Our First Trip Coming Soon

[lawnspecialties]

Please forgive me since I'm about to ask probably the most obvious, overasked question here. But I typically hang out in the Fort Wilderness threads and the DW Attractions threads.

We are heading down to the Fort January 26 and staying until February 6. Since we have APs at DW and are staying longer than we've ever stayed before, we thought it would be a great time to check out SeaWorld or Universal. SeaWorld won out this time and I think my boys will really love it. My wife home-schools them and I think they'll find it really educational and obviously, a lot of fun.

I'm wondering about the basics.

How should I purchase our tickets? At the gate? Online or by phone ahead of time?

I've heard SeaWorld offers a "buy one day, get another free" deal. True?

Should we even devote two days to SeaWorld or will one be adequate?

Are there better days to go than others? I suspect the crowds will be down since it is the middle of off-season but you never know.

I can't think of anything else right now. Any other tips from the SeaWorld pros would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help and input.

 

[wwessing]

Definitely purchase your tickets ahead of time. I would get e-tickets. You should take your single day ticket to the customer service window right inside the gates and get your second day free. Lots of people wait until they leave, but I would do it right when you get there.

We have been planning our Orlando trip for almost a year by this time and I will gladly share my resources with you. I have visited the SeaWorld website many times; I purchased a book called The Other Orlando by Kelly Monaghan (I bought mine online, but in the interest of time, you could get it at your local bookstore - we were just at our local Barnes and Noble today and I noticed that this was one of the best books on the shelf regarding Orlando and non-Disney); I also read lots of old threads here, just to get some ideas. I called and asked SeaWorld to send me an info packet and a park map so we could familiarize ourselves with the park and we drafted an itinerary so we would be certain not to miss the things we really want to see. SeaWorld could probably be done in a day, but you would need to be there from opening to close. In my opinion, SW is one of the best parks in Orlando, or anywhere, and definitely deserves two days.

My tips. . . . go to the dolphin feeding area as soon as you get into the park. Purchase fish and feed the dolphins. Call at 8:00am on the morning of your visit and make priority seating ressies for Sharks Underwater Grill for lunch on your first day. Get to the shows 30 minutes early for good seats.

Hope this has been helpful.

 

[earthfaries]

Please forgive me since I'm about to ask probably the most obvious, overasked question here. But I typically hang out in the Fort Wilderness threads and the DW Attractions threads.

We are heading down to the Fort January 26 and staying until February 6. Since we have APs at DW and are staying longer than we've ever stayed before, we thought it would be a great time to check out SeaWorld or Universal. SeaWorld won out this time and I think my boys will really love it. My wife home-schools them and I think they'll find it really educational and obviously, a lot of fun.

We also homeschool and are going to WDW next Thursday. We have been 5 times since our first visit in 2003 and are also excited because we are going to SeaWorld for the first time during this vacation. I know tons about Disney, but knew nothing about SW until I started researching 3 months ago. I have read 2 books on SW and Orlando and done LOTS of research on the old threads here on the SW board. I feel really secure about going now, and hope I can help

I'm wondering about the basics.

How should I purchase our tickets? At the gate? Online or by phone ahead of time?

Ahead of time! We used a code for 25% off our tickets and printed them off online. I can post the link here later tonight

I've heard SeaWorld offers a "buy one day, get another free" deal. True?

Yes they do. Before you leave you trade in your day ticket at the return booth and they give you a new one for the next day for free!
Should we even devote two days to SeaWorld or will one be adequate?

I would go for two. If you really want to see everything and not be rushed like crazy def. two days.

Are there better days to go than others? I suspect the crowds will be down since it is the middle of off-season but you never know.

During the week is always better but it won't be like Disney even on the weekends

I can't think of anything else right now. Any other tips from the SeaWorld pros would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help and input. [/QUOTE]

Arrive at the shows at least 30 minutes early to get good seats. Try to avoid the exhibits around the shows before and after the shows as they are more crowded. Also, if you are going to go on either of the two big rides, hit those first thing.

 

[earthfaries]

Hi there again. I have a link to the Sea World page where you enter the code to get more than 25% off. There have been numerous threads on the codes and it is no problem using it. You just print the coupon off at home and then scan it when you get to SW, you don't even have to talk to a person and it is quick and easy.

http://commerce.4adventure.com/store/promotions.asp and enter the code
southwestairlines

That will save you A LOT of money and you still get your second day free

 

[lawnspecialties]

Wow. What a deal.

Now my only concern is of course, I don't work for Southwest. I'm sitting here thinking when we get to the gate, they're going to want to see my Southwest ID and the next thing you know, I'm out $176.

Have you done this deal with no problems? Thanks again for the information.

 

[earthfaries]

Wow. What a deal.

Now my only concern is of course, I don't work for Southwest. I'm sitting here thinking when we get to the gate, they're going to want to see my Southwest ID and the next thing you know, I'm out $176.

Have you done this deal with no problems? Thanks again for the information.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1673195
That is the link to a thread started asking the same question. It is just one of many, believe me, with 6 tickets to buy I wanted to make sure first!!! I have read numerous reports of people using them and no problems. With the e-tickets you go through a scanner gate and don't even talk with anyone. It actually doesn't even say southwestairlines on the tickets so no, no problems

 

[TinkerSouthernBelle]

Hi,

I was lurking on this thread as the OP asked exactly what I needed to ask.
I just tried to purchase 2 adult & 2 child tickets with the southwestairlines code and it doesn't change my total $$.

I'm sure its obvious but what am I doing wrong???

I entered the code and it "go" and it brings up info about the code. Then at the bottom it tells me to enter the code and press go again. Which I did but still I'm getting no discount. HELP!!!

Thank you : )

 

[lawnspecialties]

Click on the link in post #4. Enter "southwestairlines" as the code and submit. Then click Seaworld Orlando under tickets. That will allow you to do what you want.

 

[lawnspecialties]

It appears today they've stopped this promotion at Orlando SeaWorld.

 

[earthfaries]

It appears today they've stopped this promotion at Orlando SeaWorld.

Did you get tickets before it stopped working?

There is another code that still works...it's for 15% off which is better than nothing it's boeing

 

[dizzi]

It is a great experience and the Dinner is really very good!

We highly enjoyed it!

We were worried at first becasue we had waited so long to book we thougth we would get bad seats but we didnt we got really good seats and it is a very cool show!

feed the dolphins and DO NOT SKIMp on what you buy it will be gone sooner than you think and you will want more!

WE SPENT $40 on food for the DOLPHINs we already had this budgeted and knew we would spend his much!!!!!!