First trip to Seaworld! Tips please!

[tms295psu]

We will be visiting Seaworld for the first time @ the end of May (Sunday of Memorial day weekend) And will have kiddos (1 yr & 4 yr) with us. Please send me any tips, suggestions, etc.

We have done Disney numerous times, but never seaworld.

Arrival time suggestions, show suggestions (must see/don't waste the time), Anything to make life with 2 little ones in the park easier?

 

[mjohnson96]

We have 2 also a 9 yr and 2 yr. We have been to SW the last 2 years with them but never for an entire day just because both times was in late June, early July so really hot.

Our kids loved feeding the dolphins and the stingrays. DD 9 loved the Believe Show and the Sea Lion Show. DD 2, it was hard on her to sit still during the shows last year when she was 1. I made sure to sit somewhere where I had easy access to get the heck out of there Both also loved the kids area and we made sure to have time for them to run around some over there in the afternoon.

We will be going again this year and hopefully now that our youngest will be 2.5 she will get a bigger kick out of some of the animals, she loves animals.

I would get there when it first opens and if you want to do the dolphin feeding head over there for the first one since it can get busy. Now, some ppl have mentioned their young ones don't like this activity but mine adored it.

Hope you have lots of fun, we will be there 1 week before you

 

[bas71873]

Have CASH for the animal feedings. So glad I read that tip before our August 2009 trip or I would not have had any as I usuallly don't carry a lot of cash on our trip. I know the dolphin feed was cash only and I think (not 100% positive) the sting rays and sea lions were cash only as well. Also, EVERYONE who enters the dolphin feed section has to pay and will get a tray of food. In other words, you can't just pay for the kiddos and go in with them.

 

[reelmom]

Have CASH for the animal feedings. So glad I read that tip before our August 2009 trip or I would not have had any as I usuallly don't carry a lot of cash on our trip. I know the dolphin feed was cash only and I think (not 100% positive) the sting rays and sea lions were cash only as well. Also, EVERYONE who enters the dolphin feed section has to pay and will get a tray of food. In other words, you can't just pay for the kiddos and go in with them.

I didn't know this. Thanks for the tip.

 

[jjiillee]

Going for the first time in June. how much do the dolphin feedings cost?

 

[chiamarie]

Going for the first time in June. how much do the dolphin feedings cost?

$7 per tray of food. Each person choosing to enter the feeding area must purchase at least one tray of food; except for kids 3 and under (but they also won't get food). So, it's $7 per person.

Someone mentioned to carry cash. Semi good tip. The signs around dolphin cove say cash or travelers check only; but 90% of the time they do accept credit cards; as long as the credit card machine is working. Same goes for all other feeder booths as well. People paying with credit cards also slow down the line incredibly. Their credit card machine looked ancient and did not process very fast at all.

 

[mjohnson96]

Have CASH for the animal feedings. So glad I read that tip before our August 2009 trip or I would not have had any as I usuallly don't carry a lot of cash on our trip. I know the dolphin feed was cash only and I think (not 100% positive) the sting rays and sea lions were cash only as well. Also, EVERYONE who enters the dolphin feed section has to pay and will get a tray of food. In other words, you can't just pay for the kiddos and go in with them.

Actually you are allowed in if you want to take pictures for your kiddos. We have gone every year and the last 2 I have had to juggle baby and camera and asked if I had to get the food and was told no. I don't know if it just happens to be who is there but we have never had an issue with one member of the party not wanting to participate.

 

[Aeiry]

Not to state the obvious, but the Shamu Show- One Ocean is a definite must do, and usually kids are as interested as the parents. Pets Ahoy is usually a good spot for kids too. Features dogs and cats, and is in the Air Conditioning. The Underwater viewing areas of the dolphins, and if it's open, the orcas are awesome spots to hang out for a bit. My biggest thing is to take it slow. There's a lot to do, but not everything is necessary. Don't rush it, if your kids are having an awesome time watching the dolphins, let them stay there for a while. Don't worry so much about getting everything done that nothing is enjoyed.

 

[Beka]

We (me, MIL, DS3, DS1) went this week. I was surprised how busy it was, but then again, there were a lot of elementary schools there.

Here's how we tour:
Get to the park early, before 10 (usually opens at 9, 1st show is at 10). Grab map, head to Whale & Dolphin Theater to catch that show. While waiting, we plan out what shows we want to see & their times.

We then headed to the Seaport Theater to catch the dog & cat show (forgive me, I don't remember names of the shows).

After that, we headed to see Shamu's show.

The Sea Lion & Otter show was closed, as was the penguin exhibit, so we skipped those.

After those 3 shows, we headed to the exhibits we were interested in. We waited in like for the Turtle Trek just to see the manatees & turtles, but skipped the 3D movie d/t the ages of the kids. It would have been nice if they had made a line for those who want to skip the movie. It's kind of nuts to wait 20 minutes to see the manatees. When we were there in '09, hardly anyone was in the manatee area.

We ate lunch at Seafire Inn. It was decent. I remember it being better during our last trip.

We skipped the kids play area, we'll save it for next time. And didn't do any of the rides, due to the kids' ages, and the fact that I'm not into roller coasters much.

 

[KBF]

After that, we headed to see Shamu's show.

Love the picture of the shamu show. Its cool how the whale is positioned on the screen in the background.

 

[Beka]

Love the picture of the shamu show. Its cool how the whale is positioned on the screen in the background.

Thanks! I really liked this show.

 

[blue gatorade]

I absolutely loved the Believe show. The sea lion show didn't seem as exciting... I kind of lost interest during it.
Definitely arrive early and pick what shows you want to see and coordinate them.

 

[andrews_dad]

Elmo Show at Pets Ahoy theatre a must. Pet show there a must, too. When Elmo show is about to end high tail it for the exit, bottom stage left. As you exit the walkpath, peel back to your right. There is a small sign there some folks miss that says something like meet the characters. If you hustle you can be one of first in line to see Elmo and another character (changes who the other is). Also, you can jump into this greet line even if u were not inside the show. Time it to be moving in as the crowd starts to leave.

I've always used CC for dolphin feeds. $1 off for Super Grover members.

4 year old will adore Shamu Happy Harbor. We've spent full days in that area alone. my 3 year old son could live there. seriously. The slides, the climbing nets, the water squirting stuff. great kiddie rides there. go as soon as area opens and have place to self. diaper change and nursing station right there, too. or, go as a shamu show happening and place empties.

don't miss aquarium beneath manta. the kids can pop their heads up "inside" an aquarium for a cute photo op. plus some great up close animals here.

feed the dolphins. do it. worth the extra. go first feeding. u get most interaction, and less crowded. don't blow through the bait too fast. milk it to get the attention from the dolphins. they will stay if u have fish to serve.

take your time. great park. love it there!