Seaworld

Seaworld Logo

Wake up very slowly today; everyone seemed very tired, and lethargic. Anita has had a very bad night, kept awake with a nasty headache, so her mood is not the best.

Publix logo

Everyone takes their time getting ready, baths at a slow pace, getting dressed – everyone doing things at half-pace or less. We need to go to a supermarket for supplies, and I have found a listing for Publix – it is just around the corner (well almost – more like a mile away – but that is just around the corner for US!)

As we enter the shop we are greeted by loads of Spongebob stuff! Stef is in seventh heaven. She keeps picking things up and going “bob, bob, bob” to herself – or to any one else who cares to be listening. We buy the necessary supplies, and loads of stuff that isn’t actually a necessity! Fill the car, back to the hotel, unload, and we can go to our destination for the day SeaWorld!

"Religious" car

As we drive towards Sea World, we view a car in front of us that has loads and loads of things stuck onto it – as well as various signages on it. It looks really weird, and literally as we pull through one set of lights, it then goes to the outside lane, and at the next available space turn back on itself!

We park the car, and walk to the front gate, and enter. It is already very warm, kind of worrying as it is not quite midday yet! We look at the map, and notice that the dolphin show is to begin in about 30 minutes, so head directly for that. It has always been one of our favourite shows; in fact it was probably one of the first shows we ever saw in Florida.

    

Showtime!!!!!!!!

The show itself is called Blue Horizons and has a story line easy to follow – unlike last night’s Pirate debacle! The show is good, combining dolphins, mock killer whales, parrots, and human actors. Some of the humans were diving – but they were making big splashes, and some landing on flat feet making a big bang for every dive. Andy and Lauren could probably have done better!

Journey to Atlantis

The show was very good, notwithstanding the diving. We then decide to go and do Journey to Atlantis ride, which is a water ride. The first time we ever went on it, Andy had not joined us, Lauren and Russell sat in the front seats and got very wet. This time everyone is to ride it, and Lauren and I volunteer for the front seats. I was wearing socks and trainers which probably wasn’t the best idea that I’ve ever had – but who knows I can try and keep my feet out of the way can’t I?

Well we queue for maybe 15 minutes, and then whoosh we are off. Its not the big drop that gets you wet – there is a little “jump” where the front of the boat drops – and water spills all over the sides. Although my feet are up under the hand rest I get soaked – as does Lauren. My jean shorts are really dripping – but everyone is laughing and saying thank you for the cool down!

Krakken

Off the ride – quickly reviewing the picture that is taken as we drop, and Andy wants to ride Kraken – a very big roller coaster. The first time that we came and it was here – it was the biggest in the world – but has now been replaced. At this point Anita admits that she has never ridden a big roller coaster, but as she has promised Andy she will go ahead with it. Andy, Lauren and Anita go and join the queue as Stef and I wait for them. We find a good place to watch, underneath the long climb – almost 200 feet in the air. I go and grab a drink for us while we are waiting.

Seaworld map

About 20 minutes later they arrive back on terra firma all smiles and happy. They review the picture (yes Anheuser Busch is probably better than Mickey at finding the opportunities to make more money!) All three intrepid volunteers have really enjoyed the ride and the picture isn’t that bad either.

Seymour & Clyde show - patsy!!

We review the map again and we can go and see the Clyde and Seymour show, which is normally very funny. We make our way over to the sea lion and otter stadium where it is being held. 15 minutes to go, and a mime artist comes out and starts to take the pee out of the audience. This pre-show is brilliant, the whole audience laughing almost as one! The show begins, and it is the same show that we saw two years ago. There is one major difference though – and his name is Hector. He is pulled out of the audience, and everyone finds out he is from New Jersey – which brings a loud cheer. He is supposed to become part of the story – but when the actor tries to hide from the baddie – he also ducks down – not exactly what was required. He is then soaked for his labours. There is also a lot of ad-libbing – so much better than yesterday – it adds to the show rather than making it amateurish. Everyone is laughing. This show is good – but not as good as the dolphin one – but still well worth seeing.

    

Shamu show

We are all hungry so go to Mango Joes, where the kids eat chicken and fries, and Anita and I enjoy some amazing Fajitas. There was far too much for me – but I try – and also enjoy a large Bud I might add. After the main course, Andy, Stef and Lauren have deserts, Andy cookies with chocolate, Lauren chocolate fudge cake, and Stef water melon. For once Stef has the healthy option! The cookies come in a Shamu dish which somehow finds its way into Anita’s bag!

We go and see the Shamu show – the orca family being as wonderful as ever – but it is not quite as good as the Dolphin show. We go and let the kids go wild for a bit, and then return for the Shamu Rocks evening show, Again good – but there is something not quite as good as "Blue Horizons". As we leave the Shamu stadium, we head back to see what kind of wait there is on Kraken, and it is only a few minutes, so the fearless three go off. Anita informs me after that it was an even bigger rush doing it in the dark!

As we walk towards the exit the fireworks begin – and we can see some of the display, but not all. We watch what we can, and then join the merry throng in leaving the closing park, finding the car and attempting to drive out. Close to where we are parked there is back entrance, and not following the road lines Anita heads off, and jumps the queue to get out, and we are soon on the way back to the Fountains, for a light supper and bed, although Stef is asleep in the car – lying across Andy’s lap as we head down I-Drive.