Tour info thread?

[vault19dweller]

Hi guys,

Am doing some long-distance planning for our first ever trip to SeaWorld

I was just wondering if it would be helpful at all to have a sticky with some info on the Sea World tours?
(I dont mind if this suggestion isnt any good, was just a thought )

The SW website gives some info on each one - so we know its best to check the official SeaWorld tour page (restrictions tab) for the basics
But there seem to be other things about it I just cant find an answer on anywhere on the internet

Maybe those with experience about it might be able to help those who have never been?

EG:

• Roughly what area of the park the various tours start & end at? (Behind the Scenes / up close tours / etc)
• That when you check in at the info centre - even if it says to be there X many minutes/hours before the tour, that you don't have to wait there the whole time once checked in (I know that caused me some confusion in planning process, which was later clarified)
• anything else other first timers are unsure about with these tours which the SeaWorld page (and google) cant seem to shed any light on?

I don't know if any other would find this information helpful at all?

Just thought considering we couldn't find some answers online (at least of roughly what areas we'll be at before / after the tours) and had to ask a bit about how the check in process works, maybe it could be helpful for other first-time tour planners

 

[Nia20]

I have only done 1 encounter in Seaworld (so far anyway) it was last april so my memory might be a bit patchy, but this is what i can remember from the Beluga Interaction Program

they ask that you make yourself know to the information desk that you are in the park, so its probably best to do this as soon as you arrive, you can leave it till 1 hour before the interaction time if you want. you are then free to enjoy the park. then about 15-30 minutes before your time make your way to the animal statue outside the wild artic gift shop ( i think it is a polar bear and its under a gazebo type thing) a member of staff will then appear and check that all participants are there. then someone else comes out ( i think they're an educator but im not 100%) who will take you behind the fence, and i'm pretty sure we were led to a portacabin but for what i cant remember sorry. then you get taken to another cabin where they will provide you with a wet suit (they have all sizes) and some little booties. then you go into the changing room to change into your swimwear and your wet suit and shoes. a locker will be provided for you with what i call an american lock (has numbers and you turn it, never used one before so i had to ask for help lol) if you have long hair you will be asked to replace any hair accessories with animal friendly ones just incase they fall off. now the next bit im not sure if it happens before the wetsuits, but you'll be shown the behind the scenes of the Arctic, and the pool the belugas have so they can enjoy some sunlight, the tour and talk isnt too long, they know your itching to meet the whales after all. you then get introduced to your trainer, you will be put into 2 groups of 2, 1 trainer per group. then you have your photo taken holding a board with your name. this is so the photographers can sort the pictures of you after. then the fun part! there are 2 parts the the interaction, 1 happens on the bridge the other happens on the ledge. you kneel on the bridge and the trainer gets you to do hand signals and rewards, you also get to hold your hand out standing up and have the whale touch it. when you are on the ledge section you have to sit down and tuck your feet under (those naughty whales might think they are toys). the water is very cold. colder than i was expecting. i spent the majority holding my hands out of the water. after a while though you do forget it. you get to hug and kiss the whale in this part. the trainers also like to get the whales to splash you using their mouths, so be warned, you will get very wet! when your time has finished you say goodbye to your trainer and are led back to the changing room where warm showers for thawing await. there is no rush for you to get ready you can take as long as you like. they also provide towels so that you only need to bring swimwear with you. you hand back your wetsuit and shoes and are dropped off at the starting point.

in my opinion this animal encounter was more enjoyable than discovery cove because you had so much more personal time with the animal