Sea World and Universal

Last week Susan and I visited Sea World for a couple of hours. We had a meal and made a lap around the park. We spent awhile at Pacific Point, watching as the sea lions and seals got fed.

This evening we went to Universal. Universal has started some construction in the Jurassic Park area of IOA, but haven’t announced what it is. I finally rode the Kong ride (by myself, as neither Susan or Jenn cared to go with me). It is very similar to the Fast and Furious ride, in that it was originally developed for the Universal Hollywood tram ride, then used here. You board a tram like vehicle and then enter a show room, and are surrounded on all sides by screens.

We also checked out the Harry Potter areas and rode the train between, and ate at the Leaky Cauldron.

Anniversary Trip

 

This year for our anniversary we spent a few days at Disney's Hilton Head resort.

 

We spent most of our time relaxing. We went out to the Beach House in the mornings to swim and walk along the beach.

One of the days we drove up to Charleston to visit friends at the Air Base there.

While we were in South Carolina, Jenn was checking out the Festival of the Arts at Epcot. Today she visited again, and rode my boat.

Busch Gardens

Yesterday we visited Busch Gardens for the first time since 2007. Since the Sea World and Busch Gardens park keep their Christmas Celebrations going until the Epiphany, most decorations were still up. We camped in our trailer nearby, and had free admission with our Sea World annual passes.

The old "Land of Dragons" kiddie area has been converted into a Sesame Street area, and "Timbuktu" is now "Pantopia", but most of the rest of the park is still themed to Africa.

The park hasn't aged well. A lot of the family attractions we enjoyed on previous visits have been replaced by roller coasters. Still we had fun riding the skyway and seeing the animal exhibits, as well as trying out all the restaurants with the All-Day Dining Deal. And Jenn and I did a couple of the coasters.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is one of the busiest days at Disney World, and both Magic Kingdom and Epcot do special fireworks shows to celebrate. Susan and Jenn both picked up extra shifts doing audience control at Magic Kingdom, and I worked an extra shift for the Epcot fireworks.

We continue to visit the WDW parks when we have time. Jenn visited the Magic Kingdom on New Year's Day, and on Saturday I went to both Epcot and Magic Kingdom after my shift was over. Susan and Jenn were working late in the Magic Kingdom so I visited them and enjoyed the Holiday decorations before they were gone.

I always try to take some photos of the construction projects when visiting the parks as a guest. Above is work on the entrance to Epcot, as well as the building that will house the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster.

I also like to take a photo of the Tron site when I ride the Peoplemover in the Magic Kingdom.