When we went, we did not do any rides because I really wanted my kids to see the shows, so this plan may not work for you if that is your goal. We got there at opening and went straight to the dolphin area. They have a feeding at 9:10 or so. For a few dollars you get a tray of fish and can feed the dolphins and try to pet them. I think this is worth the money ($2-3). After that we headed to the Clyde and Seamore show. It was hilarious and shouldn't be missed. I suggest sitting up under the awning in the shade though. It is a little further away but the sun was very hot down closer to the front where we sat. After that we hit a few quick exhibits and headed to the dolphin show. Again - we thought this was amazing. If you sit down low, they try to get you to buy ponchos because you might get splashed. We were in the splash zone and it was hardly anything and not worth the price of the ponchos. After that show we made our way to the next Shamu show. In this show, when they say you are in a splash zone - they are not kidding. People left in the middle of the show miserable and soaked from head to toe. They did not look happy. I was glad not to be in the splash zone. After we got those three shows out of the way, everything else was icing on top. There was a ton of walking and you may not realize it but there are subtle hills in this park. My dad really noticed it on the motorized
scooter. I found the maps to be very misleading and hard to read things look closer on the map than they really are. We did love this park though and someday we will go back. We went in February and it was super hot there. I hate wearing hats but I was desperate for one this day. My scalp got so sunburned - so be prepared.
Hope this helps.
