Same day SeaWorld/Aquatica question

[Nahanni]

On our second SeaWorld day we are planning to spend 3-4 hours at Aquatica and wonder what others do for the following:
1) Which park do you prefer to visit first?
2) Do you move your car or use their shuttle?
3) Would you still consider all-day-dining at one of the parks (possibly returning simply to eat and pick up car if using shuttle)?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[finucane]

We did something similar. We did Aquatica first then headed over to Sea World later, mostly because Aquatica closed earlier. We didn't use the shuttle since your receipt at one location gets you in to the other without having to pay again. The meal plan plan sounds like a good idea, but then you might want to start and end at Sea World since it's open later.

 

[monarchsfan16]

We did this yesterday. We started the day at Sea World, then went to Aquatica. It wasn't planned ahead of time, though, so we went back to the hotel, changed, and then drove back over. That being said, I think we would always do Sea World first, because it's nice to be able to cool off after walking around the park in the heat. You also don't have to worry about what your hair looks like when you get off all the water slides
We have not considered all day dining at Sea World, because we've been going back to the condo for dinner most days. Even if we weren't going back for dinner, I'm still not sure it would be worth the money for us. On our actual Aquatica day (tomorrow) we may consider the all day access for the cookout, but that's only because passport members currently get a great discount on it. Makes it so that it's virtually the same cost, if not less than eating one meal in the regular places.

 

[Nahanni]

Just got back. We did 2 days of SeaWorld in the morning with free preferred parking upgrade then drove over to Aquatica around 3pm and was able to park near the entrance as well.

We missed the evening SW shows (Shamu Rocks and Sea Lions Tonight) but it was nice to cool off after walking around at SW and the sun was much less intense.

 

[engle]

How were the crowds at Aquatica??