2 adults going to Sea Word for the first time..help!

[uncgsweetz16]

Hi Everyone!

My husband and I wil be in Orlando this June and are planning on going to Sea Word for the first time EVER. Yes EVER! We are huge Disney fans so usually when we fly into FL thats all we ever do. Well this year we are going on a Disney cruise and afterwards have decided to stay at a hotel and just relax and not go to the parks. We both really want to do Sea Word and plan on spending one day there. I doubt we will swim with the dolphins but was wondering if anyone could send any pointers my way of things not to miss and if we get there as soon as they open and stay till they close if you think we will be able to fit in the majority of the "cool" things to do there. Let me know, any suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks in advance and have a magical day!

 

[wilma-bride]

Glad you are finally going to make it to Sea World. Me and DH love it there and make sure we go at least once each trip.

As the majority of things at Sea World are shows/attractions as opposed to rides you shouldn't have too much trouble fitting everything in one day. Below, I have listed the shows in personal order of preference (top is the best, bottom the worst):

Shows:

Shamu show
Blue Horizons dolphin show
Clyde and Seamore
Pets Ahoy

(there is at least one other show but we haven't seen any others)

Rides

Kraken
Journey to Atlantis

(both these rides are excellent)

Other attractions:

Dolphin feeding
Shark Encounter
Penguins
Stingrays

Hope you have a great day. Try, if possible, to ride Kraken and Atlantis first as they get busy later on but it's possible to have a couple of goes on both if you go straight after opening

 

[uncgsweetz16]

Thanks for the fast response! I truly appreciate it! Any good restaurants that are a big plus or should we go back to Disney property for that (which is where we will be staying)?!?! Let me know. Thanks in advance!!

 

[liamandcaili]

We LOVED Sharks Grill. Just as comparison, it was the best meal we had except for California Grill. We didn't expect to be so impressed, as we hadn't heard terribly positive reviews for Sea World. However, the tuna was wonderful, the wine list was good, the service was terrific, and the atmosphere was great. I would highly recommend it.

As for other attractions at Sea World, the Shamu show is of course a don't miss. We really enjoyed feeding the dolphins. The Clyde and Seymour show is hilarious.

We didn't particularly care for the new dolphin show. It is more about the people than the animals. My brother in-law called it Cirque de Sea World. I said that we paid to see the animals not the people. However, maybe you would enjoy it. There are moments that are impressive. When the birds fly through the audience is one of them.

Have fun!

 

[yaytezIOA]

Hi Everyone!

going to Sea Word for the first time EVER. Yes EVER! We are huge Disney fans so usually when we fly into FL thats all we ever do.

First off, congratulations. You've just taken your first step into a larger world.
Sharks is about the only real resturant that Sea World has, the rest is counter service. The other cool thing you can do is "Dine With Shamu", if you want to spring for the extra money. You have a private table, and shamu is right there watching you eat. A trainer, when we went, even comes up and gets her to do a trick or two. Have to try the hospitality house! FREE BEER! Actually it is a lot of fun, as they have TV's everywhere and Budweiser commercials playing. And you can sample the different types of beverages they have. A lot of fun. You may be disappointed, because SW is short on "magic" and more about teaching you something in a fun way. So look out, if you're not careful, you might learn something. Definately do SHARKS resturaunt, and Terrors of the Deep. Wild Arctic is fun too, and in certain times of the year they have real ice on the walls as you enter the Beluga tank. If you want something a little more on the fun and interactive side, make a reservation for Discovery Cover. Well worth the money, and you can actually swim with the dolphins.

 

[robvia]

So you are not going to the Disney parks afterwards, but staying at Disney property? I'd look into staying across the street from SWF at the Renaissance resort.
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/MCOSR&checked=True&Marriott_BD=
Check the July 4th weekend rates, because they are a business hotel and lower rates at that time because the business people do not visit that weekend.
From June 1-11, SWF stays open until 9pm
From June 12-30, SWF stays open until 10pm

You can literally walk from the hotel, to the front entrance in minutes. The other thing, is temps are hot in June. So the idea is you get to SWF at 08:30am, ride Kraken/JTA, watch a few shows, and eat an early lunch at 11:30am. Then you head back to the room in the afternoon to avoid the heat, then come back at 5pm as the tired are leaving.

There's plenty of time to see everything, but if you go all day, you'll be worn out, and it will be hot in the afternoon. The next morning, you can visit SWF from 9am until 11am, and then check out of your room. You could probably ask for a late check out and they'd let you slide until 1pm.

That would give you 2 morning visits to SWF, and you'd get to see a lot. Most tickets to SWF include a 2nd day free thing.

Other pointers...
At the Key West area, you can feed dolphins. On my last visit, trainers came out at 10am and made them do tricks. Scroll down my page here to see it.
http://www.nogodforme.com/IOA072905.htm

 

[medusa2468]

You'll have a blast! Take plenty of film or an extra memory card because you'll probably end up taking a lot of pics.
Shows - Shamu is my favorite, followed by Clyde and Seymore (very entertaining, lots of laughs). I’ve not seen Blue Horizons yet. Beware of ‘soak zones’ – definitely can get soaked –not light little sprinkles.
Rides - I don't do coasters, so can't help you there. Wild Artic is great, non-motion line is faster, but motion ride is better – some awesome arial views of scenery and wild animals. The Sky Tower is nice – great view and some good arial shots. Sometimes lines can be long, but seem to recall it being not a bad wait. The ride doesn’t move that fast – scenic, not thrill.
Animals – Mainly, see them all. Beluga whales are gorgeous (they’re after the Wild Artic ride, or head in from the gift shop if you skip Wild Arctic). The walls of ice mentioned are pretty interesting, and everyone seems to always want to touch them when walking by. The penguins are awful cute, too, and they’re a pretty quick exhibit. Manatees are nice, especially at feeding time. My favorite is the Shark Encounter – totally a must, even if you’ve seen the Ripley’s shark tunnel exhibit or if you’re not wild about sharks. There’s stuff to see part of the time while you’re in line waiting – tanks from above, some babies, etc., but the underwater portion in the tube is just incredible. Pacific Point Preserve (dolphin feeding) – awesome! Sometimes they’re not in the mood to be touched so they just swim around close to your hands and arms and you just get frustrated, but overall it’s awesome! A small dish of fish is available for purchase to feed the dolphins – but two things… one, be there right away when feeding times start (or just before) because they only sell a set amount of fish and they sell out, and two, when you’re dangling the little suckers over the water for the dolphin to come eat – watch out for the darn birds – they’ll swoop in and steal the little fish right out of your hand!! (And keep the fish in the tray covered, too!) The stingrays also nice. Other than the shark encounter which frequently has some longer lines, the animal exhibits are usually a pretty quick thing so you’re not in line for half an hour first. I’d recommend seeing as many of the animals as you can because really, they’re all great.
If you like beer a lot, you’ll love the Clydesdale area.
Since you’re going in June and they’re open later (until 10pm or 11pm, instead of 6pm like the beginning of May when I’m returning) you should be able to see it in one day – or at least all the major good stuff. Go a little early for each show if you can to get a good seat, but especially, especially for Shamu. I’ve seen people turned away when shows get filled and the employees rope off the entrances. I think the maps mention suggested arrival times though or just ask an employee. Sometimes you can have a little bit of a wait in restaurants as well, but no big deal. I haven't done the dining with the shark tank, but it looks awesome and is on my list for May!
I’d also take a hat since only small areas of some of the show arenas are covered. But overall it’s an awesome park. Hope you have an incredible visit!

 

[Sylvester McBean]

Pacific Point Preserve (dolphin feeding) – awesome!

pacific point reserve is the area to feed the sea lions and seals. the dolphins are in key west. if you want to feed the dolphins, go to the first feeding at 9:15. they're ready to interact and the crowds are smaller. don't chicken out on the ray feeding, it may take a couple of attempts, but so worth it. check out the dolphin nursery.

get a refillable mug. you can have it filled with ice water no charge at anytime. all of the other posts have great ideas. the Busch parks take hits on this board, but they are both beautiful, and dedicated to preservation of animals over thrill rides. have a great time.