I had previously written about my three and a half year old niece Kylee coming to take a ride on a SeaWorld's Shamu Express roller coaster for her first coaster experience ever during spring break. As with many aspects of life, plans changed, easy to do when my niece and sister live in Pearsall, Texas, over an hour away from San Antonio and I didn't get to take Kylee to SeaWorld San Antonio for the first time this year until Christian Family Day last weekend for her new experience.
Kylee had been asking about riding “the Shamu cars” (as she calls the coaster) since last year. But standing in line, after checking her height to officially make sure she was tall enough to ride, Kylee wasn't so positive she wanted to try the ride anymore. I wanted to make sure my niece had a great first experience. You see, I started riding coasters later in life (my first was the Hulk at Universal Studios in Orlando when I turned 21) and I didn't want Kylee to wait so long to discover how much fun they can be.
After convincing her to wait with me in line (and with a lot of help from the singing team members on the platform keeping all the kids entertained), we finally stood in the queue line, with the “cutest coaster on Earth” right on the other side of the gates. It was finally our turn, the gates opened and we both hopped on the Shamu Express. I was nervous for her at first during the climb (in my opinion the scariest part of any coaster ride), but at the wide eyed, huge grin she had on her face after the first drop convinced me I had found a kindred coaster crazed spirit.
I'd like to add that riding the Shamu Express last weekend was a first not only for Kylee, but for me as well. I'm usually only enlisted to go on rides like the Great White by my friends or my friends' older kids, well those friends who don't appreciate the thrills of a coaster like I do anyway. I had never ridden the Shamu Express before. I'm proud to say I have now officially ridden every single ride at SeaWorld San Antonio at least once.
I even bought the picture that is taken of while you're on the ride. I signed the back and gave it to my niece to remember the first of many coaster rides I'm sure we'll be taking together. I bet there will be even more kid's experience the Shamu Express this weekend since SeaWorld has Diego from Nick Jr. as a special guest.
I'm going to post the picture on the Share Your Rides page and I hope to see your great memories, too. Have fun and keep riding!
