Sorry but SW has gone Downhill.

[DisOrBust]

I had read the thread "Never again Seaworld" and thought it was harsh and how could it be that bad?? Our last trip to SW was April 2001( note prior to 9/11/2001) and we LOVED it! In fact when collegues ask about what to see in Orlando I would say if you only have time for one park make it SW. How have things changed!!

1.Mystify. The "old" dolphin/whale show had much more interaction with the aniimals and was very funny as well. a Mom would pretend to be taking her DDs picture and fall into the tank! It really was a hoot. Now Mystifiy has some kind of disconnected story of a "girl" longing to play with the sea animals. The trainers/performers look stiff. The main "male" character really looked like he hated his job. It must have been a rough transition from being a Dolphin trainer to now "playing a part". There is a women who spins on a rope and tries to be a bird. Bad guys twirl on ropes and the occasion Dolphin jumps. It is such an attempt to be disneyfied its comical. The performers as well are availbe for autographs and pictures after the show.

2. Dolphin feeding. In the past everyone was allowed in the feeding area now only if you bought fish. They take your picture form across the tank for you to purchase.

3. Terrors of the Deep. In the past you were able to walk up to the huge shark tank and really get a good look! Now thats a restaurant. Only the shark tunnel is open.

4. Believe. God Aweful!!! The storyline isn't hateful. A young man dreams of being a trainer, i could almost buy it. The whales do nothing!! One or 2 jumps. Some spinning with their trainer, alittle splashing at the audience.
Before they had much more action and brig out this HUGE whale who jump and get you soaked!! Also had a cute storyline of guys vs, gals. At night , "Shamu Rocks america!!" Great whale action the audience would get totally into i!

What still good:
Clyde and Seymore. The whole reason to go to SeaWorld. I don't know why they don't learn from this show and apply it to the others!

Pets Ahoy!! Still very cute!!

Wild Artic. I personally don't like the simulator, I fing it to rough but the exhibit is done well!

I left SeaWorld with a heavy heart. I can't imagine going back anytime soon unless things go under major changes. MY family of 5, spent 277$ to walk through the door and I feel sorry for the money spent. This is all IMHO but I want others to know how we felt beofe you spend th cash!!

[Hillbeans]

OUCH -

While I agree that the old Dolphin show and the new show are very different, how much longer could they keep going with the "girl falls into the water" skit...it's been a good 7 years now.

I also love the Pets Ahoy show, but you really missed out on a lot of things like "Journey to Atlantis", "Krakken", the fireworks at the end of the night, the Clydesdale show, and the Happy Harbor for the little ones. My oldest boy loved the rides and games and didn't want to leave SW.

If I recall, they still do have the shark tank and you can definitely still walk through and see them up close.

Also, what other amusement park can you visit and get in free within 7 days to enjoy a 2nd full day of touring all for the same cost as one ticket???

Sorry you had a bad visit, but it sounds as if you didn't give it much of a chance in the first place.

[Amity 3]

2. Dolphin feeding. In the past everyone was allowed in the feeding area now only if you bought fish. They take your picture form across the tank for you to purchase.


when did they start this?

[Luv'sTink]

I was very disapointed in Sea World, I thought it was a waste of money. I have only been to SW in California and loved it. I would not visit SW in Orlando again.

[kimbac3]

WOW!! I agree with every word you said!! We were just there Nov.24 & 25
2 days is too many. We felt the exact same way. I really disliked Mystify. I wanted to see the dolphins not some Cirque wanna be-s. We won't be back anytime soon. Very disappointing.
Kimba

By the way - they don't have a fireworks show in the "off season" . They did have a little fountain show in the evening. We were disappointed with that also.

I had read the thread "Never again Seaworld" and thought it was harsh and how could it be that bad?? Our last trip to SW was April 2001( note prior to 9/11/2001) and we LOVED it! In fact when collegues ask about what to see in Orlando I would say if you only have time for one park make it SW. How have things changed!!

1.Mystify. The "old" dolphin/whale show had much more interaction with the aniimals and was very funny as well. a Mom would pretend to be taking her DDs picture and fall into the tank! It really was a hoot. Now Mystifiy has some kind of disconnected story of a "girl" longing to play with the sea animals. The trainers/performers look stiff. The main "male" character really looked like he hated his job. It must have been a rough transition from being a Dolphin trainer to now "playing a part". There is a women who spins on a rope and tries to be a bird. Bad guys twirl on ropes and the occasion Dolphin jumps. It is such an attempt to be disneyfied its comical. The performers as well are availbe for autographs and pictures after the show.

2. Dolphin feeding. In the past everyone was allowed in the feeding area now only if you bought fish. They take your picture form across the tank for you to purchase.

3. Terrors of the Deep. In the past you were able to walk up to the huge shark tank and really get a good look! Now thats a restaurant. Only the shark tunnel is open.

4. Believe. God Aweful!!! The storyline isn't hateful. A young man dreams of being a trainer, i could almost buy it. The whales do nothing!! One or 2 jumps. Some spinning with their trainer, alittle splashing at the audience.
Before they had much more action and brig out this HUGE whale who jump and get you soaked!! Also had a cute storyline of guys vs, gals. At night , "Shamu Rocks america!!" Great whale action the audience would get totally into i!

What still good:
Clyde and Seymore. The whole reason to go to SeaWorld. I don't know why they don't learn from this show and apply it to the others!

Pets Ahoy!! Still very cute!!

Wild Artic. I personally don't like the simulator, I fing it to rough but the exhibit is done well!

I left SeaWorld with a heavy heart. I can't imagine going back anytime soon unless things go under major changes. MY family of 5, spent 277$ to walk through the door and I feel sorry for the money spent. This is all IMHO but I want others to know how we felt beofe you spend th cash!!

[mumzie2three]

We went in May and would definitely go back. I wouldn't say it's my favorite park but it has it's own appeal. The last time I was there, prior to this year, was back in 1988. Back then you had to pay to feed the dolphins, something we haven't done on either visit. Granted some shows are better than others and of course they change over time.

Dislikes: The polar tour we did was dissappointing and the shows are timed so that it makes it impossible to see them all in one day (we only did one day, next time will try two).
Likes: But Atlantis and Kraken are great, the educational value is excellant, the Luau dinner was great and I love the shark tube! Free beer is always a plus.
Honestly, the only amusement park that I haven't enjoyed was Six Flags.

[mrsklamc]

Did you really get to touch a penguin on the polar tour?

[mumzie2three]

Did you really get to touch a penguin on the polar tour?
Yes. Everyone stands in line to take turns and you use two fingers to touch the penguin. That was the only reason to take the tour.

[packetminnie]

When we went in '03 we were allowed to stroke a penguins back with 2 fingers.

[JohnnySharp2]

We find Sea World is best visited in moderation, having been back there in August after a 2 year exile we found we really enjoyed our day there - SW has a really relaxed atmosphere and our son in particular loved seeing the Dolphins, Penguins and Puffins.

In addition the Happy Harbor play area is brilliant for children, and the Waterfront shopping area very nice too.

SW gets a big :thumbsup2 from me.

[dcassetta]

[QUOTE=Hillbeans]

If I recall, they still do have the shark tank and you can definitely still walk through and see them up close.

QUOTE]

The shark tank is still there. But, unless you dine in the restaurant, there is no longer a place to just sit and watch the sharks.

[Nellas Elensar]

I didn't like Mistify. I liked the old fireworks shows better. I was very disappointed with Believe, but Blue Horizons was great. Journey to Atlantis was excellent. Never ridden Kraken. I loved Pets Ahoy! Didn't care too much for the "Sizzlin' Pianos" show (the first year was great [2005] but this year that show wasn't worth seeing). I keep missing the afternoon fountain shows. I've seen bits and pieces of it, but never a whole show.

Nellas Elensar

P.S. you can read a longer post by me in the "I love Sea World, but..." thread.

[Sunrisedream]

We do always like to go to to Seaworld, agree with the comments about Mystify, but did enjoy Believe (not enough to splash out on one of those wooden necklaces they sell though!!). I really don't like the polar bear exhibit, and would never go again, it breaks my heart to see them there, so unatural. We all enjoy Kraken and Journery to Atlantis, and just love Clyde and Seymour. I would agree with Johnny, moderation is the key.

[HelenePA]

Also, what other amusement park can you visit and get in free within 7 days to enjoy a 2nd full day of touring all for the same cost as one ticket???




Sesame Place :thumbsup2 Not too far from me and my kids love it

I've been looking into going to SW while down there in April but this thread is making me rethink the whole thing..

[DTop]

Sesame Place is also owned by the same people that own the Sea World and Busch Garden parks, so the extra days free still applies only to that company, I think. SW is a nice break from the rush, rush, rush, hustle and bustle of Disney or Universal although I like them all. Each one is a totally different experience for me. I enjoy the Christmas lights at MGM, the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, and I always enjoy the marine animals at SW. It's nice to have a park where, if you want, you can find a nice place to sit down and take a breather and not have to play musical chairs to get the seat.
I always hear some folks that will complain about how they don't like this or that new show compared to the old ones but I think change is good. I look forward to returning to a given park to see what the new changes are and Sea World is no exception. Still the tried and true attractions always have their appeal. I still ride the Carousel of Progress most times I go to Disney and I enjoy it. I first rode it at the World's Fair in Flatbush in 1964 and I take my grand kids on it these days. The same sort of thing applies to Shamu for me. I don't miss Mistify because I know it'll be back when the weather warms up. I do have my favorites and I have some things that I won't see unless I have guests with me (I'm a little old for Happy Harbor for example) but I rarely miss Believe and Blue Horizons. I'm sure I probably won't change a lot of minds out there but I just thought I'd throw my two cents in here.

[RabFlmom]

Ok. I have been reading this thread and thinking........ People who have been to a park before, remember what they liked best about it before and it is hard to compete with good memories. The first time I went to the Magic Kingdom after not being there for about 10 years, I was so disappointed in the way the park looked(so run down and old-we attributed some of the dullness to hurricanes of 2004 wiping off the paint on the buildings?) . The shows that were still there were exactly the same, still using 1970s technology, etc., and some of the new rides were sort of lame. I still think they need a total refurbishment. But hey, to someone who has never been to the park, it is the grandest place in the world. If I actually had to pay to get into the MK, I doubt whether I would until I had grandchildren to show it off to.
I think the same thing applies to SW. A park cannot stay exactly the same and actually keep the same status you formed on your first visit. SW has evolved from a park that had a couple stadiums for shows, a Japaneese Village, and maybe 1 or 2 places to eat in the park-no rides. Yep, some of the old shows are gone trying to keep up with the Jones. Parks can't stay the same when they compete in a city of parks. I would guess attendance at SW is at its highest even though many parks in Fl are reporting flat numbers or negatives.
The old Shamu show and dolphin show had been practically the same for 30 years. It was time for a change. Since it has not been received with flying colors by all visitors to the park, I imagine they will tweek Believe and improvements will happen in the future.Actually everything done in the old shows are included in the new as for the "tricks" the animals do. You still see the animals doing all their natural movements and the trainers interaction with them. I think people going to the park for the first time actually enjoy the new shows, it is people who have seen the old that are having problems adjusting to the new version. I walked away thinking the old was better too, but am liking the new shows more each time I see them...but waiting for the kid to almost jump in ....and the Jimmy Buffet atmosphere of the dolphin show are still missed.
However......my family still thinks the ski show should be brought back from the 70s. With the Super Heroes movies back in the theaters the old ski show would be fantastic. They have not had a good replacement for it- ever. My oldest son's baby pictures are mostly of him being held by Batman, Supermanm etc from after the ski shows so that show is still our favorite memory of the park. But because one show is inferior to the past show there, it doesn't make us not enjoy our time spent in the park today. We still go as often as we can and would never think of giving up our Gold passes.
So if you are a first timer thinking of going to SW don't let people's opinions keep you from the park. Go and form your own. People's interest levels differ. Some people can spend hours reading every information sign and watching the manatees for hours, while others only want to spend a couple minutes before they get bored. With 100 visitors no experience will ever be exactly the same. We can all be watching the same dolphins in the under water viewing area and actually see totally different things happening in the tank. For example ----some dolphins form air rings to play with, but not everyone there sees them do it.

[DisOrBust]

I agree a first timer SW may still be impressive. My point is SW should do what their good at and not try to be FOTL/ILLUMNATIONS on water! It doesn't work well, IMHO! Happy harbor is nice but it's not what I'm touring SW for. Same goes for Kraken. I know nothing about the inner workings of SW but I have to wonder if it is more to do with DC being the income generator and SW the afterthought?? Again this is all my families opinion but it was a consesus from 9yo and up!!

[Nellas Elensar]

Don't get me wrong...I love Sea World, I've been going there for almost 23 years (intermingled with Cleveland's, which has been closed for some time [It is now Geagua Lake]). I just don't like the way some of their attractions are taking; that's all.

Nellas Elensar

[DTop]

Well put RabFlmom and I'm sure that if we could somehow travel back in time that some of these shows and attractions would not be so impressive in the light of what we can see these days.
BTW, I think that DC is the afterthought. It's certainly the newer park and has a capacity of only 1000 people.
Also, SW is building a separate water park on International Drive that's scheduled to open in '07(don't know when exactly). I drove by it today and it seems like they're certainly making progress.

[Amity 3]

shame on SeaWorld for trying to interject storylines and theatrics into their shows. apparently the masses want dolphins doing backflips and orcas flipping fifty degree water on them.

they must be the same audience that watches wrestling and monster truck shows.

[RabFlmom]

Well put RabFlmom and I'm sure that if we could somehow travel back in time that some of these shows and attractions would not be so impressive in the light of what we can see these days.

BTW, I think that DC is the afterthought. It's certainly the newer park and has a capacity of only 1000 people.[/B] Also, SW is building a separate water park on International Drive that's scheduled to open in '07(don't know when exactly). I drove by it today and it seems like they're certainly making progress.


Yes, DC is the expensive park that probably doesn't generate enough money to run it without using money made at the SW parks. It only has about 1000 guests in the park while the SW parks max is much higher with people having to pay for all food etc.

Sorry tried to put the one sentence in bold to highlite it and guess I don't know how to do that on these boards.
The water park might just be an awesome park if the rumors I have heard are true. Anyone hear anything about the slides? One my son has heard but hasn't been able to varify???? The tubes of 1 slide will be clear and go through tanks where dolphins are swimming???? If that one is true, I will have to tube it one more time before I retire from water parks in my old age. <g>

[DTop]

I have also heard the same "rumor".

[Nellas Elensar]

so have I. hope it is true, but don't think so.

Nellas Elensar

[NewEnglandCamper]

We too were disappointed with SeaWorld. Now we had been up since 200AM (we left Mass early this morning) so this could of played a factor.

We arrived at SeaWorld at 300PM today and did most of the park by 630PM. NOTE: We didn't see any of the formal shows. The crowds were very reasonalble.

Some positive notes:

1. The shark attack tunnels were REALLY cool!!!

2. The dolphin underground was cool

3. The nets were AWESOME but how do you get your kids down.

4. The MARRIOTT Residence Inn @ Seaworld is really nice to stay at!!!

5. Sting ray petting was interesting.

6. Same next day ticket free!!!

Some negative notes:

1. Many of the rides that they had required an EXTRA fee!!! MOST THEME PARKS allow for all rides/attractions.

2. Food prices were high and several shops/games/rides were closed or closing. We left right from the HOTEL without milk for our toddler. We couldn't find any milk and this was almost a crisis!!!

3. Some parts of the park looks like its from the 1970s/1980s and is really sterile and desperately needs a makeover. Some parts of park was lacking Christmas lights or even regular speakers.... just seemed to quite and remote.

4. They closed a large section of the park an hour early for a private party.

5. Parking is pricey!

6. Lack of benches and places to sit.

7. The NO STROLLER rule in parts of the attractions is a PAIN IN THE ***!!!

We are going back tomorrow (ON SAME TICKET) so hopefully will get another chance to review it on a few more hours of sleep.

thanks

[cardaway]

Wow, we were just there a couple week ago and I couldn't disagree more.

The only thing we didn't like was that the better area of the dophin enounter was for people who bought fish to feed them, but there still is an area in the back where that isn't the case.

I thought the shows were excellent and even the food had improved a great deal.

[NewEnglandCamper]

Ok -- After seeing the Shamu show Believe which was just incredible and partaking in some of the yummy food (and free beer) at the Anheuser Bush hospitality area... I have a better opinion of SeaWorld!

They has seemed to closed down a major path which makes you walk around further to get to different sections of the park (e.g., Main Entrance/Shamu play area). Anyone know why?

If we came back to Disney in the future ... SeaWorld would only be a maybe not "a must see".

[G8RFAN]

Sesame Place :thumbsup2 Not too far from me and my kids love it

I've been looking into going to SW while down there in April but this thread is making me rethink the whole thing..

We spent 3 days at SP last year. Some take aways:


It is more of a water park than anything else and if you want to stay dry, there is only a 1/2 day's activities available
It is not the cleanest of parks, but I've seen worse
Exiting the parking lot is further exacerbated by the Oxford Mall traffic
Elmo's World show is definitely a must see if your child is in the age range.
Food choices are MUCH better at SW and that is not saying all that much
The Character Dinner was much more organized than the breakfast (we had done both back to back and was amazed at the difference)
Vapor Trail is one of the best kid coasters around
The Sheraton at Bucks County hopefully is not the marquis hotel for SP (we probably won't stay there again)


My son loved the play area at SP, which was the inspiration for SW's Shamu's Happy Harbor. We were very excited that SW put that area in. Since we are a couple of hours away from Orlando, we get the FL res fun card (bronze pass) and it allows us to come back as many times for the calendar year. I will most definitely go back to SW just like you would SP, however, I can see people who travel far like we did to Phily not see the entertainment value in SW.

[SheriN]

We went to SeaWorld Dec 2005 and the kids loved it! We all enjoyed Mystify, course having nothing else to compare it to as this was a first trip for all of us, I can't give any comparison. Although I did get to go to the one on Ohio when I was 5 or 6, not that I remember much of that.

I can't remember what the previous Shamu show was before this new one but the kids, especially the older 2 loved this as well! They decided to sit in the very front, and when that huge whale came they were soaked to the skin! Despite having on ponchos! LOL The trainer even let them know they were going to get soaked but they didn't care! And having a face to face viewing of that huge whale just made it all perfect for them!

<What was even funnier was right before the whale came up the trainer scooted to the side. HE didn't want to get as wet as those 2 got! LOL>

Kraken, I loved, and after talking the 12yo into riding it it became one of his favorites as well!

We easily did this park in a day and unfortunatly didn't take advantage of the 2nd day free. I wish we had cause it was that much fun! And educational as well. I was disappointed we didn't get to all the shows, the timing stunk for a lot of them that was one of my biggest pet peeves, and they wouldn't let my almost 4yo onto the Atlantis ride even though he got to ride similar rides over at the Magic Kingdom. So the height restrictions being so high was a disappointment as well. And we didn't stay for the fireworks, and for the week of Dec 10th they did do them <not sure if that's considered an 'off' week or not>

If we ever get hubby talked into going again we'll definitly make a trip to SW again!

[Jorge]

DW and me were at SW on dec. 3, and both got a wonderful time there. I went to SW about 15 yrs ago, and for my DW is her 1st time, and she loved the park over WDW parks.

[Little Flower]

I am very disappointed to see so many negative reviews of Sea World Orlando. We visited this summer and can honestly say that the two days we spent in the park have left me with such wonderful memories of our holiday that we rebooked as soon as we got home - specifically so that we could go back to Sea World.

The dolphin show "Blue Horizons" was a personal favourite, although slightly biased by the fact that this was the first time i'd seen a dolphin!!!!!

I did enjoy "Believe" - again because this was my first encounter with a Killer Whale but, the show for me did not live up to the hype - i guess i was expecting the whales to do a lot more (far too much emphasis on trainers and videos)

The Night time fireworks display was phenomenal and took us completely by surprise as we did not know it was going to be taking place.

All in all, a wonderful place that i can not wait to get back to

[mumzie2three]

Some negative notes:

1. Many of the rides that they had required an EXTRA fee!!! MOST THEME PARKS allow for all rides/attractions.

I didn't notice this when we went back in May. Which rides cost extra?

[DTop]

There are only 2 that require any fee at all, the paddle boat rental (not really a ride) for all of $6 and the Sky Tower for a whopping $3.

[Amity 3]

and the Sky Tower for a whopping $3.

and included in the most basic passport membership. :)

[Nellas Elensar]

Overall, I love Sea World. It's my favorite park. I would definitely go back to see the whales and dolphins and other animals, even though some of the shows are not up to scratch with what I expect from them (namely Believe). We will definitely return as soon as time and money allows.

Nellas Elensar

[DOOM1001]

I love Sea World, however I do feel some of the new shows in my opinion are a bit boring.An example, the old Cirque de la Mer show was really simple a really hysterical comedian with like 3 Cirque du Soleil style acts, but the comedian made the show and everytime I went to Sea World I would want to see that show.Now Odyssea replaced it and I can't sit through that show, it's way more professionally done but I find it way too long and boring and it also has a comedian who's horribly dull.

I still go to Sea World with my Platinum Annual pass and I love the park, it's beautiful, has IMHO the best coaster in Orlando and free beer.It's not a park I go very often but it's still one of my favorites!!!

[RabFlmom]

the old Cirque de la Mer show was really simple a really hysterical comedian with like 3 Cirque du Soleil style acts, but the comedian made the show and everytime I went to Sea World I would want to see that show.Now Odyssea replaced it and I can't sit >>>>>>>

I only went to old Cirque one time cause I could not stand the comedian at the beginning and found the show a wanta be. I sat through this one on a hot summer day this year----comedian still is boring but sort of enjoyed it more than before-sons in their 20s said never again, though. We definitely go for the animals-probably why Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney park, too.

But if I compare SW to the MK, I definitely go to more of the shows etc. than I do at the MK which I find dated and mundane since the shows/rides really haven't changed since they were built. I have to pay to get into SW and have free admission to MK anytime I want it(ever since the 80s), but end up going to SW more. Have to admit Wishes is definitely my favorite fireworks show, though.

[DOOM1001]

Some people might not like the comedian in the old Cirque show,but I loved watching him making fun of the people coming into the theater and later when he sets up the boxing match with audience members, sure the rest of the show is a Cirque du Soleil wannabe but overall the show in my opinion was simply fun, the new show simply bores me.

I'm not sure why you're comparing Sea World and MK, they're totally different parks!! I've been going to the Disney parks like 15-20 times a year, compared to 4-5 times for Sea World and the Universal parks.Sea World's unimpressive new shows and Universal's lack of new attractions are why lately in Orlando I spend my time at Disney.I still go often to Busch Gardens cuz I need my coaster fix!!

[Samirella]

I had read the thread "Never again Seaworld" and thought it was harsh and how could it be that bad?? Our last trip to SW was April 2001( note prior to 9/11/2001) and we LOVED it! In fact when collegues ask about what to see in Orlando I would say if you only have time for one park make it SW. How have things changed!!

1.Mystify. The "old" dolphin/whale show had much more interaction with the aniimals and was very funny as well. a Mom would pretend to be taking her DDs picture and fall into the tank! It really was a hoot. Now Mystifiy has some kind of disconnected story of a "girl" longing to play with the sea animals. The trainers/performers look stiff. The main "male" character really looked like he hated his job. It must have been a rough transition from being a Dolphin trainer to now "playing a part". There is a women who spins on a rope and tries to be a bird. Bad guys twirl on ropes and the occasion Dolphin jumps. It is such an attempt to be disneyfied its comical. The performers as well are availbe for autographs and pictures after the show.



Uh, Mystify is a fireworks show. Maybe if you were expecting dolphins and whales, that's why you didn't care for it that much.

[mumzie2three]

It sounds like she is describing Blue Horizons. Which my kids liked. I was too hot at the time to give an opinion either way. Did anyone else notice that depending on which way the wind is blowing, those stadiums hold the hot, humid air like a sauna?

[Jakemeister]

Whenever I go to Sea World I remind myself this a more laid back atmosphere. I can enjoy the things, its not Disney or Universal and I don't have to rush to enjoy anything if I get bored I can go for something a tad bit more fast paced like Kraken or a ride of some sort. If I have to much adrenaline and want to relax there is so much for me to do. Sea World can be just as enjoyable as you want it to be if you remind your self prior this is a Anhueser Busch park and not Disney and Universal, today will be relaxing. If you have that mind set then I promise you Sea World will be a enjoyable experience also remind your self its not the exact same park it was 10 or 20 years ago its slightly evolved. If you do that than your trip to Sea World will be awesome.