While I was sitting in overly air-conditioned meeting rooms learning about the latest in obesity research, B "had to" go to the gym, take naps, and sit by the pool and read.
Yes, I was jealous! The weather was an ideal 85 with low humidity. We did at least get one night off site to have dinner at downtown Disney. No, we didn't coordinate on purpose :)
After a few days of conference meetings, we headed to a different (read: more affordable) hotel. Day 1 we went to Discovery Cove. It was worth every penny. Although we didn't swim with the dolphins (after watching The Cove I can't do anything dolphin-related), we did enjoy the rest of the all-inclusive day. My favorite part were the 3 aviaries where we got to feed the birds.
This one thought that B's head was more fun than his arm.
There were TONS of different kinds of birds, and it was amazing how they would fly right up to you.
We spent time snorkeling with sting rays and a wide range of tropical fish. I'm a weak snorkeler and the water was cold, so that wasn't my favorite part, but I stuck with it for my water-loving husband's sake. Then we headed to the warm, fresh water lazy river, which was so relaxing.
One section of the lazy river went through the aviary, and we spent quite a long time talking with one of the lifeguards who had discovered that this one type of tern was very playful. We loved "playing" with them by throwing sticks they would swoop down to catch. It was so much fun!
We also took some much needed time to sit on the "beach" and enjoy the free drinks.
I would highly recommend Discovery Cove. It was nice to have everything included in the admission price, and the staff clearly cared a lot about the animals they were working with.
The next day we went to Islands of Adventure. B suggested we do the log ride first because it was close and we "wouldn't get too wet." I think you can tell by this photo that he was very wrong!
After that we decided we might as well do the other water ride, because we couldn't get any more wet, right? OF COURSE WE COULD! :) We couldn't have been any wetter if we had jumped in the water and swam in our clothes. We were laughing so hard, and I was momentarily saddened by B saying "I haven't heard you laugh like this in such a long time." I really need to get rid of all of the work stress (more on that in another post) because laughing with your husband is SO.MUCH.BETTER!
While at Islands of Adventure you have to hit the main attraction of Harry Potter World, and of course, you have to try butter beer (it was delicious and tasted like cream soda).
We also went to Dr. Suess's world which was so well decorated.
Of course you have to get green eggs and ham for lunch while in the land of Dr. Seuss!
We were almost dry after lunch.
All-in-all we loved IOA - especially because we didn't have to wait in any lines at all! It was a perfect day to go there.Our final day we went to Universal Studios. The weather was cloudy and rainy, and there were more lines. We were also getting tired, so I didn't take any pictures. We did agree that our favorite rides were the Simpsons roller coaster simulator and the Shrek 4D (the water spray when donkey sneezed tickled my funny bone).
After walking back to our hotel and resting for a bit, we dragged ourselves to get some food at a nearby ale house that we had eaten at the night before. It was free shot night from the smirnoff girls.
That smirnoff, coupled with the other drink I had, made me think it was a good idea to eat our dessert without a fork. Verdict: yes, it was a good idea ;)
We headed home the next day, just in time to catch the front edge of the tropical storm. 3-5" of rain was predicted for that day, and they were well on their way when we left! As usual, vacation time with B reminded me how much fun we have together once the stresses of work are out of the picture. He constantly cracks me up (like saying "Baby, I'm sugar" and pointing at his face when I asked him why he was so worried about getting wet in the rain) and we spend lots of time being goofy. I just wish I would have had more than 3 days off of work. While we have our late spring/early summer vacation planned (road trip so Zion/Bryce/Antelope Canyon), we're eagerly trying to figure out what to do for our winter vacation. I think an all-inclusive vacation might be up next.
