Convince us to go!

[fiveforall]

I'll be at Royal Pacific Resort Dec. 18-23 with Dh and DD(9), DD(turning 7 this trip), and DS(4). We've got 5 day IOA/US passes, but I thought it would be nice to do a different park for one day. I don't want to spend a crowded day at Disney World, and I've read good things about SeaWorld. DH visited in 1986 and says he doesn't want to go back. I'm sure the park has changed a lot since then. We love the beauty and animals of Animal Kingdom, but will the kids and DH like SeaWorld? We watched a show on the Travel Channel about it, and DD says she'd like to go there on her birthday(Dec. 22). Do they do anything special for birthdays? Thanks for any imput.

 

[CatLady]

Yes, he park has changed a lot since '86. It has grown. The area that your DH remembers as the dolphin pool is now the dolphin nursery, and there is a much bigger area for dolphins that includes underwater viewing, etc. Lots of other changes too numerous to list while I'm logging on from work. Think how much can change at a park in 18 years!! You might also mention to your DH that there are a couple thrill rides (if he's into that) now.

Kids seem to love SeaWorld, especially the way you can feed the dolphins, stingrays, and the sea lions. Most of the shows are worth seeing, too, which I can't say about the Disney parks.

Dec. 22 is going to ge crowded everywhere, but not yet so awful that you can't stand it. The one thing I suggest during crowded times at SeaWorld is to make a point of eating at some time other than the "traditional" lunch time, or you will waste too much time standing in line for food. The restaurants don't handle the holiday crowds very well.

I'm not aware of anything special they do for birthdays.

 

[gw_lit]

I agree with CatLady, I was going to post pretty much the same thing. My boys put SeaWorld at the top of their list of any of the Orlando attractions. The exhibits are well done, and the park has undergone a tremendous transformation since 1986.

The big exhibits are great (Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Sharks, Dolphins), as are the shows. But don't miss out on the smaller things like the touch tanks where kids can touch a sea urchin, starfish, etc. Those are the things that my boys really enjoy.

I'm not sure about anything special they do for birthdays, but you could do something special like "Dine with Shamu".... we loved it.... very good food, and a very entertaining and informative program that the kids and adults loved.

 

[Wishing on a star]

It has been a few years now since I went... But I very highly recommend SeaWorld!!! Especially if your DD is really interested for her birthday.

I loved the helicopter ride in to Wild Arctic! Don't miss that. They have a new Clyde and Seymour show now. I can tell you that the one we saw was really good!!! Entertaining AND Funny.

And SHAMU - well, that goes without saying!

I vote that you should take your kids! I am looking forward to taking DS this next Spring. (Going to Discovery Cove too...) He is EXCITED! Disney is not even on his radar right now compared to Discover Cove and Sea World....

Have a great time!

 

[webray]

OMG...Sea world is one of our favorite parks. Has been since the kids have been little.

Let me just say this...we have been taking the kids to Universal/Disney/Sea World since our youngest has been 5. She is now 22. They still prefer Universal/Sea World over the disney parks.

Sea world is wonderful. If you love AK..then Sea World is a must for your family.

 

[vernon]

I think your kids will have a great time at the park. As for DH, some people will just never "get" animal parks, maybe he's one of those, maybe the growth in the park will make a difference, maybe he'll be able to enjoy it through the eyes of the children.

I'm sure your kids will love the shows (they are a perfect age for the Pet's Ahoy show, which is perhaps a touch too cutesy for older kids), they will have a great time in the kids play area ( Shamu's happy harbour) and I'm certain they will love feeding fish to the dolphins,sealions and rays. At there age it's worth searching out the "Tide Pool" exibit, which is easily missed. Younger kids have a great time getting their hands, arms and occassionally by accident their heads LOL, into the water.

I believe your DS will be about the right age to have a chance of being asked to star in the Whale and dolphin show. If you'd like him to be considered it's worth getting to the Whale and Dolphin stadium 30-35 minutes ahead of the show ( use the spare time for a drinks break). If you see a CM wandering around with a clip board ( this has the disclaimer/waiver form you'll have to sign)get your DS to go up and ask him some questions about the dolphins (what are their names, what do they eat/feel like etc) . The CMs have to find a kid for each show, if they can find a kid thats the right age, interested in the dolphins and confident enough to ask the questions it's usually a done deal. The CM's aren't too keen on this task because if they leave it too late they either are struggling to find a kid (which spoils the show a little) or end up having to beat off a mass of begging appealing and pleading faces (upsetting the dozens that don't get picked).

While I agree with Catlady that previously trying to eat at SW between 12.00 and 3.00 or 5.30 to 8.00 could be a bit of a task the new restaurant areas should ease that congestion at the restaurants considerably.

I hope you have an enjoyable day.

 

[fiveforall]

Thanks so much for all of the info! It sounds like such a great park. We're definitely going to visit. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[WOW]

The park has changed alot since your last visit. It was bought by Anheiser Busch and we now LOVE Sea World sooooooo much. It is a must every trip to WDW. Shamu is awesome and the Shamu Night Magic is terrific!!!!! We did the dine with Shamu this past June and that is also great.

The Clydesdale Horses are there and they come out with the Budweiser beer on the back along with a Dalmation and that is my favorite. You can also visit the Barn where they reside.