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

[bankr63]

Congrats to Steve (and you) on the new job. I sincerely hope it works out, but "watch out". One of my team member's hubby has been a firefighter for many many years. He got promoted into a full-time day job about a year ago, and she was shocked at how "little" time they had after that. Firefighters work long shifts, and have enough down time to accomplish tons. Adjusting to the new lifestyle was tougher than expected. But then several months later he was tapped for a major promotion, but he would return to shifts in the station house. I'm pretty sure they both breathed a sigh of relief to get back to their "normal". Not saying this WILL happen to you Gina; just suggesting that your planning side be ready for it...

But as we get older, sometimes a major change of scenery is what keeps us going!

And to hijack things again, time for an update...

We got in late last night/early this morning, a day ahead of plan. Weather for the week is looking grand, temps in the high 80's for the week. MK in the plans for tomorrow.

We decided to make a full run for it on Saturday. Leaving Hagerstown, MD around 7:00 Saturday morning we were making really great time. Made a side trip to Raleigh/Durham region to stop in at Cabela's and made that a bit past lunch. Hit South of the Border (Dillon SC) around 4:00. Original plan was to stop around GA/FL line for the night, but we had dinner near Savannah GA, and it was still pretty early when we got to our intended destination, so A+ said "what the heck" or something to that effect and we pressed on. Hit Vistana about 12:02 AM Sunday.

Had a nice breakfast at the Marketplace this morning, since we didn't have anything stocked up yet. The southwest breakfast wrap was excellent!

Also had a great late lunch today at Zimmies by the pool after a long morning of making the shopping rounds.

And now it's time to head out a BBQ a couple of juicy steaks for dinner!

Hmmm, just noticed the last 3 lines are all about food...

It is so NICE to be "home" in paradise again!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well done to Steve on the new job. Hope he enjoys the day shift

Thank you!

Congrats to Steve (and you) on the new job. I sincerely hope it works out, but "watch out". One of my team member's hubby has been a firefighter for many many years. He got promoted into a full-time day job about a year ago, and she was shocked at how "little" time they had after that. Firefighters work long shifts, and have enough down time to accomplish tons. Adjusting to the new lifestyle was tougher than expected. But then several months later he was tapped for a major promotion, but he would return to shifts in the station house. I'm pretty sure they both breathed a sigh of relief to get back to their "normal". Not saying this WILL happen to you Gina; just suggesting that your planning side be ready for it...

But as we get older, sometimes a major change of scenery is what keeps us going!

Thanks Munro. I have no doubt that his "days" will be long ones on occasion (and involve some impromptu weekends as well), but at least we'll have a little more consistency than we had before . That's good enough for me!

And hey, what's this about us getting "older"? We're still 29....at heart .

And to hijack things again, time for an update...

We got in late last night/early this morning, a day ahead of plan. Weather for the week is looking grand, temps in the high 80's for the week. MK in the plans for tomorrow.

We decided to make a full run for it on Saturday. Leaving Hagerstown, MD around 7:00 Saturday morning we were making really great time. Made a side trip to Raleigh/Durham region to stop in at Cabela's and made that a bit past lunch. Hit South of the Border (Dillon SC) around 4:00. Original plan was to stop around GA/FL line for the night, but we had dinner near Savannah GA, and it was still pretty early when we got to our intended destination, so A+ said "what the heck" or something to that effect and we pressed on. Hit Vistana about 12:02 AM Sunday.

Had a nice breakfast at the Marketplace this morning, since we didn't have anything stocked up yet. The southwest breakfast wrap was excellent!

Also had a great late lunch today at Zimmies by the pool after a long morning of making the shopping rounds.

And now it's time to head out a BBQ a couple of juicy steaks for dinner!

Hmmm, just noticed the last 3 lines are all about food...

It is so NICE to be "home" in paradise again!

Happy to hear you arrived safe and sound, and ahead of schedule at that!

Have a spectacular week in the sun...and don't forget to post a picture or two here if you get the chance.

 

[pepperandchips]

"what the heck" or something to that effect and we pressed on. Hit Vistana about 12:02 AM Sunday.

Sounds like us - prefer to drive in the wee hours to avoid traffic and arrive with a whole day ahead of us in Orlando, of course we tend to be departing Atlanta around 12:02 AM... Haha

Ditto what Gina said, post some pictures for those of us still counting weeks!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Wonderful news on the new job, Gina!!! So happy for you and Steve!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wonderful news on the new job, Gina!!! So happy for you and Steve!

Thank you!!

 

[Lynne G]

Wahoo, always glad to hear good news. Congrats to Steve. Won't be long. Time seems to fly at times.

Oh and since I posted a minion in Mac's Something thread, you've been mooned by a minion!

Wading though this very wet day. Raining so hard, it's noisy.

Hoping for clear skies and good weather for your trip.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Good morning. Was supposed to rain today and was sprinkling when I came out to the pool but it's gorgeous now.


Very busy day yesterday at Epcot. The place was packed but we somehow managed to eat our way around World Showcase at the Flower and Garden festival. I'm still stuffed this morning.
I took a ton of weird pictures but none of the food.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wahoo, always glad to hear good news. Congrats to Steve. Won't be long. Time seems to fly at times.

Oh and since I posted a minion in Mac's Something thread, you've been mooned by a minion!

Wading though this very wet day. Raining so hard, it's noisy.

Hoping for clear skies and good weather for your trip.

Thank you Lynne!! I know the next two weeks will go by quickly, but right now....I'm impatient .

We've got the rain here, too, today. Cold, damp, and downright icky.

We're definitely saying a prayer for nice weather for the end of April/early May. It's always a concern because a real wash-out of a week can ruin so many carefully laid plans. I'm packing an assortment of ponchos and umbrellas, but with a little luck....we won't need to use many of them!

Good morning. Was supposed to rain today and was sprinkling when I came out to the pool but it's gorgeous now.
View attachment 156230

Very busy day yesterday at Epcot. The place was packed but we somehow managed to eat our way around World Showcase at the Flower and Garden festival. I'm still stuffed this morning.
I took a ton of weird pictures but none of the food.
View attachment 156231

Gorgeous pics! Love, love, LOVE the spectacular colours in the flower displays!

Glad to hear the rain has cleared up and you are enjoying some sun! It's cold and wet here today.....and I heard the weatherman say the dreaded "s" word when talking about what's coming for Sunday .

 

[dancin Disney style]

Glad to hear the rain has cleared up and you are enjoying some sun! It's cold and wet here today.....and I heard the weatherman say the dreaded "s" word when talking about what's coming for Sunday .

Do not even hint at the "s" word.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

It was one of those kinds of days at the office that has made me glad we have a vacation on the not-so-distant horizon .

Funny how some days can be so normal, while others......just go crazy .

Focusing on the positive, we're now at 40 days from departure.....so tomorrow, I can officially say we're in the 30's! Time is passing pretty quickly, actually ... which is surprising as there is less and less to do and plan at this stage. We are casually tossing around some ideas of how we wish to spend the pre-game hours in St. Petersburg, assuming we get ourselves up and going at a decent hour in morning. With the baseball game not starting until early evening, that leaves us some prime afternoon time to check out this new destination for us. We've tossed around some beach time (we've never seen the Gulf), a dolphin cruise (this one is SUPER close to Tropicana Field: http://pierdolphincruises.com/) or perhaps a visit to the aquarium (http://www.pieraquarium.org/). I need to do a little more reading on Tripadvisor to see which one might be our best bet. I have to say, the dolphin cruise holds a LOT of appeal....I have never seen dolphins swimming in the wild before.

Most of our trip planning efforts lately seem to be more centered around our October trip. I booked our Discovery Cove days on Friday, one for the beginning of the trip and one for the end. Skipping the dolphin swim and using the great rates available to passmembers (plus having our admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica covered with our AP's purchased back on Black Friday) meant that two visits were within the budget, which we are super excited about. We have booked our second week of accommodations via SkyAuction (we just won that auction last night, we'll be giving Wyndham Cypress Palms a whirl this time) and we've also shortlisted a few other attractions we want to try out: Pirates Dinner Adventure (arrrhhh, excited about that one!), Capone's (which has been on Steve's must-do list for years), Oktoberfest in Celebration, Food Truck Friday (also in Celebration), and yes....I think we'll do a MNSSHP again, assuming that ticket prices aren't super ridiculous. A delightful little bird told us that there is a 4 Rivers Smokehouse opening in Kissimmee this summer, so that will be a must-do for one night's dining. And.....we have a Dismeet or two in the works for that vacation, which is super, SUPER cool.

Pulling myself back to planning for our spring trip, I still have to research prices on out of country medical insurance at some point soon so I can cross that off the to-do list before April 23rd. I need to figure out if its more cost effective to get an annual plan or two single-trip policies (covering all three of us on the first trip, only two of us for the second).

I also need to get a decent pair of sandals for the trip. While I detest going to the mall, I might have to cave on this one. I hate ordering shoes online, its just too hard to figure out if they will fit in a way that doesn't drive me crazy. Selection at this time of year is still limited at best though, so I'm trying to hold off for a little while yet. Spring is still only partly in the air this far north.

It's all coming together, though . Hard to believe its less than two weeks until Easter!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Do not even hint at the "s" word.

Sorry . They're calling for a high of 12 for Thursday, then its all downhill from there.

 

[sk8jdgca]

For out of province look at the RBC Visa preferred card. It will cover you, Steve and it might cover your son ( he hasn't graduated yet). All for 110 plus secondary card holder if you need it.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

For out of province look at the RBC Visa preferred card. It will cover you, Steve and it might cover your son ( he hasn't graduated yet). All for 110 plus secondary card holder if you need it.

Thanks for that tip, I will definitely look into it!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well, shoot......apparently the Pier Aquarium is permanently closed according to TripAdvisor . I guess that one is off my list of options.

 

[pepperandchips]

I'm still stuffed this morning.
I took a ton of weird pictures but none of the food.

If that gorgeous flower blanket is weird that I am fine being a nutcase. Gorgeous photos!

And.....we have a Dismeet or two in the works for that vacation, which is super, SUPER cool.

When are your dates again

Gina... I know you just said no ordering online... But if you are looking for sandals I have to recommend the website GoJane.com - they have ridiculously cheap shoes. I just buy 5 or 6 pairs and figure 3 or 4 will fit and gift the others to my sister or friends kind of like how you have less expensive American things delivered to your park & fly or the Vistana.

Happy Monday to everyone! (I'm under 20 days so feeling a little giddy even if it makes me a brat for sharing that when you're in the last few painful weeks too!!!)

 

[dancin Disney style]

If that gorgeous flower blanket is weird that I am fine being a nutcase. Gorgeous photos!

That was one of a few nice pics that I got.



That's a weird one

 

[ElenaJane]

Congrats to Steve! That shift work schedule sounds really stressful! Your list of things to celebrate is getting crazy long!

I am in a bit of a holding patter, plan-wise, myself. We have 42 days, so in a few days I can also say we are in the 30s! Our Busch Gardens opens this Saturday though, so we are going. A little mini-one-day-vacay to tide us over!

 

[dixonsontour]

Exciting to have 2 trips in the planning for you.

Oktoberfest at Celebration was fun, I'm sure you will enjoy there are some photos in my 2014 trip report if you want a look.

Bok tower also has an Oktoberfest plant sale event. We have been to Bok but not the Oktoberfest there but it was a beautiful place. Bit of a drive out down hwy 27.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

If that gorgeous flower blanket is weird that I am fine being a nutcase. Gorgeous photos!

When are your dates again

Gina... I know you just said no ordering online... But if you are looking for sandals I have to recommend the website GoJane.com - they have ridiculously cheap shoes. I just buy 5 or 6 pairs and figure 3 or 4 will fit and gift the others to my sister or friends kind of like how you have less expensive American things delivered to your park & fly or the Vistana.

Happy Monday to everyone! (I'm under 20 days so feeling a little giddy even if it makes me a brat for sharing that when you're in the last few painful weeks too!!!)

So, I checked out the GoJane.com website and ooooohhhhhh..........they have such GREAT STUFF!!! I found at least six different pair of sandals that I loved, and a whole lot of other stuff too (some sunglasses that are just SCREAMING out "Florida!" and a couple of hair items that I adore).

I am sorely, sorely tempted to put an order in before our travel date. Their prices are fantastic! My biggest concern is wearing literally brand new shoes around the parks.....and shoes I didn't have a chance to try on first, at that. I will have to ponder this over the next while .

Congrats to Steve! That shift work schedule sounds really stressful! Your list of things to celebrate is getting crazy long!

I am in a bit of a holding patter, plan-wise, myself. We have 42 days, so in a few days I can also say we are in the 30s! Our Busch Gardens opens this Saturday though, so we are going. A little mini-one-day-vacay to tide us over!

Yes ma'am, this vacation was well timed to celebrate a lot of fun milestones . It should definitely make for a festive mood for the entire trip!

How awesome that you can get a little theme park fun in while you wait for the next 6 weeks to whittle away . Most of our northern theme parks don't kick off their seasons until Victoria Day (near the end of May). I would love to see some pics from your Saturday visit if you feel like sharing a few with your Disboards peeps. Post 'em here for us all to enjoy!

Exciting to have 2 trips in the planning for you.

Oktoberfest at Celebration was fun, I'm sure you will enjoy there are some photos in my 2014 trip report if you want a look.

Bok tower also has an Oktoberfest plant sale event. We have been to Bok but not the Oktoberfest there but it was a beautiful place. Bit of a drive out down hwy 27.

Your trip report was actually what originally gave us the idea to visit Oktobertfest in Celebration .... until then, I had no idea it even existed. So a big thanks from the both of us for a wonderful suggestion! We are very excited to give it a try, especially since we've never been to Celebration before at all.

 

[dcessford]

Have you considered going to Busch Gardens while in Tampa? I am sure the boys would love the coasters there.