Seaworld - for 4yr and 6 yr olds

[colleenr]

We are doing a trip next year and wondering if a 4yr and 6 yr old would enjoy their time at Seaworld. There doesn't seem like there is much to do there. I just dont want to waste $ going there. Any reviews and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I know there is the animal shows but is there really anything else to do there. My kids are both short for their age so not sure what rides they can do if there are any.

TIA

 

[HopperFan]

I have always felt Sea World is very much geared for young families, and I think that has what has hurt them - hence the addition of coasters. There are plenty of animal interactions and shows for your kids and the kids attraction area, Shamu Happy Harbor, is one of the nicest I have seen. My DB and family have actually spent many years staying at SW hotel so they could go several days and then would spend one day at MK.

That said if you are planning a Disney vacation and thinking you have to leave to go there, it's not a must, just a good day if they enjoy the "sea" animals.

 

[coasternut22]

I’ve taken my kids (now 3&4) to Sea World San Diego twice a year since they were born. January will be our first time with the kids in Orlando. I honestly prefer Sea World with kids than any of the Disney parks. When I’m at Sea World, I feel I don’t *have* to do everything, just take a leisurely pace watch animals, ride rides, see shows.


My kids have always loved the kids rides at Sea World. Sea World has a lot more play areas for kids to just run around and play (nets, slides, jungle gyms). Disney parks don’t have many places for kids to just run around and blow off steam. Sea World is way better for young kids than Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and (in my opinion) Animal Kingdom.


My kids also love animals. The sea lions, penguins, and sting rays are their favorite. They always talk about putting their hands in the water to touch the starfish. They also love the ice wall in the Antarctic exhibit.


My son loves loves loves the sky tower, although it always breaks down. We thought he’d be scared, and he was the first time, but he loves it.


The kids can get antsy at shows, but they’ve been mostly 1-3 years old when we’ve gone. They’ll outgrow it. We just bring in snacks and they eat them during shows.


Overall, I’ve found that my young kids enjoy the less structured environment of Sea World then the “have to get on this ride, then this ride, then this ride” fastpass/stick-to-the-plan mentality of the Disney parks.

 

[lindsmom]

Completely agree with the above. Just like any experiences in Orlando, it depends on your children's personalities. My children LOVE animals of all kinds, so feeding dolphins / sea lions / rays (and petting the rays) are something they still talk about. We didn't even do the shows (weren't sure of the training controversies) and still spent a full day there. We stood and watched manatees swimming next to us, or sharks swimming over us, for what felt like FOREVER. In a good way.

I also agree that it's a great opportunity for relaxed time. You don't have to hold your child's hand every moment, because it's not so crowded in every walkway like MK. We've never been on any of the adult rides, but children did like Happy Harbor - maybe this coming year as DD will be 15.