Sea World Newbie - Tell me all about it!

[raph_b]

Hi Guys,

I went to Sea World when I was about 8, I'm now 28 so it's been a long time.

We'll be spending a day there in September.

What are the best things to do there?

I've read about feeding the various animals there. Which ones can you feed and does this cost $? Does it need to be booked?

I've also heard about the behind the scenes tour - what does this involve?

Is there any other 'extra' like this which would be worth doing to get the most out of a day there?

I'd hate to go out there and find out there is something really cool you can do but realise its booked up

Cheers guys!!

 

[redoschi]

Well, I haven't done any of the behind the scenes tours, but heard the Wild Arctic one is pretty nice (probably other people that have done it will be able to explain better).

As for the rest SW is a wonderful park. My first time there was around your first time (I went for the first time in December 89 and been there 4 times since) and the park is just getting better and better.

There are 3 kinds of attractions on SW: thrill rides, animal shows and animal exhibits (sometimes with feeding).

Thrill Rides
If you like roller coasters I surely suggest going to Kraken. One of the best RC in Orlando for sure!
I don't like the Journey to Atlantis log flume ride as it is nasty and will get everyone soaked, but if its a hot day and you like water rides it might be nice (surely we skipped it last time in December, too cold for a water ride )
The Wild Arctic simulator is nice and the animals at the end are beautiful (specially if they are awake )

Animal Shows
There are 3 not-to-be-missed shows in SW: Believe (Shamu show), Blue Horizons (dolphins) and Clyde & Seamore (sealions). Make sure to see all 3! And get early in each presentation to get a nice spot as the stadiums tend to be filled to capacity, specially the Shamu!
I suggest getting the map and the schedule for the day (it changes constantly) and programming the day according to the show times!

Animal Exhibits
There are several places you can feed the animals: Dolphins, Stingrays, Sealions and little sharks if I'm not mistaken. And yes, there is a cost for the food packs.

The Pacific Point Preserve is a nice place to watch the sealions and take funny pictures! But they are too far away and people can't touch them.

The Dolphin Cove and Dolphin Nursery have beautiful dolphins (on the latter even some baby ones!) and you can get closer usually, specially on feeding times (I believe you have to check the map for the schedule).

The Manatee, Penguins and Sharks are other nice exhibits and shouldn't be missed.

One more thing I think would be great for you is having lunch at the Sharks Underwater Grill! It was the BEST restaurant we went to in our last trip to Orlando, last December! Make sure to book it when you enter the park (I believe you can't book in advance). If you like fish I suggest getting the Ahi Tuna, I'd never eaten something like it!

 

[raph_b]

Thanks Redoshi - great tips there

 

[Tillikumtrainer]

here isa few Tip- go to seaworld on a weekend (no SR show on weekdays) so you can see the SHAMU ROCKS SHOW!! @8:15 (i got there at 7:00pm and there was a huge line so get there extra early for this one)trust me its worth it.

Always get to any show 45 minutes prior if you want a great seat!! Dont expect to get to Shamu stadium in 15 minutes if your at blue horizons always wait for the next show cause the walk is alot.lol i suggest the bridge for a shorter walk.

personally the ski show isint all that great.. so I bypassed it - definetly do the dolphin feeding and if your planning to so a special program backstage @ believe or etc.. be early to the park

We got to the Parking lot at 8AM- by 8:15am there was alot of cars, @ 8:30am they open the parking. @ 9:15am is the dolphin feeding. so there are my tips to you. enjoy yourself take many pictures and if you want to see my videos on my signature is a link to my youtube vids .. hope I helped