Seaworld for 2, 5 yr old?

[clairesmom]

not sure if this is the right forum, but we were thinking about taking one of our non-theme park days and going to Seaworld for 4-5 hrs with dd, ages 2 and 5. does anyone know if this is a good age for that trip? we could do AK instead, but thought this might be a nice change. any advice would be appreciated.

 

[maps]

we went last year with my then 2 and 3 yr old and they loved it. we're going back again this year too. you get a second day free and we did go back. we spent the whole day there.
my kids loved feeding and petting the dolphins. the clyde and seymour show was a big hit. while i went on the atlanits ride, my husband watched as my kids enjoyed this cool aquarium that was in the floor.
lastly, bring a bathing suit because there are fountains and a water splash area for the kids--i couldn't drag mine out of there!
for hubby, the free beer was a hit!

 

[HollyJoy]

I think they are at Great Ages for Sea World! We are planning on going to Sea World one cay while we are down in The Kindgom! LOL Should be fun! My girls will be 5 and 7.

 

[capnho]

I took my kids to Sea World two years ago when they were 2 and 4 and we had a great day. In fact, DD asked a couple of weeks ago when we were going to see Shamu again!

 

[KaityBsMom]

I think your kids will enjoy Sea World, especially your 5 year old. Our daughter (then a young 4) LOVED Sea World when we went in September. She really enjoyed all the shows (especially Shamu's and the Pets Ahoy show) and seeing some of the animals up close (you can touch stingrays and we got some very close-up looks at the dolphins).

 

[vernon]

I think SW is a great park at those ages, the kiddies play area has some fun things for them to do and they'll love the shows.

The 5y old has a chance, I think, of being the right age to be asked to take part in the Dolphin show ( if they're still using the same format). It's worth getting to the stadium 30-40 minutes before the show ( let the kids use it as a drink/icecream rest break. You will often see a CM wander about at the front of the glass at the front of the dolphin pool with a clip board ( it has the paperwork that has to be signed by parents to "release" their child to take part in the show). This CM has the job of selecting the child for that show, if you can prompt ( or take) your child to ask the CM some questions ( what's the dolphins names, what do they feel like, what do they eat etc) the CM is likely to ask if they would like to meet the dolphins and be in the show. Obviously they like kids that show an interest in the animals but also kids that show a little independance/confidence. It also helps if the girls are dressed in something pretty (any one who's seem the show is likely to know the "joke" and why it works best with a pretty dress). Most of the CMs are just happy to have a kid that shows an interest, if they can get the job done quickly and dealt with they are happy to get backstage ASAP.

Both my DD's were lucky enough to be in the show at different times and it's a real treasured memory. Obviously there are a lot of kids about so it's by no means certain, but with a little planning you can shorten the odds a good deal.

 

[BarryHom]

If you go, be careful about putting them in Shamu's Happy Harbor. It's a big playground. They may never want to leave!

 

[highlander447]

Yep I agree with Barry although my DW thinks she had a bigger problem geeting me way from the hospitalty centre

 

[jlw29]

They are great ages for Sea World. My daughters went every summer to Sea World Ohio from age almost 2 until 5 (age of my older one). We moved and haven't been back in 3 years and they still ask when we're going to go again. Sea World seems to be a less physically draining theme park because of all the shows. You spend more time sitting out of the sun.

Have a great trip!