Does anybody have a suggestion for a good touring plan hitting all of the major attractions? Or at least a list of the things you should do first thing in the morning, before it gets crowded? We are going for the first time in September any advice is welcome, thanks!
And how long should we plan on being there if we want to see pretty much everything and all major shows??
The park opens at 9AM meaning they start taking the fee to let you on the parking lot then.
First thing, get a map of the park which has the show schedule on it. Plan your shows first, then figure what you will have time to do between them. To see the most you can, and it won't be everything, get there for opening and stay till they close.
Sept. will be a good time to be there. Shouldn't be any closed shows so won't have to get to the stadiums as early but still recommend at least 15 minutes before show time.
Once in the park we veer to the left to get to stingray and dolphin feeding areas if we want to do that first. Costs $7 for a tray of fish for the dolphins and each person needs their own tray or you don't get into the feeding area.
The first show is at 10 and is usually the Clyde and Seamore show(sea lions). I think if you take the time to feed the dolphins you can't make that show. They usually have a Blue Horizon show at 11 so that is where I would head after dolphin feeding unless you want to spend a few minutes with the rays before heading to the show if there is time. We usually then head over to see a Shamu show.
We do Wild Arctic when there is a Shamu show going. Don't try to go there after Believe because the line will be huge.
Even if you don't have kids, Pet's Ahoy is fun to see. The pets are so cute.
Shark encounter, feeding the sea lions, the manatee area can be done anytime you have time between shows or while waiting for the nite shows in summer. We like to spend time in the underwater viewing areas, too. Watch for the dolphins that make rings to play with.
If you have kids the kids playground area is really good and you might just want to spend an hour or 2 there letting them run and have fun. There are also cool shops and food etc. that will be part of your day.
The 3 main rides Kracken, Atlantis, and the new Manta(opening May 22) will have long lines so you need to plan for that. Sometimes lines are long for food, too.
Best bet though is to take advantage of the come back a 2nd day, if you really want to try and see and do everything.
.
