SeaWorld with a 6 year old Feb 2022

[DisneyDillyDally]

Hi - visiting SeaWorld for first time in February with my child who LOVES dolphins and whales. We won’t be doing any of the thrill rides. Wondering if one day is likely enough here or if we should plan for two. We will want to see the animals and do some of the rides in Sesame Street. Any thoughts?

should I buy reserved seating for the shows?

Should I buy the front of the line pass for the rides?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

If you are focused on the shows and exhibits, and less on the rides, one day would be plenty at Seaworld, in our opinion. It'll be a fairly long day, but SW always does a decent job of setting up their show times so you can see most of them. Schedule a plan in advance and enjoy the day!

 

[DisneyDillyDally]

If you are focused on the shows and exhibits, and less on the rides, one day would be plenty at Seaworld, in our opinion. It'll be a fairly long day, but SW always does a decent job of setting up their show times so you can see most of them. Schedule a plan in advance and enjoy the day!

Thanks! Lots of experience visiting WDW, but first time to SeaWorld

 

[thanxfornoticin]

To answer your other questions (i meant to do that!), I don't see that you would need reserved seating at the shows. And if you're not focused on rides, FOL passes are probably not necessary either - especially in February - unless you are there over President's Day weekend, which can bring in crowds for all the Orlando parks!

But if you get to the shows 10-15 minutes before showtime, you should be fine. I'm sure you'll want to spend time with your child at the exhibits, too - especially the dolphins, sea lions, and the whale tanks.

 

[ChanaC]

I agree, I think one day will be fine. I also don't think you'll need to do the advanced seating or front of the line access. Like the other poster said, just try to plan out the day in advance. Figure out which shows you want to do, pick some showtimes for each, and plan around that. My big piece of advice is that SW is a large park and isn't organized as well as some of the other theme parks, so if you don't plan accordingly you will spend a lot of time zig zagging, which can just be annoying. As you plan what shows you want to see and what times you want to see them try to plan seeing the animals and attractions in that area. For example, Sesame Street is close to Shamu Stadium, which is on the far right side of the park, so aim to do that around the same time of day. Other pieces of advice:

- I personally love the Wild Arctic section, which doesn't seem to get a lot of attention because it's near Shamu Stadium fairly far from the main entrance. There is a simulation ride similar to Star Tours, but a lot of people don't realize that beyond that it's also where the walruses and beluga whales (one of my favorites) are. It does seem to fill up right as the Shamu show ends since people see it right as they exit, so try to go in during a show and beat the crowds.

- People also don't realize that there is an aquarium next to the Manta coaster. Go around the corner from the entrance to the coaster and you will see it. It's a really cool aquarium with coral, rays, and some other smaller fish. It does get busy first thing in the morning since it's one of the first things people see so maybe attempt to go during an off time or right before you leave the park.

- The penguin ride is also cute and very family friendly for young kids. There is a "wild" and "mild" option but honestly even the "wild" isn't that wild, just some extra spinning (it's trackless vehicles so the experience is always slightly different). Unless you are prone to motion sickness or have back or neck issues going with wild isn't too bad.

- Since it seems like you will be going during an off peak time you probably don't need to arrive to most shows too early, but give yourself some extra time to get to Shamu. It's the most popular, and even though it's also the biggest stadium I have seen it fill up. Food and drinks are allowed in all the outdoor theaters (at least pre-covid, not sure what the current rules are), so if you plan on arriving early to stake out a spot for a show think about bringing a snack to eat while waiting. I know it keeps kids somewhat entertained and distracted as they wait.

 

[kathy884]

I agree with what others have posted. One other tip: The wild artic area is great, but don't do it right after the Shamu show when everyone and their brother who went to the Shamu show decides to go over there. SW is a fantastic park for all ages -- It was my son's favorite Orlando park when he was six. I think you will have a wonderful time.

 

[moesy4]

I just wanted to throw it out there to look into Discovery Cove. They run some amazing Black Friday deals. Last year they also had a New Year’s deal that included the dolphin encounter and unlimited visits to Sea World and Aquatic for around 160 a person I think?
Discovery Cove has an amazing coral reef where you swim with rays and tons of fish, of course the dolphins and the encounter, and a bird aviary as well as other animals and experiences. It is good inclusive and my kids LOVED just walking up and grabbing a snack and slush.
The add on for Sea World was very reasonable and you can call 30 days before your trip to add a $25 parking pass for Sea World and Aquatica.
If you can swing it and they offer a good deal, it will give you more time to enjoy Sea World. You could do it in a day, but part of the fun is taking as much time as you want to watch the sea lions, dolphins, manatees, etc. and doing all that and viewing the shows would be a lot.
I don’t think you need a preferred pass, just get to each show about 30 minutes early and relax with a snack.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Yes you can do it one day, but we used two days.. we bought dolphin experience where you feed the dolphins and saw all the shows. I dont think we could have seen all the shows if we had only one day. We rode 1 thrill ride , Infiniti falls we also got all you can dine passes and are almost every hour it became one of our favorite things to do lol.
We booked through the seaworld website and got the free dining..

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

We went in November and April and neither Wild Arctic or Penguin rides were open due to covid (penguin exhibit was neat, though). Agree with what others said about seating and lines. The only line that might be long is if your child has interest in riding Journey to Atlantis.

 

[DisneyDillyDally]

I just wanted to throw it out there to look into Discovery Cove. They run some amazing Black Friday deals. Last year they also had a New Year’s deal that included the dolphin encounter and unlimited visits to Sea World and Aquatic for around 160 a person I think?
Discovery Cove has an amazing coral reef where you swim with rays and tons of fish, of course the dolphins and the encounter, and a bird aviary as well as other animals and experiences. It is good inclusive and my kids LOVED just walking up and grabbing a snack and slush.
The add on for Sea World was very reasonable and you can call 30 days before your trip to add a $25 parking pass for Sea World and Aquatica.
If you can swing it and they offer a good deal, it will give you more time to enjoy Sea World. You could do it in a day, but part of the fun is taking as much time as you want to watch the sea lions, dolphins, manatees, etc. and doing all that and viewing the shows would be a lot.
I don’t think you need a preferred pass, just get to each show about 30 minutes early and relax with a snack.

Thank you! I watched a video about Discover Cove with my six year old last night. He’s very excited about it.

 

[DisneyDillyDally]

We went in November and April and neither Wild Arctic or Penguin rides were open due to covid (penguin exhibit was neat, though). Agree with what others said about seating and lines. The only line that might be long is if your child has interest in riding Journey to Atlantis.

Things were still shut in April 2021? That’s too bad…

 

[DisneyDillyDally]

Thanks all for your comments and tips!