Show spacing advice

[ldisboard]

We are taking DS (age 3) and DD (age 6) to SW for the first time. We will be there for one day and will get there at the 9am opening. We will likely need to leave by 3pm (although DS may nap in his stroller, DD is likely to get tired).

Based on these threads, it sounds like Blue Horizons, Clyde and Seamore and One Ocean are not to be missed, and I think the kids might also really like A'Lure.

Here are two possible itineraries. We would appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Plan 1

9:00am Take DD on Journey to Atlantis; explore dolphin area
10:00am Blue Horizons
11:00am Clyde and Seamore
12:00pm One Ocean
12:30pm lunch
1:15pm - 3pm Shamu's Happy Harbor and Wild Arctic (non-moving)
3:30pm A'Lure (if the kids are still awake)


Plan 2

9:00am Take DD on Journey to Atlantis
9:15 Shamu's Happy Harbor
11:00am Clyde and Seamore
12:00pm One Ocean
12:30pm lunch
1:30pm Blue Horizons and explore dolphin area
2:30pm Wild Arctic (non-moving)
3:30pm A'Lure (if the kids are still awake)


FYI, the complete show schedule is:

Blue Horizons 10:00am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm
Clyde and Seamore 11:00am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm
One Ocean 12:00pm and 5:30pm
A'Lure 1:30pm and 3:30pm

Based on our limited timing, we will skip Pets Ahoy (despite the great reviews).

[angelmom27]

Plan 2 sounds a bit better. Cause we noticed one trip if we went straight to Shamus Happy Harbor the rides were walk on. So if you walk onto Atlantis and then do the rides at shamu harbor. Later in the day it might be a long wait for rides.

You know after I look a bit better at your shows and the locations and times. Plan 1 is a lot better. Cause in 2 you have one show and then the next is clear across at the other end of the park. Also the time you have for Shamu Harbor is plenty.

[KBF]

Originally Posted by ldisboard

We are taking DS (age 3) and DD (age 6) to SW for the first time. We will be there for one day and will get there at the 9am opening. We will likely need to leave by 3pm (although DS may nap in his stroller, DD is likely to get tired).

Based on these threads, it sounds like Blue Horizons, Clyde and Seamore and One Ocean are not to be missed, and I think the kids might also really like A'Lure.

Here are two possible itineraries. We would appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Plan 1

9:00am Take DD on Journey to Atlantis; explore dolphin area
10:00am Blue Horizons
11:00am Clyde and Seamore
12:00pm One Ocean
12:30pm lunch
1:15pm - 3pm Shamu's Happy Harbor and Wild Arctic (non-moving)
3:30pm A'Lure (if the kids are still awake)


Plan 2

9:00am Take DD on Journey to Atlantis
9:15 Shamu's Happy Harbor
11:00am Clyde and Seamore
12:00pm One Ocean
12:30pm lunch
1:30pm Blue Horizons and explore dolphin area
2:30pm Wild Arctic (non-moving)
3:30pm A'Lure (if the kids are still awake)


FYI, the complete show schedule is:

Blue Horizons 10:00am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm
Clyde and Seamore 11:00am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm
One Ocean 12:00pm and 5:30pm
A'Lure 1:30pm and 3:30pm

Based on our limited timing, we will skip Pets Ahoy (despite the great reviews).

Plan 2 does seem better. I would suggest though that you skip A'lure and see Pets Ahoy instead. A'lure has some potentially scary parts for young kids. It's definitely not terrifying but I would always say Pets Ahoy is better for kids than A'lure.

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

I think either plan will work. Just remember though you really should try to get to each theater around 30 minutes prior to showtime to be able to get in early and pick prime seats so you will basically be going directly from one show right to the next until you take the lunch break.

But the first time DH and I ever went to Sea World all we did was see all the shows for the day. We aren't big into rides.

ANd in my opinion I would see Alure and skip Pets Ahoy. You can watch Pets Ahoy on YouTube and see if you think your kids would like that more than Alure.

[FLOIR]

And don't forget one thing - the entire park is NOT open at 9 AM. I can't recall exactly what time it normally opens, but the back side of the park (the Shamu stadium side) is closed until later. Usually the closed part is going over the bridge that leads to Shamu stadium over the lagoon, and then right by Spice Mill if you are walking around the path.

So planning on hitting Happy Harbor too early might not work.

[angelmom27]

Originally Posted by FLOIR

And don't forget one thing - the entire park is NOT open at 9 AM. I can't recall exactly what time it normally opens, but the back side of the park (the Shamu stadium side) is closed until later. Usually the closed part is going over the bridge that leads to Shamu stadium over the lagoon, and then right by Spice Mill if you are walking around the path.

So planning on hitting Happy Harbor too early might not work.

The bridge yes is sometimes closed but Shamu Harbor opens at the same time as the park. Usually the bridge is closed when there are festivals or special events because that is the staging area for that stuff. We went straight to Shamu Harbor on our last trip and everything was open. Best time really cause we walked on all the rides.

[chiamarie]

Originally Posted by FLOIR

And don't forget one thing - the entire park is NOT open at 9 AM. I can't recall exactly what time it normally opens, but the back side of the park (the Shamu stadium side) is closed until later. Usually the closed part is going over the bridge that leads to Shamu stadium over the lagoon, and then right by Spice Mill if you are walking around the path.

So planning on hitting Happy Harbor too early might not work.

Originally Posted by angelmom27

The bridge yes is sometimes closed but Shamu Harbor opens at the same time as the park. Usually the bridge is closed when there are festivals or special events because that is the staging area for that stuff. We went straight to Shamu Harbor on our last trip and everything was open. Best time really cause we walked on all the rides.

The "Park" opens at 9am.

The pathway between Dolphin Nursery and Wild Arctic called "Bayside Pathway" probably won't open until Noon.

The "Bridge" to Shamu Stadium and the pathway from Shark Encounter over to Shamu Stadium is closed until 10 am. So, yes it is correct that Happy Harbor and everything on that side of the park (Shamu Underwater Viewing, Wild Arctic, The Buffet, and Games stuff) doesn't open until 10am.

[angelmom27]

Originally Posted by chiamarie

The "Park" opens at 9am.

The pathway between Dolphin Nursery and Wild Arctic called "Bayside Pathway" probably won't open until Noon.

The "Bridge" to Shamu Stadium and the pathway from Shark Encounter over to Shamu Stadium is closed until 10 am. So, yes it is correct that Happy Harbor and everything on that side of the park (Shamu Underwater Viewing, Wild Arctic, The Buffet, and Games stuff) doesn't open until 10am.

Well I have never had a problem with going over there before 10am. Like I previously said we went for a weekend during new yr eve and we went straight over to shamu harbor to ride the rides.

[FLOIR]

During extremely heavy attendance (such as Christmas week and New Years) the entire park may open at the same time due to the crowds.

However, just about every other day it is a staggered opening. There will be a rope across the path right outside Spice Mill, with a worker standing there making sure no one goes beyond the rope. There will be another worker right at the Waterfront Village side of the bridge keeping people from crossing.

And, since that side of the park is the last to get cleaned and the rides are the last to get their daily work, please don't plan on going to Happy Harbor too early in the morning. 10:00 does sound correct for when that side opens.