Is Sea World compared to something like the "GA Aquarium"?

[devotedchristian]

We get to choose 1 Theme Park for our family vacation. For the location of our Resort (The Marriott Grande Vista) I wonder if it makes sense to choose Sea World.

We are a family of 8 travelling together. 4 Adults 4 Kids (Ages 2, 4, 6, 15).

We live 15 minutes away from the GA Aquarium and I'm worried about spending the money on Sea World since they both sound the same.

But, I like the convience of the resort. I've read The Grande Vista is really close to Sea World.

The other "Theme Park Choice" is Disney Quest (the appeal is Indoors). So we would be driving past Sea World to get to Downtown Disney Disney Quest...it may not make sense when a Theme Park is "right there"...

Which would you pick? Disney Quest or Sea World?

 

[gw_lit]

I've not been to the new Georgia Aquarium, although I've told it is awesome by some friends that live in Atlanta, but I would still pick SeaWorld.

I think you'll be disappointed in Disney Quest, especially with the smaller children.

SeaWorld has 2 decent "thrill" rides (Kraken and Journey to Atlantis) for the older child and adults. Plus, the shows are great for all ages. Don't miss Pets Ahoy, it's not a "sea creature" show, but it's really good.

Wild Arctic has a motion simulator ride when going in to the exhibit. The simulator can be bypassed by small kids. You'll get to see Polar Bears, Belugas, Walrus and other cold weather/water creatures there.

You can also feed the dolphins and sting rays in another area of the park.

There's also separate exhibits with sharks, penguins and manatees; plus several smaller exhibits-- coral reef, etc.

Check out SeaWorld's website if you haven't already to get an idea of things there.

And besides, DisneyQuest really isn't a "theme park", I'd label it more an "attraction". SeaWorld is a theme park.

I would definitely pick SeaWorld

 

[DOOM1001]

I would also pick Sea World,I'm sure the Georgia Aquarium is great but Sea World is a real theme park with rides,shows and attractions.However with all the different theme parks in Central Florida why is your decision between Sea World, a great park but if you've done the Georgia Aquarium you might want to do something other than an animal marine park, and Disneyquest which is basically an over glorified arcade.How about doing Busch Gardens, Universal or Disney or one of the area waterparks???

 

[StudiosFan]

I live about an hour from the Ga. aquarium, but have never been. I hold an annual pass to Sea World, but am not that interested in seeing the Ga. aquarium. I can't really comment on what the aquarium is like, but I can tell you that Sea World is on par with anything Disney has to offer and is one of the coolest and most relaxing parks there is.

I first went in 1989 and thought, like most people, that it was probably just a diversion. It's turned out to be one of my 2 favorite parks. If you read some of the guide books, people comment that it was the best part of their vacations.

Again, I know very little about the aquarium, and it seems like it's a nice place to go, but it isn't a theme park and doesn't try to be.

Here are some of my thoughts on Sea World.

It's a really clean and well maintained park. It has some of the most reasonably priced and best food of any of the parks. It's probably also the least stressfull and most well-organized.

And here are a few of tips, if you go.

1) Get there early because your visit will be based around shows and their start-times.

2) When you first enter the park, pick up a park map. It lists showtimes and is invaluable for finding your way around the park.

3) Make sure you get to each show 15-20 minutes early. that sounds like a no-brainer, but at Sea World there are special reasons for this. First, some shows will fill up on busy days. Second, You obviously want to get a good seat. And third, which is most important, a lot of Sea World shows have pre-shows that are great. The mime at the sea Lion show is always a lot of fun to watch. I have taped the pre-shows several times and shown the videos to friends who just howl!

4) If you think you might return, even that week, consider upgrading to an annual pass, which you can do sometimes for the price of, or just a little more than, a one-day pass.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. It's my first post and I thought I might be able to help someone who is considering going there.

That's my long answer, my short answer is this: "No, Sea World is nothing like the Ga. aquarium."

 

[friendnc]

We (my wife, sons 14/11, and I) have been to GA and SW and would recommend SW. GA's nice, but as other posters have said, SW has a lot more. It's a very beautiful, clean park with some the the nicest staff members anywhere. I'm disabled and they've always gone out of their way to be helpful. The shows/exhibits appeal to most everyone and are wonderful (our favorite are Clyde & Seamour, Blue Horizons, and Pets Ahoy!). The rides are a lot of fun, if you like thrill rides as we do. We'll be at US/IOA/SW/BG during the Easter break, and we're really looking forward to it. Have fun and be sure to tell us all about your trip when you get back.

 

[Ware Bears]

Funnily enough, I was chatting on the phone today to a friend who has just been to the GA Aquarium whilst visiting family in Atlanta before going onto Orlando. Although she enjoyed the aquarium, it is not on the same level as Sea World which she visited three times (that says it all!)

 

[Nellas Elensar]

There's also separate exhibits with sharks, penguins and manatees; plus several smaller exhibits-- coral reef, etc.

Sea World doesn't have their aquarium/tidal pool anymore; it was torn down for some reason. The closest thing to a "coral reef" is Journey to Atlantis's aquarium (in its shop).


I would definitely choose SWO. I have never been to the GA Aquarium, but I hear mixed reviews about it.

Nellas elensar

 

[asa'smom]

We went to Ga aquarium in Dec. And to sea world a few years back. Sea World is my vote. Sea world has alot more to offer.