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

[Ruthie5671]

Hi Gina -

I was so excited to find your PTR yesterday. Your plans for both the coming close trip and the October trip sound like so much fun.

Congrats to your hubby for getting a normal day shift. I work M-F 8:30-6:00 and my hubby works third shift Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Sometimes I feel like I need to send him pictures of me periodically so he can remember me!

And thanks again for the Sea World tips. I think we are going to cross our fingers for a "Blue Friday" sale on the AP's. We are tentatively arriving to Orlando on December 6th, so it will be just in the nick of time to get the AP's. But the benefits of them are so significant, that I might buy them even if the sale does not happen.

Ruthie

 

[bankr63]

Sorry to hear about your frustrating Disney day. Most of the things that you have listed off are the exact things that I *know* will cause us endless frustration....and why we have opted to skip the regular park days and only visit for their hard ticket events (not that it solves all the annoyances for us, but at least it lessens some of them).

A day by the pool sounds like just what the Vacation Doctor ordered . I recommend a fruity beverage served in a monkey-faced coconut . Its a good antidote for Disney stressors.

Do you have any other park days planned for the balance of your week? Disney, Universal, or otherwise? Here's hoping they are a little less challenging than your Monday at MK!!

Well it was still rated a good day; but I'd bet a lot of those with higher expectations walked away a bit disappointed. I'm used to hearing the kids whining after a long MK day; the adults, not as much...

And no, no more parks in the plans. That is until this morning when A+ woke up and decided that AK sounded like a lot more fun than another pool day. And it was! Much better experience in AK today than MK on Monday, and she got lots of trading in again. Unfortunately that was the last full park day on my 10day WPFAMNE tickets (A+ has one left, the kids have more). These trips are going to start getting expensive again after 4 trips on the same ticket...

Now we're off to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner, and then wander around DS until they kick us out. Up early tomorrow morning, load all the gear back into the Traverse, then off to St Augustine for the day. After a final dinner in FL we'll be pointing Sulley north and straight on 'til morning...

 

[jennasmommyinMS]

Since I know how much Gina likes good deals, I thought I'd share one that I picked up earlier. Right now there's a deal for a Steak & Shake gift card on Amazon--a $50 gift card for $40, and it's still available (not for long, though). I think my daughter and I will be visiting this restaurant a few times on our May vacation, since I picked up a $25 gift card from there in December for $20. I now have gift cards for $75 worth of food from Steak & Shake, and I only paid $60 for them!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I would give yourself two hours driving time to be safe. I would do the earliest cruise available. You'll want to get to the stadium early to check everything out.

Is there normally Saturday traffic on the I4 between Orlando and Tampa? Perhaps me hoping that the worst traffic would be on weekdays is wishful thinking on my part.

So cute. I hope you get the minion case soon. I'm a lifeproof fan. While I used to use otter boxes, liked this one before, and well, the it does a great job. When I went from my 5 to 6 iphone, the salesman was shocked how new my 5 looked. Yeah, and I caught DD using my phone in the shower, as her cover doesn't protect from water. I read her the riot act, as I never really tried the waterproof yet. I have dropped it several times, and last time, I cracked my 5 case, but no harm at all to the phone. I admit, not fashionable, but oh so conservative. LOL

Time is a ticking.

My 2 cents on the dolphin tour. If you get motion sickness, I'd make sure you use some medicine, as sea sickness may set in. All I can say, is we went on a whale watching cruise out of SD, and well, on the way back, even with my taking my medicine, I was glad to use a bag. The sea was choppier than what they thought it would be. When we were in Florida, we saw dolphins right from the beach. The breakfast with the minions was fun, and decent food. However, if you are doing another character meal, then maybe pass it this time, and hit it during your October trip. Either is not cheap, so I understand that. You're doing so much already.

oh and since you like minions:

Love the minion, he's stinking adorable!

Still nothing firm on the dolphin cruise just yet. Or breakfast with the minions. Still pondering each, might end up not booking either!! Our Universal AP's expire at the end of this trip, so there will be no opportunity for this character meal on our October vacation....of course, we could always do one of the breakfasts at the deluxe resorts if we really wanted to.....I think the minions are sometimes spotted there as well. Decisions, decisions.

Today I had to be "Responsible Gina" and take care of another trip necessity rather than wish list item: I bought our out of country medical coverage. I am ticking off all those items before adding anything else.

That's a real bummer that you spent your whale watching tour with a baggie in hand......poor you!! I've been in those shoes on an airplane and it is SO not fun.

Gina, have you heard the big news from SeaWorld. I'm sure the rumors we're looming before but I didn't pay much attention. They're stopping all orca breedings and switching (gradually I guess) to no orca performances. What say you?

I heard the news, and honestly.....I was so sad .

I make no secret of the fact that we adore SeaWorld. We applaud the resuce and rehabilitation efforts they tirelessly provide, and I am proud to say we are annual passholders. SeaWorld is one of our favourite parks in Orlando.

I am pained that an openly biased, for-profit documentary that was loaded with untruths has painted the SeaWorld parks in such an unfairly negative light. I, personally, have a real problem with the incessant call for the stoppage of breeding orcas in captivity, when other animals around the globe are living the same fate. Two panda bears were just born at the Toronto Metro Zoo earlier this month, and the whole city rejoiced.....yet, I see little difference between their captivity and those of the whales at SeaWorld.

I think its become "trendy" to hate SeaWorld and all that they stand for. I'm betting, though, that many of the holier-than-thou people who like to circulate the anti-captivity posts on Facebook are the same ones who crate their dog all day long while they are at work......and will argue "but that's different".

When we visit Seaworld, we see nothing but love between the staff and the animals they care for. And yes, I use the word care very deliberately, because its evident that they do. I think SeaWorld provides the most amazing learning opportunities for our young people (and even us older folks), and gives us a better appreciation of wildlife and our world as a whole. I think that Blackfish was sensationalist, inaccurate, and designed to twist the facts in order to fulfill the personal agendas of the producers while simultaneously filling their pockets.

I'm sad that, to a point, they succeeded.

That said, I have great faith in SeaWorld. I have no doubt that they will find other ways to fulfill their mission. I strongly believe that the changes they implement will be positive ones, and I will continue to support them as an annual passholder as long as my personal finances will allow. While I don't like the reason for the changes, I will embrace them as they occur.

I know many will disagree with my point of view, and I'm totally okay with that. I also don't want this pre-trip report to become an anti-capitvity debate. I respect the viewpoints of other posters (even when I don't agree with them) so I hope they will also respect mine.

Hi Gina -

I was so excited to find your PTR yesterday. Your plans for both the coming close trip and the October trip sound like so much fun.

Congrats to your hubby for getting a normal day shift. I work M-F 8:30-6:00 and my hubby works third shift Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Sometimes I feel like I need to send him pictures of me periodically so he can remember me!

And thanks again for the Sea World tips. I think we are going to cross our fingers for a "Blue Friday" sale on the AP's. We are tentatively arriving to Orlando on December 6th, so it will be just in the nick of time to get the AP's. But the benefits of them are so significant, that I might buy them even if the sale does not happen.

Ruthie

I hear ya, girl, on the shift thing. Sometimes you feel like you're just ships passing in the night!! I guess on a positive note it has made us appreciate our time that we did spend together over the years, but still.....I think I'm an expert in the art of appreciation by now, LOL. Bring on the straight days!

I will cross my fingers right along with you. We will be hoping for a re-run of the BOGO AP offer so we can renew ours for another year .

Well it was still rated a good day; but I'd bet a lot of those with higher expectations walked away a bit disappointed. I'm used to hearing the kids whining after a long MK day; the adults, not as much...

And no, no more parks in the plans. That is until this morning when A+ woke up and decided that AK sounded like a lot more fun than another pool day. And it was! Much better experience in AK today than MK on Monday, and she got lots of trading in again. Unfortunately that was the last full park day on my 10day WPFAMNE tickets (A+ has one left, the kids have more). These trips are going to start getting expensive again after 4 trips on the same ticket...

Now we're off to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner, and then wander around DS until they kick us out. Up early tomorrow morning, load all the gear back into the Traverse, then off to St Augustine for the day. After a final dinner in FL we'll be pointing Sulley north and straight on 'til morning...

Your week went WAY too fast . Glad to hear you enjoyed a fun day at Animal Kingdom, and that the pin trading was a success. Safe travels on your journey homeward. Hard to believe that March Break has almost passed us by for another year!

Since I know how much Gina likes good deals, I thought I'd share one that I picked up earlier. Right now there's a deal for a Steak & Shake gift card on Amazon--a $50 gift card for $40, and it's still available (not for long, though). I think my daughter and I will be visiting this restaurant a few times on our May vacation, since I picked up a $25 gift card from there in December for $20. I now have gift cards for $75 worth of food from Steak & Shake, and I only paid $60 for them!

That's awesome!! Just when you think the world's cheapest burger meal can't get any cheaper....it does!! I wish these types of offers were also available on the Canadian Amazon site. We are often in envy of the deals that are open to our American friends.

 

[dsmom]

Is there normally Saturday traffic on the I4 between Orlando and Tampa? Perhaps me hoping that the worst traffic would be on weekdays is wishful thinking on my part.



Love the minion, he's stinking adorable!

Still nothing firm on the dolphin cruise just yet. Or breakfast with the minions. Still pondering each, might end up not booking either!! Our Universal AP's expire at the end of this trip, so there will be no opportunity for this character meal on our October vacation....of course, we could always do one of the breakfasts at the deluxe resorts if we really wanted to.....I think the minions are sometimes spotted there as well. Decisions, decisions.

Today I had to be "Responsible Gina" and take care of another trip necessity rather than wish list item: I bought our out of country medical coverage. I am ticking off all those items before adding anything else.

That's a real bummer that you spent your whale watching tour with a baggie in hand......poor you!! I've been in those shoes on an airplane and it is SO not fun.



I heard the news, and honestly.....I was so sad .

I make no secret of the fact that we adore SeaWorld. We applaud the resuce and rehabilitation efforts they tirelessly provide, and I am proud to say we are annual passholders. SeaWorld is one of our favourite parks in Orlando.

I am pained that an openly biased, for-profit documentary that was loaded with untruths has painted the SeaWorld parks in such an unfairly negative light. I, personally, have a real problem with the incessant call for the stoppage of breeding orcas in captivity, when other animals around the globe are living the same fate. Two panda bears were just born at the Toronto Metro Zoo earlier this month, and the whole city rejoiced.....yet, I see little difference between their captivity and those of the whales at SeaWorld.

I think its become "trendy" to hate SeaWorld and all that they stand for. I'm betting, though, that many of the holier-than-thou people who like to circulate the anti-captivity posts on Facebook are the same ones who crate their dog all day long while they are at work......and will argue "but that's different".

When we visit Seaworld, we see nothing but love between the staff and the animals they care for. And yes, I use the word care very deliberately, because its evident that they do. I think SeaWorld provides the most amazing learning opportunities for our young people (and even us older folks), and gives us a better appreciation of wildlife and our world as a whole. I think that Blackfish was sensationalist, inaccurate, and designed to twist the facts in order to fulfill the personal agendas of the producers while simultaneously filling their pockets.

I'm sad that, to a point, they succeeded.

That said, I have great faith in SeaWorld. I have no doubt that they will find other ways to fulfill their mission. I strongly believe that the changes they implement will be positive ones, and I will continue to support them as an annual passholder as long as my personal finances will allow. While I don't like the reason for the changes, I will embrace them as they occur.

I know many will disagree with my point of view, and I'm totally okay with that. I also don't want this pre-trip report to become an anti-capitvity debate. I respect the viewpoints of other posters (even when I don't agree with them) so I hope they will also respect mine.



I hear ya, girl, on the shift thing. Sometimes you feel like you're just ships passing in the night!! I guess on a positive note it has made us appreciate our time that we did spend together over the years, but still.....I think I'm an expert in the art of appreciation by now, LOL. Bring on the straight days!

I will cross my fingers right along with you. We will be hoping for a re-run of the BOGO AP offer so we can renew ours for another year .



Your week went WAY too fast . Glad to hear you enjoyed a fun day at Animal Kingdom, and that the pin trading was a success. Safe travels on your journey homeward. Hard to believe that March Break has almost passed us by for another year!



That's awesome!! Just when you think the world's cheapest burger meal can't get any cheaper....it does!! I wish these types of offers were also available on the Canadian Amazon site. We are often in envy of the deals that are open to our American friends.

As far as time from Orlando to Tampa, I said two hours to give you plenty of time to find your way, park etc. An hour and a half might be fine. My husband has been known to go from universal to Busch gardens in a little over an hour but he's crazy.

 

[JaxDad]

 

[tortilla24]

I heard the news, and honestly.....I was so sad .

I make no secret of the fact that we adore SeaWorld. We applaud the resuce and rehabilitation efforts they tirelessly provide, and I am proud to say we are annual passholders. SeaWorld is one of our favourite parks in Orlando.

I am pained that an openly biased, for-profit documentary that was loaded with untruths has painted the SeaWorld parks in such an unfairly negative light. I, personally, have a real problem with the incessant call for the stoppage of breeding orcas in captivity, when other animals around the globe are living the same fate. Two panda bears were just born at the Toronto Metro Zoo earlier this month, and the whole city rejoiced.....yet, I see little difference between their captivity and those of the whales at SeaWorld.

I think its become "trendy" to hate SeaWorld and all that they stand for. I'm betting, though, that many of the holier-than-thou people who like to circulate the anti-captivity posts on Facebook are the same ones who crate their dog all day long while they are at work......and will argue "but that's different".

When we visit Seaworld, we see nothing but love between the staff and the animals they care for. And yes, I use the word care very deliberately, because its evident that they do. I think SeaWorld provides the most amazing learning opportunities for our young people (and even us older folks), and gives us a better appreciation of wildlife and our world as a whole. I think that Blackfish was sensationalist, inaccurate, and designed to twist the facts in order to fulfill the personal agendas of the producers while simultaneously filling their pockets.

I'm sad that, to a point, they succeeded.

That said, I have great faith in SeaWorld. I have no doubt that they will find other ways to fulfill their mission. I strongly believe that the changes they implement will be positive ones, and I will continue to support them as an annual passholder as long as my personal finances will allow. While I don't like the reason for the changes, I will embrace them as they occur.

I know many will disagree with my point of view, and I'm totally okay with that. I also don't want this pre-trip report to become an anti-capitvity debate. I respect the viewpoints of other posters (even when I don't agree with them) so I hope they will also respect mine.

Thanks for sharing your very eloquent thoughts! I find the whole debate interesting on both sides. Sorry - I didn't mean to hijack your thread with controversy! I'm glad I got to hear the opinion of an AP holder!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Regardless of where people stand, the orcas will be there for a long time. Most of them are young-ish and they said they are stopping breeding at the end of this year.

 

[bankr63]

I am pained that an openly biased, for-profit documentary that was loaded with untruths has painted the SeaWorld parks in such an unfairly negative light.

As someone who has never been to SeaWorld but has seen the video, and as someone who has a pretty inquiring mind, I have to say that the movie was such an obvious hatchet job that it would have been laughable if the results weren't so serious. A few minutes of research proved just how wrong the film was.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

As far as time from Orlando to Tampa, I said two hours to give you plenty of time to find your way, park etc. An hour and a half might be fine. My husband has been known to go from universal to Busch gardens in a little over an hour but he's crazy.

LOL....we're definitely better off with more time than we need versus cutting it too close. Despite having a GPS, we still manage to get ourselves turned around occasionally so the extra time is often a saving grace. As for the swiftness of the journey....I don't feel like making the acquaintance of the Sheriff's office just yet. We will take it slow. Or at the very least, reasonable!

Thanks for sharing your very eloquent thoughts! I find the whole debate interesting on both sides. Sorry - I didn't mean to hijack your thread with controversy! I'm glad I got to hear the opinion of an AP holder!

No worries. As I said above, I can respect the differing opinions of others but I also expect the same in return. As a relatively new poster you may not be aware that this has been a hot button issue for some time here on the boards and it tends to draw a lot of passion on both sides .

Changing the subject to something more positive.....we are down to 36 days! Tomorrow we officially hit the 5 week point on the countdown!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Regardless of where people stand, the orcas will be there for a long time. Most of them are young-ish and they said they are stopping breeding at the end of this year.

My biggest concern is that once the ball starts rolling, it will just continue on and places like Discovery Cove will be next on the chopping block. I hope I'm wrong, but ....

I was sharing the news with Steve last night, and he wants to go to Dine with Shamu again in October. Who knows how long those types of park highlights will also be around?

 

[ArwenMarie]

My biggest concern is that once the ball starts rolling, it will just continue on and places like Discovery Cove will be next on the chopping block. I hope I'm wrong, but ....

I was sharing the news with Steve last night, and he wants to go to Dine with Shamu again in October. Who knows how long those types of park highlights will also be around?

I think the dolphins are safe. They're so much smaller.

How was Dine with Shamu?

Yeah, I feel the same way, I want to make sure we go to SW when we are there from now on in case they end the shows at some point.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I think the dolphins are safe. They're so much smaller.

How was Dine with Shamu?

Yeah, I feel the same way, I want to make sure we go to SW when we are there from now on in case they end the shows at some point.

We really enjoyed Dine with Shamu when we did it a few years back. The food was great, it was not at all a "show" and more like an informational session where the trainers taught guests about the unique behaviours of the whales and pitched responsibility to our environment. It was very interesting and we thought it was a decent value all around. We have always wanted to go back, but for some reason, haven't made time for it on any of our recent vacations. That shall change this year!

 

[JaxDad]

We really enjoyed Dine with Shamu when we did it a few years back. The food was great, it was not at all a "show" and more like an informational session where the trainers taught guests about the unique behaviours of the whales and pitched responsibility to our environment. It was very interesting and we thought it was a decent value all around. We have always wanted to go back, but for some reason, haven't made time for it on any of our recent vacations. That shall change this year!

We're definitely going to do Dine with Shamu again as soon as we can...

 

[jump00]

Hi Gina!
I spent my March break reading your wonderful PTR. I'm so happy that your dh got the promotion with better hours. Congrats! Your ptr is such a wealth of information- thank you. You must be so excited that your trip is so close. Have a wonderful time!

Jump00

 

[JenLanDisney]

I agree with jump00 that your reports contain a lot of useful info. I like that you venture outside the major parks and give my family some alternate ideas.

 

[Monykalyn]

Finally caught up after nearly 2 weeks off!
Congrats on the job change to your DH!! It's awesome when things like that seem to just fall in place (after years of behind the scenes hard work of course ROFL).

You are getting so close now! I've planted the seed in DH's head for possible long weekend type trip to do HHN this fall. So who knows-sometimes the seed sprouts and grows and sometimes it needs to hibernate awhile. Since the oldest DD and I went to Washington DC for her spring break I pitched it as he and the middle could do a HHN at Universal - they are the 2 who would really love it- but I know me and DS would "tag" along...Problem is fall is really really busy for us so stars would need to align just right

Sounds like both your planned trips are coming together nicely I am a little lost currently without a trip to plan...although I know DH is thinking ahead as he asked if we should deposit our timeshare week soon - we just haven't decided the where or when yet

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi Gina!
I spent my March break reading your wonderful PTR. I'm so happy that your dh got the promotion with better hours. Congrats! Your ptr is such a wealth of information- thank you. You must be so excited that your trip is so close. Have a wonderful time!

Jump00

Thank you Jump00 . I am honoured to have been part of your March break leisure time!

We are all definitely getting very excited about this trip as the depature date draws closer......we leave exactly 5 weeks from today! Poor Sunshine was just lamenting this morning that she couldn't get to sleep last night after she left our house. A lot of the conversation had centered around the trip plans (the kids are soaking up every little detail at this stage) and she apparently took the excitement with her .... and right to bed!

I agree with jump00 that your reports contain a lot of useful info. I like that you venture outside the major parks and give my family some alternate ideas.

Thanks, JenLanDisney . I am glad my reports are helpful! We have been fortunate to get some great ideas and advice from other posters on these boards, so its nice to contribute to others in the same way.

Finally caught up after nearly 2 weeks off!
Congrats on the job change to your DH!! It's awesome when things like that seem to just fall in place (after years of behind the scenes hard work of course ROFL).

You are getting so close now! I've planted the seed in DH's head for possible long weekend type trip to do HHN this fall. So who knows-sometimes the seed sprouts and grows and sometimes it needs to hibernate awhile. Since the oldest DD and I went to Washington DC for her spring break I pitched it as he and the middle could do a HHN at Universal - they are the 2 who would really love it- but I know me and DS would "tag" along...Problem is fall is really really busy for us so stars would need to align just right

Sounds like both your planned trips are coming together nicely I am a little lost currently without a trip to plan...although I know DH is thinking ahead as he asked if we should deposit our timeshare week soon - we just haven't decided the where or when yet

Welcome back, my friend!

I will keep my fingers crossed that your HHN long weekend works out as you hope it will. It is a fabulous event and I am sure you would have a fabulous time!! If, by some stroke of luck, your trip turns out to be a go and your dates align with ours, we would totally be up for a Dismeet at Citywalk. Perhaps a drink at Margaritaville or NBC Sports Grill & Brew . We will be in town from the 14th to the 28th!

 

[ElenaJane]

Our countdowns are now in the 30s!! It is getting real!

Virginia weather has been crazy. Friday was 70s and gorgeous, but yesterday was in the 40s! DH and I were determined though not to miss opening day at Busch Gardens, regardless of the weather! It was only open for passholders, and with the weather, there were no crowds! We had a great time, as we came dressed appropriately. I didn't see anyone else wearing a Balaclava on the coasters, but I was no embarrassed.....

We bought the annual photo key! It was only $50, which was $30 off (annual passholder opening day special!). I think it will also work at Sea World too!

Just for you! Minion Ski Ball!

Not quite a Sloth... but still pretty cool.

Brrrrrr, but Weeeeeeeeee!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Our countdowns are now in the 30s!! It is getting real!

Virginia weather has been crazy. Friday was 70s and gorgeous, but yesterday was in the 40s! DH and I were determined though not to miss opening day at Busch Gardens, regardless of the weather! It was only open for passholders, and with the weather, there were no crowds! We had a great time, as we came dressed appropriately. I didn't see anyone else wearing a Balaclava on the coasters, but I was no embarrassed.....

We bought the annual photo key! It was only $50, which was $30 off (annual passholder opening day special!). I think it will also work at Sea World too!

Just for you! Minion Ski Ball!

Not quite a Sloth... but still pretty cool.

Brrrrrr, but Weeeeeeeeee!

Great photos!! Its been cold here too ... you're a brave girl to be riding the coasters when there is still a wind chill .

Please tell me you played the minion ski ball!! I don't have an Egyptian minion yet, so I'm hoping that might be one of the prize options at Universal in April .

Our countdowns are shortening for sure.....we are officially down to 34 days to departure. We will hit the 20's (in days to go, not temperatures ... but 20 degrees Celsius would be mighty nice too!) by Easter weekend .