A little off topic... which is better, SeaWorld San Diego or Seaworld Orlando?

[sters]

Just trying to decide what to do on our upcoming trip.

 

[benolathe]

Don't know which is "better" - but we visited Sea World in Orlando a few years ago and really enjoyed ourselves. Not a lot of rides - but it was a nice, relaxing day with a lot of walking and watching the different animal shows. Not very crowded at all when we were there the first week of December.

I got a kick out of noticing how many people at Sea World were dressed with *Disney* shirts, hats, etc. It was obvious that lots of people take a 'break' from the Disney parks and visit Sea World while in Florida.

 

[iceskatejen]

I didn't visit Sea World in Orlando, but from what I've heard, San Diego's Sea World is a better overall park experience. I've been to SW SD many times.

 

[4eeyore]

We went to Seaworld Orlando in 1998 and just went to Seaworld SD this past summer. I have to say I thought Orlando was much better. Orlando seemed much more relaxing and prettier than San Diego. Of all the things we did in San Diego our one thought was that next time we would not bother with Sea World.

 

[poohj80]

Sea World in San Diego is SO much better than Orlando. My biggest complaint about Orlando is having a SEA World that isn't on the SEA. Mission Bay is beautiful in San Diego and adds to the attraction. If you want a roller coaster go to a true theme park, but leave Sea World for its intended purpose.

 

[lark]

Aren't they pretty much the same? The shows are the same. I think you can "dine with shamu" at either now. Both now have the Journey to Atlantis Ride. (This is one of the best amusement attractions I've been on, by the way, if you're into that thing. It starts off as a great flume ride, and then turns into a dry roller coaster; it's very well done.) Both have "shamu's happy harbor," which is a great play area for children. Both have the wild arctic ride/exhibit.

The animal attractions appear to be about the same -- you can feed dolphins at either; walk through a shark tunnel at either; penguin encounter appears to be basically the same at either.

I think the major differences are that at San Diego you can take the chairlift over mission bay for a small extra fee, and in Orlando there are additional thrill rides (e.g., a roller coaster).

I've never been to the Orlando one, though, so I really can't say from personal experience. Orlando might not have the tower that you can ride to the top of like the San Diego one has -- that's a really neat attraction, particularly if you go up during one of the shows and have a bird's-eye view.

 

[poohj80]

Aren't they pretty much the same?

I don't think so at all. Yes, you can only do so much with the shows, but it's location location location that sells me on San Diego over Orlando. The San Diego Sea World is beautiful! I just enjoy being there even without all the attractions. It's like an oasis in itself. Orlando is in the middle of the city right off I-4 and you can hear and sometimes see the traffic.

 

[The Traveller]

I thank you all for the enlightening experience. I will take all that info on board.
I'll keep in touch.

 

[minmom]

I would do Seaworld in San Diego and Discovery cove in Orlando. You get two completely different experiences and both are fantastic.