WOW!! Where to begin about our day at Sea World. Let me first get my bitching out of the way. It did not open until 10am, which for normal people could be great. But for us, with very scheduled kiddos who nap at noon, it meant it would be a long day. I wanted to get there before 10 so we could get a good parking spot and be ready to enter at 10 knowing we would only have a couple of "nice" hours. We were running a little behind because Mark wanted to take care of a cell phone repair. So I was already frustrated.
We have never been to Sea World and were not sure what to expect. I had asked the hotel concierge about drinks and snacks. So we had a lunch box of water and my back pack was full of snacks. Of course there was a sign at the entrance gate about no outside food or drinks and bag checks. So Mark and I stood out there fighting for 5 minutes fighting about this. He knew this was going to happen and now he was going to have to be the one to walk back to the car (we paid the extra $5 to park close). So he took everything back and you know, all day long I saw people with water bottles that were not from there and bags full of snacks. So all you Sea World go-ers...what's the story? Can you take in stuff or not? I want to know for next time.
But before the little scene we (OK I) caused we bought our tickets. We did have a coupon, but Mark did want to stand in line, instead he wanted to use the kiosk which did not accept coupons. So it cost us over $140 to get in (I wanted to say Connor was still 2, but Mark is obviously more honest than I am). It's suppose to be the happiest place on earth, OK so that's Disney World, but they are like cousins in the theme park world. It is so freaking expensive that most people won't get to enjoy it, certainly not on a regular basis. I guess if you lived there and had a season pass it would be worth it. Also, having been a last minute trip with lack of research (and being first timers ourselves) I was not aware that there was a whole water park section. We could have brought our suits and had a ton more fun. The boys would have loved that. Instead we only got to partake in half the action. Next time right?!
With all that being said....it was great. The boys loved seeing the animals, and truth be told so did I. Seeing how the whales and dolphins interact with humans is mesmerizing to me.
Just starting out the day...the boys are loaded with sunscreen and hats, all though those did not last long (Connor's didn't even make it in the gate)
First stop-the dolphin tank
We had to take a picture about the jelly fish-that's what happens when you watch Nemo EVERY SINGLE time you get into the car
Sharks! Connor knew most of them-pretty impressive. Again, thanks Nemo
Our $27 meal, oh yeah 27 bucks!!! The kids even shared (and it wasn't that good)
The gators, actually they were crocodiles, which we had to go see several times as they were Connor's favorite (that day)
The whales, my personal favorite show. I truly find them amazing. I have some video of the show I will try to post tomorrow, after I go through the ones I have.
Colton was really into all the shows. He might be our future animal trainer. My leg would go numb because he was sitting so still, of course being tired probably helped! His little head would follow the whales and dolphins.
The seal show, pretty funny!
We watched a 4D movie about pirates which was funny. You got splashed occasionally and bursts of air would hit you to go along with the 15 minute story line. The first drop of water sent Colton into a meltdown. He and Mark had to wait outside.
The ride home brought a little cat nap, but not before Connor spent 20 minutes talking about what to do next, like 6 hours of non stop excitement was not enough!
Couldn't you just eat that face up?
So I feel like I sound like Debbie Downer. We really did have a great time. Most people don't know this about me (because I don't talk about it) but I stress about money all the time. I guess it's because I don't make any ( my PB paychecks don't count as money, they hardly exist). So spending so much money in one day...scary. I was constantly figuring our per hour cost in my head, all this on top of starting the day off with a fight. I would not have traded it for anything, except maybe cooler weather. I know the boys won't remember the trip, but they learned things that will be with them forever. They both learned about some animals and hopefully a little bit of family value.
The Rain Forest Cafe in SA is actually the only 3 level location (good reason to go to that one right?). On level one where you can shop, they have an alligator. After we ate, we were looking around the shop and were staring at the gator. All of a sudden he roared and was chopping his jaws. It scared the crap out of Connor. Seriously Scared!! He actually started crying, which is out of character for him. But would you believe, we had to go back another day to see that alligator again. The second time around he was not afraid at all! Way to face your fears, big guy!
We spent lots of time just walking the River Walk. It was convenient and much cooler!! The boys liked the water and ducks. Mark and I liked the breeze and the atmosphere.
Our little cheese lover!!! This was at Casa Rio (I hope that was the name of it, my memory is not functioning properly). It was my favorite. The salsa is the true test and it was great.
Covered in cheese, saying cheese
Look Sissy, it could be worse!
