Universal Vs Seaworld

[EnnEss]

Hi,

I'm looking to go to IOA or Seaworld for one day during my April trip. I've read that its quite busy sometimes at IOA and its difficult to get on the rides, will this be true for the last week of April?

Also, how does the overall experience and quality of the two compare? Thank you.

 

[Darcy03231]

We've gone during the last week of April before and I didn't find it too crowded. If going to US/IOA get there at about 8:30 a.m.. It doesn't start to get until about 11:00 a.m.

Seaworld is more animal attractions and US/IOA is more thrill rides. It really depends on what you enjoy more. I've been to Seaworld and we had a wonderful time and plan to visit again when we're there in August. I also liked US (we didn't have time for IOA) and had a great time there as well. If you have really young children who don't meet the height requirements for the IOA rides I would do Seaworld.

 

[lpizzuro123]

As far as Seaworld goes, we have gone quite a few times and really enjoy it. It is a much more laid back kind of day. The only problem with Seaworld is there are alot of shows on a time schedule so you really need to plan your day when you arrive and get a schedule of the shows for that day.

Linda

 

[PatsGirl]

I would also base my decision on ages of the kids. Seaworld is a MUCH slower pace while UO has alot of characters and thrill rides. We do Seaworld in addition to either WDW or UO as our "down day", a day to relax and take it slow -- so it depends entirely on your group and the mood du jour.

 

[EnnEss]

No kids. I really do like the AK because of the animal component so I think Seaworld would be fun, but I love AK so much, I'm just not sure how Seaworld will stack up, and Disney overall has a lot less thrill rides than IoA seems too. I guess thats the conundrum. Ty for the input . Universal isn't a consideration tbh, it'll be IoA or Seaworld.

 

[AnninIowa]

SeaWorld is completely different from Animal Kingdom - dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and of course Shamu! As the above posters have stated, it's much more laid back with only a few "rides"; but seeing all the shows is impossible! Pick 2 must-sees (I recommend the dolphin and Shamu shows) and if you get to see any more, it's a bonus. You can buy food to feed the sea lions and dolphins, and that is awesome! We'll definitely go again on our next trip!

 

[PatsGirl]

I agree that SW and AK are two different animals SW is more like going to an aquarium, with dolphin and seal shows and tanks of fish, etc. while AK, well you've been there so...

Enjoy.

 

[Mainebound]

No kids. I really do like the AK because of the animal component so I think Seaworld would be fun, but I love AK so much, I'm just not sure how Seaworld will stack up, and Disney overall has a lot less thrill rides than IoA seems too. I guess thats the conundrum. Ty for the input . Universal isn't a consideration tbh, it'll be IoA or Seaworld.

They're both great parks. If you love AK, I would pick Sea World.

We always go to IOA, ourselves.

IOA will not be crowded the first 2 hours if you get there at opening. If you find the crowds intolerable later in the day (I always find them a bit smaller than WDW, and annual attendance numbers bear this out), consider purchasing the "express pass" while there. The price per person ranges from $15 to $30 (lower price for lower crowds -- you can get an exact price for your dates online), they are for sale at several places in the park, and the pass gets you one front of the line for each ride in the park (with one small exception -- pteranodon flyers, a kiddie ride).

For specific Universal parks questions be sure to visit the Universal board, where many employees ("team members") and avid fans of Universal hang out. there is also a Sea World board which is less active.

 

[dougsmom98]

We went to Sea World on our last trip and I was amazed by it. It was fantastic.
As soon as we got there we went to the left and fed the dolphins. They have a feeding time at 9:15 (the park opens at 9:00). It cost $3 (I think) for a small tray of fish. It was awesome to get up close to them. After that, we went straight to the Clyde and Seamore show, then to the dolphin show and then to the first Shamu show. I think those shows are were all incredible. After that, we were able to slow down, eat lunch and do some of the exhibits. If you love Animal Kingdom, I think Sea World will blow you away. Be prepared that if you sit in the splash zone for Shamu you will be wringing wet. The other splash zones were not that bad.

 

[courage]

Basically here is your question:
Fish or movies?
Concrete or grass?
Calm or Exciting?
Sea World has fish, trees, grass and lots of calm places to walk around.
Universal is about movies, the rides are intense and they have lots of concrete......I love both but I go to Sea World to relax, enjoy the animals and get a free beer- it is beautiful there...........When I go to Universal I need caffeine but I love it too......what mood are you in?