Our First Visit - What NOT to do

[jhaig]

We're going to SW in Sept. and have a good idea of what we want to do and see. I just want to know from other who have been there what NOT to do.

I know my daughter will want to feed the dolphins, so that's first on the list. We won't be doing any rides since this day is supposed to be a break from being tossed around on coasters, so no Kraken or Journey to Atlantis for us.

Anyway, are there some attractions that should be seen over others and can we do SW without rides in a day?

 

[Metro West]

We're going to SW in Sept. and have a good idea of what we want to do and see. I just want to know from other who have been there what NOT to do.

I know my daughter will want to feed the dolphins, so that's first on the list. We won't be doing any rides since this day is supposed to be a break from being tossed around on coasters, so no Kraken or Journey to Atlantis for us.

Anyway, are there some attractions that should be seen over others and can we do SW without rides in a day?

I think you should concentrate on the shows and since you won't be doing any rides, just enjoy yourselves. Walk around...snap some pictures...and take in the scenery. There are plenty of shows to keep you occupied throughout the day.

 

[jhaig]

That's kinda what we are looking for. My daughter loves animals and we wanted to see the shows and just take everything in casually. I'd like a day without lines since this day will be smack dab in the middle of our Disney trip so that's why I thought we'd take a day to "relax". I figured to get the dolphin feeding done first. Then, other than the Shamu show, everything else will be at our leisure.

Does anything else get crowded to a point where you'd have a long wait?

 

[RabFlmom]

That's kinda what we are looking for. My daughter loves animals and we wanted to see the shows and just take everything in casually. I'd like a day without lines since this day will be smack dab in the middle of our Disney trip so that's why I thought we'd take a day to "relax". I figured to get the dolphin feeding done first. Then, other than the Shamu show, everything else will be at our leisure.

Does anything else get crowded to a point where you'd have a long wait?

September should be a walk into anything day at SW. Sometimes line for food can be long so choose an off time for lunch etc.

If you like coasters you might want to reconsider the ones at SW and do them. They are the best in Orlando. Well, I think Manta can be added to the statement with Kraken. Lines are not always long for Kraken. My guys usually ride it in the last hour the park is open and sometimes ride as many as 7 times in a row with little or no wait.

Things not to miss: Clyde and Seamore( sea lion show) hokey but funny. Get there at least 15 minutes before show time so you get to see the mime in action. Get there 10 minutes or less before the show and you might just become part of the mime show. <g>

If you like pets----Pets Ahoy is a cute show where they use animals from animal shelters in the show. Love those dogs and cats!

Shark encounter- take time to look at all the smaller aquariums before going into the tunnels to see the sharks etc.

Blue Horizon- gets better and better even when you have seen it 100 times. We go every time we are in the park.

Believe - you cannot pass up. Sometimes we go to more than 1 show.

Wild Arctic- ride is so so. Don't go after Shamu show because the line will be long. Love the walrus and belugas so always make time for time in the animal( we don't do the ride we just walk through to see the animals unless we have newbies with us)

Penguins- we love going in and just watching these marvelous creatures.

Night shows won't be running-unless you are there Labor Day Weekend.

Check their site.....I think Jack Hannah is there some weekends in September sometimes and that would be a show to not miss.

With kids plan on an hour or more for the kids area to let them just play for a long time.

 

[jhaig]

As far as the Believe show, what are the usual show times?

 

[MissionMouse]

As far as the Believe show, what are the usual show times?

Sea World provides a show matrix of when the shows are offered and this is one of the key items to review, since some shows overlap and other are only offered a few times a day. Always remember to arrive 15-25 minutes early depending on how important your seat location is to you and the travel time to get from one show to another.

follow this link to SW park hours...select the month and click on the day and the show schedule should display if it is available...and always remember their always subject to change. Probably more so this year with the economy and InBev now controlling AB.

http://www.seaworld.com/ParkHours.aspx?locID=1

 

[U2_rocks!]

When we went I regretted not having the kids wear their swimsuits under their clothes and taking at least 1 towel with us. There is a kids water play area that is so inviting when you walk past - especially when it is hot! They ended up playing there in their clothes, and we bought hoodie towels from a Seaworld kiosk that was right there. They also sell swimsuits, but most people would not want to have to buy a swimsuit at park prices! We didn't mind the towels, because they were cute (sharks and dolphins) and made for good souvenirs. I wish we could have let them take their clothes off and play in the swimsuits they were wearing underneath, and then we would have brought dry underwear and had them dress back after.

 

[jessrose18]

We are going in Sept as well. When you say no night time shows does that mean no shamu rocks or fireworks? Just planning ahead..thanks

 

[earthfaries]

I agree with the other posters ~ we fed the dolphins , rays and sea lions, which I really suggest doing as they are all wonderful experiences. Then we just spent the day catching shows ~ they are all excellent!!! SW is the place for shows!

 

[RabFlmom]

We are going in Sept as well. When you say no night time shows does that mean no shamu rocks or fireworks? Just planning ahead..thanks

The night shows usually run from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. They had Shamu Rocks during Bud & BBQ and I assume this month for La Musica, but the Sea Lions tonight is only during the summer.

In Sept. I think the park has been closing at 7 or 8 PM at the latest for a couple years. Hours aren't up for this year yet. There is a chance Shamu Rocks might still be done then.

 

[lpandorf]

U2Rocks - Thanks for the tip on the swimsuits under the kids clothes. We are going in June so I'm sure it will be hot and the kids will want to play in the water. I'll make sure to bring along towels and things to change into after they play. I remember being in Epcot last October on a warm day and my son wanted to play in the fountains. At first is was just his feet and legs getting wet and before we knew it he was sopping wet and I did not have a towel or change of clothes.