Sea World in off-season - parts closed????

[Moms3sons]

I read on another thread that a recent visit to Sea World (now that it is off season) was disappointing for a family due to many rides being closed and that the show schedule was very limited.

My family is planning a day visit on Sep 28, but I don't want to be disappointed. Please advise on what I could expect as far as ride closures this time of year. I was unable to find such information online like I can for Disney . Since the cost of spending a day at Sea World for 4 of us will be over $150 - I want to be sure it will be worth it. One of our boys is very into whales and sharks, but there needs to be more than that to make it worth that $$. Would you say that it takes a full day to see everything?

Thanks

 

[Janet Hill]

http://www.seaworld.com/ParkHours.aspx?LocationID=1&ScheduleID=39719

Here's the show schedule for that day. Everything would be doable if you plan your day and get there early. Second day is free if you don't get everything done.

 

[DOOM1001]

Sea World doesn't have that many rides,basically Kraken,Journey to Atlantis,Wild Arctic and the smaller kiddie rides.So it is possible that in a slow season they might close one of the major rides for a refurbishment as well as having shorter park hours with less shows.I would say definitely don't skip Sea World,get there early grab a park map and plan your day as far as what shows you will see at what time,leave time for the rides and eating and you should be OK.

 

[Moms3sons]

Sea World doesn't have that many rides,basically Kraken,Journey to Atlantis,Wild Arctic and the smaller kiddie rides.So it is possible that in a slow season they might close one of the major rides for a refurbishment as well as having shorter park hours with less shows.I would say definitely don't skip Sea World,get there early grab a park map and plan your day as far as what shows you will see at what time,leave time for the rides and eating and you should be OK.

Thanks! By looking over the day's schedule linked by the response above, I can see that most of the shows have plenty of start times. I'm glad we are planning on a Sunday visit - as the weekdays are limited to only a couple of show times. I don't see that there are any rides under refurbishment listed on the Sea World site - only a show that is closed until Oct 2. I think we will give it a try and hope that we enjoy this park as much as we thought we would.

How long are most of the shows? I like to plan ahead

 

[swilshire]

We visited all times of the years when we had 2 year passes. The only thing I ever recall being closed was the big tower where you go up and rotate to see the view. I always enjoyed that, but it was closed as often as it was open during those two years.

Sheila

 

[sherry7]

Thanks! By looking over the day's schedule linked by the response above, I can see that most of the shows have plenty of start times. I'm glad we are planning on a Sunday visit - as the weekdays are limited to only a couple of show times. I don't see that there are any rides under refurbishment listed on the Sea World site - only a show that is closed until Oct 2. I think we will give it a try and hope that we enjoy this park as much as we thought we would.

How long are most of the shows? I like to plan ahead

We've been there twice...in December and January. I don't recall there being anything closed, although the shows aren't as often.

You asked about the shows. I can't remember how long they are, but they are really good. The Clyde & Seamore Pirate show is very funny, and the Shamu show is great too. Unless you want to get absolutely soaking wet, don't sit in the Soak Zone at the Shamu show.

Your kids would probably enjoy seeing the Clydesdale horses too. I believe the barn is back by the Welcome Center. There's a restaurant in that building, and the adults can get free full sized samples of Anheuser-Busch products.

 

[kilee]

I'm going to move this to the Sea World forum for you.

 

[GorshGoofy]

We've been there twice...in December and January. I don't recall there being anything closed, although the shows aren't as often.

You asked about the shows. I can't remember how long they are, but they are really good. The Clyde & Seamore Pirate show is very funny, and the Shamu show is great too. Unless you want to get absolutely soaking wet, don't sit in the Soak Zone at the Shamu show.

Your kids would probably enjoy seeing the Clydesdale horses too. I believe the barn is back by the Welcome Center. There's a restaurant in that building, and the adults can get free full sized samples of Anheuser-Busch products.

I love being in Orlando during December/January and am posting to subscribe. Since I don't ride roller coasters and would focus on the shows ... can I expect to cover SW in one day or should I plan for 2 during my next trip in January?

 

[Miss Hunnybee]

When you go in the off-season, such as late September like the OP or January, you really only need one day to see everything. I live in Florida, have visited Sea World many times, and for only one day at a time. Shows last about a half hour, keep an eye on the schedule. Sea World isn't very symapthetic to tourists with show times, they often over lap. So plan to sea a show, like the sea lions (my favorite!) and then hit the ray tank, or the sharks, then another show, then the rides. Kraken and Atlantis are just a few steps away from each other. Then visit the manatees. Then another show, etc. Remember to leave a little room at night to secure seats for Shamu. The stadium fills quickly, especially in the seats that don't get splashed. You may have to walk briskly, and keep an eye on schedules, but you CAN do Sea World in one day.