Sea World--worth it for us?

[TwistGrl101]

I've been coming to Disney every year/every other year since I was a child, and from what I can recall, I've only been to Sea World once many years ago.

This will be my third trip to DW as a mom with my family. We've never gone outside of Disney.

We will be in Disney for 8 days, and I have our whole itinerary planned. A few friends have recommended we do a day trip to Sea World. My children are 2, 5, 7. I read wonderful reviews, but I just don't know if I can give up a whole planned day at the parks for this.

Suggestions?

 

[KBF]

I've been coming to Disney every year/every other year since I was a child, and from what I can recall, I've only been to Sea World once many years ago.

This will be my third trip to DW as a mom with my family. We've never gone outside of Disney.

We will be in Disney for 8 days, and I have our whole itinerary planned. A few friends have recommended we do a day trip to Sea World. My children are 2, 5, 7. I read wonderful reviews, but I just don't know if I can give up a whole planned day at the parks for this.

Suggestions?

8 days seems like more than enough for a Disney Vacation, I think if you were to take away one day at Disney and spend it at Seaworld, you wouldn't regret your decision. Seaworld is a park aimed at kids that are the same ages as your children's. But there is plenty for adults to do too. Seaworld is a much more relaxing park than Disney. Seaworld is always less crowded than Disney and it's easy to do Seaworld at a slow leisurely pace.

There are several shows at the park that you and your children will enjoy. Of course the Biggest show is the Shamu show called "One Ocean". There is also the Dolphin show "Blue Horizons" and the Sealion and Otter Show "Clyde And Seamore Take Pirate Island. There is also a show featuring dogs and cats called "Pets Ahoy" this show is especially great for kids.

There is a giant play area that is designed just for kids that features a giant play net and kiddie rides. There are plenty of interactive exhibits where you can not only touch animals like Dolphins and Sting Rays, but feed them as well. You can feed Dolphins, Sting Rays, Sharks and Sealions for a fee of around $7 a person.

This park is a great opportunity for your kids to learn about the world around them and the animals they share the world with. It's not only a great place to have fun, but it can be very educational as well. When are you planning on going? During the peak seasons of the year like Spring break and summer, there are extra perks at night that are included with park admission. There are special night time only shows and attractions such as a live DJ and dance floor.

I would definitely consider atleast one day at Seaworld to try it out. It may just end up being the highlight of your trip.

 

[kathy884]

It's a personal decision, of course, and if you don't have a car, have multiday Disney tickets, etc. might we more hassle and expense than you'd like to do.

Let me say, though, that SeaWorld is really a great park. It's our family's favorite. I've been to Orlando 23 time and have to go here on every trip, even when we are staying onsite at Disney. It was DSs favorite at age 3 and he's 16 now and it's still his favorite. It's better for a multigenerational group than Disney too IMHO. The landscaping is beautiful, the shows and animal exhibits are world class, and they throw in a few good coaters, etc. if you're into that type of thing. The Shamu Happy Harbor play area is really cool too, for little ones taking a break and running around.

I would give it a try, if it's not too much hassle and is in your budget. If you don't have a car and are staying on Disney property, you can rent for for the day right on Disney property too.

 

[dhdozier]

Also wanted to add my 2 cents. I too love Sea World and my son who is 10 absolutely loves the exhibits. It is a much slower pace at this park, which I find particularly refreshing after Disney's hustle and bustle at busier times of the year. My whole family, including 12 yr old daughter, loved the show Pet's Ahoy - the animals are so cute and well-trained. And I have to add that being able to "pet" the stingrays was awesome! My son was in awe that they were "slimy" - covered in mucus, a lesson he will never forget. There are some GREAT promos going on there right now too. Promo code mcdonalds2012 gives you 20 bucks off 1 day adult tickets or you can go to www.seaworlddine.com to get a one day ticket with all day free dining. I have eaten at Smoky Joe's before and thought it was pretty good. There is some renovations going on right now with the penguin portion of the park, but as Disney has the same thing going on too I see improvement as a great sign! Have fun regardless of your plans!

 

[skibum25]

I think every kid should go once given the opportunity. If your kids have not been you should take them. If not on this trip, on a future trip. You and your kids will not be dissapointed.

 

[TwistGrl101]

Thank you so much for your great input. We are going the last week of August...it sounds like I may now need to re-arrange all of my plans to fit this in.
Would you suggest getting there first thing in the morning? Will I likely spend a full day here, or can I still make an ADR for breakfast or dinner?
Can we just take a cab?

Thanks!

 

[KBF]

Thank you so much for your great input. We are going the last week of August...it sounds like I may now need to re-arrange all of my plans to fit this in.
Would you suggest getting there first thing in the morning? Will I likely spend a full day here, or can I still make an ADR for breakfast or dinner?
Can we just take a cab?

Thanks!

I would suggest getting there at park opening. Though Seaworld is never as busy as Disney, there are some things you will want to fit in before the crowds get in. For example, the first dolphin feeding of the day is 9:30. The park opens at 9:00 so the Dolphin feeding could be one of the first things you do when you first get to the park. The 9:30 feeding is the best because it is usually the least crowded, and this is the time of day when the dolphins are hungriest since it's their breakfast.

You will probably spend an entire day there. There is alot to do including shows, exhibits and rides.

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

found my answers on the Seaworld site.... so ignore this!

 

[kohlby]

My kids love SW. We had to miss it on our last trip but are doing it this trip. (Though initially, the plan was to wait until the trip after this). Get to the dolphin feeding first - even if you don't feed them. We didn't plan ahead but somehow ended up wandering over there first anyway and got great viewing spots. My kids didn't want to feed them but I really think our photo spot was better from the viewing angle.

Since you're going at the end of August, I'd definately get there for opening. It's hot in August and the chance of pop-up thunderstorms greatly increase as the day goes on. Plus, we've found with non-napping young children that it's always best to get to the parks early and leave whenever one acts like it's time to leave and get a good night's sleep. My kids will be 3, 6, and 9 on our next trip that includes SW. They were 11 months, 3.5, and 6.5 for the trip with SW before this. I think my oldest could have spent all day on the cargo nets! SW is the only baby care station I spent any time in at any park since it was a cold day and it was conviently located.

 

[basas]

I would definitely recommend you try Sea World. It might be a park you're glad you visited but don't feel the need to rush back to, or it might become one of your favorites...hard to say!

As much as I love Disney, there are a lot of other great attractions in the Orlando area that you may never get to experience if you restrict yourself to Disney’s boundaries.