Early morning musts

[Tank]

Going to Sea World, Orlando for the 1st time since my honeymoon, 21 years ago. We have two children DD 8(55") and DS 5(48") both love coaster's and rides of all kinds. Are there any that we should hurry to 1st thing in the morning? Don't know if I need to be there when it opens like at Disney or can I take my time getting there and still not wait for 45min or more. If anyone can recommend a touring plan I would appreciate it, Thank's for the help.

P.S. We will be going over spring break, Sat. 3/31 to be exact.

 

[singingpixie]

I'd be interested to hear this answer as well. In our case, it would be our honeymoon, and I'd like to do Sea World and Discovery Cove as more "low key" days (rather than rushing to be at Rope Drop like at Disney) and part of "low key" to my fiance means "sleep in." So I'd love to know how important those early morning hours are!

 

[Amity 3]

Journey to Atlantis, Kraken, and the dolphin feedings are always better first thing. as you enter the park, they're to your left. Kraken and Atlantis are minutes from each other, and there are lockers there to store anything you need to.

the first dolphin feeding of the day is generally around 9:15 and they are ready to play. the crowds around Dolphin Cove swell as the day goes on and it's a fight to get a place around the wall.

 

[RabFlmom]

Last hour before park closes is also a great time to ride Kracken sometimes. My kids usually ride it over and over in that last hour after we eat dinner when we are there during the winter, fall or spring. We avoid summer so not sure how well the idea works then. Usually the crowd starts thinning out by dinner time.

 

[spencem]

They were VERY strict on the hight requirements for Kraken when we were there last week, even getting a kid to take off his thick soled trainers before checking him. I think the limit is 54" on Kraken, but I'm not sure about Atlantis.

They also appeared to have changed the dolphin encounter, when we were there a year ago you could just walk up to the wall and reach in. Now it looks like you have to stand in line and then go down a few at a time. We had been to DC a couple of days earlier so didn't look too closely at what was going on, but certainly the whole area is now chained off.

 

[Art&Kim]

The first thing we usually do is come in, make a left and feed the dolphins! This is best first thing in the morning as they are hungry and more energetic. The crowd does get heavy fast. After that we backtrack a bit and pet the stingrays. Then venture into the rest of the park and enjoy!

 

[SharonLowe]

Sea World has lots of shows and if you want to fit them all in on one day, it will take a full day. The Sea World site has good planning tools so you can see in advance when the shows are playing. Use that to decide when you want to arrive. Even if you get there early, it isn't a Disney rush around feeling or park. But it is big and there is tons to do so you should plan accordingly. As for Discovery Cove, the whole day is relaxing so getting there early doesn't feel bad. The advantage of getting there early is that you usually get an early dolphin swim time so they are fresher. You can always rest on the beach or lounge around eating lunch. It definitely is worth a whole day there.

 

[sbplayer2410]

when i was at SW last august, the dolphin part wasnt chained up, you could just walk right up and pet them, or feed them. i dont know if they changed it since then though, im going back there for camp in july, im wicked excited

 

[RabFlmom]

Yes it has changed. They have divided it. If you buy food and are going to feed them you are in one area. If you don't you are only allowed in areas that usually don't have the dolphins coming too close to the sides.

I am wondering how much the incidents of the kids being bitten by the dolphin have to do with the change. It makes it easier for employees to control the crowd in the area and to supervise the people who do get up close to the dolphins.

We have not tried to feed or just go watch the dolphins there since they changed it. The lines seem to be way long for both and I guess I wouldn't even consider just going to see them now. Pretty much have to buy food to interract with them.

Anyone who has been there and fed or just watched can you post your experience and how the new method works?

 

[sbplayer2410]

yes, i would really like to know more about this, i am going in july, and hope i will get to pet them and everything, but i am going with the camp, so the campers get to do a lot more than just regular visitors, like we get to feed them and talk to the trainers and everything, so i know i will get to interact with them

 

[Soupermom]

Can someone give more info on the "e-ticket" rides at SW? I haven't been in 15 years so all will be new to me. I love BTMRR, SpM, and can handle Space Mountain at WDW. Nothing spinning for me...no teacups, MS, RnRC, etc. What should I avoid at SW? TIA

 

[robvia]

There's really only 5 rides at SWF.
Kracken - Roller Coaster
JTA - Like Splash Mountain
Polar Bear - Simulator (do walk thru only)
Sky Tower - Have to pay extra - goes way up high.
Shamu Coaster - Kiddie coaster, yet adults can ride it.

If I had to tell anyone a ride to avoid, it would be the polar bear simulator because it can make people sick. Simulators trick the brain into thinking you are going a direction you are not. They have a walk thru where you sit, watch the movie, then head towards the polar bears. The people on the simulator get shook up like rocks in a tumbler watching the same exact movie. Most people who have seen the move rush thru to the exit and skip it. Or you can walk backwards thru the gift shop if you want to skip everything all together.

 

[highlander447]

I agree the simulator is pretty rough, also the 31st will have the latin music festival as well for u to enjoy

 

[sbplayer2410]

i loved the simulator! it was so much fun, especially the little "surprise" but i did almost lose my sunglasses on it