Sea World and Busch Planning

[Pinkos]

We are spending 5 days in the World this coming May and 1 day at each of Sea World and Busch ... I have the WDW all figured out and planned ... I'm struggling with Sea World and Busch ... Our travel party consists of 4 adults (2 that will want to try some of the crazier coasters at each of these parks), and 4 children (2 that are just 40-41", and 2 that are just 48") ...

There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of rides for the 40" little ones .... which is kind of sad because they are the most adventurous ones. LOL

Looking for suggestions/experience on what your children liked at that age, and if these parks are worth it? Even though I already have the tickets purchased so I'm going to have to make the best of it anyway ... how strict are these parks with their height restrictions? The restrictions posted on their website seem to be much stricter then Disney ... which makes me think kids should be a little older before going there ...

Any help at all is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

It will still be an incredible day, the shows are amazing, and there are many attractions that you can still go on, but try to stretch those little ones to 42"...lol. Shamu's happy harbor has a great play area. The aquariums are fun, and even if they can't make the size for the rides, the exhibits are still open to all...Penguins and Arctic animals (beluga whales). Do the kids like the zoo? This might be a little like that, but with a little more water.

It sounds like you might have to split up to let the those tall enough and willing to go on their own way for a bit.

Good luck!!!

 

[mdb07]

We went about 2-3 years ago and our kids were not big enough to ride the roller coasters. For Seaworld, you should prepare them for the fact that the day will be focused on animals and shows - and they have high quality in both. Our girls happen to like shows and animals so it wasn't a big deal for them to not have rides, even though they love rides. We did a day at Busch Gardens Tampa and they got their ride fix in there (although again there aren't too many rides there for smaller kids that are too big for kiddie rides but not big enough for the big ones). But they do have several kiddie rides there as well. Both parks had nice large (like, huge) jungle gym like play structures that the girls absolutely enjoyed climbing around in.

I would plan for the parks to be strict about their height requirements - they are there for your safety. That means set expectations that they will not waver on the requirements. You can always try, of course, but be realistic with the kids so they don't get their hopes up. We're heading back down there next week to do Sea World and Busch Gardens again, so I'll let you know of any tips I come across.