(Sea)Lions & Gators & Dolphins….Oh, My! A Halloween PTR/TR with a “wild” theme - Oct/Nov '18

To all my Canadian readers.....

thanksgiving2-300x300.jpg


Someone have a piece of apple pie for me! :)
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to you.
Sorry about the pie but we had pumpkin and it was delicious.
 
How was your day at Discovery Cove?? If memory serves me correctly, your itinerary had you spending the day there yesterday. How was the dolphin swim?

Sorry so tardy to answer- the vacay went by so fast!!! We arrived home last night.

Our DC day was Wednesday. It was magnificent! We met :love:Coral the dolphin:love: Those little angels are so amazing!

The only downer was the daybed. We were very disappointed. They appear to have a canopy that will provide some shade and appear larger and comfortable. In reality, the canopy offers no shade. The daybeds are not long enough to fully lay down and are not comfortable to sit up in. I was also disappointed that they also don't have any sort of small table to hold drinks/snacks. In front of us, the free chairs offered umbrellas that had shade all day as well as some had small tables to hold drinks/snacks. We were not able to spend more than a short time using the daybed. It was much too hot to be in the sun all day.

I did talk to guest services about it and filled out a comment card. They said that they have received much of the same feedback as I provided to them. They happily refunded our money.

We had an amazing time overall- thanks again for the tip! We saved oodles of $$ thanks to you!:)
 
I am so excited for you!!!

I actually do have a list of the current Discovery Cove photo prices. I emailed them last month for that information, and here is what they replied with:

THE DISCOVERY PACKAGE (dolphin interaction)(a $650 total value) $229 + tax

8- 6 x 8 prints (may be different or same images)

1 - All-image PhotoKey

1 – All image photo CD

1 - Interaction DVD**

1 - Photo Album

A photo frame (chosen at the counter)

You can add a second Discovery Package for $109.



THE ADVENTURE PACKAGE (a $380 total value) $169+ tax

6-6x8 prints (may be different or same images)

1 - All-image Photo Key

1 – All image photo CD

**add your dolphin interaction DVD for an additional $50+ tax



THE ISLAND PACKAGE (a $140 total value) $99 +tax

4- 6x8 prints (may be different or same images)


Additional Items With Package

6 x 8 Print $10

16 x 24 Poster $20

24 x 36 Poster $25

Interaction DVD** $50

Interaction Blu-Ray $50

Addition Frame (after initial purchase) $15



After DVD purchase, additional copies are only $20 each. DVD’s can be added on to the Island and Adventure Package for $50.


*DVD video footage is only available for up to 30 days after your visit date.

**Prices are subject to change

If you are participating in the SeaVenture activity, please note that we do not provide a photographer or videographer in the Grand Reef during this dive. You can use your own camera or we can loan you a digital underwater camera to snap as many photos as you’d like. At the end of the dive, these photos will be uploaded to our Adventure Photo computers for you to view and purchase, if you wish. The SeaVenture PhotoKey is a great value at only $60 plus tax and is a separate purchase from the dolphin interaction. Additional copies of your SeaVenture photos are only $20.

The Shark Swim, Ray Feeding, SeaVenture and Animal Trek PhotoKey’ s are all available individually at $60 plus tax. Alternatively, up to all four activities can be combined on one PhotoKey for $80 plus tax.


Thank you! Between your TR, multiple friends going recently, and stuff at work, I figured it was a sign to finally go! I am soooo excited

This info is great! What exactly is the "all-image photokey"?
 


Only 5 days until our trip, but its getting crazy! The Braves avoided elimination last night, so my wife and I are driving up to ATL for the game this afternoon. Then Michael (the storm) is predicted to come right over our house on wed-thur, possibly with hurricane force winds. Nervous about that, as we have a LOT of large pine trees within striking distance of the house with a path like the one Michael will take. But the way I see it, at least we have a place to go, right? Ugh. On the bright side, the hurricane basically draws all the rain with it, and its looking to be a great week in FL according to the weather forecast.
 
Only 5 days until our trip, but its getting crazy! The Braves avoided elimination last night, so my wife and I are driving up to ATL for the game this afternoon. Then Michael (the storm) is predicted to come right over our house on wed-thur, possibly with hurricane force winds. Nervous about that, as we have a LOT of large pine trees within striking distance of the house with a path like the one Michael will take. But the way I see it, at least we have a place to go, right? Ugh. On the bright side, the hurricane basically draws all the rain with it, and its looking to be a great week in FL according to the weather forecast.
Good luck on the storm front :goodvibes
 
I have caught up on your PTR. It is great to finally be reading along with one of your reports in real time instead of months or years after the fact.

Have a wonderful visit with Jake this week!! My DS is 15......I try to cherish every minute b/c I can feel the time ticking away sooooo quickly.

A little disappointed this morning, I had bought Braves playoff tickets to surprise my wife with a night away this coming weekend (since our alone time will be non-existent on our trip), but it required the Braves to get the #2 seed. They didn't, so now the tickets I have are for Monday, and as game 4, not even a sure thing to happen (If Braves sweep, or more likely the way they have been playing, swept, no game 4). And work schedules mean that if it does happen, will have to drive up and back the same day (3 hour drive one way). Oh well, save the $140 the hotel cost I guess.

Enjoy the game! My DH and DS15 went last night. Braves pulled through in a very exciting game. They really enjoyed it....we are only about an hour away from the park, but they didn’t get home until 1:45 this morning. Thankfully they are off work and school for Columbus Day today so they could sleep in.
 


Only 5 days until our trip, but its getting crazy! The Braves avoided elimination last night, so my wife and I are driving up to ATL for the game this afternoon. Then Michael (the storm) is predicted to come right over our house on wed-thur, possibly with hurricane force winds. Nervous about that, as we have a LOT of large pine trees within striking distance of the house with a path like the one Michael will take. But the way I see it, at least we have a place to go, right? Ugh. On the bright side, the hurricane basically draws all the rain with it, and its looking to be a great week in FL according to the weather forecast.

Have fun! I would love to go to a playoff game someday
 
Hey Gina!! I’m finally here! Getting all caught up.. i haven’t been on the Dis since before my trip.

Unfortunately, we’re not Sea World people. We really enjoyed the aquariums, shark encounter and the roller coasters. We got the Quick Queue and i wasn’t overly thrilled with it. It was nice skipping the line, but I’d say like 90% of the rides we walked up the exit to get to the ride, we arrived to the loading dock and weren’t provided any instruction on where to stand, where to go, nothing. We just kinda walked up and went where we wanted.. then we got to Manta and there was no attendant in sight so we thought it was the same thing and actually got SCOLDED for it.. i was at a a loss for words, it was actually embarrassing. I was bummed too that the Infinity Falls opening was pushed back. We were really hoping for a soft opening. I think it’ll be really hard for me to talk Jeremy into going back for a while.

On the other hand, we LOVED Discovery Cove!! I would highly recommend the Animal Trek. I think it’s right up your alley! They saved the best for last and we got to pet a sloth!!! We also did the Sea Venture. I was a little nervous at first because I suffer from slight claustrophobia and anxiety but once we got down there it was amazing!! The whole experience was worth every penny, including the cabana! With 5 people it was just nice to have that home base, even though I’m sure we would have had no problem getting loungers.

This year’s HHN was my favorite yet. My top houses were Poltergeist, Dead Exposure and Scary Tales. We went for our first night on Wednesday and it was DEAD. We got so much done, which was a blessing because the next 4 days were mobbed! If i only had one or two nights i would definitely pony up the money for express passes this year.

Welp, I’m reeeally looking forward to reading your upcoming report. Especially the Sleepy Hallow event! I can’t remember if i read if you were renting a golf cart for the fort or not? The lights around Fort Wilderness for Halloween are AMAZING. Can’t wait to follow along!!
 
Morning all! Game was fun, even though the Braves lost, they had some exciting moments. We might have to make a tradition of a playoff game every year they make it.

Hurricane is predicted to head just north if not directly over us right now, which puts us in the worst position for winds. Current intensity forecast has it as a max tropical storm or minimal hurricane by the time it gets to us (50-70mph sustained, gusts 80 or higher). Almost certainly going to lose power, and probably some trees. There is a lot next to us filled with 60-100 ft pines that the wind will be blowing in our direction. That is on the kids side of the house, needless to say they will NOT be sleeping in their beds wednesday night. Got plenty of batteries and bottled water, the portable chargers will be full tonight, weather radar, flashlights, charcoal, etc. is ready.
 
Morning all! Game was fun, even though the Braves lost, they had some exciting moments. We might have to make a tradition of a playoff game every year they make it.

Hurricane is predicted to head just north if not directly over us right now, which puts us in the worst position for winds. Current intensity forecast has it as a max tropical storm or minimal hurricane by the time it gets to us (50-70mph sustained, gusts 80 or higher). Almost certainly going to lose power, and probably some trees. There is a lot next to us filled with 60-100 ft pines that the wind will be blowing in our direction. That is on the kids side of the house, needless to say they will NOT be sleeping in their beds wednesday night. Got plenty of batteries and bottled water, the portable chargers will be full tonight, weather radar, flashlights, charcoal, etc. is ready.
Be safe! My prayers are with you and your family!
 
Morning all! Game was fun, even though the Braves lost, they had some exciting moments. We might have to make a tradition of a playoff game every year they make it.

Hurricane is predicted to head just north if not directly over us right now, which puts us in the worst position for winds. Current intensity forecast has it as a max tropical storm or minimal hurricane by the time it gets to us (50-70mph sustained, gusts 80 or higher). Almost certainly going to lose power, and probably some trees. There is a lot next to us filled with 60-100 ft pines that the wind will be blowing in our direction. That is on the kids side of the house, needless to say they will NOT be sleeping in their beds wednesday night. Got plenty of batteries and bottled water, the portable chargers will be full tonight, weather radar, flashlights, charcoal, etc. is ready.

Thinking of you! Stay safe. I hope it weakens.
 
The only downer was the daybed. We were very disappointed.
ugh we have one booked too! I am bummed I did this hearing that they aren't that great.

On the other hand, we LOVED Discovery Cove!! I would highly recommend the Animal Trek. I think it’s right up your alley!
We have this booked too. I am glad to hear it is worth it. Did you feed birds too? I thought that was part of it.
 
ugh we have one booked too! I am bummed I did this hearing that they aren't that great.

Yep- I was hoping it would be nice, too! They don't seem to be getting much positive feedback on them so I'm hoping they will make some improvements. Talk to a manager if you want a refund. I first stopped at guest services where they offered me a comment card and an apology, but no refund. I went further to a manager on duty and she happily refunded the price of the daybed. I just couldn't pay the $79 plus tax on something we couldn't use.
 
Please, you and Steve are absolutely adorable (Jake too, but he's not on the trips with you) - I think a vlog/youtube channel would be a fabulous idea!!!

I second that, Ruthie!:) And you and Tony would be great costars!!:thumbsup2
 
Please, you and Steve are absolutely adorable (Jake too, but he's not on the trips with you) - I think a vlog/youtube channel would be a fabulous idea!!!

I second that, Ruthie!:) And you and Tony would be great costars!!:thumbsup2

It’s unanimous! Sorry, Gina. Sounds like pattyw and her Tony are already on the docket to guest star. You are out voted. We will be looking for your YouTube channel soon. ::yes::

Gina, Hearing all this about DC and the animal trek.....we were able to pet a sloth, feed birds, have them land on us, etc as part of the normal day pass in May 2017....are they now charging extra to do those things? Of course, looking at the deal you got for your DC day this month.....it’s a lot less than what we paid for our day....so maybe they are just reallocating how they charge to make the day more accessible? And then the extras add up to what we paid a year ago total? I see SW is reconfiguring the annual pass as well. Ours expired in June. I guess they are just changing their overall pricing structure? I would pay just about anything for DC. It is my all time favorite thing in Orlando!!

Morning all! Game was fun, even though the Braves lost, they had some exciting moments. We might have to make a tradition of a playoff game every year they make it.

Hurricane is predicted to head just north if not directly over us right now, which puts us in the worst position for winds. Current intensity forecast has it as a max tropical storm or minimal hurricane by the time it gets to us (50-70mph sustained, gusts 80 or higher). Almost certainly going to lose power, and probably some trees. There is a lot next to us filled with 60-100 ft pines that the wind will be blowing in our direction. That is on the kids side of the house, needless to say they will NOT be sleeping in their beds wednesday night. Got plenty of batteries and bottled water, the portable chargers will be full tonight, weather radar, flashlights, charcoal, etc. is ready.

Praying for you and your family!
 

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