seaworld or IOA

[twingle3]

We are going to WDW for several days next fall 2005 with my dd 9,ds4,ds4. We are interested in going off site for one day. I can't decide which is more fun --Seaworld or IOA. Are there hands on at Seaworld? Is IOA only an "amusement" park type place. I really need some advice. Thanks for anything you can offer.

 

[xAmarisx]

Well Seaworld has some places where you can touch the marine life. IOA have a little island for Dr. Suess lovers a brilliant place to bring the kids. But its a huge amusement park

 

[ChisJo]

IOA has some of the best voted thrill rides. I am extremely excited to go there as I am a huge amusement park junkie. As for Sea World, I find it to be more laid back and relaxing than anything. It is awesome to see the marine life so close, but otherwise, I was finished this park within 6 hours, but it was a great way to have a more down day.
Jo

 

[chyam]

Seaworld is a much more laid back experience and perhaps it is a good way to be amused and relaxed. If your kids like animals then it's a great place, they have made many improvements in the past few years,I went last year and it had been 10 years since I had been there and was greatly impressed. They have a few rides, but most of it is shows and interactions with the critters. The pet show was good..........now if I could only get my pets to do some of that stuff!I agree with the previous poster IOA is an amusement park and it has many thrill rides and some awesome coasters but it is much more than a full day. And of course it is neat to see Shamu at SeaWorld!

 

[The Sweetness]

There is no way to compare the 2. They are 2 completely different experiences. If your kids are into marine life, Id say do SW. There are still 2 decent thrill rides there, and~ you can feed and pet the dolphins, and get soaked by Shamu!A word of advice, If staying to see the final Shamu show of the day, DO NOT make the mistake of buying hot dogs on your way into Shamu Stadium. I swear to **** when we were there, the dogs we got had been waiting around to be bought since noon! The most aggrivating, disgusting thing that happened to me on the whole trip. We spent over $20 (for 3 ppl) at the concession stand, and the dogs were inedible. Cold dogs, hard buns, and we were HUNGRY

Other than that, we loved SW

 

[monarchsfan16]

We loved Sea World and hated IOA. IOA is very thrill ride oriented. Sea World is incredible. The shows are amazing, and yes there are interactive things. THere are places to feed the dolphins and pet sting rays, etc. Sea World is so well done. IOA just isn't worth the money.

 

[sha_lyn]

Have you considered universal Studios? With the addition of Shrek and Jimmy Nutron, it is a great place to take young kids. Before the additions my DD preferred IOA over any other place (including any WDW park).

Now she loves US. It also has Curious George, Fivial and Barney play areas, the Barney Show and Woody woodpecker Roller coaster. Oh I can't forget ET.


There is so much for kids ot do at IOA. Seuss Landing is amazing. It is so well done. there are several rides there for hte kids. IOA also has Flying Unicorn, Toon Lagoon and the Jurassic Park play area. DD also likes Storm Force

Sea World is great too, but it is more "touring" than anything else. The shows are good and will keep kids entertained.The 2 rides are Thrill rides and the 4 yr old would be too young.

 

[B3LM]

With the ages of your children, I'd recommend Sea World over IOA. We were just at IOA last week. While we enjoyed the park, there wasn't much for DD5 to do at all - Seuss Landing is nice, but there's only three rides. We also did Universal Studios and there was more for her to do in that park.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I just returned from a week at the Hard Rock and IOA/US with DH and our kids (ages 3,4). First of all, I LOVE IOA but we really found that if was hard to do everything with our kids being so young. DD was terrified of the comic book characters walking around the park. Suess Landing was good for them but there are only a few rides and a playland there. Dh and I will be going back in Jan/Feb by ourselves so we can fully enjoy all the fabulous thrill rides.

If your 9 year old loves the thrill rides and big coasters then you should be ok at IOA. Otherwise, I would choose SeaWorld and do IOA when your kids are a little older.

I agree with the other poster, US is a bit more little kid friendly. Bring swimsuits for the Curious George playland.