Itinerary Question!!

[pjfnme]

Hello!!! I am almost finished planning my trip out for the first two weeks in May and had a question for those who might know!! It looks like I am going to be limited to 3 days that will be open to go to Seaworld. I have been told that it will not take more than a day to visit...soooo....if you had to choose,
would you pick a Friday, Saturday or Sunday??

Please rank them for me if you don't mind!!! I have alternatives for each day so, I want to see what would be the 1st choice, 2nd and 3rd for Seaworld. Thanks again for humoring my type A personality!!!

 

[medusa2468]

I've done a lot of reading (and made calls) since I'll be arriving May 7th. Numerous sources say weekdays are best for less crowds - that while a lot of kids are still in school, Saturday and Sunday are still very busy with locals. Of your choices, I've been told Friday is best, then Sunday, then Saturday last.
Orlando was 2003 last for me, but I live in San Diego and visit our SeaWorld a lot, including having the annual pass. If you're traveling with young kids, or a senior, and really want to enjoy the park and see most or all of it, I'd be surprised if you can see everything in one day without rushing or looking at your watch all day. (And this is one Type-A to another.)
If you go early and stay late, don't mind feeling rushed sometimes, don't need to see it all, okay on the kid front (none, or not easily exhausted), won't arrive 30 minutes early for every show, won't do all the rides so not much time standing in line (like for the coaster), then yes, one day may do it. There are quite a number of shows, and the problem is they're all really good, so it can be hard to decide which ones not to see. Then, throw in the shark exhibit... some people I know rush right through (once you get inside), but others (including me) stay in there for quite a while so it can be a time waster. For Shamu, definitely arrive way early for that show.
Anyway, bottom line, to really enjoy the park, I'd suggest rethinking doing it in one day, or shoot for one day but have a backup day if you find you need a second day. Friday would be my suggestion based on what I've been told, especially given that one of our weeks will overlap so we're actually looking at the same time frame.
Good luck, and hope you have a blast!

 

[RabFlmom]

The park may have shorter hours with less shows available for each show at that time of year, too. We were there on Friday last week. The park closed at 6. Some of the shows like Oddesey and Shamu Show only had 2 shows to choose from. Clyde, Blue Horizons, and Pets Ahoy only had 3 shows and some were offered at same times as others or while you would be in one of the others. You have to get the schedule as you enter the park, plan out which shows you will aim for, when you will eat lunch, and what to do like feeding the dolphins, sea lions, playtime in the playground, special tours etc. between shows. We were not able to see all the shows. We didn't do the paddle boats or ride the coaster or water rides. We didn't do a special tour or even go in the Penquin exhibit. We had a great time though. Of course we will be back for Bud and BBQ so know what we didn't do we can do on another visit.
I would say choose the day when the park stays open latest. Hope they have the Shamu rocks show and the fireworks. Look for what special events are happening at the park to see if there is something going on that you would like to do. And if you have fun and need more time in the park stop at the window and get the return ticket upgrade.

 

[snoopy_mom]

I agree with medusa, we found 2 days was the way to go. We went with a 5 and 7 y/o a few years ago and rushed to see what we wanted. Went again last August and spent 2 awesome, relaxing days with an 8 and 10 y/o. You could see people rushing from show to show. My daughter loves manatees, we spent an hour in that exhibit. It was nice to let her stay as long as she wanted. Same with my son and the penguin exhibit.