My "Dine with Shamu" review

[pjlla]

We had our Dinner with Shamu on Sunday, 1/18/04. The day started out very cool and rainy, but cleared up about 1pm and was sunny and reasonably warm the rest of the day. We were told that our dinner was to be at 4:30pm and we were to arrive at 4:15pm. We arrived exactly at 4:15 pm (keep in mind it is a LONG hike from the other side of the park!), and there were many others already sitting and eating. They took a picture of us in front of the tank first (of course I looked terrible due to "rain hair" from the a.m.). Then we were seated right beside the tank (I had requested 'first row' when I made the reservation). We had time to get drinks and fill our plates before the "show" began. It really is just a long explaination of the training techniques, etc that they use. They place 3 trainers around the perimeter of the tank and the animals swim around and show off different things they are learning. It was not a show in the same way that they do the "shamu show" during the day. Very few, if any, of those big flips and splashes. But there is the possibility of getting wet! And the animals were right near by as they swam around the perimeter of the tank. I was hoping for a few more photo ops, but we did get some good pictures. Unfortunately, I had accidentally turned on the video camera in the backpack earlier in the day, so our battery was completely dead, so no video!! I was so sad!

The buffet, I thought, was very good. The kids selection included mac/cheese, mac/marinara sauce, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, fruit. The adult selection included a beef dish, chicken with almonds and cucumber (warm), seafood creole, rice pilaf, roasted veggie/potatoe dish, veggie pasta alfredo, ceasar salad, tossed salad, bread. Kids were able to eat from adult buffet and vice versa. Dinner price included soft drinks and alcoholic beverages as well. There was a pitcher of water and a pitcher of lemonade waiting on the table when we arrived. Dessert was just okay, but good enough for the kids. Pudding (two types), chocolate mousse, rice krispie squares, brownies, large chocolate-covered whale-shaped cookies, cupcakes. We were able to eat, see the show, have dessert, and still make it to the closing show in Shamu Stadium at 5:30pm.

All in all, it is certainly an expensive dinner alternative, but the food was fresh and good and we did get to see the animals up close, so I would say it was worth it for that. But if you don't have a great desire to see the animals up close, it would certainly behoove you to have dinner elsewhere, as it is quite pricey. Be sure to request "front row" it you are doing this. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask! ..........................................P

 

[Big V]

Thanks for all your up to date info on SeaWorld! We'll be there in February and it's my DD's favorite park!

 

[RobinMarie]

Thanks, your report was perfect timing!

 

[jacksmom]

Thanks for the review! It sounded like fun! I was just wondering if you might have the SW show times? I would really like to try to plan my day before we go. Thanks!

 

[pjlla]

Off the top of my head, I don't have the show times..... there are several different shows (Key West Dolphin Fest, Shamu Show, otter and sea lion show) that are all done several different times during the day. If I find my schedule, I will post the exact times here. But the final show, "Shamu Rocks America" was great and it was at 5:30pm (final show of the day). It ended just about 6pm and we followed the masses out of the park (didn't get out until after 7pm, including some stops for shopping, picking up photos, and 2nd day free tix)...................P

 

[kessieann]

We ate there on 1/23 and your observations are right on the mark. It was a great one time thing to do but we would not do it again. We were at the dolphin tank and got mixed up as to where we were so it was a long hike over to the stadium. We were a bit grumpy when they took our photo LOL!

The food was standard buffet fare. We actually mainly ate off the kids side. My dd loved the mac & cheese and I really enjoyed all the fresh fruit. Dh enjoyed the free wine and I thought the lemonade hit the spot. Dd loved the huge Shamu cookie.

The show portion was not particularly entertaining, more educational. It was neat to go to the underwater viewing area afterwards to see just how huge the whales are.

It was a nice first night activity to do but at the price we paid it would not be worth it to me to go a second time.

 

[highlander447]

Thanks for taking the time to do the reviews

 

[JC Butterfly]

About how many total diners can take advantage of this experience at a time?

If you didn't have "front row" how far away would you be?

Do you have private tables or do you sit with other families that you don't know?

Do you know how far in advance reservations can be made?

Brenda

 

[pjlla]

Front row was right next to the tank (or as close as possible at least, considering the rope fence around it). The only other tables were "second" row, so you would still be very close. As far as I saw, it was only one family/party to a table. The tables seat four each, and they combined tables where necessary.

A rough "guess"timate would be that they could seat about 170 - 200 at a time. But it didn't feel like nearly that many people.

As I recall, I tried to call in September for a January reservation and was told to call back at the beginning of October, so I guess about 4 months in advance.

Hope this helps...............P

 

[Jaime]

Hi pjlla,
Your review was great. We did Dine with Shamu on Jan 22 and it is something I enjoyed but I would not repeat. As you said the buffet was great but I thought it just wasn't magical enough for the amount of money. However a little girl was celebrating her Birthday and they bought out a beautiful cake to her.

 

[pjlla]

Wow.... we had the choice to celebrate my daughter's birthday either at that dinner, or at the CRT bkfst..... suppose I should have chosen to do it with Shamu! When they brought my daughter the cupcake at CRT, the server sang to her and also to a spoon-banging toddler at a table near us. Not too personal! Oh well, live and learn...........P

 

[Puffy2]

Do you get wet at this dinner??

Don't think I'd like that especially.

would you say it is "boring" ? It sounds a little boring by the description...

 

[spiceycat]

Okay I made a reservations - we will be there in March and May - I definitely know about May - so I make the reservation for then.


thanks for the review.

the price isn't that much more than the character dinners at WDW - so that works fine with us.

do you leave a tip??? if you do is it 15 or 20% of the total price?

 

[pjlla]

Not a wet body, but your feet and anything on the floor could get slightly flooded (the animals make these waves as they go around the tank).

Regarding the question about it being boring.........It certainly could be for some. I don't think that my DS (6) was enthralled with it the way my DD (8 1/2) was, but she LOVES the animals. When I offered to print a few trip photos for her to take for show and tell, out of an 8 day trip, she opted to take photos of SeaWorld only! I made her include one of Mickey Mouse!!

Anyhow, if you have no great desire to see these creatures up closer, I would think that you could certainly skip this dinner. It is not as entertaining as a show in the Shamu Stadium would be. You might enjoy the luau dinner show that they offer, or maybe that Shark dinner thing (not too familiar with that one)............P

 

[Minniespal]

Great review ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[DaddyDon]

Thanks i have been thinking about doing this on my daddy daughter trip!!!!!

 

[MouseClubMom]

What is the current pricing for this for adults and children? We have a 5 yr old and a 10 yr old. They have always asked to "dine with Shamu" but we never have.

Thanks!

 

[AlisonB]

It's $32 for adults and $18 for 3-9 year olds (this is without tax).

Here is the link for more info and to book online.

 

[zoeyandmakennasmom]

I just wanted to add that if you are a AAA member you get a 10% discount on dine with Shamu.

 

[pjlla]

Wish I had known that in January!!!............P