Are the up-close tours at SW worth it?

[pjynx]

We're planning our first trip to SW in a couple weeks. Me, dh and dd (11) will be there on Sat Nov 27. Thinking about doing one of the up-close tours at SW. Are they worth it? I mean, I know they are only $40/pp so it's not a ton of money, but is the interaction good? Will we get to do anything more than the general public?

Is any one better than the other? We kind of leaning toward the sea lion one, but being that this is our first time there, we're open to any suggestions. Even possibly one of the VIP tours. The only thing I worry about with those, is because they can be hours long, would we have enough time during the rest of our day to get most of the park done?

Thanks!

 

[kathy884]

There is so much to do at Sea World. All the shows (included with your basic admission) are terriffic (And usually in a day, we only fit in about three because of all the other things we want to do too). The rides and animal attractions included with your admission are wonderful. These and the shows will easily fill up your entire day.

I personally would skip doing one of the up close encounters unless there is something you really have your heart set on, especially if you are only going to spend one day at the park. I think of these being more for the season passholders who have been there a million times, love the place, but are looking to do something a little different that they haven't done before.

 

[DVC Jackie]

We just returned from Orlando 11/6. We did the Sea Lions up-close tour. It was totally worth it! You get reserved seating for the Clyde and Seymour take Pirate Island Show (center seats just above the splash zone), a family picture with Clyde or Seymour after the show and each of you get to feed the Sea Lions and seals a 10lb. bucket of fish after the show. The sea lions are hysterical-they bark and wave at you to throw them fish! My kids (16 and 11) are still talking about it.
Jackie

 

[DVC Jackie]

Almost forgot-our tour was scheduled for 4:10pm. We toured the park all-day and then headed over the tour. It worked out perfectly. If you book the tour you check-in the morning of your tour at the information desk in the park and they give you your tickets and the actual tour time(it depends on the animals feeding schedule for that given day).
Jackie

 

[pjynx]

Thanks for the info!