Sea World - the good, bad, & ugly

[robandkelly13]

DH, DD (4 yro), and I have never been to Sea World and we're tyring to decide if we should spend a day there on our July trip to US and WDW. DH isn't excited about it, but I feel like it's somewhere I need to visit. What are everyone's opinons? Are the shows covered or do you sit where the sun is beating down on you? THANKS for any and all advice

 

[CleoPahd]

After having gone to SeaWorld as a kid, I had no real desire to do it as an adult. However, my husband had to do some work for them a few years ago for the opening of their new water park Aquatica, so they gave comp tickets to me and my daughter while my husband worked. I have to say I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. There are a number of small rides designed for young children that adults can also ride on as well as some gown up rides. From what I remember, Shamu stadium is covered by an awning type structure so you are outside, but shaded. Many of the other shows are also like that and there are many things indoors. I think your little one will truly enjoy it and your husband might be surprised. I'm not even an animal person and I really had a great time. Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Kat&Dom]

I find SeaWorld to be a relaxed and enjoyable park. They have a show called Blue Horizons that involves dolphins, birds and acrobatics - it was like a mini-Cirque de Soleil show. They also have a show called Pets Ahoy which is rescued animals from different animal shelters that perform various tricks - it is amazing the things that they can do. Of course, Believe is spectacular with Shamu. The music that they play in sync with the tricks is incredible.

I feel that you definitely get your money's worth at SeaWorld - the park is less crowded and the shows are totally worth it. We did the kids area and the rides and it was okay - my son loved the roller coaster - we went on it 8 times in a row because there was not much for line-ups. We are heading to Disney in 2 weeks and plan on taking a day to go to SeaWorld. This time we are going to arrive earlier so that we can spend more time doing the various exhibits and see more of the sea life up close.

My son was almost 4 when we went to SeaWorld in August and he will be 4 1/2 for this trip. And yes, you do have a choice of sitting in the sun or being in the shade. I am a true Canadian - only Red or White so I avoid being in the sun because I don't like being lobster red.

 

[ChrisFL]

I just went back with my 4 year old cousins, hadn't been there in 10 years but enjoyed it...

Realize that it's mostly shows, walk-through exhibits and a few big thrill rides...but it's got good food, lots of great photo spots and the shows are very good.

They've really made many of the areas very nicely themed, some greek and italian themed areas are quite nice.

 

[kathy884]

We enjoy all of the world class theme parks in the Lake Buena Vista/Orlando area, but out of all of them, Sea World is our family's favorite park. It was my son's favorite park when he was three (the first time we visited Orlando). It is still his favorite park, and he is 14 now. The park has great amimal exhibits and shows: The Orca show (Believe), the dolphin show also diving and aerialists (Blue Horizons), a Sea Lion show (Clyde and Semour), a cute little animal show -- dogs and cats (Pet's Ahoy), and a circus type show (Allure). We think all of these are very entertaining. Your daughter will love Shamu's Happy Harbor - an absolutely incredible children's play area that has enough to do to keep even older elementary aged kids entertained. The Wild Artic animal exhibits start with a simulaton ride that is quite fun and then you go though artic animal exhibits - polar bears, beluga whales, etc. There are two good coasters that are well worth doing if you enjoy thrill rides. I'm guessing your daughter would be too young for these, though. Animal exhibits includes chances to touch and feed stingrays, dolphins, and sea lions. There are also penguin, manatee, and shark exhibits that are pretty neat. I think the park has just beautiful landscaping and is a great day for all ages. We are, however, huge marine mammal fans, so may be a little biased.

Shade is available in all three of the outdoor stadiums, and the Pets Ahoy and Allure shows are performed in indoor air conditioned theatres.

 

[SandrA9810]

the tanks for the shows are uncovered, so the closer you sit, the more likely you'll be in the sun and wet at the end of the show.
Alure is defenitly the mini cirque de soliel show. If you've ever seen a real one, you'll notice a lot of the same elements.

Don't forget they just added the new elmo show in the morning at the pet's ahoy theater.

Every day at 2pm is penguin talk, that's how i met cobie.

I spend a lot of time there. Especially lately. And never get bored of watching the animals. I even love watching the polar bears sleeping, which they do for like 75% of the day.

 

[Capt_BJ]

for the outdoor shows, remember that the shade is going to move during the day so plan to arrive early to be able to get the seats that are in the shade ....

also get the show schedule immediately on arrival and plan your day. You'll find that the shows fall into a couple of natural progressions and you'll see more if you hook onto one of those (altho you may also feel like a lemming as your herd moves from one venue to the next) you can jump around of course but just may find a conflict later in the day....

 

[wwessing]

SeaWorld is one of our favorite parks. From DH to our youngest DD, we love it there. It is so much more laid back than any of the other parks, even Universal. Everything is so beautiful and I HIGHLY recommend arriving prior to opening and heading straight to feed the dolphins.

We are currently planning our next Orlando trip and have set aside at least 2 days for SeaWorld and at least 2 for Aquatica.

I've attached my trip report from 2008. I think you will find it very detailed and might help with your decision. I don't believe you will be disappointed. . .as a matter of fact, you may take advantage of that free second day

The SeaWorld days actually starts on post #73 and continues for several pages. . . hope you enjoy!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1790619&page=5