTH RIGHT OUTSIDE MY BEDROOM WINDOW. If it's not one man it's another keeping me awake all night long...and not in a good way.

Snow vent....
My neighbour that I share the driveway with cleaned all the snow from his side(DH did part of ours before going to work at 7am) at some point today while I was at work. The guy has a snow blower and we do not. He left a strip of snow down the middle of the driveway that would have required one pass of the snow blower. He also cleared the snow from the end(the pile that the road plow leaves) of his side of the driveway but left the highest part in the middle. When I got home I got the shovel out and started to dig out. I look over and the neighbour is watching from the window. He then comes outside and stands in the driveway to watch me. Am I a bad person because I wanted to smack him with the shovel?
....vent over

Well, shoot. Sorry to hear you guys got snow-slammed to the west. I heard Kitchener got a fair bit too, and saw some pics of Huntsville.....hokey smokes! They are BURIED.

As for your neighbour, what a creep. When he has a snowblower and you share a driveway, why couldn't he just clear both sides just to be kind? When it snows here, Steve goes up and down the street with our blower and literally clears 10 different driveways for people that he knows would otherwise be shovelling. It's the Canadian thing to do.

Too good a deal Gina. I would totally go for it!

I mentioned it to Steve and Jake tonight, and both thought it was a great idea. I am going to wait until we file our income taxes this week, then if there's no scary surprises (and we don't owe the Government our entire vacation budget ), I think I will book it!

 

[ArwenMarie]

That's an awesome deal, wow, I would grab that.

 

[dancin Disney style]

As for your neighbour, what a creep. When he has a snowblower and you share a driveway, why couldn't he just clear both sides just to be kind? When it snows here, Steve goes up and down the street with our blower and literally clears 10 different driveways for people that he knows would otherwise be shovelling. It's the Canadian thing to do.

He plays the age card when it suits his purpose....such as snow removal. Although I fail to see that it's hard to walk along behind the snow blower. We used to have great neighbours that would help with anything. Gosh, once when DH was away for a 2 week period the nice guy across the street would come over every day when he came home from work to see if I was ok. Those neighbours moved away a good 8 years ago but we are still friends and go stay with them at their GORGEOUS retirement home on a lake up north. That same guy is the only neighbour we've ever had that would use the snow blower on other driveways.

Creepy neighbour, I've got many stories about things that we have done to help him out. I'm pretty much done with him and don't plan to be nice any more. I'm pretty sure that he called parking enforcement last week to complain about the neighbour on the other side. The parking guy has been here everyday for the past 8 or 9 days now and has for sure filled his ticket quota.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

That's an awesome deal, wow, I would grab that.

If for some reason we skip out on it for the April/May trip, Steve and I will take advantage of the offer in October for sure. But I'm reasonably certain we'll be able to add it on for spring......I may call SW today to find out what time(s) of the day the tour is generally offered. I think it would be fun to do in the afternoon or later in the day when the park crowds pick up a bit.

I am rather excited about this, I must admit!

He plays the age card when it suits his purpose....such as snow removal. Although I fail to see that it's hard to walk along behind the snow blower. We used to have great neighbours that would help with anything. Gosh, once when DH was away for a 2 week period the nice guy across the street would come over every day when he came home from work to see if I was ok. Those neighbours moved away a good 8 years ago but we are still friends and go stay with them at their GORGEOUS retirement home on a lake up north. That same guy is the only neighbour we've ever had that would use the snow blower on other driveways.

Creepy neighbour, I've got many stories about things that we have done to help him out. I'm pretty much done with him and don't plan to be nice any more. I'm pretty sure that he called parking enforcement last week to complain about the neighbour on the other side. The parking guy has been here everyday for the past 8 or 9 days now and has for sure filled his ticket quota.

I actually feel kind of sad for your neighbour. That has to be a miserable way to live one's life. It reminds me of this quote....



I often wonder if these kinds of people don't need to be shown a little extra love along the way. Maybe it would soften their hearts a little.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sunshine was over for a bit last night, and I have to tell you......you all were right on the money (oh, bad pun there! ) when you suggested we give her cash for her birthday gift. I felt sorry for the poor kid, she was pretty blue about finances in general ... and especially how her depleted budget was going to impact her shopping hopes for our spring trip. Her Momma had chastised her earlier in the day for her recent spending on her Visa (it included a couple of small non-essential purchases which her frugal parents didn't think were warranted in light of her school expenses), and now nearing the final weeks of her academic year, she's really feeling a significant financial pinch. To top it all off, she needs a new wheel bearing in her car, so there is another cost she was not expecting to have to budget for.

Steve and I chatted when he got home from work (Sunshine had gone home by then, and Jake had left to do some respite care for a local family) and we agreed that a card with money would be the most suitable birthday gift under the circumstances. Ditto for Easter for both of the kids: I think we will forego any chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs (quite honestly, NONE of our waistlines need them anyway...well, except for Sunshine, she is enviably tall and slim!) and just give them special cards with US cash inside in lieu of more traditional Easter presents. Our vacation will be less than a month away by that point, so its perfect timing.

I might do a little something extra for Sunshine's birthday though, just because I know it will completely delight her .

She's a big stuffie collector.....both her dorm room, and her room at home, are FILLED with them. When she was over on the weekend, we were talking about the trip and she asked me if I thought the Universal store might have Agnes' "It's so fluffy" unicorn from the Despicable Me movie. She gave me her best Agnes impersonation (and might I say, she was adorably SPOT ON!) and then very solemnly said that as long as she brings enough money to buy a t-shirt from one of the places we visit and Agnes' unicorn from the gift shop at Universal, she will go home completely happy. She really is a very low-maintenance kid.

Then, I find this on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.ca/Despicable-Flu...7016279&sr=8-1&keywords=despicable+me+unicorn

...and I think to myself, wouldn't it be fun to put her birthday card and spending money in his little hands, and give that to her on our departure day when we have her birthday dinner at Chili's in Buffalo? I am betting she would be over the moon. And, it would be a little nicer gift presentation than just a card with cash inside......PLUS, she would have more souvenir money to allocate to other purchases while we're in Orlando.

An Amazon order might just be in my future.

 

[Lynne G]

Very cute idea Gina. I'm sure both will make her happy. Can't believe it will be Easter this month, and then your trip. So close already!

We're waiting for the snow to come tonight. Several inches so far, kids are hoping at least for a delay to school. I'm not sure. Depends on how much and how clear the roads are, given we will be at freezing or below most of today and tomorrow. Gonna be a cold soccer game on Saturday. I'm taking a blanket to wrap around me. Poor kids. They don't care. I'm happy, that means outdoor soccer, and I like that so much better than indoor.

Have a great week-end coming up.

 

[bankr63]

Ugh, snow. My snow story was my trip to Toronto yesterday for a meeting. Based on the forecast, we thought it was quiet possible we'd cancel our attendance. But 4:30 AM showed maybe a bit less than a foot of new snow, so off I went. First tire tracks down the street at 5:30 AM. First few km were pretty good, until I hit a huge traffic jam on the 174 (Ottawa Queensway). I never knew so many cars would be on the road at oh my gawd o'clock!

Still, made the airport only a few minutes after 6:00 and breezed through security to the Porter lounge. Flight left about 15 minutes late due to deicing; still snowing at the time. it was a pretty bumpy trip as the front was moving through and we arrived in Toronto only 5 minutes off schedule to a city slammed in snow. Well, no more than we had in Ottawa, but I think we probably know how to handle it better. Amazing thing number one, we hit our meeting at 8:30 with snow piled up everywhere but it was a bright sunny day; when left, most of the snow had already melted! Amazing thing number two, I got home around 8:00pm and my amazing neighbors had already shoveled out our driveway!

As for cash, great gift, but I always ask my kids to do one thing when they get cash, and that applies to me too. Be conscious of what you spend it on, and send a second thank you when you do spend it to tell the giver how you spent their gift. And make sure the gift is something the giver would approve. I hate giving money if I think it may just be wasted (NOT saying it sounds like Sunshine is anything like that). So the gift could come with a little prod "Get yourself something special with this, we are excited to know what it is!" And hopefully its not wheel bearing, cause that's not special at all

 

[pattyw]

Well, I happened to be logged in to the SeaWorld passmember site today, and look what I found is being offered:

Buy One, Get One Free SeaWorld Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Your knowledgeable tour guide will provide fascinating facts about SeaWorld® and our commitment to wildlife. Join us behind the scenes on this approximately 75-minute tour to discover how our animal experts care for rescued manatees and sea turtles. Plus touch a shark and interact with a penguin.

Details:

• Pass Members can take advantage of this special birthday offer once during 2016.
• Special offer does not have to be redeemed during your birthday month.
• Offer expires December 31, 2016.
• Admission to SeaWorld is not included and is required.
• Children under 3 are free but require a tour reservation.
• All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Small groups will be combined to form a tour group of about 16 guests.
• Late arrivals may miss tour components or may not be accommodated due to limited tour availability.
• Tour times, prices and components are subject to change and availability.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are nonrefundable.
• Participants must check in the park’s Information and Reservation counter at least 30 minutes prior to the tour start time.
• Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations for the tour are requested to provide two (2) weeks' notice of their need for accommodation. SeaWorld will attempt to satisfy requests received less than two (2) weeks in advance, to the extent it can do so within the time provided. Please visit the Contact Us page to submit your request.
• Must register online
• Must reserve prior to visit

Paid Guest
$29.00
Free Guest
$0.00

Admission to SeaWorld is not included and is required. Children under 3 are free but require a tour reservation. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Small groups will be combined to form a tour group of about 16 guests. Late arrivals may miss tour components or may not be accommodated due to limited tour availability. Tour times, prices and components are subject to change and availability. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are nonrefundable. Participants must check in the park’s Information and Reservation counter at least 30 minutes prior to the tour start time. Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations for the tour are requested to provide two (2) weeks’ notice of their need for accommodation. SeaWorld will attempt to satisfy requests received less than two (2) weeks in advance, to the extent it can do so within the time provided. Please visit the Contact Us page to submit your request.

This tour has always been on my radar, for the penguin interaction alone. I am seriously considering adding it on to one of our two SeaWorld days this trip. I know Sunshine, in particular, would almost faint if she knows she could spend some time with a real live penguin, and Jake will be super pumped to touch a shark. And when its on as a buy one, get one free offer.....its like its too good to pass up, right?

I think that's what I may have to tell myself, anyway .

Thanks Gina!! We're AP holders, but I wouldn't have checked the site again before our trip if you hadn't posted. Just got the BOGO tickets for the tour on March 16!!