Sea World - how much time do we need?

[Mom+4]

We will be in Orlando in 2 weeks (YAY!). We are thinking of going to Sea World for a day. How much time to we need to see the highlights? Also, what are the MUST see things at SeaWorld? My kids are 5, 7 and 13. Also, I have heard that you can "have lunch with Shamu." How do you do that?

TIA.

 

[C.Ann]

Hi there! We went in Sept. of 2001 - me, DD & her DH, my granddaughter (not quite 3), and DD's in-laws..

We did the entire park in one day - and did not feel rushed or pressured at all..

My granddaughter LOVED the area where you can pet the dolphins, the area where you can buy fish to feed the sea lions, and the area where you can pet the stingrays.. There's also a large playground where the kids can get wet (make sure to bring their bathing suits!) and there are numerous shows throughout the day..

I can't remember a lot of specifics, but we saw almost every show and explored every inch of the park and actually were able to leave before closing time..

The kids will LOVE it!!!!!!

 

[miko]

I don't know about lunch with Shamu but this past December we had dinner with Shamu. You should reserve in advance. The dinner is a buffet (actually pretty good) with tables lined along the smaller holding tank behind Shamu Stadium. About every 25 or 30 feet they have a trainer and a "Shamu" and they do a few behaviours with them. You get a great up-close view and have a chance to talk with the trainers.
Depending on crowds, SW can be done in about 8 hours seeing all the shows but maybe skipping the major rides which can have long waits.

 

[deena]

Also, must-sees are the "Clyde and Seamore" show, "Penquin Encounter", "Terrors of the Deep", and the "Shamu" show. Also, the last time I was at Sea World they had a fabulous indoor Cirque show with amazing acrobat and trapeze dancing artists; don't know if it's still there though.

 

[kylara]

Yes the indoor Cirque show is still there. I also say see the Clyde and Seamore show, it is funny.

You should be able to do the parks in a day unless there are big crowds and you really want to do the thrill rides since sometimes their lines can get long.

Not sure if they will be offering it when you go, but sometimes they offer a second day free. You might want to check on that.

 

[edie w]

Sea World is wonderful! On our last two trips we received 2nd day free tickets and used them both (we love dolphins!). However I'd agree it is possible to "do" it in a day.

Don't miss the Wild Arctic. There's an impressive (but annoying after the first couple of times) ride or film show before they let you in, but seeing the polar bears, walrus and beluga whales is fantastic. They say you can't bypass the show, however my 2 year old nephew screamed as the lights went down so they let us right through.

Feeding the sea lions (noisy, very funny) and dolphins (wow!) are also must-dos. There are fixed times each day so check on your park guide or at the hut at the attractions. There's a baby dolphin pool not far from the entrance which you could easily miss - but check this out, you might see them playing with beach balls.

And if you like thrill rides there are Journey to Atlantis - a log flume-cum-coaster which is a bit spooky and steep perhaps for little ones, and Kraken, a huge but surprisingly smooth and not at all brain-rattling rolleroaster.

Can't wait for our next trip!

 

[BarryHom]

I don't know if this will work all the time, but you can try to sneak through the exit of Wild Arctic and bypass the ride all together. Otherwise, do the motion-less simulator (basically the same ride movie, but the silver benches don't move) and that will get you into the attraction faster.