Laughing Lindsay

Travel Reviews, Giveaways, & More!

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

By Leave a Comment

Earlier this month, I visited Tampa, Florida for the first time with my mom. While there, we were lucky enough to experience Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Today, I’m going to give you my review of this fun event!

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a seasonal event held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid-January to early March. It includes special food items and entertainment! We visited the park on Sunday and Monday. I can honestly say that the park felt like it was missing something on Monday without the event going on. So, I definitely think it’s worth it to visit when a seasonal event is going on.

Event Special Food

One of the biggest pros of attending during a special event at the park is the additional food options. Personally, I found the park to be lacking in the food department. The park mainly offers chicken tenders, hamburgers, and pizza at its restaurants. So, the addition of the event food booths really gave the park some much needed food diversity.

We purchased an event food and beverage sampler for our visit. It was worth it as the food was a little pricey at the booths when purchased individually. Plus, the sample sizes were pretty small. So, it was easy to eat a whole card’s worth between the two of us. I also appreciated that the booths opened around noon, instead of later in the evening unlike SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas event did last year.

The food options were mostly good. I liked the sausage Po’ Boy, even though it had a bit of a kick. It was too spicy for my mom. She preferred the jambalaya. We both liked the muffuletta, but thought the sandwich was really small. We tried most of the desserts with varying degrees of success. The beignets were undercooked and doughy. The cupcakes sounded exciting, but the flavors didn’t exactly match the given descriptions. They tasted good, but didn’t match expectations.

Mardi Gras Entertainment

We were able to experience all three entertainment add-ons for Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. First, we listened to the Sweet Beignet Brass Band while enjoying our food. It was nice to listen to as we relaxed in the middle of a busy theme park day. Then, later in the day we caught the parade. Having experienced Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando though, this parade was just ok. It began with a guy on a decorated bike and two ladies carrying a sign. Then, some people on stilts came through as well as the band. So, it was fun, but we were used to floats.

Immediately following the parade, three ladies got up on the “Bead Balcony” and tossed beads out to the crowd. This seemed slightly dangerous as everyone is going for a few beads. My mom and I managed to grab a few beads and then quit.

Overall Impressions

I think that Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay really adds something to the park. It gives much needed additional food options as well as entertainment. However, you may be a touch disappointed if you go in expecting the caliber of another theme park’s event. Keep your expectations in check and be careful catching beads and you’ll have a great time.

Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld Orlando Review

By 2 Comments

Last month, while visiting SeaWorld Orlando for the Christmas season, my mom and I ate lunch at Sharks Underwater Grill. Today I am going to give you a review of this experience.

Sharks Underwater Grill

Sharks Underwater Grill

Sharks Underwater Grill is the only full-service restaurant at SeaWorld Orlando. The park is filled with several quick food options, but this is your only option for a sit-down meal in the park. It’s odd to me though that you can’t make dining reservations in advance. In fact, I consider this the biggest downside of eating here. The only way you can get a table here is by joining the walk-up wait list in person. That means your wait can be short, but often it’s a long one. So, if you know you want to eat here, I recommend joining the list as soon as it opens at 11 AM.

My mom and I attempted to eat here back on September trip. However, the waitlist was too long. On our December trip, we headed over right at lunchtime and were surprisingly seated within 10 minutes! So, it pays to be there right when they open.

Eat with Sharks

When you enter the restaurant, you are immediately greeted by a huge aquarium filled with various fish and sharks! I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the restaurant as there are several windows and lots to see. It’s definitely a unique experience to be able to eat a meal while a hammerhead sharks swims by! I took lots of photos of the fish and sharks, which you can see in my Instagram post below.

The Food

My mom and I chose to order off of the special holiday menu while dining here. The last three pictures of my Instagram post above are of our food. I enjoyed the three cheese lobster mac and cheese, which was $19. Granted, it’s a little pricey here, but you are getting a unique meal experience, that’s more than just good food. I really liked my dish, although it was a small portion.

My mom got the bourbon vanilla glazed smoked ham with candied yams, green beans, and candied relish for $32. She enjoyed her ham and yams! She was happy to have ham as we had just had a bunch of turkey at Thanksgiving.

Then, we split the doughnut cinnamon sugar bread pudding for dessert at $13! I loved the presentation of this dessert with the sugar work on top! I know that it is difficult to make and would never attempt it. Ha! It also was a nice sweet flavor to contradict the cherry compote. We also enjoyed the combination of cinnamon sugar and caramel! It was a tasty treat for sure!

Conclusion

Sharks Underwater Grill makes for a fun and memorable dining experience. However, you do have to get on the waitlist in person. It can also be a little pricey. I’d say it’s a must do for any shark fan or if you want a more relaxing meal without leaving the park. If you are in a rush to get to the next show or ride, then I’d say just grab some food elsewhere. It may also be best to eat elsewhere if you are on a tight budget.

What to Pack for a Theme Park

By Leave a Comment

I know there are probably loads of other posts out there on what to pack for a theme park visit. However, like most things, I believe these lists to be subjective. I also believe we can all learn something from each other. So, I’m sharing the things I take when I visit one!

What to Pack for a Theme Park

What to Pack for a Theme Park

When thinking about what to pack for a theme park, you have to start with the bag itself. I know lots of people like to take a backpack. However, I prefer a crossbody bag because I can see my bag at all times. That way, I don’t have to worry about someone stealing from my bag. Perhaps I’m too careful, but I know thefts still happen on vacation.

The bag in the picture above is a Disney Vera Bradley Crossbody Bag. I purchased it at a VB Outlet store in Pigeon Forge, TN last year. I love that it’s a soft fabric, washable, and that particular pattern features the Walt Disney World castle. I take this bag when I’m visiting Disney parks. This is the second Disney Vera Bradley crossbody bag I’ve owned. The first one was starting to get worn in the crossbody strap, so I replaced it with this one. However, I had carried it for years. In fact, I think I got it about the time I went to Disney Social Media Moms.

Back in 2019, I purchased a black Michael Kors crossbody bag at that same outlet mall in Pigeon Forge, TN. I have been carrying it when I’m not going to Disney. The fabric is not as soft as VB, but it’s holding up well. It’s also stylish no matter what I pair it with.

List of What to Bring

Without further ado, here’s my list of things to pack for a theme park:

  • Sunglasses and/or Hat – I wear glasses, but have several pairs of sunglasses that go over my glasses. In fact, I never leave the house without a pair to protect my eyes. In recent years, I’ve gotten better about protecting my skin by wearing hats too.
  • Poncho – If you are traveling to Florida, you need a poncho. They frequently have short rain showers while remaining hot. So, a light poncho is perfect. Also, you can save several dollars by bringing your own! I also sometimes carry a mini-umbrella if it’s calling for rain.
  • Charger – You will be using your phone to take pictures as well as using the park’s app. It drains your battery quickly. Bring a charger and cord.
  • Wallet – You have to have your tickets/id anyways. I know some parks have gone cashless, but I’m already carrying my bag, so might as well bring my wallet too.
  • Sunblock and bug spray – You need to reapply through the day. I got a brush with powder sunscreen inside the handle last year and like carrying it around.
  • Hand sanitizer – Ideally, you wash your hands before eating. However, at least you can sanitize after riding a ride.
  • Gum – Disney doesn’t sell gum in their parks. So, if you are a gum chewer, bring your own gum.

So, did I forget anything? What do you pack for a theme park?

SeaWorld Orlando Animal Tours: What to Expect

By Leave a Comment

There are several SeaWorld Orlando animal tours you can book when you visit the theme park. Last year, my mom and I booked a different one on each of our three visits. Today, I am going to tell you what to expect if you book one of these add-on experiences.

SeaWorld Orlando Animal Tours

SeaWorld Orlando Animal Tours

When you visit SeaWorld Orlando, several shows and animal viewing options are included with admission. However, there are also several add-on experiences you can purchase for another fee to get up-close with select animals. Depending on the event, you will either be given a time or able to select a time to do the event. Then, it’s up to you to remember it. Ha! You will also need to read on the receipt (that is emailed to you) where to go to check-in for your event.

During my three visits in 2022 I was lucky to do three different SeaWorld Orlando Animal Tours: dolphin encounter, sea lions up-close, and penguins up-close.

Dolphin Encounter

On my first visit of the year, my mom and I did the dolphin encounter. This was a quick 15 minute experience wherein we learned several facts about the dolphins before getting to pet a dolphin! We also purchased photos from the park for this experience as you can’t bring any devices near the water for this one. There’s a park photographer across the water snapping pictures and it’s worth it to buy at least one, in my opinion. This experience also led my mom and I to book Discovery Cove to swim with the dolphins! So, be aware that once you do one of these, there’s the risk of wanting to do more! Ha!

Sea Lions Up-Close Tour

During our February trip, I learned that my mom likes sea lions due to their whiskers! So, for our September trip, we booked the Sea Lions Up-Close Tour. This is a longer experience, about 45 minutes. Just keep that in mind if you have a jam-packed theme park day. This tour consisted of learning lots about sea lions, feeding sea lions, and then getting to touch and take pictures with one! My mom really enjoyed this experience. I was a little intimidated as the sea lion breathed right in my face and scared me at one point. It’s worth noting that the park photographer didn’t show up until the very end of this experience, so the group simply took photos with our cell phones for each other. My advice would be to wait and see if the photographer shows up for this event before purchasing the picture package.

Penguins Up-Close Tour

On our December trip, we booked the Penguins Up-Close Tour because it felt Christmas-like to me! Plus, I really like penguins. We were also able to get this one on sale during their Black Friday sale, so it also seemed like a good deal. I will warn you that the penguin area is kept around a chilly 32 degrees. So, bring some layers to put on for this one. I loved being able to touch and take photos of the penguins. There wasn’t a park photographer for this experience, fyi. We learned so much about penguins on this tour. It was a really neat and memorable trip.

Are Animal Tour Add-Ons Worth It?

Several of the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Tours can be expensive, especially when you think about it being on top of regular park admission. However, you can sometimes catch them on sale. So, keep an eye out for deals if you have time before your trip. Additionally, annual passholders get a small discount on tours. You simply need to sign into the website to see the discount. Another aspect to keep in mind is the amount of time these things take. If you have the funds and time, I highly recommend an add-on experience.

Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort

By Leave a Comment

Having spent several days experiencing Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort earlier this month, I thought I would give everyone an overview as well as my thoughts on each offering. Thankfully, all but two of these holiday experiences are included in regular park admission!

Christmas at Universal Orlando

Christmas at Universal Orlando

Personally, when I visit a location during the holiday, I can spend hours just looking at the decor. You can certainly do this at Universal Orlando Resort. Every resort has their own themed tree! Plus, there’s a Christmas Tree Hunt across City Walk and the two parks you can do for $12! If you complete it, you earn an ornament! I didn’t do the hunt, but I did enjoy looking at all of the themed trees and garland around the parks.

Breakfast with the Grinch

One of the two add-on events you can attend during Christmas at Universal Orlando is Breakfast with the Grinch. Booking The Grinch & Friends Characters breakfast guarantees you get to meet The Grinch and Whos! Plus, it also gives you a good meal to start the day! My mom and I paid $41.99 (plus tax) each and think it’s totally worth it. You can read my full review of it in my other post.

Universal’s Holiday Tour

The other add-on event is Universal’s Holiday Tour. It’s a 5 hour, mostly after park hours, walking tour of the two parks. I wrote a whole separate blog post reviewing it last week. You can click to read my thoughts on it at the link above.

Holiday Tribute Store

Another amazing experience that happens seasonally at Universal Orlando is a highly themed shopping experience called the Tribute Store. It’s so much fun to walk around and see all of the little details. There’s also lots of Easter eggs to be found! If there’s ever a Tribute Store open whenever you visit, you must go inside to see it!

Universal Orlando Holiday Parade

This is probably the thing I saw most heavily advertised prior to our visit. Every night (around 5:30 PM), there’s an amazing Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s! It features huge balloons, like the ones seen in New York for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! It’s awesome to see them up-close! The parade also features characters on floats as well as other fun Christmas surprises! Think walking snowmen and soldiers on stilts! It’s so much fun! We watched it twice and noticed different things each time! It’s a must-see for sure!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas at Universal Orlando stretches to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in both parks! The Harry Potter lands look fantastic, regardless of the time of year. However, Christmas is extra magical. I adored the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees holiday shows! So much fun! I highly recommend picking up a Butterbeer and just walking around these areas. It is sure to put you in a festive mood! I also really enjoyed the projection show on the castle, called The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure.

Grinchmas

Even if you missed out on getting a breakfast reservation, you can still enjoy Grinchmas during Christmas at Universal Orlando! The Whos have decorated Suess Landing for the holidays and it’s amazing to see! They even have some special holiday foods, like the Grinch cookies and Roast Beast Sandwich. The sandwich had a really long wait. It took us about an hour to get one and it tasted just ok. We didn’t care for the sauce on the main sandwich. However, now we can say we’ve had roast beast!

If you wander around Suess Landing you may even spot some Whos to meet! Plus, you have to catch a showing of the The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! It’s an adorable show featuring music from Mannheim Steamroller! The story manages to combine key elements from both the cartoon short film and the 2000’s Jim Carrey movie.

Meet Earl the Squirrel

A unique offering that only happens at Christmastime is the chance to meet Earl the Squirrel! In case you don’t know, there once was a real life squirrel that kept chewing the wiring in a tree. They named him Earl and now he’s basically the mascot for the holidays at UO. I love that he’s organically become this big thing. He’s featured on lots of merch this year. I met him wearing him on a shirt. It was a neat experience.

Mannheim Steamroller Concert

Last, but certainly not least, if you travel during the first two weekends in December (like we did), you can catch a Mannheim Steamroller concert! This concert is included with park admission and took place on Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 PM during the first two weekends of December. I really enjoyed the concert and was impressed that it was included with admission! It made for a unique and fun theme park day!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

As you can see, there’s a lot to see and do during Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort! We spent two days in the parks, but didn’t ride many rides. So, if you are planning to ride lots of rides while there, you probably need at least 2-3 days to do everything. Have you ever been to Universal Orlando at the holidays? If so, what was your trip like?