SeaWorld - Complete Ratings on All Offerings

[GrandCanyon]

Is Believe the best, or Shamu Rocks? Some say Shamu Rocks is the best; however, anything is probably not the best after having toured in the hot summer sun for 11 hours. It seems that if we go in the morning we sacrifice the best shows, and that if we go in the evening we sacrifice short waiting times on the best rides.

So, in helping us revise and re-revise our Touring Plan, please rate (1 [low] - 5 [high]) the following shows and rides, for "first-timers" to SeaWorld San Diego.

SHOWS
1. Believe (Day)
2. Shamu Rocks (Night)

3. Dolphin Discovery (Day)
4. Ignight (Night)

5. Risky Rescue (Day)
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night)

7. Pets Rule

8. Cirque de la Mer

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination

10. Riptide

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis
12. Shipwreck Rapids
13. Bayside Sky Ride
14. Sky Tower

ATTRACTIONS
15. Wild Arctic
16. Penguin Encounter
17. Manatee Rescue
18. Shark Encounter
19. Freshwater Aquarium
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions)
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels)
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins)
23. Dolphin Encounter
24. Flamingo Cove
25.

 

[KelsiesMommy]

SHOWS
1. Believe (Day)- (5)
2. Shamu Rocks (Night)- (5)

3. Dolphin Discovery (Day)- (3)
4. Ignight (Night)- haven't seen

5. Risky Rescue (Day)- (5)
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night)- BIL and SIL saw said it was great- we plan to see on our next visit

7. Pets Rule- (5)

8. Cirque de la Mer- (4)

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination- only if you have a Sesame Street fan- (3)

10. Riptide- just a band that plays at the front plaza at night- no need to plan to see them unless you're into just listening to music

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis- didn't ride- was broken down all day the last visit and too cold the one before
12. Shipwreck Rapids- (4)
13. Bayside Sky Ride- if you're not afraid of heights (I am)- it's a beautiful view of the bay)
14. Sky Tower- (4)

ATTRACTIONS
15. Wild Arctic- (3)
16. Penguin Encounter- (5)
17. Manatee Rescue- been closed the last few months
18. Shark Encounter- (3.5)
19. Freshwater Aquarium- (2)
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions)- (4)
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels)- (4)
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins)- (5) make sure to get in line to get food to pet and feed the dolphins!
23. Dolphin Encounter
24. Flamingo Cove- (2)
25.

 

[Nora94]

We have only gone two days total, so take this rating with a grain of salt.
SHOWS ************MY ratings were from favorite being one to least favorite being higher number. *********************
1. Believe (Day) - #3
2. Shamu Rocks (Night) - #4

3. Dolphin Discovery (Day) - #2
4. Ignight (Night) - #5

5. Risky Rescue (Day) - #3
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night) = #1 (but it kinda ruins a part of the dolphin show so only go to this if you have done the majority of the other shows)

7. Pets Rule - didn't see

8. Cirque de la Mer - #6

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination - didn't see (kids are way past that Sesame Street age)

10. Riptide - didn't see

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis - we only rode this one and it's the most UNIQUE roller coaster yet. I had read of this type but didn't realize this was one of those kinds until it happened. It was worth doing once.
12. Shipwreck Rapids
13. Bayside Sky Ride
14. Sky Tower

ATTRACTIONS - not going to rate these honestly. They were ALL worth going to except for the one aquarium at Cirque. That one was too dark to see inside the tanks. Otherwise every single one of these was worth the time to explore.
15. Wild Arctic
16. Penguin Encounter
17. Manatee Rescue
18. Shark Encounter
19. Freshwater Aquarium
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions)
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels)
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins)
23. Dolphin Encounter
24. Flamingo Cove


A must do is the Dine With Shamu. The food was great and the interaction was unique. Plus we got to ask a trainer questions without being rushed.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

Here's my imput!

SHOWS
1. Believe (Day)- Even if ppl like this or Shamu Rocks better, I think that every first-timer should see this show at least once even if it is a little silly. Rating-5
2. Shamu Rocks (Night)- I think I'd have more fun in this if I wanted to get wet. I love it when Shamu "break dances," he's so cool. Rating-3

3. Dolphin Discovery (Day)- Definately see it for first-timers. Rating-5
4. Ignight (Night)- It's new this summer and I haven't gotten a chance to see it yet. Probably will in 2 weeks.

5. Risky Rescue (Day)- I always love going to the sea lion & otter show! This one isn't as good as the ones in the past, but it's still good. Rating-4
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night)- This is a must see! They spoof all of the shows in the park and it's too funny. Rating-5

7. Pets Rule- The story and the animals are cute, but would be must see if you're a crazed pet lover. Rating-3

8. Cirque de la Mer- If you've seen acrobats before, then the only thing different w/ this show would be the storyline. It's cute and the performers are really talented. Rating-3

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination- Definately for the little ones who love Sesame Street. It's also a good place to cool off bc of the ac and the water suprises. Rating-3/4

10. Riptide- No need to see if you see Cirque de la Mer. Just more ppl doing acrobats. Rating-2

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis- Very fun, but very short. Since you get wet, I'd advise you go in the morning. Rating-5
12. Shipwreck Rapids- Also very fun, but it's just another rapid ride. There's lots of fun things to see and you get very wet. Rating-4
13. Bayside Sky Ride- It's not a must do, but it's fun if you want to ride over the bay and see the back side of Cirque de la Mer. Rating-2
14. Sky Tower- It's just like any other sky tower. It lifts you up and rotates to give you a bird's eye view of the park. Rating-2

ATTRACTIONS- Good to see while waiting for the next show to open.
15. Wild Arctic- The ride part is cool, but the animals are better. Lines are definately shorter on the non-simulator side and at night. It's good for a first timer, but what's worth it are seeing the animals at the end. Or just skip the ride all together and go through the shop, through the exit and see them that way. Rating-3/4
16. Penguin Encounter- It's smelly, but they're really cute. Rating-5
17. Manatee Rescue- They're cute and their story makes my heart want to save them all. Rating-5
18. Shark Encounter- I love the sharks and this exhibit is really cool. Rating-5
19. Freshwater Aquarium- If it's really hot and crowded, it's nice to chill in here. Rating-3
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions)- They're fun to look at and they're one of the animals that you can feed. Rating-3
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels)- They're fun to pet and feed. Rating-4
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins)- It can get very crowded during the day w/ ppl want to touch and feed them. Watch out for pesky seagulls! Watching the sea otters next to them are fun too. Rating-3
23. Dolphin Encounter- aka Rocky Point Preserve, but the dolphin part.
24. Flamingo Cove- They're very smelly, but very pretty. You can see them by just walking from one part of the park to another. Rating-3
25. California Tide Pool- A great way to see and touch sea stars. Rating-3
26. World of the Sea Aquarium- Another place to cool off and see amazing animals. Rating-3
27. Anheuser-Busch Hospality Center- I like visiting the Budweiser clydesdales and once in a while, they take a little stroll around a portion of the park. This is also a great place for lunch. Rating-4
28. Bay of Play- Definately for the kiddies who love Sesame Street. Rating-3/4

 

[GrandCanyon]

Please Keep the Comment/Ratings Coming

 

[LVdisneyChick]

Thank you for posting this.
is ther eenough time to theses all in one day???

 

[mizliz]

this thread leads right into the question I came online to ask! We only have 1.5 days in San Diego (after visiting Comic-Con...) so we need to prioritize. I don't have the energy to spend 12 hours at SeaWorld (I have arthritis and tire out from all the walking.) Everything I know about DisneyWorld tells me to be at the gate prior to opening! But, if we can only devote 1/2 day, and if we love fireworks/night-time shows, would it make sense to do the last half of the day at SeaWorld? Is it crazy crowded at night? We'll be there on Sunday July 27th.

I don't think we can manage a morning visit/break/evening visit, as we're staying downtown and relying on public transit.

Thanks for any tips!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

this thread leads right into the question I came online to ask! We only have 1.5 days in San Diego (after visiting Comic-Con...) so we need to prioritize. I don't have the energy to spend 12 hours at SeaWorld (I have arthritis and tire out from all the walking.) Everything I know about DisneyWorld tells me to be at the gate prior to opening! But, if we can only devote 1/2 day, and if we love fireworks/night-time shows, would it make sense to do the last half of the day at SeaWorld? Is it crazy crowded at night? We'll be there on Sunday July 27th.

I don't think we can manage a morning visit/break/evening visit, as we're staying downtown and relying on public transit.

Thanks for any tips!

Spending 1/2 of a day at SW would be good if you plan to go. The nightime shows are really fun to watch and if you plan it out right, you can see Shamu Rocks, stay in the stadium, and watch the fireworks from there. And another plus is that the animal exhibits are still open at night.

 

[GrandCanyon]

"Bump" for more input.

 

[GrandCanyon]

 

[GrandCanyon]

We would love to know what others of you think.

 

[casaazul]

We may be the weird family here... but here goes...

The shows we liked in order.. Dolphins, Clyde and Seamore and then Shamu. I hated the Pet one. We were there last in 2005, so not sure if the shows are the same.

Rides... Journey to Atlantis was a 5. Even my husband who freaks out on all rides liked that one. Did not do any others.

ATTRACTIONS
15. Wild Arctic - 5
16. Penguin Encounter - 5
17. Manatee Rescue - 4
18. Shark Encounter - 5
19. Freshwater Aquarium - ? dont remember it, lol
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions) - ditto
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels) - love it 5+
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins) 5+
23. Dolphin Encounter - didn't do
24. Flamingo Cove -3

 

[endy]

Having gone at least 5 times every summer for the last 8 years with a now 11 year old. We love absolutely everything there. We buy seasons passes and go everyday. Sometimes for the morning/afternoon or evening. I'd take it over almost eveything even DL.
I told my son to choose DL or SW for next month, he can't & wants to do both as well as Legoland. So it will be a very busy 2 week trip.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Just spent two partial days at Sea World with my daughter (20) and two nephews (8 & 6), and though we didn't see everything, thought I would rate what we did see.

SHOWS
1. Believe (Day) Didn't see it
2. Shamu Rocks (Night) 4-1/2

3. Dolphin Discovery (Day) Didn't see it
4. Ignight (Night) 4

5. Risky Rescue (Day) Didn't see it
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night) 5 Had to see it twice since we enjoyed it so much.

7. Pets Rule Didn't see it

8. Cirque de la Mer Didn't see it

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination Didn't see it

10. Riptide Didn't see it

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis Didn't ride
12. Shipwreck Rapids Didn't ride
13. Bayside Sky Ride Didn't ride
14. Sky Tower 4

ATTRACTIONS
15. Wild Arctic Didn't ride
16. Penguin Encounter 4
17. Manatee Rescue Didn't see it
18. Shark Encounter 4
19. Freshwater Aquarium 4
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions) 4
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels) 5
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins) 5
23. Dolphin Encounter Didn't do it But, we saw it, and looks like something fun to do
24. Flamingo Cove 4
25. Dine with Shamu 5 Thought the food was good, thought watching the whale interaction was good, too. All four of us rated it as an excellent experience.

 

[GrandCanyon]

Bump for more votes

 

[mt mommy]

We were just there on July 21.

SHOWS
1. Believe (Day) 5
2. Shamu Rocks (Night) didn't see it

3. Dolphin Discovery 4
4. Ignight didn't see

5. Risky Rescue (Day) 4
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night) didn't see it
7. Pets Rule 4

8. Cirque de la Mer Didn't see it

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination Didn't see it

10. Riptide Didn't see it

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis 4 1/2 my 4 year old however, HATED IT
12. Shipwreck Rapids Didn't ride
13. Bayside Sky Ride Didn't ride
14. Sky Tower didn't ride

ATTRACTIONS
15. Wild Arctic Didn't ride
16. Penguin Encounter 4
17. Manatee Rescue 4
18. Shark Encounter 5
19. Freshwater Aquarium 4
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions) 4
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels) 5
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins) 5
23. Dolphin Encounter Didn't do it But, we saw it, and looks like something fun to do
24. Flamingo Cove 4
25. Dine with Shamu (breakfast) 5 Thought the food was good, (instant eggs were not appetizing) thought watching the whale interaction was incredible. The trainers were so well versed and would answer anyone's questions. It was a great experience!!

The worst experience for us in the park was the line for LUNCH!! We went to Mango Joes and had fajitas, the food was great, but I waited in line for 30 MINUTES!!! Unbelievable!!

If I were to do it again, I would dine with Shamu during the afternoon to avoid lunch lines. All the lines at every lunch venues were PACKED! It was so disappointing to wait in line for lunch at 1:30 for 30 minutes.
__________________

 

[obithar2]

SHOWS
1. Believe (Day) Didn't see it
2. Shamu Rocks (Night) 4

3. Dolphin Discovery (Day) 4 1/2
4. Ignight (Night) Didn't see it

5. Risky Rescue (Day) 5
6. Sea Lions Tonight (Night) 5+

7. Pets Rule 4 1/2

8. Cirque de la Mer 3 1/2 (although some in our party would rate it higher)

9. Lights, Camera, Imagination Didn't see it

10. Riptide Didn't see it (don't recall this one even being available - not sure what it is)

RIDES
11. Journey to Atlantis 4 (rode twice)
12. Shipwreck Rapids Didn't ride
13. Bayside Sky Ride Didn't ride
14. Sky Tower Didn't ride

ATTRACTIONS
15. Wild Arctic 4
16. Penguin Encounter 4
17. Manatee Rescue Didn't see it
18. Shark Encounter 4
19. Freshwater Aquarium didn't see it
20. Pacific Point (Sea Lions) Didn't see it
21. Forbidden Reef (Bat Rays & Eels) 3 1/2
22. Rocky Point Preserve (Dolphins) 5 - feeding dolphins
23. Dolphin Encounter
24. Flamingo Cove 2
25. Dine with Shamu - didn't do

Just for interest sake, We were there on July 6, which was the long weekend, and we didn't arrive until 2 p.m. We saw pretty much everything and could have probably snuck in the Ignite show yet, but decided to take it a little easier for the kids with us. It was an awesome day.

 

[Monkey Monkey]

OP, are you planning on organizing your itinerary based on people's responses here?

I have not responded because IMO it's not a one-size-fits-all park, like any other amusement park.

My son loves dogs, so Pets Rule is great for us. The Believe show bores us and I find it exceedingly cheesy, so we skip that. I like the aquarium next to the Cirque stadium because it has Nemo and Dory, and an octopus. It takes less than 5 minutes to go through, but some might skip it because it doesn't have any big attractions.

Some people absolutely love the shows and others prefer watching the animals do their own thing in their enclosures, or spending most of their day on the rides. It really all depends on what each guest likes and how they want to spend their day at the park.