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

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

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.

Well rats.....sorry to hear you are getting hit with more of the white stuff! I hope its at least short lived for you guys. Now that its March, snow of any significance just seems even more insulting than normal. Once you flip the page on the calendar, you can't help but be thinking spring!

Outdoor soccer in March .......brrrrrr. You make me glad that hockey and basketball were Jake's main sports of choice. Even in the arena, it is climate controlled and without a wind chill!!

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

You're a man after my own heart when it comes to how to handle cash gifts . My mom and dad always made us follow the same courtesies you outlined above when we were kids (and those good habits are still practiced as adults). I can virtually assure you that Sunshine will use any monetary gifts for a special purchase of some sort while on our trip.....if I know her as well as I think I do, I would guess it will be happily redeemed at Pink, Lululemon, Forever 21 or one of the other similar girly stores that we don't have in our neck of the woods . It definitely won't go for a wheel bearing....she was having that repaired today at a local garage, and her momma and daddy were footing the bill. She should be back on the road in a safe car as we speak .

Quinte must have been the rose between two thorns during yesterday's snowstorm. Sounds like our neighbours to the east AND west were hit hard, but yet, we didn't even get enough to even need to scrape the driveway. For once, we were finally in the "right" place!

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!!

Woohoo! That's awesome!

I can't wait to hear about your experience! You'll have to be sure to come back here and tell us all about it .

I tried calling SW today to find out what times the tour was offered, but it was a 44 minute wait to speak to a customer service rep . Did you have a choice of times from which to pick from, or was it only offered once per day?

 

[pattyw]

The times were 10:00 am and 11:15 am. You're supposed to check in 30 minutes prior. I will for sure let you know how it is!! Looking forward to meeting a penguin.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Those unicorns are great...we have two of them (don't know how that happened!) They're very soft, you can almost use them as a pillow.

 

[dsmom]

That unicorn is adorable! And did I hear you say Jake was doing respite care for a neighbor? Now I
know you have raised a saint.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Oh, my gosh......you will not believe what Universal has now .

A friend sent me this link this afernoon......are you ready for it?

https://blog.universalorlando.com/whats-new/sugarplums-sweet-shop/

Butterbeer fudge . Remind me to pack some elastic-waist pants .

I bought some when we were there last month. I brought home to friends. Had to buy it twice because the first piece melted. They loved it. I believe there is also butter beer ice cream now too.

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 for posting that. I think we will try to do a tour in September when we go back.

Is that Residence Inn in a complex right behind Golden Coral? If so it's in the same complex as the Fairfield Inn we stayed in this trip. It was really nice. The breakfast area was huge and very busy. There were a bunch of cheerleaders staying there. No noise at night though.

Are you on the Universal Passholder facebook page? If not you should join. They have great tips on there. For instance, did you know there is an Immigration Tour in MIB? I guess after the ride, as soon as you exit, just ask one of the cast members if they'll give you the tour.

ETA: my trip report link http://disboards.com/threads/february-in-orlando-you-never-know-what-youre-going-to-get.3489151/

 

[llcoolj]

Gina-your wonderful trip reports have brought me out of lurkdom! Thank you for writing them. I know that you've been on at least two different swamp tours and was wondering which one you recommend. Our trip will in July with me, my DH and our DS16.

Thanks!
Leta

 

[debster812]

What a coincidence, I'm in SE Mass, and there could be a dusting of snow here tomorrow, and DS has 3 soccer games this weekend. Time to BUNDLE UP, Spring soccer in New England (and Canada) is NOT for sissies.

Gina, I think your cash ideas are perfect. I saw your post last night, and was poking around on Pinterest, there are a lot of really cute ways to give cashthat people who are much more creative than I have come up. Take a peek if you want some ideas. I just searched on 'creative ways to give cash' There's tons of examples, but this one was my favorite:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56365432813897992/

 

[Vestmama4]

I simply love the unicorn/cash/card birthday gift for Sunshine. Perfect. My girls are big fans of Agnes and Despicable Me so I may have to get one of these unicorns too
It's so nice to read how you have such a great relationship with your son's girlfriend. It sounds like she appreciates you and your kindness as well.
And that is a fantastic deal on the behind the scenes tour- thanks so much for sharing.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The times were 10:00 am and 11:15 am. You're supposed to check in 30 minutes prior. I will for sure let you know how it is!! Looking forward to meeting a penguin.

I have to agree, its the penguin encounter that sells that tour . I am so excited to hear your review! Please take photos too!

Those unicorns are great...we have two of them (don't know how that happened!) They're very soft, you can almost use them as a pillow.

Now you're making me want one, too . Yes, I'm 42 going on 9 .

That unicorn is adorable! And did I hear you say Jake was doing respite care for a neighbor? Now I know you have raised a saint.

LOL....definitely no saint. I want to wring his neck at least once a week .

He does respite care for a family with two special needs young adults every Wednesday evening, and its more fun for him than it is work. He loves those two young people, and his time with them is something he looks forward to so much. As long as the weather co-operates, he usually takes them swimming at our local recreation centre.....its a favourite activity for all of them.

I hear they were all doing their favourite minion impressions in the pool last night.....all three of them have seen the movie enough that they know certain parts by heart. I hear Nate was yelling "Kumbayah!" in King Bob style . A kid after my own heart!

I bought some when we were there last month. I brought home to friends. Had to buy it twice because the first piece melted. They loved it. I believe there is also butter beer ice cream now too.

We've had the ice cream, and oooohhhhh.......its divine. If the fudge is equally as good as the ice cream (or the Butterbeer itself), my waistline is doomed .

thanks for posting that. I think we will try to do a tour in September when we go back.

Awesome! I am glad it was helpful! I just wish SW would do a little better job at making some of these special offers well known. Don'tcha wonder what else is out there that we may not have stumbled on just yet?

Is that Residence Inn in a complex right behind Golden Coral? If so it's in the same complex as the Fairfield Inn we stayed in this trip. It was really nice. The breakfast area was huge and very busy. There were a bunch of cheerleaders staying there. No noise at night though.

I think you might be thinking of the RI near the Premium Outlets on Vineland. This one is much closer to SeaWorld...within walking distance (a long-ish walk, mind you, but still walkable). So far, though, we've never met a Residence Inn we didn't like. They are pretty consistently great.

Are you on the Universal Passholder facebook page? If not you should join. They have great tips on there. For instance, did you know there is an Immigration Tour in MIB? I guess after the ride, as soon as you exit, just ask one of the cast members if they'll give you the tour.

ETA: my trip report link http://disboards.com/threads/february-in-orlando-you-never-know-what-youre-going-to-get.3489151/

Steve and I got to do the Immigration Tour (or something pretty close to it) as part of our HHN RIP Tour. It was very cool to go down and sit with the aliens! I might try and see if we can get Sunshine and Jake that experience when we are there in April, though.....I think they'd really enjoy that if the TM's will indulge us.

Gina-your wonderful trip reports have brought me out of lurkdom! Thank you for writing them. I know that you've been on at least two different swamp tours and was wondering which one you recommend. Our trip will in July with me, my DH and our DS16.

Thanks!
Leta

Hi Leta! to my PTR!

We've done Wild Willy's airboat tour, and Wild Florida. Definitely Wild Florida gets the nod as the best overall (though we thoroughly enjoyed both). The drive to WF is much easier than Wild Willy's, and Wild Florida's animal park (which is free with an airboat tour, or admission can also be purchased on its own) is an excellent feature that adds a ton of value to the overall experience. Discounts on airboat tickets are easily available online for Wild Florida, too....if you need help finding one, let me know!

What a coincidence, I'm in SE Mass, and there could be a dusting of snow here tomorrow, and DS has 3 soccer games this weekend. Time to BUNDLE UP, Spring soccer in New England (and Canada) is NOT for sissies.

Gina, I think your cash ideas are perfect. I saw your post last night, and was poking around on Pinterest, there are a lot of really cute ways to give cashthat people who are much more creative than I have come up. Take a peek if you want some ideas. I just searched on 'creative ways to give cash' There's tons of examples, but this one was my favorite:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56365432813897992/

View attachment 154828

What a fun idea! Thank goodness for sites like pinterest, because non-creative types like me would never come up with fun presentations like these. Thank you so much for sharing......that would be super cute to put between the paws of the Unicorn!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I simply love the unicorn/cash/card birthday gift for Sunshine. Perfect. My girls are big fans of Agnes and Despicable Me so I may have to get one of these unicorns too
It's so nice to read how you have such a great relationship with your son's girlfriend. It sounds like she appreciates you and your kindness as well.
And that is a fantastic deal on the behind the scenes tour- thanks so much for sharing.

Sunshine and I are like kindred spirits in many, many ways......Jake like to remind me (often with a groan) that we share many similar traits. Poor Jake, he doesn't stand a chance LOL! She's a sensitive soul with a personality that is just a delight. She cares so much for Jake, and that alone makes my heart sing (as a mom, what more can you ask for your child than to be loved by someone so completely?).

Right from the beginning, she has fit into our funny little trio as if she has always belonged there. And yes, she is so gracious and appreciative of anything we do.....more often than not, she is bouncing over to give me a big hug or sending me a text telling her how happy she is to have me as her "Second Mom" . When she is so thankful, its fun to spoil her as much as we do Jake.

LOL, maybe I should get the lead out and order one of the unicorns before they're gone, then.....with only 9 left, if I snooze, I might lose! They are just too adorable . I think they are a great price as well.....I doubt we'd be able to get one in the parks for that low of a cost, especially when you factor in that the Amazon price is in Canadian dollars and we'd be realistically adding 40% to the cost of the unicorn if purchased at the Universal store.

 

[toystoryduo]

That is such a cute idea for Sunshine's birthday!

Thank you for sharing about the behind-the-scenes tour deal on the Sea World Passholder's site! We have APs, and I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I didn't even know they had a Passholder's site! I think we would all enjoy this tour, but I think my DD would especially like it since she loves penguins. I'll have to talk to my DH and see what he thinks. Thanks again for sharing!

 

[pigletto]

Love the unicorn Gina. Go through ebates when you order and you will save a little more!
We are doing the cash thing for both the kids for Easter as well. They will each get $50 American and a chocolate bunny. It more than I would usually spend on Easter to be honest, but we have a trip approaching and they will appreciate it. Every extra cent of dd's that hasn't been funnelled toward school has gone to her dues for her sorority this semester. She loves it and it's a worthwhile expense but it wasn't planned for. So she'll love the cash.

Ds12 is learning some expensive lessons lately too. He has lost, forgotten and left behind no less than $400 worth of clothing/jackets/shoes/hats/gloves) in the last year. It's gotten so bad with him forgetting things, that I finally ( after begging, pleading, and trying my hardest to set up a system of reminders ) started making him re buy things out of his own money when I couldn't take it anymore. Just yesterday was a new pair of pants and a hoody left in the change room after basketball. I ask you.. how do you come home in -10 degree weather IN YOUR SHORTS???

Anyway, I know I sound awful but I can't take it anymore and told him if he doesn't find them today he buys new pants. It's time for the child (who is in every way an awesome respectful kid) to learn some money lessons because it's killing me to constantly be replacing stuff. That means, his allowance account will be a little empty for the trip but oh well. I am hoping that if it hurts his wallet he will learn to check for his stuff before he leaves a room. The result is he might only have that $50 USD from Easter on this trip. Hope he does't lose that too.
Sorry for the rant.. got off on a tangent there lol.

 

[llcoolj]

Hi Leta! to my PTR!

We've done Wild Willy's airboat tour, and Wild Florida. Definitely Wild Florida gets the nod as the best overall (though we thoroughly enjoyed both). The drive to WF is much easier than Wild Willy's, and Wild Florida's animal park (which is free with an airboat tour, or admission can also be purchased on its own) is an excellent feature that adds a ton of value to the overall experience. Discounts on airboat tickets are easily available online for Wild Florida, too....if you need help finding one, let me know!

I hope I'm quoting correctly. Thank you so much! I knew that you enjoyed Wild Florida on the most recent trip, but I couldn't remember when you did Wild Willy's to look up the review. Someone mentioned on either this pre-trip report or on your last trip report that the Orlando tourism board should hire you and I couldn't agree more! You are the best promoter of Orlando attractions and really have a gift for making people want to explore the area.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Love the unicorn Gina. Go through ebates when you order and you will save a little more!
We are doing the cash thing for both the kids for Easter as well. They will each get $50 American and a chocolate bunny. It more than I would usually spend on Easter to be honest, but we have a trip approaching and they will appreciate it. Every extra cent of dd's that hasn't been funnelled toward school has gone to her dues for her sorority this semester. She loves it and it's a worthwhile expense but it wasn't planned for. So she'll love the cash.

Ds12 is learning some expensive lessons lately too. He has lost, forgotten and left behind no less than $400 worth of clothing/jackets/shoes/hats/gloves) in the last year. It's gotten so bad with him forgetting things, that I finally ( after begging, pleading, and trying my hardest to set up a system of reminders ) started making him re buy things out of his own money when I couldn't take it anymore. Just yesterday was a new pair of pants and a hoody left in the change room after basketball. I ask you.. how do you come home in -10 degree weather IN YOUR SHORTS???

Anyway, I know I sound awful but I can't take it anymore and told him if he doesn't find them today he buys new pants. It's time for the child (who is in every way an awesome respectful kid) to learn some money lessons because it's killing me to constantly be replacing stuff. That means, his allowance account will be a little empty for the trip but oh well. I am hoping that if it hurts his wallet he will learn to check for his stuff before he leaves a room. The result is he might only have that $50 USD from Easter on this trip. Hope he does't lose that too.
Sorry for the rant.. got off on a tangent there lol.

That's rough, especially with winter clothes which are expensive!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

That is such a cute idea for Sunshine's birthday!

Thank you for sharing about the behind-the-scenes tour deal on the Sea World Passholder's site! We have APs, and I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I didn't even know they had a Passholder's site! I think we would all enjoy this tour, but I think my DD would especially like it since she loves penguins. I'll have to talk to my DH and see what he thinks. Thanks again for sharing!

You are most welcome!! I am so happy that the deal has been useful to so many other Disers as well.

I am guessing you already found the passmember site, but in case you haven't had the chance to look it up, this link will take you right there:

https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/passmembers?from=Top_Nav

Love the unicorn Gina. Go through ebates when you order and you will save a little more!
We are doing the cash thing for both the kids for Easter as well. They will each get $50 American and a chocolate bunny. It more than I would usually spend on Easter to be honest, but we have a trip approaching and they will appreciate it. Every extra cent of dd's that hasn't been funnelled toward school has gone to her dues for her sorority this semester. She loves it and it's a worthwhile expense but it wasn't planned for. So she'll love the cash.

Ds12 is learning some expensive lessons lately too. He has lost, forgotten and left behind no less than $400 worth of clothing/jackets/shoes/hats/gloves) in the last year. It's gotten so bad with him forgetting things, that I finally ( after begging, pleading, and trying my hardest to set up a system of reminders ) started making him re buy things out of his own money when I couldn't take it anymore. Just yesterday was a new pair of pants and a hoody left in the change room after basketball. I ask you.. how do you come home in -10 degree weather IN YOUR SHORTS???

Anyway, I know I sound awful but I can't take it anymore and told him if he doesn't find them today he buys new pants. It's time for the child (who is in every way an awesome respectful kid) to learn some money lessons because it's killing me to constantly be replacing stuff. That means, his allowance account will be a little empty for the trip but oh well. I am hoping that if it hurts his wallet he will learn to check for his stuff before he leaves a room. The result is he might only have that $50 USD from Easter on this trip. Hope he does't lose that too.
Sorry for the rant.. got off on a tangent there lol.

Your post, while a bit of a rant for you, gave me such a big smile. Jake used to routinely deliver his newspapers as a 12 year in his shorts.....in February!! The neighbours would call me, absolutely horrified (and probably ready to report me to the CAS). Confronted with it, he'd look at me quizzically and respond.....but I was hot!

I think your natural consequences will be very effective in teaching your young fellow some life-long lessons about caring for your belongings. Tough love is sometimes hard to apply but has such good results in the end.

I hope I'm quoting correctly. Thank you so much! I knew that you enjoyed Wild Florida on the most recent trip, but I couldn't remember when you did Wild Willy's to look up the review. Someone mentioned on either this pre-trip report or on your last trip report that the Orlando tourism board should hire you and I couldn't agree more! You are the best promoter of Orlando attractions and really have a gift for making people want to explore the area.

Aw, that's very kind of you to say . Florida has definitely captured my heart, in so many ways.

My report that featured our airboat tour at Wild Willy's was from Christmas 2012. You can go straight to that entry by clicking here:

https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/passmembers?from=Top_Nav

That's rough, especially with winter clothes which are expensive!

Spoken like a Mom who has been there at some point, too! (I think we all have....I know I can totally relate to @pigletto 's pain!!)

 

[pigletto]

The pants were magically found and made it home today. Ds12's vacation budget remains intact .
And Gina, he came home from another basketball practice in his shorts, with his bag stuffed full of today and yesterday's clothes.

 

[bankr63]

Doing my Friday one week happy dance. 7 days from now we will be well on our way South, with hopefully the province of Ontario, and the states of New York and Pennsylvania behind us.

Sorry to hijack for my happy dance.

Carry on (I know, that's what I'm doing...)






No wait, not done yet...



OK, now I'm done...








Nope, still too happy...




Anyone having a seizure yet?



Ok, I'm really done now...

DDS you must really be happy dancin'!!!

 

[dancin Disney style]

DDS you must really be happy dancin'!!!

Totally happy.....I just splurged on a new IPhone. The kiddo doesn't know yet and she's gonna be MAD.
I'll just have to reminder her that it's only 5 more sleeps.

@bankr63 you missed some

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The pants were magically found and made it home today. Ds12's vacation budget remains intact .
And Gina, he came home from another basketball practice in his shorts, with his bag stuffed full of today and yesterday's clothes.

Woohoo! That's awesome news!

You certainly can't say that the kids don't keep things interesting .

Totally happy.....I just splurged on a new IPhone. The kiddo doesn't know yet and she's gonna be MAD.
I'll just have to reminder her that it's only 5 more sleeps.

@bankr63 you missed some

So....how splurgy did you go? A 6s, maybe?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Doing my Friday one week happy dance. 7 days from now we will be well on our way South, with hopefully the province of Ontario, and the states of New York and Pennsylvania behind us.

Sorry to hijack for my happy dance.

Carry on (I know, that's what I'm doing...)






No wait, not done yet...



OK, now I'm done...








Nope, still too happy...




Anyone having a seizure yet?



Ok, I'm really done now...

DDS you must really be happy dancin'!!!

We will all be eagerly awaiting a live report or two while you're in Orlando!!