Anyone ever go to Seaworld, too???

[ptrbryant]

Having been to WDW ONCE (May 2002), we were so impressed that we're going back again in Jan. - Feb. 2003--basically, as soon as our budget would allow it! One question: my 6 y.o son LOVES ocean animals and really enjoyed the Living Seas at EPCOT. Naturally, SeaWorld comes to mind as an option for one of our days in Orlando. (Our stay is 8 days, 7 nts., with one day reserved as just a laid-back "resort day"). Would any of you spend a day at SeaWorld if you were spending 4-5 days at WDW parks already? One neighbor said she was very disappointed by SW and felt it had been a big waste of time and money. Yet, online, it sounds much more favorable.
Anyone with actual experience???
Thanks!
Karla B.

 

[scanmom]

We have been to the SW in San Antonio. They have alot of the same shows/rides. I think the one in Orlando is bigger w/ more things to do, but we loved it. It was well worth the $$ spent.

 

[gschmerl]

We visited SeaWold last year and enjoyed it very much.
The shows are great--especially the Shamu show.
If you like roller coasters, head for the back of the park first and ride Kraken.
Scroll down on these boards and find the SeaWorld forum. Lots of info.

 

[PieInYourEye]

I think SeaWorld is a great way to spend the day. There are some hands on opportunities that every kid loves, including me, and I'm a 40 year old kid.

Kraken is a great roller coaster and is a very smooth ride. Journey to Atlantis is a great ride too, with a little surprise ending.

There's a dolphin petting area where you can buy some rather expensive fish and feed them to the dolphin, petting them while you have their attention. Usually there's someone on the other side of the shore taking pictures and you can buy them at the little shack.

Terrors of the Deep, the sharks, is a wonderfully fun exhibit for me.

The penguins are fun to watch, but they stink!

The Living Seas is a great place, but really can't be compared to SeaWorld. There's plenty to do at SeaWorld and some good food to be found. Stay away from the Chicken and Buscuit place... the chicken was terribly and the service without a smile was pathetic.

If you get a chance, having a meal, or just desert at the Coral Reef in the Living Seas can be quite nice.

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

HAVE FUN!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

We love Sea World, in fact so much we bought annual passes.

 

[babybelle]

I must be the only person who has a kid who has been to WDW and thinks Sea World (and Busch Gardens) are better. He is now seven and the only thing he talks about his visit (when he was 3.5) is Shamu and the sharks!!!!

 

[UKDEB]

We like Sea World, but we visit from the UK for 2-3 weeks at a time. If I only had 8 days, I would give SW a miss in favor of WDW and US/IoA.

Having said that, if your son loves ocean animals then SW is probably a good bet - it's a very well manicured and laid back park. Have you considered Discovery Cove? It's expensive, but could well be the experience of a lifetime for your son.

 

[horseshowmom]

We've been to Orlando/WDW/US/IoA many, many times. The only park we've been to every single trip we've made to Orlando is Sea World. No matter what other park we visit, we ALWAYS go to SW.

I know different people like different things, but I can't imagine not enjoying Sea World. We've been going since our DD was less than a year old (15 years old now), and she's always loved it (as have we). In fact, they generally have a "2nd day free" promotion, so we usually spend a day and a half there.

Have a great trip!

 

[ptrbryant]

Wow, thanks for all the advice! I'm leaning towards going to SW, esp. if they're running the 2-day for 1 offer. The main thing that would be great are the hands-on opportunities. I love the idea of Discovery Cove, but DS is a bit timid, so I think SW would be a good start.

I know this may sound a bit odd, but DS also has some articulation and auditory processing problems and I can't tell you how many articles I've read about interactions with dolphins helping children with all kinds of special needs...so, another reason why I'm inclined to encourage the closer interaction that SW affords. I suppose I was just surprised by my neighbor's negative comment about SW...glad she's outnumbered!

Thanks again!

Karla

 

[Cindy B]

There's lots of information on the Sea World/Discovery Cove Board, just a few clicks away....


Scroll down and you will see.

I had not gone to Sea World for a while. We used to live near the Ohio one, now gone. (SIGH!)

I had never been to the Orlando one before, and I was impressed, it was wonderful

Remember there is a second day free offer, at the Seaworld gate (subject to change, check before you go).

Discovery Cove was the most incredible thing I have ever done in my life. Yes, it was expensive, but it did include a seven day free pass to Seaworld, a dolphin swim, snorkeling, lunch, and many more things. Reallly the dolphin interaction was fun and very enlightening, but there are so many other things to do as well.

The bird avairy and the stingray lagoon were one of the top things my husband truly enjoyed.

 

[FLeisure]

If you can get a pass that allows you to do both Sea World and Busch Gardens you will be glad you did.

Have to say that Busch is my favourite park as it has a mix of all things. Sea World is ......well, Sea World ! if you've never been before you really must go. A great day out and very educational for the kids.........there's more to life than lining the pockets of Disney executive's

 

[SimonV]

I always rate SW highly for providing some breathing room in the big park scenario. It is easy to get around, slower paced, and absorbs crowds more easily than most. Some excellent shows and two 5-star rides. Nothing special about the food, though.

 

[deena]

when in town visiting WDW among seeing other things as it is a great way to break away from some of the larger crowds that congregate at the bigger theme parks in the area. If your small son loves sea creatures like you mentioned then I think Sea World should defintely be a "must do" on your list of things next time around. IMHO after experiencing the varied exhibits/habitats that Sea World has offered over the years, it beats WDW Living Seas in Epcot hands down in my book as this place is an entire park dedicated to many different kinds of ocean life. Their daily shows alone are awesome in their own right as well!

 

[IwantobeTinkerbell]

We were like you! We were sooo impressed with Disney that we rushed back the very next year! But let me tell you, we were a little disappointed. Your first visit always has so much "magic". Everything is a new experience and you are amazed at it all. The second time, we were just amazed by the prices! Don't get me wrong, we love Disney! We are now planning our fourth trip in six years. But I think a lot of the "magic" is experiencing something totally new. The last time we went, we went to Sea World and it is all the kids talk about! It is a beautiful park and there are picture opportunities you will not get anywhere else. My absolute favorite photo of my kids was taken there in front of a pond. It is my screensaver now! Your son will love all the animals and you will love seeing him interacte with them! Definately go and don't miss the sea lion show!!!!!

 

[Kenbar]

Don't miss it. It's unique

Ken

 

[TracyK]

We always find time for Sea World. We love it there.
Tracy

 

[ptrbryant]

Okay, I'm convinced! We're going to make sure SeaWorld is included this time!
Thanks for all the replies!
Karla B.

 

[horseshowmom]

Be sure to visit the Sea World board for more info (you may even want to scroll back a few pages for more). There are some great "behind the scenes" tours that aren't very expensive (less than $10 each, I think). I think I also read something about a new "Dinner with Shamu", but I don't know much about it.

 

[marn913]

Sea World is definitely worth it! It has to be the cleanest park I have ever seen - even the ever dreaded public rest rooms were spotless. As far as attractions go they have a lot of wonderful things. You can buy a cup of fish and feed the sting rays and the dolphins! The evening Shamu show is always great and has fireworks too- I remember going as a kid and I think I still enjoy it just as much! The other shows are excellent too! You and your kids will ablsolutely love it.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I believe if you order your tickets online now you get 10% off and a free second day.

Here is the link:

http://commerce.4adventure.com/store/dept_tickets.asp?dept_id=203