Lunch with Shamu a bummer 5/06

[Disbound]

We just returned from FL yesterday and I just have to do a quick comment on our "Lunch with Shamu". I had seen a report just before we left that said it wasn't up to snuff, but since I had already booked it, I figured we'd give it a shot. We have never dined with Shamu before so I really don't have anything as a comparison but I have to agree whole heartedly with the bad report another Disboarder sent in. We were allowed in at 1:15 for a 1:30 show time. The food was OK and plentiful, I wasn't expecting fine dining or anything, the servers (who were on a mission pushing the beer!!) were very pleasant, but the length of the show was just rediculous. We hadn't even finished eating, and we were in the beginning of the pack led in, and the "show" started. The time viewing Shamu lasted all of 20 minutes. Shamu did come very close to the table but we were shocked when the trainer said it was through. My daughter looked at me stunned asking "was that it?". The next Making of Believe show started at 2:15 and people were filing out before 2:00 to get seats. We really felt the whole thing was very expensive for what we got. In hindsight, the best plan would have been seeing "the Making of Believe" to get our Shamu viewing, having lunch elsewhere in the park and pocketing the $100.

 

[deanie119]

Thank you for this!!!!
I was seriously thinking about doing it, but with my tight budget, I'm glad i know before hand

 

[Disbound]

You are very welcome!! I did want to add that the Believe show and the new Horizons show were absolutely fantastic! We also got the tickets at the discounted price (someone else put the details on here, go to the website and the code word was "pepsi") and had them stamped on our way out the first day. It is a window on the way out on the right, I can't remember what it was called but guest services told us where, I'm not sure but I thought that promo ran through end of May?? They then gave us a new pass that allowed us to come and go at Sea World for the next 6 days! We did the park 3 different times, mostly 1/2 days or 3/4 days... we got there early and when it became hot or too crowed we left for the pool and returned the next day. It was a very relaxing way to see the park and we saw just about everything...a few things twice!! Be sure to check the daily park maps when you enter, the time for some of the shows change slightly mid week and unfortunatly we did miss out on one show we wanted to see again by 1/2 hour. Hope this helps further and hope you have a great time!

 

[deanie119]

It's great to hear your advice!!
By chance have you,or anyone, visited the Shark resturant?(not sure if thats the exact name!)
Any opinions would be great!

 

[Disbound]

We did not try the shark restaurant but had intended to this trip.. I had asked the same question here before I left and someone got back to me and said it was better than the one at the Living Seas in Epcot (which we had done twice before) and highly recommended it. We did poke our heads in and saw the fish tank wall and it looked awesome. You can also get a peek into the restaurant windows when exiting the exibit that is there. The windows are on the right side as you head out. We were told when we got there that you must be a seasons pass holder to call for advance reservations. If you aren't a seasons pass holder you must go to the podium at 10:00 the day of and make your reservations then. We knew we were coming back the next day with the great deal on free re-entry but they wouldn't book it. We tried one day to get in late afternoon and there was already an hour wait by about 3pm. Good luck!

 

[jennydep]

We ate dinner with Shamu on 5/4 and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our seating was at 4:30. Our kids were enthralled by it all. The food was good and the servers were very pleasant with us also. The trainer came over and answered questions after the meal. He was very good with the kids.

 

[froggi]

We Dined with Shamu on 5/6 at 4:30 and we had a fabulous time. To us, it was well worth the extra $100 we had piad for it.

 

[tashasmum]

We have dined with Shamu on two occasions. The first experience was when they had only just started to do it so we thought we would take my father the following year for his birthday. First year was great, limited number of tables and you could see everything but the second year we went was horrendous. There were so many tables squashed in it was chaotic. The kids were really disappointed because you couldn't see and no room to try and get to the water's edge for a closer look.Although there was nothing wrong with the food and we were not rushed the whole place was way too crowded.

 

[Zsa Zsa]

I was looking at the SW website, and they have "Dining with Shamu" but the time available says "1st Seating", so it doesn't give a time. Is Dining with Shamu a lunch or dinner? I called SW, but they said they couldn't give me a time until the vacation is closer. We're going 20-July-06.

Is the Believe show only for people who dine with Shamu or can you see it without?

Sounds like it used to be a good experience, but is too crowded now. Are they just getting too greedy, and booking too many people at a seating?

Thanks,

 

[jennydep]

Our meal was at 4:30 on May 4. We were also told we would get our seating time when we checked in upon our arrival at the park. I don't know what times will be like in July when the park will be open later.

Yes, it was crowded, but everyone seemed to be having a good time. Our table was up next to the pool wall. The table next to us (between us and the buffet line) had two little girls at it. They came up and stood next to our table after they ate so they could see. The time we got to spend with the trainer after the meal was great, too.

"Believe" is for everyone. It's the new Shamu show.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and believe it was worth every penny.

Jenny

 

[tashasmum]

On both occasions of dining with Shamu we were able to dine and then go straight into the last show of the day. We had first pick of seats.
If anybody decides to go i personally would ask for a seat around the edge of the water.

 

[Zsa Zsa]

Thanks for your help!

So you eat first (how long?) and then go to the show in a different room (where)? How many people were at the dinner?

You said to ask for a seat at the edge of the water. Is that the same thing as next to the pool wall? I'm trying to evision what the seating looks like? Is it several tables around a round pool?

If you had a choice between dining with Shamu and the Luau, which would you choose and why? I asked my 12 year old daughter, and she said it would be a tough choice, and left it up to me, but I really don't know. Did anyone get any discounts for either of these?

Your comments are well appreciated!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Zsa Zsa, not quite sure why they couldn't give you a time for dinner. I booked for end of November 06 and they gave me a time. I'd call back and speak to someone else.

 

[masterslacker]

Zsa Zsa, not quite sure why they couldn't give you a time for dinner. I booked for end of November 06 and they gave me a time. I'd call back and speak to someone else.

I just booked my Dine w/ Shamu via an e-ticket on the website and it just gave like 1st seating option as well. Should I call to specify a certain time or does that get worked out at the park when you check in?

Thanks.

 

[DTop]

I have "Dined with Shamu" several different times. Once it was at 1:30, once at 4:30, and once at 7:30. I really don't know exactly what the criteria is for the scheduling. It seems to me that if they only have 1 seating for the day (this time of year), it will be at 4:30 and if they have 2 seatings, they'll be 4:30 and 7:30. The 1:30 time was in the springtime (April) and they only had the one seating time, however Shamu's Family Picnic was also available at that time. I think it's probably a matter of staff resources (my guess). Anyway, I have never been disappointed by the experience or the food and intend to do it again, soon.