Monday, August 16, 2010

Vacation Recap: Gatorland & Sea World

Vacation Day 1 (Downtown Disney) can be found here.
Vacation Day 2 (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) can be found here.
On our last full day in Orlando we decided to visit Gatorland and Sea World. Both of these places, especially Gatorland hold a special place in my heart. Until this trip, I hadn't been to Orlando since the late 1990's. The last time I had been there was on a family vacation with my mom and dad. The trip was one of only 2 that I can remember my dad being with us. It's one of those childhood memories where you only remember having a great time and only remember certain instances from the time. So for me to say that I was excited to go back to both of these places is an understatement. I was ecstatic!
Bright and early we headed to Gatorland! It was exactly like I remembered it! 
(obviously the gators don't care about personal space)
(this guy was nuts! He wrestled an alligator!)
(feeding/competition time)
(This bird almost attacked me, note the scared face)
Once I was done reliving my childhood memories at Gatorland we made our way over to Sea World. Did I mention it was about 105 degrees and so muggy outside that you felt like you were breathing in water? No? Well it was, trust me. 

After taking the long hike in from the parking lot we made our way into the shade and sat down for the Killer Whale show, Believe. Even though Shamu died years ago, I still end up calling every killer whale Shamu. I can't help it. I saw the real Shamu as a kid so the name is sticking.
We were still sweating balls after the Shamu show so we headed over to the seal show. This show was hilarious and not on purpose. Everything that could go wrong did and the actors were totally making fun of themselves. Loved it.
(Dolphins)

The last thing we did at Sea World was head back over to the killer whale show for, Shamu Rocks. This was by far the best show and it was packed out. The entire show lasted about half an hour but it was great. The whale's come out and perform to rock songs and it was great. The crowd got into it and was clapping and doing the wave. People were dancing from in the seats it was just one of those nights were everyone in the stadium was having a great time. If you go to Sea World I highly suggest staying for this late night show.

Sadly, the next morning we had to jump on a plane to come home. Hope you enjoyed hearing about my trip to Florida!

20 comments:

Steph @ Professors_Wife said...

All of that sounds so fun! I'm glad you had a super time - sad that you had to leave! :) You've really went to a lot of cool places this summer!

Summer said...

How fun! I love Disney!! That is where we honeymooned! I laughed right out loud at your expression when the bird tried to attack ya....Birds like attacking me to for some reason LOL....

I am glad you were able to go back to Gatorland and relive memories....um that guy is nutso wrestling with a gator....look at all those gators eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek

I am glad you had such a fab time

xoxo
Summer

Dollface said...

Ive always wanted to go to Sea World... Gator world a bit too scary for me, hahah xxxoo

Stephanie said...

LOL Gatorland hasn't changed a bit! :)

krystal said...

This summer weather here is killer! You're right! SOOOOOOOO humid.

JG said...

What a fun trip you had! You sure managed to cram as much into your time as possible! I love it :)

Bri said...

What a great trip!

Anonymous said...

Looks amazing. I haven't been to Disney since I was 8. This is making me want to go again big time. You look so happy in all of your shots! Too cute!

Amanda @ It's Blogworthy said...

I thought they called them all Shamu anyway? I want to go to Sea World too...just another place that'll have to wait till I'm not big and fat. :)

Unknown said...

Your trip looks like it was so much fun. That's cool that you were just able to go over a long weekend and still get so much done. I totally want to go down there and see the harry potter stuff. Thanks for the tips too, I'll have to use them if I ever make it down there.

Aimee said...

I understand what you mean about being nostalgic about childhood. Glad you got to experience that through Gatorland.

I love Sea World. I have only been to the one down here in San Diego. The Shamu Rocks show is the best. (I too call every killer whale Shamu)

Glad you had a lot of fun

Tina L. Hook said...

I grew up in Orlando and I remember going to gatorland on a field trip. Oh the memories!

I am happy to see you are having fun.

Miranda said...

I've loved your vacation posts! I'm so glad you two had fun :-)

SS said...

Fun! I haven't been on an amusement part trip in forever....

I definately want to hit up the Flordia Disney, etc. I love the bird pic! lol.

love jenny xoxo said...

looks so fun! I love Orlando and Sea World, although I've been to both but not at the same time... if that makes sense. I went to the San Diego Sea World, but I gon't remember gators like that, they are pretty scary!!

xoxo

http://lovejennyxoxo.blogspot.com/

Hutch said...

gatorland would have freaked me out, but I love any marine animal based attractions!

Meghan said...

I love Florida!!! Your vacation pics are so fantastic - makes me want to return immediately!

tara said...

sea world is my favorite place on earth!! :)

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

That's crazy -- Gatorland. I wonder how some one decides that they want to make wrestling alligators their career?

Blessings,
RACHEL

Kristie said...

Looks like so much fun! Florida is like that!!!