Let The Memories Begin! – Day 4
Today is our second SeaWorld day. We arrived around 10am and paid an extra USD 5 for preferred parking lots again. Jarod kindly helped to plan our visit around the show schedules in order to maximise our park time and minimise our walking. We have really underestimated the size of SeaWorld.
Our first stop, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, which is in the list of must-do. The queue was a 25 minute wait. However, when we reached the front of the queue, there was a technical breakdown. We decided to stay in the queue as they expected the delay not to be long. Ashley got impatient during the wait but it was worth it. This is a unique ride that sends riders on a memorable journey following a penguin named Puck, seeing the icy area as he does through his imagination until reality sets in encountering a few natural enemies. Riders get to choose between the mild and wild version and we went for the mild version. At the end of the ride, we were greeted by a magnificent scene of the penguin colony at freezing temperature. This is very much welcome as the temperature at Orlando remains high. When we stepped out of the ride, we were right in the Antarctica’s Penguin Habitat. This habitat features a colony of nearly 250 penguins, including gentoo, Adelie, king and rockhopper penguins. This is about as close as you can get to the penguins as there is no glass and few barriers separating guests from the penguins. We were impressed.
Next stop was to catch the Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island which stars sea lions, otters and a walrus. A mime appeared 10 minutes before the show to entertain the waiting crowd and he was hilarious as he picked on arriving audience. The pirate themed show is funny and the animals entertaining. We all had a good laugh, snacking on M&Ms and sipping diet Sprite. We purchased a refillable SeaWorld mug at USD 9.99 yesterday and each refill costs USD 0.99 which saves us quite a bit as a bottled drink costs USD 3 each. We also stopped at a gift store to purchase a Shamu plush. Ashley had bought one yesterday but lost it while clutching it in her sleep on our way back.
We headed towards Nautilus Theater to watch A’lure The Call Of The Ocean next. We had 15 minutes to reach there before show starts and we made it! This is a 30 minute mariner’s story that comes to life with flying athletic performers, gravity-
By now, we were getting hungry and walked towards the Jumbo Turkey Legs booth. ZA could not stop thinking of it since he saw it yesterday. We had one of those jumbo legs on our last visit to Anaheim and loved it. We found a table and ZA ordered 3 turkey legs and a hot dog. The legs were really huge and the meat tender, even Ashley liked it!
After lunch, we hurried to Seaport Theater to catch Elmo’s Christmas Wish. This is a very popular show for kids. The stadium was already 3/4 filled even though we arrived 30 minutes prior to the show. Ashley enjoyed the show the most as Elmo and his friends helped Elmo find his Christmas wish. We were happy to be there to escape from the heat too.
Next on our to-do list was TurtleTrek. It first takes you through two large-scale aquarium viewing areas before ending up at the show.After which, we picked up the 3D glasses and followed a sea turtle’s epic and astounding journey in a 3D 360 dome theater experience film that is completely immersive! Once the show started, we were mesmerised by the wrapping computer-generated 3D imagery completely around the room. ZA rated this is his top experience.
After patiently waiting to get her turn to choose the attraction, Ashley wanted to head towards Shamu Express again. She had wanted ZA to ride with her this time round. The queue is shortest at this section which houses all the kiddie rides. After which we rode Ocean Commotion and Swishy Fishies which is a tea cup ride.
By now, the sun has set and Ashley changed into her Santarina outfit. We waited in line for The Polar Express Experience. This is a motion ride which takes you through the experience of the movie, The Polar Express. ZA and Jarod felt giddy after the ride as they do not take well to motion rides. Ashley thought it was entertaining like a roller coaster ride. There is a Santa meet and greet after the ride. While waiting in queue, Santa’s helper chatted with Ashley and she had no clue where Singapore is. When Santa asked Ashley what she wanted for Christmas, she had no idea! We took a couple of photos and left.
On our way out, we caught Sea Of Trees. The colorful Sea Of Trees included 100 trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes around SeaWorld’s center lake. When the show ended, the background music was playing it’s the most wonderful time of the year and we couldn’t agree more! With this, we concluded our visit to SeaWorld. SeaWorld is really successful in integrating a real life element into their attractions, ever-focusing on the nature behind the entertainment and really did well in their SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration too!
We decided on Olive Garden for dinner. By now, Ashley has already knocked out and so I ordered for her from the kids’ menu Chicken Tenders with Spaghetti. After deliberating what to order, ZA had Chicken Scampi, Jarod ordered Five Cheese Ziti Pasta and I ordered Portobello filled Ravioli. To our surprise, the main also came with soup and we all chose different soups. The food was good and the price very reasonable. Our bill came up to USD 55 before tips.
We returned to the hotel after dinner and were knocked out!