SeaWorld - Springbreak - Skip it or not?

[libertygirl]

HI all,

This will be our second trip to WDW, first time over Spring Break. My neighbor who just returned is beggin me to go to Seaworld with my DDs 8 and 10. Tickets will be over $200 - is it worth the money and day away from WDW? DH is strongly against it. I don't know what to do - but we probably won't do a Florida Vacation again in a few years, and my DDs love animals!

It is easier to ask for forgivenss than ask for permission.

 

[dylansmom1]

IMHO, Seaworld is one of the true gems of Orlando. It's much slower paced than Disney. You don't have to be a "commando" at Seaworld. It's much more relaxed and line standing is very minimal because of the shows. Is it worth it?...yep, every penny. My son is a huge animal lover and Seaworld is a must. It's a lovely park and a reprieve from the hustle and bussle of Disney. I always reccommend seaworld and no one has every been dissapointed. Seaworld's only shortcoming is their food. It's not nearly as good as the other parks. Just stick to basics like hamburgers and chicken nuggets.

Take a chance on it. It's now on our #1 thing to do in Orlando. WE never miss it. Now that I have Gold passes, we may do it twice!

Jane

 

[makinorlando]

SeaWorld is awesome, and as the other post said, it is very overlooked! Sometimes my DD9 says she likes it better the WDW... but they really can't be compared. She loves animals, and would love to be a dolphin or whale trainer when she grows up.

The shows are great - our favorites are - well most of them...

Sea Lion Walrus Show - Clyde and Seamore - very funny
Blue Horizions - (dolphins, etc) lots of color music and fun
Shamu - day time and night time shows - starting new show soon - not sure when
Odyssea - Cirque de Soleil type acrobatics - very cool
Pets Ahoy - this is a cute show - they have lots of "rescued" pets that have been trained to do awesome tricks.

Don't miss riding up in the Sky Tower - fabulous view of the park and Orlando Skyline.

If you like roller coasters Kraken is supposed to be awesome and Journey to Atlantis as well.

As well as all of the above, there are the animal encounters, feeding the dolphins, sea lions (always good for some laughs), and rays. The Penguin exhibit is interesting, and so so much more!!! Take a few minutes to visit the dolphin nursery and see the moms and babies interact and have fun!

Here are some pics... I don't have all the Sea World pics posted yet - http://photobucket.com/albums/e291/makasper/Sea%20World/?start=0

We don't eat there often, except to grab something quick, but we did eat at Shark Encounter and enjoyed the food. Basics - soup, salad and my DD had pasta.

Presently they have "come as you please" tickets. If you purchase one days admission, you can come and go as you please during the next 6 consecutive days.... you just have to go to guest relations before you leave the park to have your pass!

 

[poohbear2]

If you are not planning to go to Florida for awhile, I would go to SEAWORLD. Like the others have said, it really is relaxing and fun. You can find some good deals with the ticket prices also. Check out the Seaworld threads.

Have a great vacation!

 

[Typhoon John]

Your DDs will talk about SeaWorld long after your trip is over. A lot of people think there's nothing that compares to Disney, but that's completely wrong. Although I love Disney, SeaWorld is absolutely my favorite park. There are so many hidden surprises, and it's supposed to have one of the best kid's areas, too.
I can understand your husbands point of view that you have limited time and Disney stuff takes priority (not sure if that's how he feels). But I have to tell you, when you're first walking up to the entrance and you go past the mini water reefs, your whole mood will change. There something about being near the water and around the animals that's really hard to describe. It will be the least stressfull and most remembered part of your trip. And if your neighbor loved it, and everyone here is saying the same thing, you can't go wrong.
BTW, go into shows at least 10-15 minutes early. A lot of times, there will be pre-show performers, like the SeaWorld mime, and it is hilarious. I have shown tapes of the pre-shows to friends and they howled with laughter. I don't know, SeaWorld is just fun.
And one last thing, I totally disagree about the food being bad. I've taken a lot of trips and hold an annual pass to SeaWorld and a couple of other parks and SeaWorlds food has consistantly been the best. And, it's fairly reasonably priced. The Waterfront Sandwich Grill is a favorite of mine as well as Smokey Creek bar-b-que.
Heck, worst case, tell your husband they serve free beer at the hospitality center. I don't even drink, but it's still a unique experience to go into the hospitality center.
Oh, and don't forget to take DDs to the stables and to see the Clydesdales up close. The Clydesdales pull a (fake cases of Budweiser ) wagon through the park with a dalmation on it, and they stop at a few key places so you can get pics. Ask an employee or check the park map for times.
OH, oh....and get a park map (it has show schedules) when you walk in. DOH! I'm through with my rant.
Good luck,
- John

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Seems I remember getting discounts from the Entertainment Book for Seaworld also, anyone know if they still do that??

 

[libertygirl]

I am working hard on covincing Dh of this one! I found that AAA has the best ticket prices! I'd like to order them before my WDW Package documents are mailed. Wish me luck!

Thanks again!

 

[isla bonita]

We bought season passes this year for both SW and BG. They are both beautiful and worth every dime we payed.

 

[Typhoon John]

libertygirl,

There's an article in today's Orlando Sentinel about Sea World's "Blue Horizons" show. Actually, that is the stadium that they always did the great pre-shows in. If you go, get there at least 10 minutes early. The pre-shows at each attraction generally start at least 10 minutes before show time, and they are all worth it. Different shows have them, but probably not all shows there do. The mimes are hilarious.

- John

p.s. if you do go, post back about you and your family's trip. take care.

here's the link. hope it works

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-cover1306mar13,0,7709466.story?track=rss