Negative Seaworld?
- Thread starter Enright78
- Start date
tatty? Not on my last visit.
will you be dissapointed is a little more difficult question to answer as an outsider. SW is one of my favourite parks , it has some great shows, good exibits and interactions with the animals and some pretty tidy rollercoasters, but if you're not fussed about wildlife in general or sealife in particular then you may not be as entertained as I am.
will you be dissapointed is a little more difficult question to answer as an outsider. SW is one of my favourite parks , it has some great shows, good exibits and interactions with the animals and some pretty tidy rollercoasters, but if you're not fussed about wildlife in general or sealife in particular then you may not be as entertained as I am.
Minniespal
<img src="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis-sponsor/image
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2003
- Messages
- 52,308
It is certainlly not tatty. I'm not sure if it is due to the opening of Discovery Cove or that Seaworld is moving towards a thrill/animal park like Busch Gardens but I just felt last Year when we visited that it wasn't the park it used to be. Shamu is still wonderful but the food at this park is disgusting. We had a hotdog whilst watching Shamu and I had one bite out of it and through it in the bin. I would certainly go and make up your own mind.
I was under the impression that Sea World has opened, or will be opening, a whole new section of the park with better restaurants and shops.
I must admit, last time we went there the food choice was limited. It still tasted nice though, and that's the main thing after all!!!!
Seaworld is great, it's a MUST DO!!
Julian
I must admit, last time we went there the food choice was limited. It still tasted nice though, and that's the main thing after all!!!!
Seaworld is great, it's a MUST DO!!
Julian
allie5
<font color=blue>WARNING! DHL men should be cautio
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2002
- Messages
- 1,572
We always enjoy a day at Sea World and I definately wouldnt describe the park as "tatty" in anyway. In fact, a lot of it is fairly new. It depends on what you want from the day, but most tastes are covered., from thrill rides, shows and kids play centres.
Im not a huge fan of "animal shows", but, Sea World does seem to put a lot of emphasis on rehabilitation and breeding (the Manatees here, for example, are badly scarred and have been rescued). There is a tremendous amount to learn from all the animals here, and at no point did I feel uncomfortable like I have done at other zoos. Its a very clean and tidy environment., with knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.
As far as the food.....we often eat at the Bimini Bay Cafe and its always been pretty good. There are more restaurants opening, but at the end of the day, you are 5 minutes from all the places on I-Drive to eat if you dont want what Sea World has to offer!
I would be interested to hear if any one as experienced "Dine With Shamu" or the new Terrors of the deep" restaurant???
Hope that helps!
Allie.
Im not a huge fan of "animal shows", but, Sea World does seem to put a lot of emphasis on rehabilitation and breeding (the Manatees here, for example, are badly scarred and have been rescued). There is a tremendous amount to learn from all the animals here, and at no point did I feel uncomfortable like I have done at other zoos. Its a very clean and tidy environment., with knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.
As far as the food.....we often eat at the Bimini Bay Cafe and its always been pretty good. There are more restaurants opening, but at the end of the day, you are 5 minutes from all the places on I-Drive to eat if you dont want what Sea World has to offer!
I would be interested to hear if any one as experienced "Dine With Shamu" or the new Terrors of the deep" restaurant???
Hope that helps!
Allie.
Was at Seaworld last month, last visited there in 1994 and it was just as magical now as it was then - one of my favourite parks and a great opposite to the Disney parks. Go, you will enjoy it. Food was a bit of an issue in that we had to queue for ages, but it was a very busy day there as it was during the American's spring break and loads of homeland visitors were around.
rob@rar.org.uk
Skiing is best, Mickey comes next
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2000
- Messages
- 1,877
I'm very firmly in the "Didn't Enjoy our Day at Seaworld" camp. The conditions of some of the animal enclosures made me feel a little uncomfortable, the park seemed too spread out and incoherent, the choice of food was poor (especially for a vegetarian) and it generally didn't seem to come up to the very high standards set by the other attractions in Orlando.
Having said that, I have no doubt that animal welfare is the highest priority for Seaworld, and my other criticisms are personal preference rather than anything else. We visited Seaworld because we had a free ticket from our day at Discovery Cove, and I guess we'll not return unless we get another free ticket! There were a few outstanding aspects (Shamu, Kraken and Atlantis) but as there are equally wonderful attractions elsewhere in Orlando we won't miss the Seaworld highlights becuase we'll be busy doing other stuff.
Hope my opinion isn't too unknowledgeable for peewakio's approval...
Regards
Rob
Having said that, I have no doubt that animal welfare is the highest priority for Seaworld, and my other criticisms are personal preference rather than anything else. We visited Seaworld because we had a free ticket from our day at Discovery Cove, and I guess we'll not return unless we get another free ticket! There were a few outstanding aspects (Shamu, Kraken and Atlantis) but as there are equally wonderful attractions elsewhere in Orlando we won't miss the Seaworld highlights becuase we'll be busy doing other stuff.
Hope my opinion isn't too unknowledgeable for peewakio's approval...
Regards
Rob
kevin harrison
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2003
- Messages
- 1,468
Let me explain my tatty remarks about Sea World. The last time we visited Sea World, I felt very uncomforatble with some of the animal enclosures.
OK so the park was clean and tidy, and the major attractions were fine but some of the lesser atractions - for example the penguin enclosure was incredibly cramped for that many penguins and the artic section was woeful and very dirty.
We spent the whole day there from 6.30am as we paid to swim with the Dolphins. We got on well and spent the whole morning with a particular trainer there called Dan and he himself told us that a few of the staff were concerned that more money was being directed towards the new attractions eg:- Kraken and not towards the general upkeep of the animals.
Sorry peewakio if this was too unknowledgeable for you.
Kev.
OK so the park was clean and tidy, and the major attractions were fine but some of the lesser atractions - for example the penguin enclosure was incredibly cramped for that many penguins and the artic section was woeful and very dirty.
We spent the whole day there from 6.30am as we paid to swim with the Dolphins. We got on well and spent the whole morning with a particular trainer there called Dan and he himself told us that a few of the staff were concerned that more money was being directed towards the new attractions eg:- Kraken and not towards the general upkeep of the animals.
Sorry peewakio if this was too unknowledgeable for you.
Kev.
I have never been disappointed at Seaworld (except when it started to rain and didn't stop the last time we were there).
The Shamu Show is a must and personally I found that more emotional than walking up Main Street in MK for the first time.
The only thing I can remember from my last visit that I didn't think was up to scratch was the sea lion area. It was more like something you would find in a zoo in the UK.
On the whole though its a great day out and it's more relaxing than the other parks.
The Shamu Show is a must and personally I found that more emotional than walking up Main Street in MK for the first time.
The only thing I can remember from my last visit that I didn't think was up to scratch was the sea lion area. It was more like something you would find in a zoo in the UK.
On the whole though its a great day out and it's more relaxing than the other parks.
Red-Snapper
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2003
- Messages
- 805
A visit to Sea World makes a nice change of pace from the other parks.
We always go on our first day as it is a nice relaxing way to start but we are not in any way animal/sealife fanatics.
Went last June and didnt notice anything tatty - but the penguin area was in the dark as it was simulating the natural Artic winter at the time !!
As mentioned above we usually eat at Bimini Bay which has always been fine. Also as mentioned above there is a whole re-vamped area of shops and restaurants opening shortly (if not already) and this follows the whole Key West area of the park which was expanded during the last few years.
I would agree with the person who said it can be a bit spreadout but this is only because to get the most out of the day you need to plan around the various showtimes in the main stadiums which can sometimes mean a bit of back-tracking. If however you have all day then you can plan just to meander around - the paths basically criss-cross around the central lake and end up back at the entrance.
I would suggest you give it a go.
We always go on our first day as it is a nice relaxing way to start but we are not in any way animal/sealife fanatics.
Went last June and didnt notice anything tatty - but the penguin area was in the dark as it was simulating the natural Artic winter at the time !!
As mentioned above we usually eat at Bimini Bay which has always been fine. Also as mentioned above there is a whole re-vamped area of shops and restaurants opening shortly (if not already) and this follows the whole Key West area of the park which was expanded during the last few years.
I would agree with the person who said it can be a bit spreadout but this is only because to get the most out of the day you need to plan around the various showtimes in the main stadiums which can sometimes mean a bit of back-tracking. If however you have all day then you can plan just to meander around - the paths basically criss-cross around the central lake and end up back at the entrance.
I would suggest you give it a go.
Sorry to tell you but Bimini Bay has closed permanently.
However, we enjoyed the sandwiches at the Anhauser Busch Hospitality Center - you can sit at a table outside the Center or in the A/C comfort inside and get a sample of the beer from there too.
However, we enjoyed the sandwiches at the Anhauser Busch Hospitality Center - you can sit at a table outside the Center or in the A/C comfort inside and get a sample of the beer from there too.
mike230652
This'll do 'til I think of something witty to say.
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2000
- Messages
- 414
We always enjoy SeaWorld and visit at least twice every holiday.
Cannot agree at all about the penguins..........their enclosure is no way " incredibly cramped " Penguins are gregarious creatures but like their own space...if they were cramped together they'd be fighting and arguing continually.
We also did the Polar Tour last time we were in Florida which included a visit " backstage " to see & stroke the penguins , since my DS ( 9 ) adores them. The areas were huge, with medical facilities and seperate enclosures for invalids and the penguins were obviously well looked after. The place was spotless.
As to diverting money into attractions, this will get the theme park crowds to part with their cash which can only help Seaworld in its objectives i.e rescue and care of mannatee. The area for the mannatee is again huge and very well looked after.
I'm no fan of zoos, but regard Seaworld as an entirely different scenario, allie5 hit the nail on the head about Seaworld being a place to learn about animals
I'd thoroughly recommend SW to anyone for a great day........but it does get very busy at week-ends.
As a last comment on SW , Callum ( DS ) fell ill at the park during our 2000 visit and had to lie on a bench. Within 30 seconds a medic arrived complete with wheelchair, cool compresses , etc. and absolutely saved the day. This, more than anything, speaks volumes to me about SW.
mike230652
Cannot agree at all about the penguins..........their enclosure is no way " incredibly cramped " Penguins are gregarious creatures but like their own space...if they were cramped together they'd be fighting and arguing continually.
We also did the Polar Tour last time we were in Florida which included a visit " backstage " to see & stroke the penguins , since my DS ( 9 ) adores them. The areas were huge, with medical facilities and seperate enclosures for invalids and the penguins were obviously well looked after. The place was spotless.
As to diverting money into attractions, this will get the theme park crowds to part with their cash which can only help Seaworld in its objectives i.e rescue and care of mannatee. The area for the mannatee is again huge and very well looked after.
I'm no fan of zoos, but regard Seaworld as an entirely different scenario, allie5 hit the nail on the head about Seaworld being a place to learn about animals
I'd thoroughly recommend SW to anyone for a great day........but it does get very busy at week-ends.
As a last comment on SW , Callum ( DS ) fell ill at the park during our 2000 visit and had to lie on a bench. Within 30 seconds a medic arrived complete with wheelchair, cool compresses , etc. and absolutely saved the day. This, more than anything, speaks volumes to me about SW.
mike230652
Aceman88888
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2003
- Messages
- 198
Was at seaworld last week. A few comments:
1. Food (which I tried) was appalling.
2. Atlantis & observation tower were not working. Atlantis is closed for re-hab (new track I think) until early June.
3. Only watched Shamu show as I'd seen the others 4 years ago
4. Don't bother with the polar expedition 'helicopter' ride as it's really a ripoff of startours at Disney MGM. Take the walkthrough instead and save 30 mins.
5. Park is worth visiting just for Kraken IMO if you like coasters. This is one of the best coasters in Florida with absolutely no Q's
6. Only visit if you get a flexticket or free ticket as I do not think the on-gate price is reasonable at all.
7. Free beer in hospitality center is very nice indeed. Why can't we have more parks run by beer conglomorates ;-). Imagine a Stella Artoisland ;-)
1. Food (which I tried) was appalling.
2. Atlantis & observation tower were not working. Atlantis is closed for re-hab (new track I think) until early June.
3. Only watched Shamu show as I'd seen the others 4 years ago
4. Don't bother with the polar expedition 'helicopter' ride as it's really a ripoff of startours at Disney MGM. Take the walkthrough instead and save 30 mins.
5. Park is worth visiting just for Kraken IMO if you like coasters. This is one of the best coasters in Florida with absolutely no Q's
6. Only visit if you get a flexticket or free ticket as I do not think the on-gate price is reasonable at all.
7. Free beer in hospitality center is very nice indeed. Why can't we have more parks run by beer conglomorates ;-). Imagine a Stella Artoisland ;-)
Ace said
.
Which of the restaurants did you try at SW? The "Waterfront sandwich grill" is about the only one I've not thought was as good or better than the Disney offerings. Counter service can always be a bit of a gamble, depending on how much "flow" the restaurant has had, but I've always thought "Mango Joes" was one of the more imaginative and higher end counter service places in all the Themeparks I've visited.
I can't agree with you about the "rip off" element. The only "justification" for the comment is that all simulators offer the same basic "experience" i.e. you're basically in a box that moves about to "simulate" movement". The helicopter ride at SW is no more a "rip off" of Startours than Startours is a rip off of Back to the Future at Universal or any other simulator that preceded them. There is only a limited amount of things a simulator can make you think you're doing, turning right, left, moving up or down anything extra is down to the "theme" of the ride and I don't see the parallel of a trip through the arctic to see wildlife to a trip in space to destroy a "death Star" , maybe I missed something LOL
. Which of the restaurants did you try at SW? The "Waterfront sandwich grill" is about the only one I've not thought was as good or better than the Disney offerings. Counter service can always be a bit of a gamble, depending on how much "flow" the restaurant has had, but I've always thought "Mango Joes" was one of the more imaginative and higher end counter service places in all the Themeparks I've visited.
Rob and Kev,
On reflection I understand that the use of the word unknowledgable was flippant and slightly over the mark, for that I apologise, however I'll stand by my statement that people should not be deterred from enjoying one of the worlds greatest theme parks and conservation centres due to the remarks of people who didn't enjoy their day to the full and felt the need to find fault.
Enright78, I think you should definetely give it a whirl.
On reflection I understand that the use of the word unknowledgable was flippant and slightly over the mark, for that I apologise, however I'll stand by my statement that people should not be deterred from enjoying one of the worlds greatest theme parks and conservation centres due to the remarks of people who didn't enjoy their day to the full and felt the need to find fault.
Enright78, I think you should definetely give it a whirl.
rob@rar.org.uk
Skiing is best, Mickey comes next
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2000
- Messages
- 1,877
Thanks for that peewakio.
I agree that people should not be deterred from doing something they think they might enjoy just because other people didn't like it. In addition to being a good source of facts, this board is also a great source of opinions. These help me make up my mind about different things in Orlando, so it's good to have a range of opinions from a number of people all of whom have different tastes. We just need to be careful that we don't get our 'facts' and our 'opinions' mixed up, otherwise we'll all be in trouble!
Regards
Rob
I agree that people should not be deterred from doing something they think they might enjoy just because other people didn't like it. In addition to being a good source of facts, this board is also a great source of opinions. These help me make up my mind about different things in Orlando, so it's good to have a range of opinions from a number of people all of whom have different tastes. We just need to be careful that we don't get our 'facts' and our 'opinions' mixed up, otherwise we'll all be in trouble!
Regards
Rob
-
Massive Number of Attractions Unexpectedly Closed at Disney World
-
Best and Worst From the First Day of EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival at Disney World
-
Returning to Disney? 5 Modern Trends That Will Drive You Mad
-
New The Beak and Barrel-Themed Pirate Loot in Disney World's Magic Kingdom
-
Your Guide to Universal Halloween Horror Nights Tickets 2025
-
Can I Plan a Special Occasion Celebration on a Disney Cruise Line Sailing?
-
Inside TERRIFIER: The Most Gore-Filled House at Halloween Horror Nights
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
