Please give me your two cents on decision about parks: Seaworld or kennedy space !

[keishashadow]

Thank you so much for reply Keishashadow. I really wanted to know which tour would be advisable to book - there's the included one in admission price and there's the one you mentioned above (in link) that's extra, but if it's worth it, I'm happy to pay it. There are conflicting views on whether it provides more than the regular included tour. Did you feel it was really good?

The suggestion to do 2 days at Universal and then one day each at the two other parks is something I'm really thinking about. Just wondering if it's cramming too much in to four days - what do you think?

it's 'close' but doable imo in Feb if u don't feel need to 'see' absolutely everything (minor attractions)

i def feel the tour is worth it as long as u book one of the earliest of the day, that way u have as much time as u need after the special parts of the visit to poke around. you see areas normally off limits to visitors. We got to go into building to see shuttle being built in the past, the older launch pads near the ocean and upclose to landing strip. The guide pointed out a condor nest in a tree that was the size of a mattress and lots of other facts/wildlife viewings along our route.

note if any type of launch scheduled on your date of visitation there is a chance that activities/areas will be closed for security reasons. Check the schedule posted on KSC web page.

 

[dsmom]

you asked which I liked better since I have been to both...

I agree with the other replies- it is so subjective- depending on your interests..

My husband and I grew up not far from cocoa beach and used to go see all the rocket launches- we loved Apollo and Gemini. My husband is a huge space fan so he loves Kennedy. I really like it too. There is plenty to do there and I enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere.

As far as Seaworld goes- we did our first trip this summer. My husband found it boring and was ready to leave after a few hours. I loved it- but I am not a thrill ride seeker. I enjoyed the animals and found the park itself beautiful. One thing I did not like was the added on charges. We had to pay extra to ride the sky tower and extra to feed the dolphins. They had cute paddle boats on the lake but they were an extra charge also.

We did the meal deal while we were there and found the food to be very good.

If it were me and I had to choose one, it would be a close one but I would say Seaworld for myself. My husband says not even close- he would choose Kennedy by a mile. Sorry it this is not much help!

 

[damo]

Thank you so much for reply Keishashadow. I really wanted to know which tour would be advisable to book - there's the included one in admission price and there's the one you mentioned above (in link) that's extra, but if it's worth it, I'm happy to pay it. There are conflicting views on whether it provides more than the regular included tour. Did you feel it was really good?

The suggestion to do 2 days at Universal and then one day each at the two other parks is something I'm really thinking about. Just wondering if it's cramming too much in to four days - what do you think?

If you are going to do 2 days at Universal, 1 day at KSC and 1 day at SW, you are going to be getting up very early every day and will have 4 very full days.

I think with the SeaWorld tickets, you get to go back another day if you like for free.

KSC isn't going anywhere and might be more enjoyable when all your kids are a bit older and be best saved for another trip. SeaWorld has lots for kids of all ages.

Isn't trip planning fun???? I would ask your kids. Show them the websites from both places and see what they think.

 

[brenda1966]

Kennedy has the same offer: second day "free".

For us, we can handle 4 early, action packed days, so I don't think you're trying to cram too much in. I agree with letting the family vote.

 

[tamaraten]

Honestly? I think it is dragging DH around. He is worse than a kid and tells me 200 times how bored his is.. then he starts offering me jewelry to leave!!

That is hilarious!!!

 

[tamaraten]

If you are going to do 2 days at Universal, 1 day at KSC and 1 day at SW, you are going to be getting up very early every day and will have 4 very full days.

I think with the SeaWorld tickets, you get to go back another day if you like for free.

KSC isn't going anywhere and might be more enjoyable when all your kids are a bit older and be best saved for another trip. SeaWorld has lots for kids of all ages.

Isn't trip planning fun???? I would ask your kids. Show them the websites from both places and see what they think.

It is fun but I'm really going nuts and I feel like I'm going in circles, driving all of you incredibly nice people crazy too!!! I LOVE the planning, it's so much fun anticipating everything, but really, on this KSC v. SW question, I'm really losing it. I keep switching back and forth depending on how enthusiastic people sound about a particular place. Half the time I say, "ok that's it, KSC" and then I'll read something amazing about SW and change completely. Or I'll read that KSC was boring for younger kids....

I don't really want to let the kids know about this trip - it's supposed to be a surprise. And I don't really want to wait until we get there to put the vote to them because of having to order the tour tickets at KSC if we do decide to go (I understand you have to order the tickets early for the early tour which is the most practical time). So I don't know what to decide.....

 

[tamaraten]

you asked which I liked better since I have been to both...

I agree with the other replies- it is so subjective- depending on your interests..

My husband and I grew up not far from cocoa beach and used to go see all the rocket launches- we loved Apollo and Gemini. My husband is a huge space fan so he loves Kennedy. I really like it too. There is plenty to do there and I enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere.

As far as Seaworld goes- we did our first trip this summer. My husband found it boring and was ready to leave after a few hours. I loved it- but I am not a thrill ride seeker. I enjoyed the animals and found the park itself beautiful. One thing I did not like was the added on charges. We had to pay extra to ride the sky tower and extra to feed the dolphins. They had cute paddle boats on the lake but they were an extra charge also.

We did the meal deal while we were there and found the food to be very good.

If it were me and I had to choose one, it would be a close one but I would say Seaworld for myself. My husband says not even close- he would choose Kennedy by a mile. Sorry it this is not much help!:rolleyes:

It is help and I really appreciate you replying. It's helpful to learn why people liked one park over the other so I can see if any of this applies to my family. I know DH will love it - he loves space stuff - but so do my kids. I'm not that into it, but it would totally thrill me to see my kids fascinated by what they see - and I'm sure I'll find it interesting. On the other hand, my kids really love sealife too. But that's my problem - I think they'll love both!
I guess the main concern is cramming too much in to 4 days and whether that is doable.

 

[SignMeUp]

I can't give you specific advice on picking SW or KSC... we've been to SW in San Antonio and we've been to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. My kids loved both, but if asked to choose between them they'd pick SW hands down. My youngest loves marine life and my oldest loves the rides and they do have a few thrill rides, although you'll be getting your fill of thrill rides at UO. I think you can certainly do all 3 places in 4 days. Yes, you will be busy, but it will be fun! Just know that you likely won't do it ALL... every ride, show, tour, etc. since you have limited time. I really felt like we needed at least a day and a half, and preferably two days, to do/see everything at SW San Antonio.

I did want to give you a ticket tip... your posts inspired me to check out the AP option for our upcoming trip. When I called to find out the discount on additional tix, I was told it is basically the same as purchasing them online. You get $10 off multi-day tix if you purchase online and you get 10% off multi-day tix with an AP. The guy at UO I spoke to said it works out to be about the same. I found that I can get the same tix much cheaper through Undercover Tourist, especially the adult tix, so you might want to check that out before you buy tix through UO.

 

[damo]

I can't give you specific advice on picking SW or KSC... we've been to SW in San Antonio and we've been to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. My kids loved both, but if asked to choose between them they'd pick SW hands down. My youngest loves marine life and my oldest loves the rides and they do have a few thrill rides, although you'll be getting your fill of thrill rides at UO. I think you can certainly do all 3 places in 4 days. Yes, you will be busy, but it will be fun! Just know that you likely won't do it ALL... every ride, show, tour, etc. since you have limited time. I really felt like we needed at least a day and a half, and preferably two days, to do/see everything at SW San Antonio.

I did want to give you a ticket tip... your posts inspired me to check out the AP option for our upcoming trip. When I called to find out the discount on additional tix, I was told it is basically the same as purchasing them online. You get $10 off multi-day tix if you purchase online and you get 10% off multi-day tix with an AP. The guy at UO I spoke to said it works out to be about the same. I found that I can get the same tix much cheaper through Undercover Tourist, especially the adult tix, so you might want to check that out before you buy tix through UO.

You get 10% off one day tickets, and 15% off multiday tickets. The three day/two park ticket will work out to be about $140 (it is 165 including tax at the gate). Undercovertourist is $141 --- so pretty much identical.

 

[disney11fan]

kennedy space center ...two days

we did lunch with an Astronaut. also the up close tour is the best. see more and had a good guide who really explained what we were seeing.


we have been thre at least 7 times since 2005.


seaworld once and once was enough.

have fun you can view the ksc and the Astronaut who will be available on the website. have fun

 

[dsmom]

dsmom back to confuse you more

I re-read your original post and realized you are coming from abroad so you can't easily make a return trip. If it were me I would do 2 full days at Universal and one day each at Seaworld and Kennedy. I don't know if you realized it or not but Seaworld is having their Christmas Celebration on the Sunday (the 5th) that you are there. The hours that day are 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. and they have a lot of special things going on then.

Which ever you choose you picked a perfect time to come. Early December is slower and the weather is great. What ever you decide - hope you all have a great time!

 

[tamaraten]

kennedy space center ...two days

we did lunch with an Astronaut. also the up close tour is the best. see more and had a good guide who really explained what we were seeing.


we have been thre at least 7 times since 2005.


seaworld once and once was enough.

have fun you can view the ksc and the Astronaut who will be available on the website. have fun

disney11fan, I'm so excited to hear that you like it so much. But we don't have two days there - do you think one day would be way too crammed?

And if you could do one, could you PLEASE suggest the best way to do it? (ie. what to see, in which order, etc.)

7 times, wow!! Do you have kids, and if so, how old? Did anybody find it boring?

What was it about SW that made it a once-is-enough park for you?


thanks so much, this is extremely helpful!

 

[tamaraten]

I can't give you specific advice on picking SW or KSC... we've been to SW in San Antonio and we've been to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. My kids loved both, but if asked to choose between them they'd pick SW hands down. My youngest loves marine life and my oldest loves the rides and they do have a few thrill rides, although you'll be getting your fill of thrill rides at UO. I think you can certainly do all 3 places in 4 days. Yes, you will be busy, but it will be fun! Just know that you likely won't do it ALL... every ride, show, tour, etc. since you have limited time. I really felt like we needed at least a day and a half, and preferably two days, to do/see everything at SW San Antonio.

I did want to give you a ticket tip... your posts inspired me to check out the AP option for our upcoming trip. When I called to find out the discount on additional tix, I was told it is basically the same as purchasing them online. You get $10 off multi-day tix if you purchase online and you get 10% off multi-day tix with an AP. The guy at UO I spoke to said it works out to be about the same. I found that I can get the same tix much cheaper through Undercover Tourist, especially the adult tix, so you might want to check that out before you buy tix through UO.

I am actually considering that as a possibility - the 3 places in 4 days. That's why I'm asking everyone how crazy it is time/exhaustion-wise. I guess at Universal, with one day at each park, I wanted a 3rd day to go back and do favourites if necessary, but on the other hand maybe that won't be needed. I don't know!!!!

Thanks for ticket tip - I did understand as well, as Damo posted, that it's 15% off for AP holders. And really, the only reason I'm planning to buy the AP, is to get a super discount on the on-site hotel (also on Damo's suggestion!!!!).

 

[tamaraten]

dsmom back to confuse you more

I re-read your original post and realized you are coming from abroad so you can't easily make a return trip. If it were me I would do 2 full days at Universal and one day each at Seaworld and Kennedy. I don't know if you realized it or not but Seaworld is having their Christmas Celebration on the Sunday (the 5th) that you are there. The hours that day are 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. and they have a lot of special things going on then.

Which ever you choose you picked a perfect time to come. Early December is slower and the weather is great. What ever you decide - hope you all have a great time!

dsmom, thank you so much for taking the time to re-read post and writing. I so appreciate the help - I can use it. My inclination is to do what you suggested - 2 days at U, and one day each at SW and K. My only concern though is just what happens if we want an extra day at U, like some people suggest may happen (for favourites, to do things we might not have had time for, etc.) - then we're back to choosing between SW and K, and then what do I do... Also, just a bit worried about the cramming-in/exhaustion factor, although, as you say, and as I said, we will not be coming back in the near future because of where we live.

I was also thinking of doing SW on the Sunday, but I have a couple of issues (!) with that:

1. everyone says Sundays are the best for IOA crowd-wise.
2. if we do SW on Sunday, and then we do U on Monday and Tuesday, what happens if on Wednesday we want to do another day at Universal for a 3rd day? Then we've lost out on opportunity to do KSC if that's the one we would have chosen in case 3 days at U was needed?
I just read that and am not sure it makes sense to anyone but me?!

What I mean is that doing SW on Sunday kind of determines things in advance. I was thinking more of doing U on Sunday and Monday, KSC on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday we could see whether we have the option of returning to U if we want or opting for SW. On the other hand, doing SW until 11 p.m. sounds like fun (although it'll make the whole gang tired for waking up for early morning hours for Monday at IOA!!).

What do you think?

 

[kventventx]

I had a 7 year old and 2 eight year olds. They got a little bored at the Rocket Garden but that doesn't take that long. Later when they were in high school and learning about space history it was fun to pull out the pictures of them standing next to the rockets they were studying about.

 

[disney11fan]

disney11fan, I'm so excited to hear that you like it so much. But we don't have two days there - do you think one day would be way too crammed?

And if you could do one, could you PLEASE suggest the best way to do it? (ie. what to see, in which order, etc.)

7 times, wow!! Do you have kids, and if so, how old? Did anybody find it boring?

What was it about SW that made it a once-is-enough park for you?


thanks so much, this is extremely helpful!

get there when the gates open. the up close tour is the best. we had a great guide and you get closer to the launch pads than the general tour takes you. also the lunch with the astronaut is wonderful. great buffet lunch with beverages (as much as you want) and a great talk given by a nasa astronaut.

you can always check in advance on the ksc website who the astronauts will be . they post a couple of months in advance if not more. we had an astronaut that was on hte back up crew of apollo 13 and also flew the space chuttle. my son loved it.

 

[disney11fan]

nice park but compared to ksc it would be a distant second. my son was sick after the roller coaster ride. skip sea world , take the ksc if you have a choice.

 

[damo]

dsmom, thank you so much for taking the time to re-read post and writing. I so appreciate the help - I can use it. My inclination is to do what you suggested - 2 days at U, and one day each at SW and K. My only concern though is just what happens if we want an extra day at U, like some people suggest may happen (for favourites, to do things we might not have had time for, etc.) - then we're back to choosing between SW and K, and then what do I do... Also, just a bit worried about the cramming-in/exhaustion factor, although, as you say, and as I said, we will not be coming back in the near future because of where we live.

I was also thinking of doing SW on the Sunday, but I have a couple of issues (!) with that:

1. everyone says Sundays are the best for IOA crowd-wise.
2. if we do SW on Sunday, and then we do U on Monday and Tuesday, what happens if on Wednesday we want to do another day at Universal for a 3rd day? Then we've lost out on opportunity to do KSC if that's the one we would have chosen in case 3 days at U was needed?
I just read that and am not sure it makes sense to anyone but me?!

What I mean is that doing SW on Sunday kind of determines things in advance. I was thinking more of doing U on Sunday and Monday, KSC on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday we could see whether we have the option of returning to U if we want or opting for SW. On the other hand, doing SW until 11 p.m. sounds like fun (although it'll make the whole gang tired for waking up for early morning hours for Monday at IOA!!).

What do you think?

Do you have to buy SeaWorld and KSC tickets in advance? You can always just do Uni the first two days and then have the family decide. Early December is slow season.

 

[SignMeUp]

You get 10% off one day tickets, and 15% off multiday tickets. The three day/two park ticket will work out to be about $140 (it is 165 including tax at the gate). Undercovertourist is $141 --- so pretty much identical.

LOL Damo... I should've asked you instead of the Universal guy on the phone . He said he couldn't tell me exact AP tix prices without entering the actual AP code into the computer, but that it was 10% off and worked out to be about the same as buying them online through the UO website. I even told him that we wanted 3 day park-to-park tix.

So now we've changed our dates AGAIN, this time to Feb 12-16 to get lower onsite hotel rates and airfare. I'm going to start another thread instead of hijacking this one , but trying to figure out the best deal (AP or no AP) is driving me batty!

 

[damo]

LOL Damo... I should've asked you instead of the Universal guy on the phone . He said he couldn't tell me exact AP tix prices without entering the actual AP code into the computer, but that it was 10% off and worked out to be about the same as buying them online through the UO website. I even told him that we wanted 3 day park-to-park tix.

So now we've changed our dates AGAIN, this time to Feb 12-16 to get lower onsite hotel rates and airfare. I'm going to start another thread instead of hijacking this one , but trying to figure out the best deal (AP or no AP) is driving me batty!

Remember that you don't have to buy your AP in advance. So just book at the lowest rate right now and then change it if something cheaper comes up. Then, if it turns out to be the AP rate, you purchase one then.