Day 2 - Sea World / Willow Tree Cafe

We arrived at Sea World about 1/2 hour after the gates opened. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. After a few pictures quick pictures we went through the Dolphin Nursery and Shark Encounter. Then we went for The Kracken! One of two roller coasters. We had to wait a few minutes for the ride to open, but it was worth the wait. It was a lot of fun, as Donovin said "that was AWESOME!". After the Kracken we got a little wet on the Journey to Atlantis ride. We headed over to the other side of the park to wait for One Ocean, the killer whale show to start. It was a beautiful show and one not to miss. We sat in the splash zone, Donovin and I were pretty wet, but somehow the splashes missed Dominic and Bert! The virtual ride Wild Artic was next, the boys and I found that fun, Bert felt a little motion sick on that one. Next, the Sea Lion and Otter Show which is a hoot. Get there early and watch the Mime greeting everyone as they arrive, he had us all laughing! Dominic and I decided to try the Manta roller coaster. It lays you flat facing the ground as if you were a Manta Ray. We only rode it once! The G-forces were pretty extreme, and at the end you stayed laying face down until you were fully into the station, even when the ride wasn't moving. I was ready to get out of that position, it was not comfortable. Once was enough and we were satisfied that we said we went on it. Since there was no line at the Kraken, Dom and I decided to ride it again. And then again. It was getting late at this point, and we still had a dinner to get to. So we wrapped up our day, saying goodbye to the alligators and headed back to the hotel to rest up and clean up for our dinner later that night.

Dinner at the Willow Tree Cafe in Sanford, Florida. We were invited there by an old friend of Bert's who he was in the Air Force with while stationed in Germany. Rusty, along with his wife Martha and their friend Wayne recommended this place as it served authentic German food and beer, which was the beer they drank when they were stationed in Germany. Let me say this was a WONDERFUL time. We all loved it, including Dominic and Donovin! Dominic ordered wienerschnitzel, just so he could say he did but he ended up liking it. I did try his and it was very good. All the food that we had was fabulous, I just don't remember what it all was! But really, beside the great company we had, the entertainment was what topped the night. I recommend anyone visiting the area go to the Willow Tree Cafe, Thur - Sun, if just for the entertainment. There was a "two-man-band" and they sang German songs and played a variety of instruments the entire time we were there (about 4 hours). This was such a wonderful night, and made it to the top of our enjoyment list. The photos and videos don't do the night justice, but again, if your in the area you should really try to make it to the Willow Tree Cafe!