How long should we plan at SW?

[mshanson3121]

I'm just wondering realistically how long we should plan on being at SW on a Saturday in June, probably a 10 am arrival, if we want to do the following:

- One Ocean show (how long are the shows)
- Blue Horizons show
- Pets Ahoy
- See all the exhibits
- Do the new Dolphin Encounter (about 10 minutes)

Those are the only things that will really be must-dos, SW for us will be about the animals. However, we may do a few rides:

- Antarctica
- Paddle Boats
- Happy Harbor area

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Do you have all day at your disposal? If so, I'd do an open-to-close visit....because there's lots to see and do for the whole family.

Not on your list that I would add.....the new Sea Lion High (show). Does your June visit fall on the Summer Nights special event days? If so, plan to see both the daytime shows and the night time ones....they are different experiences and both worthwhile watches!

Shows are generally 20-30 minutes in length. That said, if the park is busy, you will want to arrive 30 minutes or more in advance of the show times to get good seats.

From someone who has been there, done that, skip the paddle boats. Difficult to maneover and excessively tiring. We did them on our first vist and vowed never again.

Instead of the paddle boats, I would highly recommend the SkyTower and Turtle Trek. Turtle Trek has some great turtle viewing in the queue (and there's a SW staffer on hand to answer questions, give interesting tidbits of info, etc.) and SkyTower has GREAT view of the park. Both excellent for non-thrill-seekers too.

Another suggestion if your visit is all about the animals: feed the sting rays. Its a very unique experience!!!

 

[mshanson3121]

We can't do an open to close day, as the kids would be shot (special needs). I would say we'll have 6 hours in park, max. I would love to do that night time show, it looks great, but we're really trying to minimize late nights.

 

[TwoMisfits]

You will want to grab your show schedule and go from there. For example, if you went today and arrived at 10am, you would hit Pets Ahoy at 10:45am, immediately head to One Ocean at 12pm, and then go to Blue Horizons at 1:30pm or much more likely 3pm (so you can have lunch for an hour and see some of your desired exhibits for 90 minutes or so)...that would get you done in 6 hours and get you lunch and a few exhibits (I didn't see what kind of back tracking and walking you'd have to do, though)...you would need more time in your schedule to do rides...

 

[mshanson3121]

You will want to grab your show schedule and go from there. For example, if you went today and arrived at 10am, you would hit Pets Ahoy at 10:45am, immediately head to One Ocean at 12pm, and then go to Blue Horizons at 1:30pm or much more likely 3pm (so you can have lunch for an hour and see some of your desired exhibits for 90 minutes or so)...that would get you done in 6 hours and get you lunch and a few exhibits (I didn't see what kind of back tracking and walking you'd have to do, though)...you would need more time in your schedule to do rides...

How soon will they put out their June show schedule? So far it only shows me to the end of March

 

[momto2js]

Look at the time during spring break and find the days with hours close to the day you are planning to visit. The show schedules don't change much but are aligned with the hours they are open. This will give you a good idea of what to expect.