Any SeaWorld experts out there?

[Csgrandma]

Going to Seaworld on Thursday, Aug 2. 3 adults and a 6 year old boy. I have booked the penguin encounter at 1:45 and Dine with Shamu at 4.

Are there any experts that can help me with planning my day? I don't want to miss the SeaLion show or anything else that is fabulous.

Where do I start and which way do I go? Help! I need a plan.

 

[llump41]

First off I'm not one to over plan. But if you must.
This is this upcoming Thu schedule for the sea lion show.
Sea Lions LIVE
12:30, 1:30, 2:45, 3:45, 4:45

Based on this you would probably need to see the 1230 show. Also, don't forget the night time shows. They are different and I think actually better than the day time show. BTW SeaLions tonight is my favorite show.

Show times may change between now and then. Keep checking the SW web page for show hours as you get closer to you visit. Don't overplan and I think you'll have more fun.

If you are going to be in the park ALL day, ie open to close, seriously look into the dine all day plan. You do need to eat at least 2.5 times to break even but if you are going to do 3 meals it is worth it.

 

[Huff]

Generally Pets Rule is the first show of the day, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours after park opening. After that the show schedule varies from day to day based on park hours and crowds. Its common on a very busy day for them to add 1 or 2 Shamu shows not on the planned schedule so always check as you tour the park. Sometimes they announce over the loud speaker but most often they do not.

There is no real rule as to the order of shows. When you arrive grab a schedule and plan out your day giving enough time to walk between shows, see exhibits, rides, eat lunch etc. Plan to arrive at shows 20-30 minutes prior to show time, less if not crowded, slightly longer on very busy days.

Arrive at Sea Lion show 30-45 minutes before show time. This is because there is a very fun pre-show that begins 15 minutes prior to posted show time.

Sea Lions and Shamu have shows in the evening that are different than day time shows and well worth seeing both. Pets rule and Cirque Del Mar do not have shows after dark.

Journey to Atlantis opens 1 or 2 hours after park opening and rarely gets a bad line except midday. Otherwise 15-20 minutes or less. Same with Wild Arctic. Shipwreck Rapids can get 1+ hour lines during afternoon on busy sunny days. Mornings and after dark are short but you may get drenched (they sell ponchos).