Sea World and Aquatica Both in 1 Day... Need Advice!

[NPD]

We are heading to Sea World and Aquatica this Saturday. Hours of operation for Sea World is 9-7, while Aquatica is 10-5.

The things we want to do at Sea World are the new One Ocean Show, times for that are 12:30, 2, 6:30. I'd like to get in Journey to Atlantis. Perhaps Manta, not sure how waits are, I'm guessing they'd be long, so I don't want to make that a MUST since we're trying to get the water park in as well, even though I'd definitely like to check it out soon. We can skip Kraken. And other than that, maybe just try to touch the dolphins, look at Penguins, sting rays, and that's about all on the must do list at Sea World.

At Aquatica, we'd like to do everything. I've been there last year in May and the waits don't get crazy long for the slides.

Question is, where do we start our day?

I'm thinking we should just start the day at Aquatica since even though Sea World opens up an hour earlier than Aquatica, I think we'll be given too little bit of time at Aquatica since our main priority at Sea World is One Ocean, which starts at 12:30. I figure by the time we're done that and head to Aquatica, it'll be about 1:20.

So, should we start at Aquatica at 10, and probably get done the water park at around 2ish? Then spend the rest of the day at Sea World?

I'm also assuming if this is the plan of attack, we should bring an extra set of clothing after we dry off before heading to Sea World?

Please, any and all opinions wanted, I've been to both of these parks before, but haven't done both in one day. Thank you!

 

[kimmyann]

Last year we did both in one day, but did have a full day planned for Seaworld too. We went to Aquatica first thing in the morning, rode everything, played a bit, then went back to our hotel to change & have lunch. Then we went to Seaworld. I don't know if we just got lucky or what, but it wasn't that crowded. Manta had a 20-30 minute wait, so both DH & I were able to do the child swap and ride it. We stayed for the night shows, which were great. I love the atmosphere after dark & they are opened til about 10 in the summer. We were there at the end of June.

 

[NPD]

Thank you kimmyann, I think that's what we'll end up doing, Aquatica first, Sea World after with a change of clothes. Thanks again!

 

[2tink4u]

I think the best way to ride a popular ride without a wait is to be there at opening. If you did that you could ride Manta and the other ride you mentioned see the animals. Then do the show. You could head over to Aquatica for the rest of the day. Even go back to Seaworld if you Wanted.

You just need to pick which rides you would like the least ride waits and be at that park for their opening.

 

[RabFlmom]

We are heading to Sea World and Aquatica this Saturday. Hours of operation for Sea World is 9-7, while Aquatica is 10-5.

The things we want to do at Sea World are the new One Ocean Show, times for that are 12:30, 2, 6:30. I'd like to get in Journey to Atlantis. Perhaps Manta, not sure how waits are, I'm guessing they'd be long, so I don't want to make that a MUST since we're trying to get the water park in as well, even though I'd definitely like to check it out soon. We can skip Kraken. And other than that, maybe just try to touch the dolphins, look at Penguins, sting rays, and that's about all on the must do list at Sea World.

At Aquatica, we'd like to do everything. I've been there last year in May and the waits don't get crazy long for the slides.

Question is, where do we start our day?

I'm thinking we should just start the day at Aquatica since even though Sea World opens up an hour earlier than Aquatica, I think we'll be given too little bit of time at Aquatica since our main priority at Sea World is One Ocean, which starts at 12:30. I figure by the time we're done that and head to Aquatica, it'll be about 1:20.

So, should we start at Aquatica at 10, and probably get done the water park at around 2ish? Then spend the rest of the day at Sea World?

I'm also assuming if this is the plan of attack, we should bring an extra set of clothing after we dry off before heading to Sea World?

Please, any and all opinions wanted, I've been to both of these parks before, but haven't done both in one day. Thank you!

One piece of advise. Get to Aquatica early. There was quite a line of cars going in at 10:30 when we went by on our way to SW last Saturday. At SW they had all the booths open and the lines each had about 10 or more cars waiting to get in too, but Jack Hanna was there so that may have added to the number of locals going to SW Saturday. Added comment: Actually the ten or more were the ones in front of us with many more cars lining up in all the lines behind us. Some people were at the Sahamu statue at the main street walking ito SW and they beat us through the whole parking lot. LOL Can't imagine doing the walk back to hotel at night after spending the day in the park.