Please help a first timer.

[jpolak]

We are planning to go on our next trip in Aug.(22-29). We only have one day for seaworld and will have dd who will be 3 at the time. I am sure we can not see everything, but would like to see as much as possible without killing ouselves. So what can you suggest?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Although the weather will be hot the parks will be fairly quiet late August.

I would suggest getting there early and taking in the Dolphin/Penguin experiences, the Shamu show should also be worthwhile - these are at regular intervals throughout the day so you may want to check the times etc when you arrive.

SW is a park to do at a relaxing pace and is good for young children.

 

[Poohbeck]

Dolphin Cove - Feed the dolphins
"Blue Horizons" - This is the Dolphin and Whale show. NOT TO BE MISSED!
"Clyde & Seamore take Pirate Island" - This is the sea lion and otter show. Extremely funny!
The Shamu Show - they are re-doing this, opening in May, should be better than ever.

When you get into the park, hit Dolphin Cove first so you can feed the Dolphins, then plan the rest of your day on the above shows. SW is a big park and you will want to check the showtimes so you are in the right part of the park, not backtracking all day.

It took us 2 days to do everything. We got there at 9am and usually left at 4:30pm - we were very tired.

 

[jpolak]

Thanks for the info. I can't wait. This is odd for , going to a park I know so little about.

 

[bamaslp]

Hi! We went for 2 days last year with our 4 yo. Do make sure you take her swimsuit. When it got very warm in the afternoon, we changed our son into his swimsuit to play for a while at the water area for kids. Sorry I forget the name--it is right by Shamu's stadium. That was one of his highlights of the trip! Just wanted to make sure you knew about that option. It gave us a chance to rest too. Have a wonderful and safe trip!

 

[littleEinsteins4]

Hello, we will be there Aug 21-25 with 2 princesses. We will be staying in disney but will be visiting seaworld also this is great advice.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

shamu's happy harbor is the kid's play area, and it's pretty neat. if you go to SW's website you can download a copy of the map so you can get an idea of the attractions you want to hit. the showtimes don't really vary for the animal's routine, but they're not posted. but like it's been said before, try to take a few minutes when you get the showtimes to plan. SW is a very spread out park and you will walk.

if the kids aren't 42", you don't have to worry about the rides. I wouldn't miss feeding the stingrays and dolphins. as you exit the dolphin feeding area, go left around the pool. there's an underwater viewing area with hydrophones so you can listen to them communicate with each other. the manatee area is cool if you've never seen a manatee. feeding the sea lions and seals is fun. don't miss the shark encounter. blue horizons is a good show, as is clyde and seamore. can't wait for Believe to open.

 

[bscs]

Don't forget the pets show. Yes the clyde & seamore show, dolphin show and Shamu show are much better. But thru a three year olds eyes they will love the cats and dogs and be bored with the big "fish". I'm not saying this to knock out the other shows you must see them this trip is not only for the child but for you. But just stating what I experienced when I went with my dd when she was 3.

 

[GGOOFY1]

We have not been to SW in a few years and was wondering if they still have the preshow at the seal and otter show???

 

[Poohbeck]

We have not been to SW in a few years and was wondering if they still have the preshow at the seal and otter show???

and it's HILARIOUS!!

 

[makinorlando]

and it's HILARIOUS!!

OMG - yes - the Mime is soooo funny! I make sure to get there early before he starts. DD loves him! I think the entire show is one of the best things. Bad jokes and all -

 

[SCOTTandJEAN]

The Shamu Show - they are re-doing this, opening in May, should be better than ever.

Wait, does that mean when we go in April, there will be NO SHAMU!!!!

 

[makinorlando]

Wait, does that mean when we go in April, there will be NO SHAMU!!!!

Have no fear, Shamu is still performing. They are re-doing the stadium, and the show will be new in May. We did notice that it is a little shorter, and I miss the giant screen for the underwater view.

We were at SW last Monday evening, and went to see Shamu, it was strange during the pre-show time that just Shamu was in the pool, as normally the baby is there and another whale. Well, we found out that during the previous show Shamu would not cooperate, in fact blocked the gate for the other whale to enter the pool with her. They cancelled that show, and ours was postponed. She did do a few things, but after about 5 minutes decided she had had enough!

Doesn't happen often, but the trainer mentioned that the whales are very aware of their surroundings, and the changes and construction may have been at the root of her behavior! Heck, everyone is entitled to an off day!

We returend on Wednesday night, and the show was great.