Theme Parks Break Down

 So many of you have messaged me and asked questions over the years about our theme park obsession, what are the must do's, how do you do it, how do you afford it, and much more.  So I am going to attempt to answer those questions!!  :)  This may take a while.....

I am going to link back to an earlier blog post on Theme Park Tips. 

 See the hidden Mickey??  ;)

So let's start with the fact that my love and Jason's love for theme parks started young!  My parents would take us to Six Flags, Adventureland (Iowa), Silver Dollar City and we would ride rides like pros.  My dad didn't do rides so he held all our stuff and since we had 3 kiddos and my mom it was the "perfect 4" to ride rides.

That love continued throughout my growing up and altogether I have been to over 20 different theme parks :).  I am not sure how may my hubby has visited, but he too loved theme parks- of course there aren't quite as many in England. 

 

 We loved visiting Florida because here it is obviously the theme park capitol.  Since we also had family here it was the perfect match!  When we decided to move the thought of having family, theme parks, and beaches was pretty much a done deal.  :) 

So with that being said here in Florida we have been to Sea World, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, and Adventure Island (which are all a part of the same company- with Aquatica and Adventure Island being water parks). 
Then there is LEGOLAND which I don't feel like I am an expert in because we have only been there once. 
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are then paired together as well.  They also have an area much like Downtown Disney where there is lots of fun shopping, eating, and entertainment too!  It is at the entry area to their parks. 
Then you have Disney which has 4 main parks with lots of water parks (we haven't been to any of their water parks), and of course Down town Disney. 

 So what are the advantages of each park? 

 Busch Gardens at least here in Florida is definitely a contender easily for the best all round roller coasters!  They have variety of intensity, with plenty of them being intense enough for roller coaster fanatics.  The Florida location has an extensive animal component- think everything possible and more from a zoo.  They even have a place where you can see animal surgeries being done.

Sea World has all the fun water animals doing cute family friendly shows.  Although they have rides you can have plenty of fun even if you don't enjoy rides.  There is so much to learn and be a part of with the animals and plenty of experts who share knowledge.  So if you have a child who loves to ask questions they have lots of answers.  You can pet things like sting rays and dolphins!  AND you can do close encounters with some of those animals through special programs. 

Aquatica and Adventure Island- both have plenty to do for those who love water slides from the very intense to the beginner and plenty of wave fun for everyone.  Of course Aquatica being a newer park has all the extra bells and whistles!  And a clear tube slide where you pass by fish. 

Disadvantage- for our family anyway is that these parks do NOT allow sandwiches.  Snacks yes, water sure, but NO sandwich looking things at all!!!  So if you want to eat your own food- you have to leave the park.  :(  BOOOOO HISSSS!!!!  And yes they will make you take it back to your car if found out.  Although you can be extremely sneaky maybe more so if you only have a few people. 
They also have fast passes you have to pay extra for. 

Advantage- Decent priced refillable cups!  Typically a dollar refill for a 24 oz cup!!! 
You can always fill up with free tap water at any time! 
Food is pretty reasonable for a theme park. 
They have Sesame Street area as well as fun shows for children and kid rides sprinkled throughout the parks.  Some on purpose next to "older child/adult rides" which is nice. 

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures-  Great movie theming fun!!!  Some decent thrill rides- definitely enough to try to give Busch a run for their money, but Busch still wins on that part.  The Harry Potter area is huge and very well done.  Our family isn't into Harry Potter, but the ride is amazing and the effects are sweet!  They have added a Transformers ride and a connectional "Harry Potter train" to the parks since the last time we went.

I think the funny part is our kiddos have not watched most of the movies in the theme parks and it didn't seem to matter.  The theming is that well done.  For younger kiddos there is the Dr. Seuss area in Universal Studios as well as a Curious George at Islands of Adventure.  Curious George area includes a HUGE water play area!!  Which our whole family loved!!!

Disadvantage- I would say if you aren't into movies- this park is not for you.  However- we liked it but probably because we are just into theme parks :).  You have to pay a lot for fast passes. 

Advantage- you can bring any food you want into the parks!  They just can't be in a massive cooler or a "hard sided" cooler.  You can bring your own drinks- pop etc. as well.
They too have decently priced drinks cups and refill prices.  The only bad thing is the lids constantly came off easily and as you can imagine in our family made a lot of spills. 
They do have their "downtown" area right at the entry between parks.  So if you want food or shopping different than the park has to offer you only come out the gates and there are choices galore!!!! 
Also both parks are literally next door to each other.  So although there is a walk (although now you can ride the Harry Potter train) it isn't far when you are trekking in theme parks anyway. 
They have hotels that are owned by Universal and you do get extra hours at the parks as well as easy transport to and from parks. 

LEGOLAND - ok if you have kiddos that LOVE Legos GO!!!!!!  Most rides are very kid friendly with little intensity.  There are whole areas all over the park dedicated to imagination and building and creating!!!!  Cypress Gardens (if anyone remembers what that is) is a part of the park.  So if you are feeling overwhelmed by the theme park- go to the gardens area.  Very well manicured and beautiful!!!  Again, I am no expert because we only have gone once. 

Advantages- they too allow food :).  They are very kid friendly.  It is amazing to see all the lego scenes, and they have homeschool prices that are very very very cheap!!!  Which is how we afforded to go without season tickets. 

Disadvantages- they are a newer park and are starting out so it isn't quite like going to the other theme parks.  You can do all of it in one day.  Which is only a disadvantage because to me I can't imagine having a season pass because we typically go weekly. 

Walt Disney World has 4 main parks- Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom.  You can go anywhere in these parks and find children and adults dressed as Disney characters :).  Complete with mouse ears of every shape, size, color, and character.  They have tons of shows throughout the day and night that are AMAZING!  Let's face it Disney is a place that anyone who has watched even a few movies or just read fairy tales can relate to.  They have princesses galore and can make little girls dreams come true.  The parades are simply amazing and the crazy part is that the lights parade at night is the same it has always been- no for real the same music and floats! 

Advantages- Everyone has access to fast passes (I believe unless you just have a one day pass?) with NO extra cost!! 
They allow any amount of food and drinks in the parks :) SWEET!
IMMACULENT - cleanliness, manicured, and kept up with the best!!!  One of the reasons they attract people from around the world. 
If you get a great deal or splurge- they have a million hotels to choose from.  If you stay in them you get extra hour of Disney fun with no "outsiders" there at the park. 
Almost every single ride in all 4 parks can be ridden by anyone 40" with very few exceptions!!
Staff- what can I say they do things right and their staff are EXCELLENT!!! 
If you have family members with special needs they are amazing!!
Variety, Variety, Variety!  You can park hop, visit all the different lands in every park and still not have done "everything" even with a season pass. 
With some exceptions- they have entertainment on almost every single ride for your children to do while you wait!!  Of course you can always have a competition to see if any of your family can spot all of the hidden Mickeys too.  What is a hidden Mickey?  At every ride- in line or in the ride, and throughout the park there are "Mickey heads" to be spotted.  Some are more obvious, but many are very tricky.  Find them all!!  Again- there are websites and books about this too ;)

Disadvantages- It can easily become very overwhelming because the parks are HUGE! 
EXPENSIVE to say the least.  Food, drinks, and tickets.  **You can still ask for free ice water at any food place that has a "tap" :).
They are busy most of the year comparatively to the other parks which have a lot more distinct busy and non busy seasons. 
There are many many tips and tricks- get books read up, read blogs (probably not mine I am more of a basics person), etc. and there are even dvd's about how to go to Disney.  However, those can also be overwhelming. 
Going to Magic Kingdom takes a while- because you can't park next to the park.  So be prepared.....
If you have a special needs person with you in a wheelchair- you can only have 6 people go with them on a ride or sit together.  However, we have argued that point because we are one family.  Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. 

 How do you do it??  He he he he.... ummm....that is a great question!  If you were a fly on the wall on the morning of our Theme Park Days this is what you would see.  Believe me we must enjoy theme parks to do this!

1- We are up early!  Typically 6am sometimes earlier.  We are there before the gates open most of the time because we want to take advantage of the "slower" morning hours. 
2-  Usually hair is already done, but if not - quick styles only.
3-  We literally bring in our double stroller and our wheelchair (which has a back pack thing on it).  Everything is packed that morning and set in the back of our 15 passenger ready to get out and roll  on into the parks. 

4- YES we have matching shirts most of the time.  I am probably more relaxed when we are going to Busch Gardens during the "slower season" because we have been there literally hundreds of times over the years. 
5-  We have a checklist :)  - water shoes (depending on theme park), lunch meat and cheese sandwiches, peanuts/crackers, snacks for the whole day- depending on the park and how long we will be there we take plenty of variety (cheese sticks, gogurts, raisins, mini candy bars, gummies, fruits, etc.), bagels and cream cheese or pb and j for evening meal.  A gallon of water, koolaid, sometimes a special treat of Sprite or Fanta.  Rain ponchos/garbage bags to cover the stroller, plastic plates, drink cups, phones, keys, tickets (magic bands for Disney), camera, medicine- headaches, etc.  (although now we have started using oils), diaper bag, spare clothes for babes, food for Michael, more snacks, sunglasses/hats, wallet, and an attitude of we are going to have a fun family day out!!! 
***Maybe one day I will take a picture of this crazy scene because it is pretty interesting ;).  Yes I do pre pack some things the night before!!!! 

How do you afford it?  This is a hard question to answer because it depends on your finances, how you save money, how you spend money, and what you enjoy doing.  For us we love doing things that create memories.  Whether it is going to local, state, and national parks which we also love!  Whether it is eating out, or playing in the yard, or swimming together, playing games together, reading together, etc.  There are millions of things you can do together. My advice pick what you like and do it. 

 We do vacations.  They may sometimes be extremely simplistic and very low cost or sometimes we splurge a bit more and do some things that are more expensive.  It is something we love doing together.  They aren't for everyone.  Some people enjoy staying at home more. 

For us doing theme parks is our fun passion.  It is something we have always loved.  We save and we go often making the money spent pretty much very little per visit.  Even our Disney week day Florida resident passes aren't that expensive when you use it as much as we do ;).  There are always things some families prefer to do over others.  We rarely eat out- as in ever.  We just don't unless it is just Jason and I. 

That was information overload, but are there other questions you want to know?  Please ask away!  I will try my best :)

Tips for theme parks - Busch Gardens, FL

So I am going to write up some family tips for theme park family fun!
1) Do what you are most excited to do- FIRST! If you wait and you really wanted to do it.....the lines get longer as the day goes on, then animals aren't usually as interactive as well.
2) Get there when the park opens. I know I know....it is a pain, but it is less crowded! And if your munchkins are like ours they cope much better first thing in the morning than later in the day.
3) Take a few snacks in a bag/purse. If you have kids they are usually not worried about granola bars, twizzlers, gummy bears, raisins.....and they are a great way to keep the kids happy throughout the day without spending a fortune!
4) Eat Breakfast- a good one!!!!
5) If at all possible eat dinner late enough that you are ready to go home, and can go away from the park area to eat- way cheaper.
6) Get the plastic souvenir drink bottles- especially if you are going more than one day. You can refill as many times as needed! And the refill price is much much better. We share a few between our big family. Also, ask for ice in a separate cup. Fountain drinks come out cold anyway, and then you can throw in the ice after a few gulps - I know this is America, but why pay for half a cup of ice right???
7) Did you know you can get free water refills in your plastic cups at any concessions stand or restaurant? It is a BLESSING!!!!!!!! So that way for us we get a sugar drink at lunch, and the rest of they day get loads of water refills. Even if you don't have a souvenir cup they are obliged to give you tap water for free.
8) Bring water shoes for when your kids want to get wet. Hey, cooled off kids are happier kids!
9) If possible look at the park map ahead of time- to see what you want to do most. We let our kids pick their favorite. Makes everyone happy.
10) Share meals. We do this whenever we eat out anyway....otherwise we could NEVER eat out. When you have snacks anyway in the bag- you can always bulk it out....as well as have a treat later- to split.
11) Measure your kids ahead of time- so they aren't disappointed when they get there that they can't ride- or at least you are all prepared anyway.
12) If you are crazy like me you dress your kids in matching shirts- and if possible match yourself too. Easier to keep track. I know some think it is too crazy, but we like it. Our kids love wearing matching shirts!!!

Love those rides that splash water so everyone can cool off! Check out the video below:

Sheikra- vertical drop- 2 times! Abigail our oldest the only child that is tall enough to ride, but she gets to ride with daddy and with mommy- a bit spoiled I would say!
Scorpion- the only ride that goes upside down and our younger kids can ride- height restriction isn't too bad.
The fun jeep tour- not the one you pay for (too much for our size of family).
Rhino Rally is the name of the "jeep tour" ride thing. Pretty fun and you get to see a lot of animals.
Look at that cheeky face- totally the one we saw in the referral pics except he is growing!!!!
What a lovely bunch of kids- who do they belong to- oh yeah this Blessed MOM!
Montuuuuuuuu.................very fun and smooth!
Don't have to tell this girl twice to smile :)
Elizabeth- cutie pie!
Don't know where Matthew is looking, but Jonathan is happy to be here.
Oh yeah, that is my crew- the only ones on the train. Matthew believes he is really running the train ride- too cute!!!!
Joshua & Jonathan- flying around.
Matthew and Sarah....hello
OK so this was Jonathan's first ride without me...with him....next to him......so he was perfectly happy to go with Elizabeth, but I was afraid he would start the ride and start crying. Or is that my mommy mode of wanting him to need me??? Hmmmm.......probably.
Jungala area- loads of water fun stuff spread throughout the area- kids loved it. Me too, except one of the days some teens stopped by. Most of them just being refreshed, but we had to leave because I had - had enough of two of them - well let's just put it this way. I almost said (surprised I didn't- I am a bit outspoken) you know if you keep that up you end up with this- and pointed at our children. Which is great....if you are not 14-16 years old!


Our Beautiful babes!!! Love these shirts- The Busch Gardens there has an African theme- so these are shirts with an elephant on it- inside the shape of Africa. Love them!!!!!!!! Especially when Africa is sooo close to our hearts! I already got one for our future child (who may be already born......) so we can match as we step into the airport....oh yeah- I am full of fun cheese like that!
Good thing there is glass otherwise our beautiful daughter would be a few fingers short....
Always love watching the elephants...
Water rides are your friend- earlier in the day. Then you aren't soaked on the way home :)

So there you have it. I will post more pics later of Sea World...and any other tips I can think of..........Have a wonderful God Filled Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Playing the Glad Game

Soooo.....we are back :) We have spent that last couple of days in Sea World San Antonio with some of our summer staff. We have had (bought last year) our 2 year passes.....so we get 20% discounts, free preferred parking, etc. So we spend a limited amount of money- we have several tips for spending less money at theme parks. :)

Yesterday we were getting ready to leave and come home, and we heard a loud pop under our vehicle - never a good thing especially when it is followed by seeing something fly behind you in the review mirror.

So we of course pulled over hoping we just drove over something.......then we heard a LOUD noise as we turned. Again, not a good sign. We couldn't see anything and continued, but thought maybe we should double check. So we pulled into another parking area and did more turns and didn't hear that loud noise again.

We decided to pull onto the interstate, but had to pull off again....sound of rubbing made us nervous.....found a Texas turnaround....made it back to a alignment & brakes place and of course now it is raining again.

As we walked in...the place was clean, they were friendly, and when we said that while they did the check we would have to bring in our 8 children....they changed the channel on the tv to an educational channel for us, brought out more chairs, and were very sweet.

Well, the bad news was that the housing for the bearings- popped open on the one side. After finding out that they couldn't just replace the one part (because of course they could get just the one part, but that part wouldn't make it there for another week).....then found out our 15 passenger took the more expensive housing because of the model. They gave us the original price quote anyway. :) Still not cheap, but better.

While we went to eat- Happy 35th Birthday Jason!!! We got the news that the other side was missing bearings as well. Now we could go off without fixing it, but they were worried about it. Our decision. Well.....let's see......sometime in the future have to repair it anyway- more time- more money- again anyway.....possibly be stuck beside the road because it could freeze up on us with 8 children for fun- UM NO!!!! So they only charged us labor for changing one of them....got us 2 at the discounted rate instead! All total $750! YIKES! Happy birthday Jason :)

So what do you do when you had planned on going to the waterpark at Sea World for part of the day, but it started storming and you had to cancel. It is your husband's birthday, you end up hearing strange noises on your 15 passenger, have to have it repaired for a lot of money.....

You play the glad game! The what? The GLAD GAME. OK so our kids have the old old Polyanna movie which I love.....in which her family were missionaries. One time she really wished for her birthday she could have a doll. Instead in the missionary barrels- she got crutches. Seems pretty twisted....but her parents (who have by now died and she goes to live with a rich aunt that has a hard time showing love) told her to play the glad game. Be glad that even though you didn't get what you wanted, or even needed that at least you don't have to use the crutches.

What a difference it makes in life when we play the glad game! Was I happy to have to tell the kids that we couldn't go to the water park? nope. Happy that it was storming on our travels home? nope. Happy that something popped off our vehicle? nope. Happy about spending a lot of money that we were going to use to pay off our adoption loan? NOPE!

BUT I AM GLAD!!! GLAD that everyone in our home is safe! GLAD that everyone in our home is healthy! GLAD that we had the money to pay for the repair without an additional loan! GLAD we were not stranded beside the road with our 8 children! GLAD that no one was injured when our housing unit for the bearings- popped!!! GLAD that we were still able to come home yesterday! GLAD that we are together as a family! GLAD that we live in a country where we can praise God! GLAD that our couple of days were safe and relaxing so we can come back and minister the rest of the summer to more campers! GLAD that we GET TO do and have sooo many things that most will never experience!

So what are you GLAD for today? When I think of our experience in Ethiopia, the situations a lot of our campers come from, people who have children who have health problems, families that aren't together right now, people who have no clean water or food.......my brain quickly remembers- GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!! Even when we experience things that are not exactly fun.

How to do a vacation more affordably- Sea World Pics

So Sea World in Orlando- is loads of fun....this is a show that is done with rescued animals like dogs, cats, mice, birds, a pig, a skunk, too cute & the kids love it!!
This is my favorite part- the smiles! Who could resist this? NOT ME!
Here are some cute penguins...
This look of - hey look at that! Is so fun.
Kraken ride- Yes that is Jason on the last row, and Abigail is right next to him.
Splashing into fun- (I thought you could all use some cheese)
This is what the kids are looking at in the following pic

Can't see it very well, but if you are waiting for people going on Atlantis- the water ride pictured above....there is a little shop of course, but next to the shop is this fun aquarium that has aquariums along the wall, under your feet, and over your head- Lots of fun!!!
I just couldn't get enough of this creature- I believe it is a dragon fish, but it just floated and looked so pretty. How could people think that happened by chance? I stand in awe of God's beauty! Daily!

Almost felt sorry for the other girl sitting in the middle of most of our kids. I am snapping pics and she is like- I don't know you!
Jonathan...
Elizabeth...and mommy - with my eyes closed (I have issues sometimes when it comes to pics and keeping my eyes open??)
Matthew & Abigail.......
Andrew.......
Joshua........
Sarah.......
A mommy & baby dolphin...the kids loved that!!!
Manatee- whenever I see them I think of the song from Veggie Tales (those moms out there that know it you will sing it in your head just like I do) Babara Manatee, manatee, you are the one for me, one for me, sent from up above, up above...you are the one I love, one I love............(Chances are if you can sing this song you have young children, or just like being a child!)
Not sure what happened to this pic, it cut off some? But you get the cute look from our little man!
Go Joshua- this was the hotel we stayed at in Orlando- great pools!!!!!
Look- a baby sea lion with mommy- nursing....so cute!!!! Anyone thinking of their future children like I am this can be very sentimental in a weird sort of way.
Loved this new aquarium area this year! It is behind the new flying coaster put in called "Manta". Which by the way - is a great ride!!!!! It tips you forward and then off you go, and gives the sensation of flying!!!! So this place has this tube of fish, and you can crawl up inside and watch the fish.....here is the result of letting your kids play in this area.............



Did you do a quick count like I did? Yep, just remembered our oldest is on the ride with one of us adults- which would explain why there are only 6 kids. Kind of funny how I count even in pictures taken...hmmmm
Ride called Ocean Commotion- the kids loved it!
The famous Shamu ride- of which we took up 4 shamus.....no pics Abigail?? What is that about?
Our 3 older boys.....Awww.........
Dolphin and whale show- look at them all....amazing & fun to watch!
Stingrays- to pet....feel slimmy on top, but underneath they suck on your hands....to fun!
So there we are studying them....having fun, and the kids love asking questions about them as well.....Loads of great memories.....

In addition to the last e-mail with tips that are very much money saving. We also try to stay with family (which we are lucky some happen to live in Florida) or rent a house. Have you ever done that? It is great. We have a lot of great experiences with that!
Bonuses with this- you can buy cheap breakfast things, and keep drinks cold, and have loads of space!!! Which is important with our crew. You can also have meals without eating out all the time- saves soooo much money!!!

We love theme parks- we buy season passes so we can feel like we can go more than one day....and the kids don't get as cranky if we leave before meltdowns happens! This year we bought a platinum pass- at Sea World San Antonio (not too bad in price), and are able to use it for 2 whole years, at ANY Busch theme park anywhere....you get discounts on food, you don't pay for preferred parking, and you get discounts on other stuff you buy as well. So for us it was a great deal.

This is how we can afford these things- we are by no means rich in money anyway. Spiritually we are Blessed and OVERflowing!!!!! Praise God!

On a side note......please pray as we have a major decision to make.......can't really give anything away unfortunately. Just know that we could use your prayers. Thanks!!!!