Oh, The Places We’ll Go! From the “stars” to the “sea”: Universal, SeaWorld & beyond - Spring 2016
- Thread starter Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
- Start date
ArwenMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
There are shops over there?!?! How did I miss this? 
I agree about Wild Arctic. We did the regular side where you sit on the benches and that was enough for me. There is a simulator (was?) at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that made me super sick once and I was afraid they used the same technology.
The thing with SeaWorld is, it's bigger than you think it is, and things are pretty spread out. You look at the map and you're like "Oh it's right across that bridge!" Uh huh right! Makes for a lot of walking.
Great day! Looking forward to your Universal day coming up!
I agree about Wild Arctic. We did the regular side where you sit on the benches and that was enough for me. There is a simulator (was?) at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that made me super sick once and I was afraid they used the same technology.
The thing with SeaWorld is, it's bigger than you think it is, and things are pretty spread out. You look at the map and you're like "Oh it's right across that bridge!" Uh huh right! Makes for a lot of walking.
Great day! Looking forward to your Universal day coming up!
toystoryduo
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2003
What a great day at Sea World! 
The gardens are beautiful there!
I LOVE your ring!
Looking forward to the next installment.
The gardens are beautiful there!I LOVE your ring!
Looking forward to the next installment.
Lynne G
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2009
Thanks for the review of the expedition cafe. I think we had looked at it before, and wasn't on the meal plan. I assume my DS would eat the pasta for sure. Maybe DD and I the rice meal. I actually like fried chicken and DD would live for mashed taters, but not if both are not done well. That's disappointing DH got the bad meal.
Yep, all parks are a lot of walking. Even worse when it's hot and humid. You did quite a bit that day.
Waiting for the next day installment.
Yep, all parks are a lot of walking. Even worse when it's hot and humid. You did quite a bit that day.
Waiting for the next day installment.
dancin Disney style
<font color=blue>I found one to share with some fa
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2005
I hope you rolled up your sleeves and starting cooking. Or immediately placed an order for pizza.
We have been very lucky with Jake in his teenaged years. As long as he was rested and fed (and we indulged him in some shopping at regular intervals), he has been a very agreeable sort. The three of us are all very compatible people, so travelling together (even when he was a teen) has been pretty easy. Quite honestly, I think boys are often the most difficult around the 12-13 year old age range.....that's when their hormones make them the wonkiest. Girls hit that stage several years later.
Normally, anyone that gives me attitude gets nothing from me. For some odd reason I did in fact make her something to eat.
Rested and fed...yes, she is normal under those circumstances. From the time she was very small she was a total bear when hungry and also very affected by sugar.
LOL. No, girls start with the hormone ugliness around age 11-12 and it doesn't stop until about 18. My brother has two boys and between his two and Grumpy Cat there is only a 3.5 year age spread. They all grew up together. The boys started the ugliness later for sure. I would have been thinking I was nearly free of it but with the events of the past year things have been very emotional and I expect it to be stirred up again soon.
dancin Disney style
<font color=blue>I found one to share with some fa
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2005
I hope you rolled up your sleeves and starting cooking. Or immediately placed an order for pizza
We have been very lucky with Jake in his teenaged years. As long as he was rested and fed (and we indulged him in some shopping at regular intervals), he has been a very agreeable sort. The three of us are all very compatible people, so travelling together (even when he was a teen) has been pretty easy. Quite honestly, I think boys are often the most difficult around the 12-13 year old age range.....that's when their hormones make them the wonkiest. Girls hit that stage several years later.
Normally, anyone that gives me attitude gets nothing from me. For some odd reason I did in fact make her something to eat.
Rested and fed...yes, she is normal under those circumstances. From the time she was very small she was a total bear when hungry and also very affected by sugar.
LOL. No, girls start with the hormone ugliness around age 11-12 and it doesn't stop until about 18. My brother has two boys and between his two and Grumpy Cat there is only a 3.5 year age spread. They all grew up together. The boys started the ugliness later for sure. I would have been thinking I was nearly free of it but with the events of the past year things have been very emotional and I expect it to be stirred up again soon.
pigletto
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2007
The hormone ugliness started for both my kids around 12 or toward the end of 6th grade. Because of their 7 year age gap, dd was just leaving that stage when ds entered it.
I always feel I have to qualify with the fact that both my kids are kind and teachers love them and family and friends find them delightful. It's not like they are awful.. but the attitude and snottiness and emotional ups and downs.. well.. let's just say, it was quite the ride with dd and the fun is just getting started with ds. I'm finding it much easier with ds because I've been there/done that already with dd. Plus I don't find it as dramatic with ds as it was with dd.
Basically we just hang on to our hats around here and ride the emotional waves. They are awesome people, but parenting them isn't for the weak.
Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
Life is short. Live it well.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2008
Believe it or not, we filled two whole days of our vacation at SeaWorld and didn't hit a single show. We had done a lot of shows on the last two visits (Christmas 2015 and August 2014), so we opted to take a break and enjoy the other features of the park this trip. Steve and I will be back in October and do them all again then. I am always baffled when people say there isn't enough to to at SeaWorld to warrant a second day's visit.....they are most definitely touring the park differently than we are!
That looks like it was a fabulous day! I loved getting a look at all the different theming. I'm looking forward to our visit! I'm not sure if it will be on the October trip or the March Break 2017 trip (which Dh has now seen the light on lol).
ETA) GO RAPS!
A big yay to a spring 2017 trip officially in the works
(your powers of persuasion were obviously very effective!!) and a double-yay on our big Raptors win last night!! I can tell you it was a happy night in our house last evening......#wethenorth 
.SeaWorld has a great Canadians at par offer right now, with single-day tickets for $59. If you are considering it as a possibility for this October's vacation, that's going to be a tough price to beat.
Our best SeaWorld moments (well, save for my Pearl Dive experience) are still yet to come. Stay tuned, that part of the report is still coming up!
That alfredo looked delicious, I know where I'm eating if I go to Seaworld.
In general, we've always been pretty pleased with SeaWorld's counter service options. Other than Steve's fried chicken entree, we haven't been let down yet.
There are shops over there?!?! How did I miss this?
I agree about Wild Arctic. We did the regular side where you sit on the benches and that was enough for me. There is a simulator (was?) at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that made me super sick once and I was afraid they used the same technology.
The thing with SeaWorld is, it's bigger than you think it is, and things are pretty spread out. You look at the map and you're like "Oh it's right across that bridge!" Uh huh right! Makes for a lot of walking.
Great day! Looking forward to your Universal day coming up!
I don't find we miss out on anything by partaking in the non-motion side at Wild Arctic, as the video is the same regardless of which side you choose to ride. We are more there for the animals than the ride, anyway......but I must admit, it looks a little lonely in that attraction without the massive Christmas tree and Santa greeting guests. I much prefer it themed as the North Pole!!
What a great day at Sea World!
I LOVE your ring!
Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you!
Thanks for the review of the expedition cafe. I think we had looked at it before, and wasn't on the meal plan. I assume my DS would eat the pasta for sure. Maybe DD and I the rice meal. I actually like fried chicken and DD would live for mashed taters, but not if both are not done well. That's disappointing DH got the bad meal.
Yep, all parks are a lot of walking. Even worse when it's hot and humid. You did quite a bit that day.
Waiting for the next day installment.
I really wish Steve had have taken his meal back.....if not for himself, then at least in an effort to prevent other guests from being as disappointed as he was. It's hard for someplace to correct an issue if they aren't made aware of it. I am certain they would have swapped out his meal for a fresh plate, which probably would have been much MUCH better.
Aw, thank you. I appreciate all the good folks who join in and read along. Without you guys, this thread would be very boring!
The hormone ugliness started for both my kids around 12 or toward the end of 6th grade. Because of their 7 year age gap, dd was just leaving that stage when ds entered it.
I always feel I have to qualify with the fact that both my kids are kind and teachers love them and family and friends find them delightful. It's not like they are awful.. but the attitude and snottiness and emotional ups and downs.. well.. let's just say, it was quite the ride with dd and the fun is just getting started with ds. I'm finding it much easier with ds because I've been there/done that already with dd. Plus I don't find it as dramatic with ds as it was with dd.
Basically we just hang on to our hats around here and ride the emotional waves. They are awesome people, but parenting them isn't for the weak.
Amen to that. The hardest, but most rewarding, job of my life!
SeaWorld during the holiday season should NOT be missed. If you are having trouble convincing your wife, show her some pics from my last trip report (Christmas 2015).........words can't even describe how awesome it is! If I could spend every Christmas in Orlando, I would....just so I could go to SeaWorld!
dalmatian7
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2008
finally caught up!!! yeah for a slow work week!
Seeing the flamingo walk would be worth the price of admission to me alone! How awesome. And I agree on Wild Arctic. I rode it in Sea World San Diego in 2003. Ruined the rest of my day at the park, you would think I would have learned after Star Tours in the early 90s. Simulators and I do not agree.
Does Sea World have a rider switch like WDW? I don't think DD would make the height on the bigger coasters (nor do I think I would want her riding them at 6 even if she did) and DH and I might want to try one if we went there in Nov.
Gina, you should get a job as a sales rep. Your reports have me very close to throwing out any Disney plans for this fall. DD really wants to go to Lego Land and I just can't justify the cost of a one day ticket to MK anymore. Our trip is usually part of a Daytona Beach stay with my grandparents deal and we spend a few nights in Orlando (I hate the stress of driving in). I feel like SW may just be what we need for this "family experience." Love that BTW!!!Plus I feel like after all the bad press SW has unfairly gotten, I need to go there just to support them.
I may mail your son a Penn State shirt. I can't handle all the Ohio State in the previous trip reports. Now I have to convince DH to hit the outlets too!
Seeing the flamingo walk would be worth the price of admission to me alone! How awesome. And I agree on Wild Arctic. I rode it in Sea World San Diego in 2003. Ruined the rest of my day at the park, you would think I would have learned after Star Tours in the early 90s. Simulators and I do not agree.
Does Sea World have a rider switch like WDW? I don't think DD would make the height on the bigger coasters (nor do I think I would want her riding them at 6 even if she did) and DH and I might want to try one if we went there in Nov.
Gina, you should get a job as a sales rep. Your reports have me very close to throwing out any Disney plans for this fall. DD really wants to go to Lego Land and I just can't justify the cost of a one day ticket to MK anymore. Our trip is usually part of a Daytona Beach stay with my grandparents deal and we spend a few nights in Orlando (I hate the stress of driving in). I feel like SW may just be what we need for this "family experience." Love that BTW!!!Plus I feel like after all the bad press SW has unfairly gotten, I need to go there just to support them.
I may mail your son a Penn State shirt. I can't handle all the Ohio State in the previous trip reports.
Now I have to convince DH to hit the outlets too!
Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
Life is short. Live it well.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2008
Tuesday, April 26th: Universal Studios (well, for the most part)
Our plan was to get to the park gates as close to the 9 am opening time as possible. Early mornings aren’t Jake’s idea of a good time but knowing how thin the crowds can be early in the day is enough to motivate him to rise and shine. We were awake, showered, and on the road early enough that we even had time to stop for breakfast at IHOP.
Steve and I first tried IHOP on our May 2015 couples trip, and it was an instant love affair…..when Steve closes his eyes and envisions the perfect breakfast, a plate of IHOP’s steak and eggs comes instantly to mind. We went again in October 2015 (also sans Jake) but somehow missed dining here on our Christmas trip when we travelled as a threesome. This, then, was Jake’s first introduction to the infamous International House of Pancakes.
Not a lot of early(ish) birds that morning. We are used to the place being packed when we are there, but this morning, we were one of only a handful of guests.
‘George’ was our server that morning….an affable younger fellow who was very friendly and terribly eager to please. He was quick to bring us all a round of beverages (white milk for me, chocolate milk for Jake, and fresh Florida OJ for Steve) and to collect our breakfast orders. We have always found the kitchen at this location (in Lake Buena Vista, just adjacent to the Disney Springs entrance) exceptionally efficient and today was no exception: we had food in front of us within about 15 minutes from the time George submitted our entrée selections.
Every time we visit, Steve pours over the menu as if he’s trying to determine what to choose…..but he orders the exact same item every single time
. Today was no exception: it was steak tips and eggs for my big guy, with a side of fluffy pancakes.
Jake was all about the omelets: he opted for a make-your-own creation loaded with a bunch of meats (bacon, sausage and ham) and topped off with a thick slice of pepper jack cheese and a healthy plate of hash browns on the side. This was taken while it was still a thing of beauty, before he smothered it all in hot sauce
….his favourite topping of all time.
My stomach was having a bit of trouble waking up again, so I stuck to chocolate chip pancakes. Simple, yet beautiful…..and oh-so-fluffy. There’s a reason why they became famous for their pancakes
. So good (especially when topped with all their fun syrups….though traditional is still my all-time favourite…..I’m a traditionalist at heart).
George took great care of us throughout our breakfast, and we literally wanted for nothing throughout the whole meal. Knowing we had a full park day on deck, we summoned him for the bill as soon as we were finished, covered the charges ($42.51 including tax, excluding tip) and hopped in the car and headed straight to Universal.
Oh, what a day!! Sunny, warm, low humidity and the most gentle of breezes. If we were to have ordered the perfect weather for a park day, this is exactly what we would have asked for. Simply Gorgeous with a capital G
.
The park had just nicely opened as we approached the turnstiles. Lines were minimal and we were through quickly: Steve and I with our annual passes and Jake with his 3-day park-to-park ticket. In the words of Ned Flanders….Hi-Diddly-Ho! Springfield would be our first stop for my Simpsons-lovin’ boy (who had not yet seen the expanded Simpsons area since the expansion was unveiled in 2013 and was anxious to check out all the newest additions)….but first, look who was greeting guests outside her new store, just inside the park entrance?
Hello Kitty was a brand new character in the park, even since our last very brief visit over Christmas week. She was one of my must-do’s at Universal this trip…..y’all know how much I enjoy character meets!....and to stumble upon her so effortlessly and right off the bat was absolutely pure luck on our part. Nary a soul was around her (save for her handler and a Photoconnect photographer) so we all gladly got in for a picture with Universal’s newest star.
Why folks on these boards complain about her costume, I have no idea…..we thought she was adorable and very well done. It was a great way to kick off our day and we were all in high spirits as we headed off through Hollywood.
More Universal coming up next.
Our plan was to get to the park gates as close to the 9 am opening time as possible. Early mornings aren’t Jake’s idea of a good time but knowing how thin the crowds can be early in the day is enough to motivate him to rise and shine. We were awake, showered, and on the road early enough that we even had time to stop for breakfast at IHOP
.
Steve and I first tried IHOP on our May 2015 couples trip, and it was an instant love affair…..when Steve closes his eyes and envisions the perfect breakfast, a plate of IHOP’s steak and eggs comes instantly to mind. We went again in October 2015 (also sans Jake) but somehow missed dining here on our Christmas trip when we travelled as a threesome. This, then, was Jake’s first introduction to the infamous International House of Pancakes.
Not a lot of early(ish) birds that morning. We are used to the place being packed when we are there, but this morning, we were one of only a handful of guests.
‘George’ was our server that morning….an affable younger fellow who was very friendly and terribly eager to please. He was quick to bring us all a round of beverages (white milk for me, chocolate milk for Jake, and fresh Florida OJ for Steve) and to collect our breakfast orders. We have always found the kitchen at this location (in Lake Buena Vista, just adjacent to the Disney Springs entrance) exceptionally efficient and today was no exception: we had food in front of us within about 15 minutes from the time George submitted our entrée selections
.Every time we visit, Steve pours over the menu as if he’s trying to determine what to choose…..but he orders the exact same item every single time
. Today was no exception: it was steak tips and eggs for my big guy, with a side of fluffy pancakes.
Jake was all about the omelets: he opted for a make-your-own creation loaded with a bunch of meats (bacon, sausage and ham) and topped off with a thick slice of pepper jack cheese and a healthy plate of hash browns on the side. This was taken while it was still a thing of beauty, before he smothered it all in hot sauce
….his favourite topping of all time.
My stomach was having a bit of trouble waking up again, so I stuck to chocolate chip pancakes. Simple, yet beautiful…..and oh-so-fluffy. There’s a reason why they became famous for their pancakes
. So good (especially when topped with all their fun syrups….though traditional is still my all-time favourite…..I’m a traditionalist at heart).
George took great care of us throughout our breakfast, and we literally wanted for nothing throughout the whole meal. Knowing we had a full park day on deck, we summoned him for the bill as soon as we were finished, covered the charges ($42.51 including tax, excluding tip) and hopped in the car and headed straight to Universal.
Oh, what a day!! Sunny, warm, low humidity and the most gentle of breezes. If we were to have ordered the perfect weather for a park day, this is exactly what we would have asked for. Simply Gorgeous with a capital G
.The park had just nicely opened as we approached the turnstiles. Lines were minimal and we were through quickly: Steve and I with our annual passes and Jake with his 3-day park-to-park ticket. In the words of Ned Flanders….Hi-Diddly-Ho! Springfield would be our first stop for my Simpsons-lovin’ boy (who had not yet seen the expanded Simpsons area since the expansion was unveiled in 2013 and was anxious to check out all the newest additions)….but first, look who was greeting guests outside her new store, just inside the park entrance?
Hello Kitty was a brand new character in the park, even since our last very brief visit over Christmas week. She was one of my must-do’s at Universal this trip…..y’all know how much I enjoy character meets!
....and to stumble upon her so effortlessly and right off the bat was absolutely pure luck on our part. Nary a soul was around her (save for her handler and a Photoconnect photographer) so we all gladly got in for a picture with Universal’s newest star.Why folks on these boards complain about her costume, I have no idea…..we thought she was adorable and very well done. It was a great way to kick off our day and we were all in high spirits as we headed off through Hollywood.
More Universal coming up next.
Worfiedoodles
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2005
SeaWorld Day 1 was a smashing success! You did so much and didn't even go to a show -- there is a lot to see and do there
Love that you met Hello Kitty just as you entered Universal! I haven't met her yet but she's on my list. I'm not necessarily a fan, but who could resist a photo with that cuteness?!
Maria
Love that you met Hello Kitty just as you entered Universal! I haven't met her yet but she's on my list. I'm not necessarily a fan, but who could resist a photo with that cuteness?!
Maria
Lynne G
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2009
Hmm, I don't know why that kitty version would have all the hoopla. She looks just like the one I see in our local mall, outside our kitty store. Cute. And so lucky to have no line. Great picture by the way.
And yes the power of the early riser. I love a beautiful early morning to tour the parks. So exited to be back in the parks again this October and during Christmas.
Follow on.......
And yes the power of the early riser. I love a beautiful early morning to tour the parks. So exited to be back in the parks again this October and during Christmas.
Follow on.......
chicagoshannon
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 9, 2008
Back from vacation and all caught up. Sorry about that VIP experience. You're brave for possibly trying it again.
I didn't realize the penguin ride was closed for you trip. It was closed for ours in Feb. and I thought it had reopened in March. We saw a flamingo parade in Busch Gardens a couple of years ago. We even got to feed them back in their pen. The handlers said they were ambassadors and even flew on planes to destinations all over the country.
I didn't realize the penguin ride was closed for you trip. It was closed for ours in Feb. and I thought it had reopened in March. We saw a flamingo parade in Busch Gardens a couple of years ago. We even got to feed them back in their pen. The handlers said they were ambassadors and even flew on planes to destinations all over the country.
LovingDisny
Loving Disney AND Universal!
- Joined
- May 13, 2009
It really looks like, crowd wise, you picked the perfect time for your trip! Low crowds and good weather so far, thats awesome!
ArwenMarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
Now I want pancakes for dinner!
RocketCityMama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2009
Great time at SW! I can't wait to read more about USO day! Hello Kitty is soo cute, I can't wait for my girls to meet her!
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