Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Sea World Disaster

On Thursday, Josh took off work so that we could take Tymber (our niece) to Sea World. It has been a long time since Josh has been and I really wanted to see the look on Tymber's face when we saw Shamu. Not to mention, I was able to get in free because I was a Florida teacher.


The day started out great. We were on schedule to leave (surprisingly). We really didn't get into much traffic on the way there and Tymber slept the whole way which I was happy about because I knew it would be a long day for her. As soon as we hit International Drive, we moved about 20 feet per every 5 minutes (NO KIDDING!) Tymber kept saying, "Move people! Get out our way!" We sat on International Drive for 45 minutes! I was livid and this was just the beginning and what would be a near disaster of a day.
Finally we made it to the entrance and I could not believe the number of people who thought it was a good idea to go the Sea World on Thursday, April 9th! We really should have turned around and gone somewhere else. After parking, we walked to the entrance and Josh had to wait in line to get Tymber's ticket. (We had already purchased Josh's, but we wanted to make sure that Tymber would go with us before we bought hers.) I got in the line for the passports (the teacher line along with other people who wanted to get their annual pass.) Josh waited in line about 30 minutes to buy the ticket and by that time I had moved maybe 10 yards in the line I was waiting in. Seriously, Sea World wanted to "reward" teachers for their job, but then you want them to wait in a line that would probably take them about 2 hours to get to the desk! I really have the nerve to call Sea World and tell them how aggravated it makes me, but I would probably be wasting my breath. So needless to say, I told Josh to buy me a ticket, which was $75. The whole reason we decided to go to Sea World was because I got in free. Can you tell that I am still a tad bit upset about the whole ordeal?
Finally we made it in the park. I glanced at my watch and it was noon! That made it even worse.The day was just about shot and we just went through the gate. We decided to see Shamu first.
Tymber really liked it and kept saying, "He not going to eat me."
We then moved on the the Sea Lions which she liked. By this time our bellies were talking to us so we waited 45 minutes in the hot sun for a slice a pizza that costed $7. Tymber fell asleep waiting in line for lunch.
After we ate we went around to all the attractions. We saw the penguins, puffins, sharks and the Clydesdale horses (which happened to be her favorite even though they were really the only true land animal at the whole park). We took her to the carousel and she "rode" a shark (what she told her Daddy when she got home).
Before leaving we stopped at the souvenir shop and Tymber picked out a Clydesdale horse and cuddled up in the stroller. By this time it was around 5 p.m. and we didn't make it 2 minutes out the gate and she was zonked out.
Next time we decide to take a trip to Orlando it won't...I repeat...it won't be during Spring Break!

7 comments:

Jaime said...

I'd try calling them and maybe see if they'll reimburse your ticket... it's worth a shot anyways :)

The first week of Dec is always a great week for all the parks... there are hardly ANY lines! That's when we always go... we've been a few other times and always refuse to go back during that time of year, lol! looks like you guys did have some fun though!!

Kasey said...

Seriously, I would call them- $75 girl! Anyways, it looks like you guys had fun and got some GREAT pictures!!!

Becky said...

Something similar happened a few years ago to us at Universal and they wouldn't reimburse..bah hum bug! Worth a try!! Looks like Tymber had fun!! You guys are the best aunt/uncle!

Darlene said...

I so feel your pain! We went on Wednesday. Had to park ACROSS the street at Aquatica and be bussed over. We got there at two and left about 9:30. ALL the shows were full 45 minutes before it started...we saw Shamu Rocks and an Acrobat show. It was soooo crowded! I, too, will NEVER go during Spring Break again. NEVER!

Kerri said...

I totally feel your pain...I can't believe you had to pay....We'll know better next year:-)

monica said...

Great pics!

The Panke's said...

The line for teachers during spring break must always be long, the same thing happened to us a few years ago but I waited it out(I'm cheap:)). At least ya'll had fun when you finally got in.