We just got back from our Florida trip and I thought I would add our experiences to the mix.
We only got to spend one day at Sea World and didn't get there until about an hour after they opened.
We went ahead and paid for the preferred parking. VERY SMART!! By the time we were done for the day we were very tired and it was raining. Well worth the extra $5!
It didn't seem like the park was very well marked but we were able to figure it out.
We did the dolphin nursery first and then went to Antarctica. We were advised that it would be best to go when dry and we were already sweating quite a bit. There are two different versions, not a big difference but there was some. We split up as my youngest has a weak neck joint so we have been advised not to jerk his neck. I would say that no matter which one you do if you have a shorter child make sure that you sit in the front row. My son is 40" and couldn't see some of the ride due to the seats in front. (Also couldn't see the penguins.)
After Antarctica DH and my girls went on the Journey to Atlantis ride. They loved it! DH did lose his hat so keep that in mind.
Next up...The Dolphin Show!
We sat in the splash zone! Make sure to hide something so you can dry your glasses. We sat on the front row and couldn't see quite everything due to the top of the tank. I think if we had just been up 2-3 rows it would have been perfect.
After the show we went to see the sea lions but didn't get to see the show.
We checked out the Shark display (since it was indoors)! Nice but not very entertaining for my youngest.
We really didn't eat much through-out the day as it was so hot and humid. I don't know if it was really that hot or if it was just the humidity.
Wild Arctic was next. Again there was two versions and my DH and son went on the calmer version and I went with the girls. This was another time where I am glad that DH and DS went with the other one.
DH, DD1, DD2 and DS did the Shamu Express multiple times and then they played in the splash area until it was time for the Shamu show.
What little we saw of the show was great. BUT...the rain came and lightning was close enough that they stopped the show. We stuck it out and about 20 minutes later they came back saying that the storm wasn't moving on and they went ahead and canceled it.
I know that Sea World had no control over the weather but for some reason the path going by Seaside Stadium was closed and they had no signs telling you this until just before the stadium! VERY FRUSTRATING!!
We will be going back to Sea World on our next trip and it will be for more than one day! There is NO way to do it in just a day unless you have it all planned out. (I kinda had one but with the heat and everything we just went where ever the kids wanted.) If you go to Discovery Cove and have the 14 day pass to Sea World then I suggest you take advantage of it!
Two days later we went to Discovery Cove! YAY!!
Once again, we didn't get there quite as early as I was hoping but we were there before 8 am. If you have the dolphin swim in the am then I strongly suggest you get the wet suit. I started out with the vest and then checked out the temp of the water. Needless to say, I went back and got the wet suit but by this time I was a little sweaty and it was difficult to put on the suit. I am glad that I got it on and I left it on until we were done at the Grand Reef.
Our dolphin swim was close enough to opening that we didn't get a chance to go see the birds until afterwards. They were still a little hungry but by this time my kids weren't!
This is another place that we will be coming back to on our next trip!! We had a great time but it would have been easier if there had been one adult for each child. I don't know if we will do the dolphin swim again...might do the SeaVenture. I guess we will just have to wait and see when the time comes.
Let me know if you have any questions! I am sure that I forgot something.
We only got to spend one day at Sea World and didn't get there until about an hour after they opened.
We went ahead and paid for the preferred parking. VERY SMART!! By the time we were done for the day we were very tired and it was raining. Well worth the extra $5!
It didn't seem like the park was very well marked but we were able to figure it out.
We did the dolphin nursery first and then went to Antarctica. We were advised that it would be best to go when dry and we were already sweating quite a bit. There are two different versions, not a big difference but there was some. We split up as my youngest has a weak neck joint so we have been advised not to jerk his neck. I would say that no matter which one you do if you have a shorter child make sure that you sit in the front row. My son is 40" and couldn't see some of the ride due to the seats in front. (Also couldn't see the penguins.)
After Antarctica DH and my girls went on the Journey to Atlantis ride. They loved it! DH did lose his hat so keep that in mind.
Next up...The Dolphin Show!
We sat in the splash zone! Make sure to hide something so you can dry your glasses. We sat on the front row and couldn't see quite everything due to the top of the tank. I think if we had just been up 2-3 rows it would have been perfect.
After the show we went to see the sea lions but didn't get to see the show.
We checked out the Shark display (since it was indoors)! Nice but not very entertaining for my youngest.
We really didn't eat much through-out the day as it was so hot and humid. I don't know if it was really that hot or if it was just the humidity.
Wild Arctic was next. Again there was two versions and my DH and son went on the calmer version and I went with the girls. This was another time where I am glad that DH and DS went with the other one.
DH, DD1, DD2 and DS did the Shamu Express multiple times and then they played in the splash area until it was time for the Shamu show.
What little we saw of the show was great. BUT...the rain came and lightning was close enough that they stopped the show. We stuck it out and about 20 minutes later they came back saying that the storm wasn't moving on and they went ahead and canceled it.
I know that Sea World had no control over the weather but for some reason the path going by Seaside Stadium was closed and they had no signs telling you this until just before the stadium! VERY FRUSTRATING!!
We will be going back to Sea World on our next trip and it will be for more than one day! There is NO way to do it in just a day unless you have it all planned out. (I kinda had one but with the heat and everything we just went where ever the kids wanted.) If you go to Discovery Cove and have the 14 day pass to Sea World then I suggest you take advantage of it!
Two days later we went to Discovery Cove! YAY!!
Once again, we didn't get there quite as early as I was hoping but we were there before 8 am. If you have the dolphin swim in the am then I strongly suggest you get the wet suit. I started out with the vest and then checked out the temp of the water. Needless to say, I went back and got the wet suit but by this time I was a little sweaty and it was difficult to put on the suit. I am glad that I got it on and I left it on until we were done at the Grand Reef.Our dolphin swim was close enough to opening that we didn't get a chance to go see the birds until afterwards. They were still a little hungry but by this time my kids weren't!
This is another place that we will be coming back to on our next trip!! We had a great time but it would have been easier if there had been one adult for each child. I don't know if we will do the dolphin swim again...might do the SeaVenture. I guess we will just have to wait and see when the time comes.
Let me know if you have any questions! I am sure that I forgot something.
. 
. Sorry that the weather fouled up the show at Shamu Stadium....that's always a disappointment. Definitely plan for a longer return visit next time to catch all the things you missed. Two days are great for enjoying all the park has to offer.
) The return trip won't happen until 2017 but we will be going to Sea World in San Antonio next year.
