Hello everybody! Some time has passed since I wrote my last installment of this ongoing trip report. I’ve been to Austria in the meantime. You all will have read Robb and Elissa’s amazing
“river adventure” trip report, so if anyone needs a little bit more persuasion to visit this amazing country, here are two pictures of how it looks like:

- This is the Lagazuoi - almost unpronouncable but soooooo pretty

- The Lago Nero - black lake
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank everybody for their kind comments. As a hobbyist I basically “run on compliments” and it’s always wonderful to see when someone enjoys your work.
So … let’s move on to the next park. When people ask me what I do when I am in Orlando, I truthfully reply “mostly theme parks” which will always lead to the question “but what besides theme parks?” which I can happily answer with “there are eight”. And those eight major parks are so unique and different! Probably the best example of that uniqueness is
Seaworld. I believe most people in Germany think that combining marine animal exhibits with shows and roller coasters is a very strange concept. But they are wrong. More experienced theme park visitors might see Seaworld as a “half-day park”: do the coasters, see one show, done. They are wrong too. Of course: You can “do” Seaworld that way. But you would miss a lot, as this relaxed park offers plenty of things to keep you occupied for a whole day. There are countless opportunities to watch animals: strange creatures from the deep, cute sea lions, dolphins (over and under water), penguins in a freezing cold environment (be sure to pack a sweater, seriously), sea turtles, manatees. There is an underwater tunnel from which you can observe sharks floating around you and an underwater restaurant. There are three big shows. And there are four amazing roller coasters: Journey to Atlantis – a water coaster – where you can survive the big drop without getting too wet and will be soaked rushing down a ridiculously tiny hill. Kraken on which you can enjoy 7 inversions. Manta – a flying coaster – where everybody has his personal “holy crap” moment on the top of the pretzel loop. And – my new favorite – Mako – an action packed B&M speed coaster with lots of airtime.

- Seaworld offers beautiful themeing all around

- Journey to atlantis - a very nicely themed water coaster

- If you like water - that's you ride

- If you prefer your water behind a wall of glass, one of the animal exhibits might be your thing. You can also find Nemo.

- You can find strange creatures like this octopus.

- You can watch playful dolphins. And you can watch indignant moms rushing out when two of them get too playful.

- And there are cownose rays - Rhinoptera bonasus

- You can take the tunnel!

- If you like dining by the sea, why not dine under the sea?

- A sea horse - incredible!

- And a seal. The german term is "Seehund" which mean sea dog. Woof, woof!

- If you can stand the cold you'll be awarded with some awesome penguins

- They are good swimmers too

- And flamingos for you personal "Miami Vice" moment

- One of the past dolphin shows

- And the orca show "One Ocean"

- It's the most intense coaster in Orlando: "Manta"

- A B&M flying coaster with beautiful trains

- And an impressive splash effect

- Though you look kind of silly while riding it

- Mako - first drop

- A flawless, fun packed B&M speed coaster
If you have “a thing” for animals: go there. If you like to ride some of the best serious roller coasters in the area: go there. If you need a relaxed park day: go there. You’ll have a great time. I always have one.