Aquatica, Sea World and Busch Gardens - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Florida Destinations Beyond Walt Disney World > Central Florida Attractions: SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-14-2009, 02:39 PM   #1
collcass
Community Rank: Traveler
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Connecticut - Yankees Nation
Posts: 249

Post Thanks / Like
Aquatica, Sea World and Busch Gardens

Hi everyone

I just booked an impromptu trip for next Fri for our family. Just looking for some advice on what to do and if there is anything I should make sure to see

We are staying @ the Renaissance Orlando @ SeaWorld and then the Sheraton Riverwalk in Tampa. I don't know anything about these hotels so I am hoping they are nice.

Right now we plan on

2/20 - Aquatica
2/21 - Sea World
2/22 - Busch Gardens
2/23 - Busch Gardens
2/24 - Beach

It is a short trip. We arrive bright and early in Orlando on Fri. Is my itinierary do able? We will be returning to both Aquatica and Sea World in November. I have a mixed group w/ 1 thrill seeker (11yr old), 1 who just started liking smaller coaster and 2 young ones who hate rides.

I was so excited yesterday after booking this. Today I am freaking out wondering what on earth I was thinking. I don't even have te faintes idea if the kids have out grown last years summer clothes (or even where to hunt them down in my house)

Any advice is appreciated
__________________
Colleen
collcass is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2009, 04:48 PM   #2
BlueCinderellaEyes
Community Rank: Jetsetter
 
BlueCinderellaEyes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: 1 hr from Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 2,431

Post Thanks / Like
I would say it is do able for sure! Congrats on the trip! I have to wait till November! Have a blast!
__________________
Sammi

My Previous TripsCBR April 2015, Universal 2014, ASMusic 2011, CBR December 2008, All Star Movies April 2007, Universal Trip Feb 2006
BlueCinderellaEyes is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2009, 05:10 PM   #3
carters_mom
Community Rank: Globetrotter
 
carters_mom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Concierge Level: 2
Posts: 3,062

Post Thanks / Like
Sounds like a blast! We will be taking a similar trip in July. I can't wait. Have fun!!!!
__________________

Offsite May 2005, POR September 2006, POR August 2007, POFQ December 2008, POR February 2010,
Pop Century April 2011,
My PassPorter Bookshelf
carters_mom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2009, 11:20 PM   #4
statelady01
Community Rank: Explorer
 
statelady01's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Posts: 10,721

Post Thanks / Like
Yup, it's definitely do-able. The Renaissance is directly across the street from Sea World- within walking distance. Arrive as early as you can at Sea World, pick your shows of choice and work around them. Shows fill easily- so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before each starting time- and for Believe, I would get a seat about 45 minutes prior.

Have a great trip!
__________________
Maureen.. Cruise Addict and Travel Planner with www.EarsToYouTravel.com

My Countdown Counting down to: Surprising the kids with a Disney Christmas!
Good times with Mickey
My Previous TripsWDW Too numerous to count, Disney Wonder March 07, RCCL Monarch of the Seas Dec 08, Disney Wonder May 09, RCCL Serenade of the Seas- Alaska, July 09; NEXT: Carnival Magic-Italy, July 2011
statelady01 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2009, 10:20 AM   #5
Colexis Mom
RED SOX NATION!!
PassPorter's Club Passholder


What's this?

PassPorter Guide

Community Rank:
Legend VIP
 
Colexis Mom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Connecticut
Concierge Level: 9
Posts: 136,854

Post Thanks / Like
I hope you have a great time!
__________________
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsAUG '16 - POFQ, APR '12 - POFQ, JUL '10 - DL, AUG '09 - DCL Western, AUG '08 - POFQ/BC, AUG '06 - AKL/BC/DisneyWonder/Poly, DEC '05 - AKL, APR '05 - AKL/BC, DEC '04 - AKL, MAY '04 - AKL/BC, MAY '03 - WL/BC, MAY '98 -offsite, MAY '94 - BC, AUG '85 - Poly, AUG '83 - Poly, AUG '81 - Poly, JUL '79 - World Inn, JUL '76 - World Inn
Colexis Mom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-15-2009, 08:25 PM   #6
Sue M.
Community Rank: Legend
 
Sue M.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Concierge Level: 2
Posts: 15,667

Post Thanks / Like
Sounds great. As said before Renasissance is across the parking lot from Sea World. We stayed in the Hilton Garden in next door, and was able to see the fireworks from our room. We walked to Sea World. If you want to walk to Aquatica, there is a shuttle from the SeaWorld parking lot. If the hotel shuttle was there at night, we'd take that home! If not we'd walk (from Sea World). Busch Gardens is great, and def. a 2 day park! Last summer we stayed at St. Pete Beach for a couple of days & loved it. At Aquatica it's worth it to get the all day ticket for Banana Cabana buffet. In the morning the have breakfast stuff, like bagels, danish, coffee, fruit, etc. then it switches to burgers, etc for lunch.
__________________
My Countdown Counting down to: WDW WL
back to the lodge
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW Aug 2003 LBV Marriott Courtyard, Universal/Sea World/Busch Gardens Aug 2005 Hilton Garden Inn SeaWorld, WDW Aug. 2007 CBR, WDW Jan. 2008 POP & WL, Universal/SeaWorld/Aquatica Aug 2008 Hyatt Place,Sheraton 4 Points, Hard Rock Hotel & Doubletree Universal., St. Pete Beach Aug 2008, WDW Jan 2009 AKL, WDW Aug 2009 POR & WL, WDW Jan 2010 Poly, WDW Jan 2011 POR, WDW Aug 2011 POR & BC CL, WDW Jan 2012 WL, WDW Aug 2012 AKL CL, WDW Jan 2013 POFQ, WDW Aug 2013 Pop, GF, YC: WDW Jan 2014 POR, WDW & Universal August 2014 GF & Portofino Bay, WDW Jan 2015 POR, Aug 2015 Poly, Aug 2016 GF, Sept 2017 DL, Dec 2017 PoP, May 2018 DL, Sept 2018 WL, Nov. 2018 DL And too many trips to count to DL in the 80's.
Sue M. is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2009, 03:49 PM   #7
collcass
Community Rank: Traveler
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Connecticut - Yankees Nation
Posts: 249

Post Thanks / Like
thx everyone! Finishing up the packing right now. Looks like cooler weather is following us so we might not be doing Aquatica, but we'll see, We are doing ther Luau @ Sea World on Fri night and dinner w/ shamu on sat. I am thinking about the safari @ BG, but the discount for passport members wasn't all that great and I don't know if 30 min is worth $200!
__________________
Colleen
collcass is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2009, 11:36 PM   #8
tootogether
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
tootogether's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 722

Post Thanks / Like
Wow Mom! I'm sure your children will adore you for this great little getaway. Your itinerary sounds absolutely do-able.
__________________

I LOOOOOOOOVE DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!



My Countdown Counting down to: Disney Cruisin'!
Currently enjoying my days at Sea!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW offsite 1991, Disneyland July 2008, CBR August 2009, POFQ May 2010, AKL October 2011, Wyndham Bonnet Creek June 2012
tootogether is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 02-20-2009, 12:39 AM   #9
scottjs
Community Rank: Explorer
 
scottjs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: san francisco
Posts: 13,151

Post Thanks / Like
It sounds great-- have fun!!!
scottjs is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2009, 05:11 PM   #10
MAKHayes-DisneyDiva
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
MAKHayes-DisneyDiva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ohio
Concierge Level: 2
Posts: 896

Post Thanks / Like
I hope your trip is awesome! Your plans look fun.
__________________
My Previous TripsWDW March 2006 at YC; WDW March 2007 at CSR and DD Hilton; WDW June 2009 at BWV and Marriott's Grande Vista; WDW January 2013 at BWV WDW Half Marathon; DL/DCA January 2010.
MAKHayes-DisneyDiva is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2009, 11:25 PM   #11
jeneane
Community Rank: Traveler
 
jeneane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 451

Post Thanks / Like
Each of those places has something for everyone. Busch Gardens is huge so 2 days is a good idea. I was there recently with one child who is a thrill seeker and one who is not. My thrill seeker is older than yours. I paid for a "thrill seekers" pass that let her do all of those attractions with a tour group while the younger one and I did a safari. He loved hand feeding lettuce leaves to the giraffes.
jeneane is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Reply



Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:17 PM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger