Sea World/Discovery Cove FAQ's

[yaytezIOA]

So you're feeling a bit adventurous this time to Florida, and you're actually going to venture off of wdw property.In fact, you're thinking about going to Sea World and/or Discovery Cove. Dont worry, we wont tell the rest of the DIS'ers who would most likely lynch you and drag you back to WDW beating you with mouse ears the whole way. In fact, we'll try to answer some of the questions that we see here on the "other side" of the Disboard. If you think of something I didnt cover, please feel free to ask. Oh, and mods, if you see fit, please feel free to make this thread Sticky
Sea World
Q:I am going on......WILL IT BE BUSY?
This question is the one question that is asked a million times. The answer can vary. The rule of thumb is this: If disney is going to be busy, Sea World will be busy. It wont be AS busy, but it will be busy.
Q:What is there to do?
ALENTY! There is so much to do at Sea World for everyone. There are animal exhibits, animal interactions, special tours, great food, shopping, three world class thrill rides, shows, and a huge kids area.
And the best part, you just might walk away learning something. Sea World has been a huge leader in conservation and entertainment since it opened. They have animal exhibits from Dolphins, to Manatees, Sharks, and yes, even Killer Whales. Kraken is the first, and remains the only Floorless Roller Coaster in Florida offering high speed thrills and inversions. Journey to Atlantis is one of the countries first "water coasters" merging elements of a dark ride, log flume, and roller coaster into one amazingly wet adventure. Wild Arctic is a great simulator much in the vein of Star Tours at MGM. It takes you on a wild helicopter ride through the frozen terrain to get to Base Station: Wild Arctic where you can see up close, Walrus, Polar Bears, and Beluga Whales.
A quick rundown of the different areas:
Manatees:The Last Generation?
This is a two level animal viewing area. You can see manatees, and several other native Florida fish in this area, including Snook, Gar, and several other forms of Spec and various fish. There is a five minute video about the conservation and rescue efforts of Manatees, after which you view the animals from an underwater view.
Dolphin Habitat
This place is where a lot of people end up. There is a huge pool in which about 10-20 dolphins reside at any time. Here you can view the dolphins, and at certain times of the day feed the dolphins. These times are listed on the park maps, and the price is about 4 dollars for a small tray of dead fish. There are areas to clean and wash your hands afterwards. It is recommended that you get there at least 30 minutes early to grab a place in line and a place on the wall. They have certain areas for guests with disabilities. If you are not able to grab a place on the wall there is a place directly around the corner to view the dolphins under water. It is air conditioned and provides a clear view of the dolphin pool.
Dolphin Stadium
This is where they hold the Blue Horizons show. It is about 20 minutes long and features dolphins, birds and false killer whales, as well as Cirque style performances. There are splash zones, but you wont get soaking wet.
Sting Ray Habitat
Just like the dolphin area, you can feed and pet Sting Rays here. The cost of food is about the same, and the water is very shallow with areas for you to walk up and just dip your hands in the water. You can feed the stingrays bits of shrimp and squid, and they will eat it right out of your hand. They do not have teeth, will not bite you, and do not have stingers so they can not sting you. Their barbs are like fingernails and are trimmed every few months.
Penguin Encounter
This area you can go and see the cute little flightless birds in a natural habitat. There are four different types of penguins all living together. The seasons in the habitat match that in their homes in the antarctic. It is a bit cooler, and it does smell like fish. There is a moving sidewalk for you to view the birds. There are also Puffins in the next exhibit over.
Pacific Point Preserve
This is home to many different types of seals, and sea lions. Here you can view the animals as they swim and play. You can also purchase fish to toss to them.
Sea Lion and Otter Stadium
This is the home to Clyde and Seymour. There are two different shows, Clyde and Seymour take Pirate Island, and Sea Lions Tonight. Clyde and Seymour is a comedic show that has animal performances. And Sea Lions Tonight is a comedic show that pokes fun of all the other Sea World shows and Attractions featuring the loveable Sea Lions.
They do ask for volunteers, so get there extremely early. At least 30 mins. before showtime.
Shark Encounter/Terrors of the Deep
This exhibit features shark pools on the out side to get a good look at many sharks, skates and rays. From time to time they do sell food that you can feed to the animals. The main part of the attraction is the indoor area that features many different varities of fish, eels, Lion Fish, Barrcudas, and is highlighted by a huge tube with a moving sidewalk that takes you through the actual shark tank and places hundreds of sharks above and around you.
This area is home to the SHARKS:Underwater grill where you can eat with the fishes.
Nautilus Theater
The Nautilus Theater is home to a cirque style show featuring many acrobatic stunts. Good for all ages.
Hospitality House/Clydesdale Hamlet
This area is home to the legendary Budweiser Clydesdale Horses. Several times a day they suit up and take the horses that you see in many commercials out into the streets that surround the park. You can also see several ponies, as well as get your picture taken with one of these horses.
Afterwards venture into the Hospitatly Center for food, and free beer samples. The counter service here is excellent, and while you're there you can also find out a little bit more about how beer is made. You are also allowed to sample the many beers from the Busch Family that they keep on tap. They limit you to one sample per ID and you must be 21 or over. If you are 21 and over you can also go to Beer School where you learn about the different types of beer, the best beer to drink with certain foods, and the proper way to pour your beer. Excellent fun for anyone who likes beer.
Shamu Stadium
This is home to Believe, the new Shamu show that shows the relationship between the trainer and the largest predators of the sea, the Killer Whale. There are several areas to get splashed, and also huge screens to make sure that you can see all of the action.
There is also a night time show jut before the park closes that is much different than Believe.
Shamu's Happy Harbor
Now this place is for kids. Loads of nets, and play areas, as well as six brand new kids rides. There are areas for parents to sit and watch, as well as areas for eating and grabbing drinks. The kids can also get wet. This is home to the Shamu Express a fun little coaster for kids of all ages. Top speed is about 26 mph, and it is 31 feet tall. Children must be at least 31 inches.
Wild Arctic
This is home to another ride. The motion simulator, Wild Arctic. This is a fast paced helicopter ride in which you must beat a storm to get to base station Wild Arctic, a research facility at the top of the world. If you have children who can not ride, or if you dont wish to ride you can also walk to Wild Arctic and watch the same movie.
Once at BSWA, you get up close and personal with Beluga Whales, Polar Bears and Walrus. You can view them from two different areas, above and below....for different perspectives.
There are also several child play areas, as well.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Qo the rides have a "Fastpass"?
A:No. There is no fastpass, thank goodness. There is no way to skip the line, go to the front of the line, or cheat your way around waiting in line. You have to wait in line just like the rest of us. HOWEVER, if you have a Platinum Passport, you can do the bigger rides again without waiting in line a second time. You also get reserved seating during most shows.
Q:Where is a good place to get something to eat?
A:This is a loaded question, because what you consider good and what I consider good is very different. There are of course many places in Sea World to eat, each with a different variety of things to eat. Here is a selection of resturants at Sea World:
Seafire Inn
International Flavor for the Entire Family

Voyager's Wood Fired Pizza
Robust Flavors from the Mediterranean

Spice Mill
Savory Spices from Around the World

Hospitality Deli
Deli Fare with Flair

Smoky Creek
Taste the Slow Smoked Flavor

Mango Joe's
Famous Fajitas and Super Sandwiches

Mama's Kitchen
Casual Family Dining in Mama’s Kitchen
These are typical counter service resturants. If you want something more, Sea World provides these resturaunts:
Makahiki Luau Dinner and Show
SeaWorld’s Exclusive Evening Extravaganza

Backstage at Believe/Dine with Shamu
Once in a Lifetime Adventure

Sharks Underwater Grill
One of Orlando’s Most Amazing Restaurants
Q:What special Events do they have?
A: That depends on when you go. For the summer, until Labor Day 07, They have the Seasme Street gang with Elmo and the Bookaneers. Its a fun show featuring the gang from Sesame Street as Pirates. The show features skiing and of course a lot of fun. Its in the Bayfront Stadium.
Also through Labor Day they have the "Sea World At Night"
SeaWorld Orlando becomes a whole new park after dark this summer with four sizzling nighttime shows and dazzling dining options, offering something for everyone. SeaWorld is the ultimate place to cool down after long summer days boasting an all-new high-energy Shamu Rocks concert, Blue Horizons under the stars, and hilarious happenings as Clyde and Seamore present – Sea Lions Tonight.

Shamu Rocks – Now open, Shamu Rocks is a rock n´ roll concert of unprecedented proportions combining improvisational movements of killer whales with music remixed with some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.


Mistify – Brings to life the majesty of the sea in a way only SeaWorld can.

Sealions Tonight – Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite SeaWorld shows

Blue Horizons at Night – An all-new theatrical lighting system transforms the show into a glowing scene of a girl´s dream to swim like the dolphins and soar like the birds.

Makahiki Luau Dinner and Show – Enjoy the ancient customs, rhythmic music and dance, authentic costumes and cuisine of the Pacific Islands.

Parents Dine, Kids Party - Parents, enjoy a relaxing dinner at Orlando’s most unique restaurant – Sharks Underwater Grill. Have a peaceful conversation while sitting alongside over 50 sharks. While you're relaxing, the kids are partying with our American Camping Association accredited Education Instructors. After they eat, they'll enjoy age-appropriate "Predators" themed crafts and activities.
In addition, guests can stroll along The Waterfront during the evenings to soak in a colorful mosaic of sights, sounds and flavors -- all infused with the fun and festive spirit of the Mediterranean. Bustling with activity, this 5-acre nautical neighborhood immerses guests in a rich tapestry of festive strolling entertainment, dining and shopping.


In the past Sea World has offered "Shamu's Halloween Spooktacular" which is a Halloween event just for the young ones. Weekends in October kids can dress up and go trick or treating at several stations throughout the park. They can also make arts and crafts, and meet several different characters throughout the park. This is not a scary event. It is also included free in park admission, unlike some other halloween events at other parks. There are also Halloween versions of your favorite shows.
There is also the Bud BBQ and Music Festival featuring big name Country Acts and mouth watering food all over the park.
Similar to this is the Latin Music Festival which includes lots of Spanish Music acts, and delicious Latin Cuisine. All Free in park admission.
Christmas is also fun at Sea World, the whole park is turned into a winter wonderland...by the Sea. Santa visits, and you can take pictures with him along the Waterfront. As well as Christmas versions of your favorite shows.

Q:What about my kids, can they ride everything?
A:No. They cant. There are height limits on every ride, including Kraken, Journey to Atlantis, and Wild Arctic. For the exact limits please visit Seaworld.com
Q:How do I get closer to the animals?
A:There are several additional programs that allow you to get closer to your favorite sea creatures. You can go diving with the Sharks in the Deep Dive. You can meet Shamu with Dining with Shamu, you can even see what goes into working with all the animals with the "Marine Mammal Trainer" Program.
There are even summer camps, and sleepover camps that kids and adults alike can take part of. Of course none of these programs are included in park admission, but you can enjoy them. For more information:
http://www.seaworld.com/SWF/special_programs_home.aspx

 

[the_princess]

What a good idea to put everything into one thread. If it's ok, i'll like to add something... If you want to feed the dolphins, go down there early when the park opens, there are not that many people down there at that time. You get 3 fish for 5 $. When you feed them you might get lucky and get your picture taken.

 

[hinodis]

Excellent thread!! I am waiting for the info on Discovey Cove. We will be going to SW and DC in October and it will be the first time for both places.

 

[Cass]

Great Info

 

[yaytezIOA]

Discovery Cove
Q:What is Discovery Cove? Is it just Sea World without the rides?
Aiscovery Cove is Sea World without the rides, the crowds, the hassles, the headaches and with the infusion of paradise. Discovery Cove is a park where you can come and swim with sea animals, feed exotic birds, laze around in a warm tropical river, and even swim with dolphins.
Q:I am going.....will it be busy?
A:I dont care when you go, it wont be busy! Admission is limited to just 1000 people a day, and reservations are required in advance. Discovery Cove is open year round, and space is limited.
Q:How much are kids tickets?
A:The same price as an adult ticket. Why? Because a kid can do just as much at Discovery Cove as an can, there are no height requirements or age limits....the exception is of course the drinking age. Also children under two are admitted free.
Q:What kind of rides do they have?
A:NONE, zip, zilch, zero. The attraction is paradise. Of course you can catch a ride on a dolphin.
Q:Can I swim with a dolphin anytime I want?
A:No. First you have to purchase a dolphin swim, then you have to schedule a time to swim with the dolphin.
Q:What is included with a Dolphin Swim?
A:You swim, with a dolphin. Your whole experience will last about an hour. You have 15 minutes where the trainers will let you view a video about dolphins, and tell you the procedures. Then you get about 45 minutes of time in the water with an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. You are seperated into groups, and given a trainer. The Trainer will tell you all about your particular dolphin, and go over hand signals that the dolphin responds to. You also get to learn a lot about the dolphin, and you get to touch and feed the dolphin a lot. You also get to see how fast the dolphin can swim, and yes, you get to swim with the dolphin. The trainer will have you swim out into the middle of the lagoon, and the dolphin will pull you back to shore. Its a lot of fun.
Q:I cant swim....Can I still do it?
A:Yes! They do offer shallow water dolphin interaction where the dolphin will pull you out a short way, then back. Everyone gets to play.
If you cant swim, or have non swimmers in your party, you can also use life vests which are available at different points in the park, free of charge.
Qoes it hurt the dolphins? Isnt that mean?
A:No, and no. Dolphins are capable of towing almost double their body weight. The Dolphins at Discovery Cove are treated very well, and recieve a lot of treats at every step of the way. There are also several dolphins, so they are rotated in and out of interactions. Dolphins are also very social creatures, and love contact with other dolphins as well as humans. They almost seem to crave it. Dolphins usually live to be about 25 years old in the wild. The oldest dolphin in captivity at Discovery Cove is Capricorn who is 36 years old. That goes to show you how well the dolphins are taken care of.
Q:Besides dolphin, what other animals will I see?
A:That depends on how hard you look. You can swim in the reef pool with loads of tropical fish, different varieties of Sting Rays, there is an area where you can view sharks, and barracudas. There is a free flight Aviary where you can see and feed many varities of exotic birds, and deer. There are animals that care specialists bring to visit with guests. On any given day you can see many different animals.
Q:How cold are the pools?
A:The temperature of the pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Resort Pool and Tropical River are maintained between 86°F ±2° (30°C ±1°). The salt water dolphin pools, Stingray Lagoon, and Coral Reef are 77°F ±3° (25°C ±1°).
If this seems too cold for you, they do provide wet suits or swim vests to help insulate your body and keep you warmer.
Q:What happens when it gets cold?
A:The park stays open. The water is usually warmer than the outside air tempurature....so cold weather isnt really a problem.
Q:What about hurricanes?
A:In the event a named tropical storm or hurricane approaches Orlando, Tampa, or a guest's hometown, the parks will reschedule or refund any vacation package and/or individual park tickets booked through SeaWorld Vacations, Busch Gardens Vacations, DiscoveryCove.com, SeaWorld.com, or BuschGardens.com. The parks will not apply any cancellation or change fees for this service. For additional Discovery Cove information call 1-877-4-DISCOVERY.
Q:Can I take pictures?
A:YES! You can even bring your camcorder! But keep in mind that most of the activities at Discovery Cove involve being in or near water. Water+Electronics=Bad news.
Discover Cove sells underwater disposable cameras, or you can bring your own in. There are also a variety of websites that offer digital camera covers that are inexpensive and will protect the camera.
Q:What about food?
Aiscovery Cove offers a lot of food. You can get a variety of dishes, desserts, beverages, and snacks. And the best part is, its ALL YOU CAN EAT. And its included in your park admission. They have the normal standards like hamburgers and hotdogs, but also provide Salmon, chicken, pasta and sandwiches. All of it delicious.
More to come.