Seaworld over Christmas.

[milomummy]

We are in Orlando from 23rd Dec this year until 4th Jan next year. As we're only there 12 nights and over an exceptionally busy period we have an awful lot to try to fit in, so we have more or less decided to only do Disney and Seaworld, as DS (5) is desperate to see a real life 'shark'.
So, my question is, can anyone advise on what day during our stay we should try for Seaworld? I know it will probably be busy but was wondering if maybe one day is generally quieter than others. Has anyone been there at the same time of year?
Hoping to get free entrance as DH is in the UK Forces and I believe if he shows his ID card we will all be allowed in free of charge.
Thanks in advance

 

[Melcatfish]

The Brits Guide to Orlando lists busy average and quiet days - I don't have a copy of a recent one to hand (will be ordering 09 version soon though!) but that may give you an indication, however I think at Christmas everywhere will be jam packed. Hope you manage to find a plan that works for you. We are just doing Disney and Seaworld next August - it will be our first trip with the children and we have 10 days so I figured why complicate it with too many places to go!

Mel
x

 

[Camac]

We have visited Seaworld over two Christmas periods (2003 & 2006) and have never felt swamped by crowds.

It does help to get in early and you will find that crowds accumulate around the show times and then disperse afterwards but we have never not got into a show or felt that we have had to queue for long periods for any attraction.

As your son likes sharks, be sure to book a meal at the Underwater Grill where you can eat as the sharks glide pass. All seats have a good view of the 'tank' but ask if you can be seated next to the glass for a really close encounter. The food is good too and a change from burgers and pizza.

Remember to take a look in the bar area of the restaurant to find Nemo (the bar itself is a long, thin tropical fish tank!).

It is best to book your table as soon as you enter the park. They do not take advance bookings.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We have been on Christmas day & didn't find it too bad - like the previous poster said - get there early dors if you are going for 1 day only

 

[tink too]

I loved Sea World at Christmas-time and as the PP's have said, we never found it so busy that it was unmanageable.

 

[milomummy]

Thanks very much. Might see about doing it on Christmas Day, know the Disney Parks will be rammed, so makes sense. Also, how fab will it be for DS to say that on Christmas Day he was there!

 

[nibbo]

We did it on Boxing day last year and didn't find it too bad. It was busier than the previous week but definitely not too crowded to ruin the day. Got into the shows no problem at all, much quieter than the Disney parks.

 

[T16GEM]

We found that the shows filled up quick so it was best to get there 20 mins before to secure a seat, they were announcing that the Believe show was full an hour before the next show so that was pretty bad.

I would recomment the Brits Guide too.

 

[milomummy]

Thanks, I have the Brit Guide (and the unofficial guide), I guess I need to read them again!

 

[Melcatfish]

Snother recommendation for Sharks Grill - we had one of the most delicious meals of our trip there on 2004.

Mel
x

 

[Princess Fiona]

Another for Sharks Grill.

 

[milomummy]

sounds like our Christmas day is sorted then, Seaworld with a meal at Shark's Grill. Thanks