We dined with Shamu today. Actually it wasn't Shamu at all. None of them are actually named Shamu. We learned some very interesting things about killer whales. There were 2 whales in the tank by the dining area with their trainers. Then there was another trainer who had a microphone and was giving us information about the whales. They didn't do their fanciest tricks like you see in the stadium show. It's much more of an intimate setting. But it was neat to be so close to them, at one point literally 5 feet from the oldest and biggest killer whale in any marine habitat in the world. This thing was like 22 feet long and weighed 12,000 pounds.
The food was overall pretty good, although pricey. There was chicken tortilla soup, rolls with butter, turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, pasta primavera, vegetables, and a few other things I can't remember. There was also a separate kids buffet that had chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn, hot dogs, spaghetti and fruit. They also had many desserts to choose from and water and Pepsi pitchers on the table. But you could order beer or another soft drink from your server. The whole thing lasted about an hour.
We enjoyed it and thought it was very interesting, but will probably skip it next time just for the cost issue.
By the way, they are totalling re-doing the Shamu show into something more like Blue Horizons (dolphin show). The set is under construction right now with a huge tail fluke in the center. The show will be called "Believe" and will have it's own orchestra soundtrack and choreographed and new behaviors from the whales and their trainers. The trainers spoke of it a little today and said they were going to integrate more audience involvement in the show. It sounded fabulous and is supposed to open in May.
Now I have to schedule a day during our Disney trip in October to go back to SeaWorld just to see this show!!