Day 3 – Sea World
As Sea World didn’t open until 10am, we had a later start and arrived as the park opened.
It was relatively quiet so we decided to try and do all the big rollercoasters first on the basis that the queues would be smaller than later in the day. There are currently 3 rollercoasters in Sea World, Kraken, Manta and Mako. Fin was a few inches too short for all 3 of them so he also wanted us to “get them over with” as he was gutted that he couldn’t ride.
We loved all three of them. Mako was a new addition since we were there in 2012 and the VR headset had been added to the Kraken ride which was out of this world!
We watched the sea lion show and then headed for lunch where we visited the Spice Mill restaurant. As there was nothing specifically gluten free on the menu, I asked one of the servers if they could cater for us and they immediately called the chef.
He offered to make us bacon cheeseburgers on gluten free buns with fries and despite there being huge queues, he told us to sit at a table and he would bring them over. It was absolutely delicious and one of the best Quick Service meals of the whole holiday.
After lunch we managed to fit in the dolphin show and the main Shamu show along with at least 3 rides on Journey to Atlantis where we got soaked and one last ride on Manta which is my favourite.
The park closed at 6pm and we had more than covered everything that we wanted to. My main reason for visiting Sea World is for the rollercoasters rather than the shows and in reality, I don’t feel there is enough there to fill a whole day.
At some point this year, their new ride Infinity Falls is due to open which is a high speed family rapids ride. This was being built when we were there and looks like it will be great fun.
Once we left the park, we headed to the Disney Wilderness Lodge resort where we had a reservation at the Whispering Canyon Café. The restaurant is based on the ground floor of the Wilderness Lodge hotel and the entrance hall / reception is stunning.
I had read about the restaurant before we travelled, hence the reservation, but nothing can prepare you for how totally random it is.
If someone asks for ketchup, the server screams “Ketchup” and every single table in the restaurant ends up bringing their bottles of ketchup to your table!!
In the middle of the meal, the servers will just randomly shout instructions such as everyone stand and sing / dance to a song of the waiter’s choice or all children ride around the restaurant on a hobby horse. It was one of the noisiest, least relaxing meals I have ever had but Fin, especially, thought it was hysterical.
The plus point was that the food was delicious. We had the “All you care to enjoy skillet” which consisted of Family-style Mixed Greens Dressed with Apple Vinaigrette, Fresh-baked Cornbread, Slow-smoked Pork Ribs, Barbecued Pulled Pork, Oak-smoked Beef Brisket, Herb-roasted Chicken, Western-style Sausage, Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Seasonal Farm-fresh Vegetables, and Cowboy-style Baked Beans. As an added bonus, it was all gluten free.
We also had a gorgeous gluten free chocolate cake with marshmallows, chocolate chips and ice cream for dessert.
While the food was lovely and the kids really enjoyed the atmosphere, I don’t think the meal justified the $230 price tag for 5 people. This was by far the most expensive meal of the whole fortnight but I suppose you pay for the location and the entertainment. Again, all this would be covered if you are on a Disney or Deluxe Dining plan which is amazing value.
Animal Kingdom tomorrow – my favourite Disney park!
Beth
xx
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