Going With The Flow - Day 2 - 22nd July 2009

[wicket2005]

I had a bit of a rough night as I couldn't sleep because the a/c was on so cold, ended up pulling the quilt from the spare bed on. Then Ian got up a couple of times with disturbed me, the last time was 4.30 am, however, I managed to get back to sleep and got up when the alarm went off at 7 am.

To decide on where we are going today we have all had a secret vote so no one is influenced by others views. The choices for today are Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Sea World. The first two are on quieter days and Sea World is for any day. We can go to Universal and IoA any day too.

Right the votes : Sea World 1, Sea World 2, Sea World 3 and Sea World 4, unanimously carried. Ian has the deciding vote if we ever draw. So Sea World it is and hopefully the MANTA.

[mandymouse]

Have a great time Bev, we love Kraken at Seaworld

[cannp123165]

Have a great day!

[cap'njack.]

Have a great time at Seaworld. One of my favorate parks in Orlando...but then I'm a bit nutty and I prefer Seaworld, Epcot and the Kennedy Space Centre to anything else

[Pinky166]

I love Seaworld! Say hi to Shamu for me.

Hope you are having a fab time!

[Kymie]

We have just been watching Shamu on youtube! Have a great day!

[Nix]

I looove SeaWorld too, Kraken is awesome. I can't wait to get back there and try Manta!

[jockey]

Have a great day

[TWyn]

Hope you're having lots of fun at SeaWorld!

[jen_uk]

Hope you are having a great day

[wicket2005]

We just had fruit for breakfast as we were getting ready to go to SW (Capt Jack you are not nutty for liking this park). Craig reminded me to bring the music cd I had made to listen to in the car. Everyone had picked favourite rock tracks.

It only took about 15 minutes to reach SW. First stop was to pick up the AP from the self service kiosk which was easy. We then had to wait for the park to open for about 5 minutes. The crowd surged forward all heading in the same direction no other choice really and straight for the Manta line

Bevś Holiday Tip 4

Either don't take a bag or be prepared to quickly get a locker if you want to ride the Manta. The locker is right by the entrance and costs 2 quarters (there is a change machine). Though by the time you realise you have to use a locker you are at the entrance to the ride. The Manta is situated right in the path to the rest of the park so everyone is automatically channelled into its line which means the line rapidly increases. We were there for the opening and still had about a 20 minute wait, on exiting the ride it had already jumped to an hour. You can dump flip flops by the exit to the ride for when you jump off the Manta. Also if you have a little bit of length to your hair try and tie it back otherwise it will be in front of your face by the time you finish the ride.

We all thought the Manta was a fantastic ride. Craig said it was similar to Air at Alton Towers but 10 times better. It twists you all over the place and I certainly recommend going on it.

Bevś Holiday Tip No 5

If you decide to pass your necklace to your husband for safe keeping on the Manta to save it from being in front of your face and he places it in his back pocket, remind said husband to transfer necklace to front pocket on The Kraken otherwise being sat on will result in necklace being broken. (He fixed it for me later).

We left my bag in the locker and went straight on the Kraken. The big advantage here was that everyone was lining up for the Manta so we virtually had a walk on to the front seats. This ride was dedicated to Joh who heartedly recommended the front row a few yearś ago. We have done it once after the recommendation but usually the line was too long for the front but not today. Hereś to Johś recommendation! I love The Kraken.

Bevś Holiday Tip No 6

If you are sending your kid onto the Kraken alone make sure they realise it is a floorless rollercoaster. This means it is not recommended to flip your flip flops off just before the ride starts. This will result in the said child being stunned when flip flops suddenly disappear and save that child embarrassment as after the ride the Kraken is stopped to retrieve said flip flops.

After doing the 2 main things we wanted to do a more relaxed stroll round the park was next. We caught the smelly penguins in the dark of winter, the smell reminded me of our Benś dog food. We also booked an ADR for the Shark Grill restaurant for later on.

By now we were feeling a bit hungry but the cafeś were not open till 11, we walked past the shire horses (conveniently behind bars just how I like it just bringing back happy family holiday memories for my Mam and Dad). We went on Wild Arctic, at the best time whilst the Shamu Show was on, no lines. It was about 11 am and we caught the beluga whales being fed and trained so that may be a good time to head there. Next was an ACTIVE polar bear which took Ian by surprise he only did a passing glance at the window and said it must be downstairs. What? Here was a huge polar bear right by the viewing window. I called him back and we enjoyed seeing it at such close quarters.

We followed this with the poor walrus who was still doing the exact same route round the tank as we have seen since 96.

We grabbed cake and drinks at Mango Joes, lovely coffee here. Gary said Craigś chocolate cake reminded him of the scene in Matilda where a kid was forced to eat a whole cake. It was huge and Craig didn't finish it.

We walked across the lake and caught the seal lions and sharks in their exhibits. Followed by the Clyde and Seymour Show - this was a new show same setting though but the jokes were not really funny. As all of you know the best part of the show is the mime artist who takes the mickey out of the people walking in. He even managed to open a womanś rucksack, take something out, put it back in and rezip it without her knowing. He was excellent and very funny.

We were flagging a bit by then so headed back for our ADR. The restaurant won the best theme park restaurant this year. We were stunned to see Carlos a friendly CM who used to work on MiB at Universal working there.

The restaurant was very impressive with one whole wall being a huge aquarium housing sharks, sting rays, swordfish and fish. We enjoyed watching all the activity. Our meal was delicious, I had the filet mignon and the steak was so tender it just torn apart with no effort. A fab meal and a place we recommend.

We left the park and headed to a Walgreens for some aftersun for Gary, now known as lobster boy (he insisted on not wearing sun cream yesterday) - learnt his lesson now. I bought him some pain relief spray.

We had a quick change round and headed to the pool. Me in the shade, lobster boy and soon to be lobster dad in full sun. We had a dip in the pool, then I had a little doze on the lounger, suitably covered up with towels.

We had voted to go to Universal next but Craig and much to his Uncle's dismay once he reads this wanted to go shopping. I quick vote was carried and it was off the Florida Mall.

I left the lads to it. I quickly found a series of books I had been following but are currently unavailable in the UK so bought them. So that was ticked off my list. Next was a Pandora charm, eventually I found Polka DOtz, Claire when you go just head for Dillards it is just on the corner near there. I purchased the white flower enamel with black centre charm. Just checked it s UK price and it was the same in pounds as in dollars so saved a bit of money there. Yay! Next I got some light pyjamas from Gap as I like to lounge about in them at home on a night. Finally me and the lads had fun sniffing all the candles in the Yankee Candle shop. I bought some tarts and a tray plus matching cap thing to make the candle burn correctly.

The lads and Ian bought some clothes then we left the Mall stopping off for a sub near Universal. There was an Irish family who were quite rude to the server, made me feel bad to be European. Apparently this sub wouldn't handle any notes above a twenty which was what the argument was about.

We headed back to the rooms, ate the subs and the lads and Ian gave me a fashion show.

So that has been our day I hope you have enjoyed reading it. I will post some photos shortly.

[wicket2005]

Todayś photos added. http://twitpic.com/photos/wicket2005

[Pinky166]

What a great day in Seaworld!

Glad to hear they have changed the Clyde & Seymour show. It was the same in December so must have been fairly recent.

I hate watching the Walrus, i always feel so sorry for him.

Glad you got a charm, thanks for letting me know where it is. Did they have lots in stock?

Great photos.

[mandymouse]

It sounds like you had a great day Bev. Glad you enjoyed Manta, I don't know when I'll get the chance to ride it, as SW isn't on our list for this next holiday

More lovely pics

[irongirlof12]

you are so brave going on all of the coaster rides . what a fab day all tips have been duly noted