Solo Trip review/Blizzard Beach and SeaWorld

[brad813]

I had to go to Orlando recently to exchange main park tickets and took advantage of the fact I had to stay overnight. I arrived at 9am on May 3rd and left May 4th in the early evening. The following are my thoughts.

Day 1: Blizzard Beach - Even as a solo traveler, this park is a lot of fun. I did the Slush Gusher(was even flying blind for a moment), the Snow Stormers(lost my glasses but had a float kit on), and the Tobogan Racers(I won my race), and the lazy river for three laps. The rides were a blast, and people always were friendly. The lazy river got crowded, but everyone just chatted when it did. Expect long lines for the green slope rides plus the Downhill Double Dipper. I was nervous with the chairlift, but there are stairs available as well. Over all, I enjoyed it. The Summer Winterland mini golf course is right outside. The main weak points here were the locker rental costs, the food was just ok, and there were no direct routes from the Magic Kingdom area that I could tell. I would not hesitate to buy a Water Parks annual pass at this point.

Day 2: SeaWorld - I loved the Disney water park, but SeaWorld was more fun to me. Not to say I would choose it over the main Disney parks, but over the water parks for sure. This is a must do if you have the extra time. I went on two rides and to two shows. The two rides, Antarctica and Wild Arctic, I would consider must rides, unless you have a medical reason. You end the ride in a viewing area for Penguins or Belugas, Walruses, and Harbor Seals, respectively. It is amazing to see these creatures up close. In between the rides I went to Ocean Discovery(Orcas) and Dolphin Days(Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and Macaws). Next time I would choose One Ocean over Ocean Discovery. Of the three places I ate, Seafire Grill was the best. I also encourage everyone to get the dining plan and a drink all day cup if you are spending a full day there. I have a platinum pass membership through Busch Gardens Williamsburg that got me in.

Overall, these are great parks and you will not be singled out if you are going solo, unless, of course, you do something to make yourself stand out in a not so good way.

 

[jsmla]

Thanks for the review! I'm usually solo and am trying to decide on whether or not to add the water parks to my AP.

 

[brad813]

Thanks for the review! I'm usually solo and am trying to decide on whether or not to add the water parks to my AP.

There would be a few rides you can't do because of the numbers required, but I would say do it. They are a lot of fun, even solo. I only got to do Blizzard Beach, but I am planning to do Typhoon Lagoon as soon as I get a chance. I was also able to get a glimpse of Universal's Volcano Bay and that looks interesting, so will probably include that on my next trip, to see how it is. This trip was a 2 day trip to convert value tickets to peak, so I didn't have a lot of time.

 

[jsmla]

There would be a few rides you can't do because of the numbers required, but I would say do it. They are a lot of fun, even solo. I only got to do Blizzard Beach, but I am planning to do Typhoon Lagoon as soon as I get a chance. I was also able to get a glimpse of Universal's Volcano Bay and that looks interesting, so will probably include that on my next trip, to see how it is. This trip was a 2 day trip to convert value tickets to peak, so I didn't have a lot of time.

I had a SeaWorld AP last year that included Aquatica (free) so I went there a couple of times. I really enjoyed Roa Rapids (pretty much drank beer and floated around all day) but couldn't work up the nerve to line up for the slides. In retrospect this is is extremely stupid because I lined up at TL all the time when the kiddos were too short to do some of those slides. DH doesn't "do" the thrilly stuff.

I let my SW AP expire but am really thinking about upgrading my Disney AP to include the water parks.

 

[brad813]

I have a Busch Gardens Platinum Pass, but will likely get a Fun Card for next year. Will definitely be getting at least a Disney Water Parks AP, but am seriously considering a Platinum Plus Pass instead, even though I live out of state(I live in VA so my BG pass is the VA one). I still have to look at Volcano Bay and the main Disney parks to make my decision.