I know, I know, it’s at least a month and a half since I was lucky enough to experience the joys of sunny Florida with some very yummy mummies, but I now realise there is something I’ve been putting off.

I mean, there was that little thing of a week of walking 84 miles for charity, AND the usual being a mummy to two kids during the school holidays and having to feed, clothe, entertain, cuddle and care for them thing.

And an eagle stole my hair dryer.

But even after all that, I realise I have been putting off giving my thoughts on the second half of my blogging hol research trip, so I’m laying it our here for you.

Discovery Cove – gorgeous, idyllic, fabulous tropical reef and aviary, all inclusive, exclusive and all that malarkey, but let’s face it, it’s really all about the dolphins right?  Soooooo…

I love the idea of swimming with dolphins.  I’m a real animal person.  Not an ‘animal person’ as in half woman half monkey, but an ‘animal’ person as in a person who likes animals.  And I suppose when I think about swimming with dolphins I have a certain scenario in my head.

i.e. Clear blue water, me looking all gorgeous and fabulous, and none-farting dolphins who sweep in from the oceans to mingle with me because they pick up a vibe that I am ‘nice’ and dolphin friendly and all that.

Don’t get me wrong, it was great to see the relationship these beautiful animals have with their keepers, and each other, but I did feel it wasn’t me they were engaging with.  So while I loved the experience, it wasn’t the dream.

Swimming with the stingrays was closer to it though.  Kneeling in a sun warmed pool with these large alien creatures gliding around just out of reach.  Then a brush against your leg, your arm, a gentle mouthing of your outreached hand.  That for me was truly magical.

I also adored my first experience of snorkeling, and if you have young children wanting to try it I can’t think of a safer more controlled way to do it.

But I hated, HATED the way you are given wetsuits by a grinning man who doesn’t even bother to speak to you but merely looks your body up and down and hands you what he thinks is appropriate.  That part was awful.  That man seriously needed some people skills, or maybe they could have a woman sorting the girls and a more ‘chatty’ bloke for the boys.  It actually made me cry which I was mortified about.

Body hang ups and impossible expectations aside, in my opinion Discovery Cove is generally an experience suited to families with older kids who can entertain themselves a little more. Otherwise I don’t think I’d you’d be able to take full advantage of the sun, the loungers and the cabana boys.  Cough.

Aquatica though.  I loved Aquatica.

From the moment we laid our towels on one of the hundreds of loungers available I was excited.  And I wanted to have my kids there.   The whole place was buzzing with energy.  The website sums it up perfectly with the words,

“Spend a dream day spinning and soaking on heart-stopping rides and slides. Try hurtling deep into an undersea world of colourful fish, then racing through exhilarating rapids.  Go from serene to extreme in waters with giant double-wave pools. Or just soak up the sun on a white sandy beach.”

It really was a dream day – possibly the cheesiest line I have ever written in my life but nevertheless true.  From the hilarity of the Taumata Racer which is as steep as it looks in this fab photo taken by Ms Taralara Cain…

..and the Whanau Way that had me cackling helplessly while at the same time rescuing my cozzie from between my butt cheeks and hoping that small children’s eyes had been shaded in time to prevent permanent damage, to the lovely floatiness of the Loggerhead Lane, I was in my element, and I know Misses E and M would be too.

Life vests and safety guidelines are aplenty, great deals are available on food, and I have no doubt  I will be taking my kids there one day.  The areas for smaller children are just as bright and fabulous as those for big kids, and the beach and lagoons are gorgeous.  I think our faces sum it up.

Having the opportunity to go to Florida was truly amazing and something I will never forget.  Yes taking my girls with me would have been perfection, but one day I will, and when I do, Busch Gardens and Aquatica will be top of my to do list, closely followed by Sea World and then Discovery Cove.  Thank you so much Sea World.  It was amazing.  You were fab hosts and one day I will return with two small people.

Useful Information:

All photos from this post were unknowingly donated by the fabulous Tara as mine were a bit pants.

Current Deals:
You can find all the information you need at Orlando Flexticket with prices for the UK.

Also SeaWorld Parks are doing a 3 for 2 park offer at the moment, see below;

3 amazing parks for the price of 2!  Book by the 15th December 2010 and you can buy a 3-Park Ticket which includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens for 14 consecutive days.  Adult £79 / Child (3-9 years) £72 – under 3s go free.