In the interest of full disclosure, the link to the Dolphin Bubbles exhibit is a part of the affiliate program through Social Spark. (You can also see the button on my sidebar.) The reason I chose to participate in this program is because I AM planning a family trip to Orlando, and I AM hoping to go to Sea World and see the dolphins. I am excited to promote this exhibit.
Yes, I am one of those saps. I love Disney Word in all its cheesy splendor. In the fall of 2006, my parents took our family on a Disney vacation. We stayed at the Old Key West resort and spent five delightful days gallivanting around the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and my personal favorite — Epcot. Then about a year later I got an email inviting me to a Mom Blogger Mixer at Disney World. We stayed at the Beach Club Resort, and it was phenomenal. I swore that I would try to stay there when we return.
Well, we are returning! In December, my parents are treating us once again to a Disney World vacation. I know, I’m so spoiled. I can not WAIT to go back. And yes, we are planning to stay at the Beach Club this time. I love how it is within walking distance of Epcot and also close to Downtown Disney.
One thing I definitely want to do on this trip is visit Sea World. On our last trip, we never left Disney property, but this year I’m hoping to venture out a bit more. I have fond memories of Sea World as a child, and I know my son, who has been begging to visit an aquarium, will absolutely be in heaven. The main attraction, of course, is the new Dolphin Bubbles exhibit at Dolphin Cove. Everyone is enchanted by dolphins, and the moms who visited the exhibit and blogged about it on the website make it sound totally worthwhile. I have fond memories of visiting the Shamu exhibit as a 7-year-old child and getting splashed, we were sitting so close.
When we return to Orlando next winter, my middle child will be exactly 7-years-old. That, I think, is about the perfect age to discover Sea World. I can’t wait!
We will soon start our planning in earnest. I’d love to get any advice you Orlando veterans may have about planning a vacation for 4 adults and 3 kids ranging in age from 4 to 10. I am hoping my brother and sister-in-law will also come, but they are playing things by ear since they will have an infant when December rolls around.
I know I have a lot of Disney experts in my midst, so go ahead. Dish. Give me your best advice!
I’m going on December too and planning the trip for 35 people. It’s turning into a full time job. I have been twice before but this will be the first trip for my kids and I too want to try a few things off property. I can’t wait to read the other comments to see if there are any tips or tricks.
I haven’t been there since 1995, way before kids. We are hoping to go in the next two or three years. There are some great Disney guides at your local bookstores, so check them out!!(HINT, he he)
OK. I have tons of great ORL tips since I used to live there. But I have to show some SHOCK for you calling Disney cheesy! *sniff*
Be back with some tips…
(ps…that was a seo title if I ever saw one!)
I too love WDW. I’ve been there a ton of times (sometimes, by myself!!!) and I collect Disney pins – not too many people know that about me.
Before McDaddy left on the 6-month deployment, we took the kids to Disney World the day after Christmas.
My best advice – If there are any retired military folks in your family, have them buy the tickets. You can save a bundle.
Actually, Sea World offered free admission to military families and so our family of 4 enjoyed the day for free.
Disney is running a very good promotion this year – they are offering military families admission for $35. (if I remember correctly). Also, we have cousins who live in Florida who get a discount because they live in Florida. Oh, and I think I heard somewhere that if you are visiting Disney on your birthday, you can get free admission as well. I do think you have to register the birthday person on-line though.
Other than that, have fun, take lots of money and even more patience. =)
My Dad retired from Disney and my brother is a Chef at Epcot so we’ve had our many visits to Disney World. For the ages of your kids Sea World is going to be great. I would probably stick to Disney and MGM for the kids as far as the Disney parks go. Epcot is A LOT of walking and not as “fun” as the other parks. Make sure to grab a park flyer at the entrance so you can plan your day around all the shows and stuff. December is a very busy month so expect crowds. The best time to go is in September when the kids are in school. We homeschool so that’s when we usually go. You should try staying at Fort Wilderness sometime. That’s a great place as well, I believe they even have cabins and activities there as well. Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help you answer. I’d be more than happy to.
Blessings to you today.
Kim
I have never been (hangs head) but would love to go sometime soon. It is almost as if Hunter wouldn’t want too, but Mom’s power of veto rules! lol
I can’t wait to read all the tips and file them away for later on.
I just wrote a post for my “peace. love. mickey” category on the February 15th. Another blogger asked me for info recently, so I’ll be posting more in that category over the next few weeks/months. Here’s the link to the latest:
Our “Best Practices” for Visiting Walt Disney World in the Summer
ps. I know you’re going in December and my WDW post is about a summer visit, but it might help one of your readers. We love they Yacht and Beach Club Resort and we’ve stayed at Key West too. Saratoga Springs is great too if you like a full kitchen and washer/dryer.
You are the second person I have read today writing about DISNEY! I love it. We celebrated the year 2000 new years at the Yacht and Beach club (for a week) sadly that was my last trip to the WORLD. We have done land (closer to home) but I miss Disney world.
I went to a wedding at Disney in December and it was the best experience! Christmas at Disney is so unique… check out and see if they have any special Christmas Events… we went to Mickey’s Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom which was in the evening and basically just meant that there were less people in the park, special Christmas shows, and a special Christmas parade. It was fabulous (and cheaper than a full day ticket but we still got a good 6-7hrs in the park). And the Beach Club is AH-MA-ZING. We didn’t stay there but some of our family did so we got to hang out at the pools as their guests. There was a huge chocolate Christmas themed carousel in the lobby and the smell of cinnamon was piped in everywhere. There was also a life-sized gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian which was pretty cool to see. I loved Disney at Christmas time… and would definately consider going back during that season. Have fun!
Growing up in Central FL I’ve been to all the parks many times…..but not since 1993! It’s all changed so much, I’m sure. I can’t wait to take my kids…..but I’m waiting until they’re older. It’s gotten so much more expensive over the years.
I grew up in Orlando and my Dad and I both worked at Disney. I cannot say anything bad about it. It truly is a magical place. If you are up for a water park- Wet and Wild has always had the best rides. Granted it will be December, but you never know down there- we have gotten a suntan on Christmas Day before and seen a couple drops of snow that day too…
Yes, the crowds will be crazy anywhere you go down there in December, but it won’t be insanely hot and that is a great thing. A lot of times if you are staying at one of their hotels you can get into the parks early- do that, it makes for shorter lines and that is a wonderful thing.
Just realized today that my reader quit updating your posts. It’s good to catch up!
Do you know about mousesavers.com?
How fun! I love Disney – they do everything with such magic and class.
Incidentally, I’m reading “How to Be Like Walt” right now – an autobiography of Walt Disney’s life. It’s quite inspiring to read about the man behind the brand…