Sea World in Less Than a Day?

[tommyjean]

Hi - we are going to Universal on the 21st of this month and staying at HRH. We get in early that day (around 9:30 am), but I'm afraid my two 6 year olds will be too tired to really enjoy full days at US/IOA. I was wondering if Sea World would be a good option for the day we arrive? I was hoping we could walk around and then get to bed early(ish) that night. I'd appreciate any thoughts or feedback! Thanks so much!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

SeaWorld is a great park, and your 6 year olds would love it. Shamu's Happy Harbor, in particular, has some marvelous, kid-centered attractions that they will wholeheartedly enjoy.

That said, just know that SeaWorld itself (in my humble opinion, anyway) is a full-day + park. You most likely won't see all the shows, ride all the rides, see all the exhibits, or do the entire park in the time you have available to you. Would I still go in your shoes? Absolutely! (SW generally has some good discounts on tickets, so you won't have to pay full price for admission...check their website, AAA, etc. for what offers are currently running) But I would go knowing that you won't have time to see it all or do it all.

 

[JaxDad]

I agree. It is all about what price you pay and the value you would get from less than a full day at Sea World (the park closes at 5:30 that day). Take a look at the web site and the descriptions of the rides and shows and show times. Personally, I think a 6 year old would have a great day if you can manage to hit a couple shows (Pets Ahoy and One Ocean would be my choice), the rides in Shamu's Happy Harbor, plus Empire of the Penguin and maybe Journey to Atlantis (it might be too much for some 6-year olds). In addition, you will see other animals, including rays, dolphins, and sharks. We just went and my 7-year-old loved it.

 

[kathy884]

SeaWorld is great for that age and any age. I think you would definitely enjoy your time there. We on our last trip chose to do two days at SeaWorld and just one at IOA/US.

 

[tommyjean]

Thank you for the feedback! I think I was at Sea World as a child, but don't remember it! I obviously need to do a bit more research, I didn't even realize there are rides there!! AAA has weekday rates for $65- which I didn't think was too terrible. I'm thinking we could get there around 10:30 and possibly stay til they close. Thanks again!!

 

[johde]

A day at Sea World will definitely be fun for your 6 year olds. In my opinion, it's tough to say if one day will be enough. On the one hand, as others have said, the park closes early right now. On the other, right now there are only 3 major shows that day to work around and you probably won't be riding many of the headlining rides (except Antarctica). In my 1 day, I say most of the shows (there were more because of Christmas) rode all the major rides (with the help of Quick Que), but ended up rushing through several of the other attractions in a 9:30 - 8:00 day (park opened at 9:00 but didn't quite get up in time for RD).

 

[tommyjean]

Thanks everyone! I know they'll love it! It sounds like it's even bigger and better than I had thought. The trip is a surprise for them, so I'm very excited to see their reactions!! Thanks again for all of the input.

 

[RabFlmom]

Thanks everyone! I know they'll love it! It sounds like it's even bigger and better than I had thought. The trip is a surprise for them, so I'm very excited to see their reactions!! Thanks again for all of the input.

When are you planning to be in SW. You should be able to do quite a bit if you get there around 10:30 in the slower months.
How old are the kids? Good rate for kids 5 and under right now-free.

http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-tampa/pages/preschool-pass2/