Went to SeaWorld last week...

[Kapp]

as was very disappointed. The Key West Dolphin, sea lion and Shamu shows were great but that is about all that was impressive. The rides were sub par to Disney in most ways. Most rides (and most else) could have used a few coats of paints, the restrooms were FILTHY and the exhibits (shark, coral reef, etc.) were not much more than a small zoo/aquarium would have. My 5 and 9 year old daughters enjoyed all the shows but that was about all that was memorable. I wasn't expecting SeaWorld to match up with Disney but it even didn't match up with that!

Its OK if you have a free day and a discount ticket but don't cut off a day of Disney for it.

Just my 2 cents!

Kapp

 

[highlander447]

Sorry ro hear of your disapointment just goes to show not for everyone

 

[ptrbryant]

Wow, SeaWorld seems to get such polar opposite reactions! We're planning on going for the 1st time in Jan. and I don't know what to expect! Many people say it's their favorite Orlando attraction, etc., yet others, like OP and a neighbor of our's, have complained that it's poorly maintained and dirty! Can it just have "off-days" or are SW fans focused on the marine life and don't fuss about the other externals? Just trying to figure out what makes such a divergence of opinon!
Karla B.

 

[Motherfletcher]

In 18 days I'm going to SW for the first time with my DD10&DS15.
The tickets were cheap 3 days for $70 at SW or Busch. Did you ride Kraken? Wild Artic?

 

[ptrbryant]

Hi, Motherfetcher,
Please post a trip report here on your SeaWorld visit! I'll be very interested in hearing your impression!
Thanks!
Karla B.

 

[highlander447]

ptrbryant just to let you know we went to SW last year and it was great very relaxing great shows not too many rides but JTA & Kraken are great in fact when we return nect march we are planning 2 days at SW to enjoy it more the kids loved it and they liked the more relaxed pace

 

[fb309]

We went to Seaworld last week (9th visit in 3 years) and had a wonderful time. Our dd prefers it over Disney and we find it much more relaxing.

 

[Hillbeans]

Well, i'm one of the majority that thinks SW is the best attraction in Orlando. I love Krakken, JTA, etc...

I'm thinking that maybe a 5 and 9 yo can't go on those rides, and if that's the case, there aren't a lot of other "rides" in SW, but there's more focus on exhibits and shows.

Restrooms being dirty are no excuse though. It sounds like you experienced an off-day.

 

[wdwnutze]

We went to Seaworld last Saturday. It was a 1st for my mom and my 2 dd's(11 & 5). We loved it. Really enjoyed the shows. Didn't go on the roller coasters. Kids were thrilled to feed and pat the dolphins. They spent about 2 hrs watching, feeding and patting the dolphins and patting the stingrays. They loved the hands on stuff. Definately glad we went. The kids talk about it more than the days we went to Disney.

 

[monarchsfan16]

the last time i was at sea world was in 98 but both that day and the day we went in 94 it was a great place...now obviously it has changed since we were last there but i found that at the very least sea world is a nice change of pace from disney...very relaxing...it wasn't AS clean as disney when we were there but it was very clean. the shows are excellent...haven't done the rides yet...but we'll at least be going on jta and wild arctic during our trip in february...

 

[rangebob]

Got to love it whan a Disney fan trys to compair parks with Disney standards. No body will match what they do in their attractions. SeaWorld is an excellent park. They always have clean bathrooms, walkways and restraunts and the staff is great with customer service. I'm normally over there at least twice a week after work and some weekends. It sounds like the person above just caught some of the locations during an off time.

They do have 3 rides and are of great caliber. Like most other parks the theming isn't the greatest but it is there.

 

[FayeW]

We just got back from our first trip to Florida, and we loved SeaWorld. In my opinion, Shark Encounter alone is worth the price of admission, it is so cool! Add feeding the dolphins and stingrays and it is a great experience even if you did nothing else. We went the day after we went to MK, and I have to say that I didn't go expecting any theming or fancy rides, it is not that kind of attraction. I love the underwater viewing areas. My only complaints would be the lack of clearly marked signs for the exit, and that there are many more pay-per-use vendors (arcade, rock climbing, etc) than other parks and I prefer to not have to say NO all day because of the extra costs.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

I LOVE Seaworld - it's definatly one fo my favourites!!! We usually do the second day that you get free and particulalry love the 'Clyde and Seamore' show!

I agree with Robert, the problem is if people go and compare it with the Disney parks - there IS no comparison but if you accept that SW is a NOT disney - nor does it try to be - and just enjoy it for itself, then I can't see what's not to like!

Of course dirty restrooms etc is not good but I think overall the park is a great day out - looking forward to it on my next trip!

 

[Motherfletcher]

I just posted a trip report for our 12/20 visit. We found Sea World to be a world class marine exhibit with state of the art thrill rides. The park was clean including the restrooms. I was a little disappointed that the flowers were covered to prevent frost damage. This park is not Disney nor do they try to be. If you get the 3 thrill rides out of the way early everything else is a show without the hassle of lines. We left the park after the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra played Christmas music with simultaneous fireworks and didn't even have a line at the exit. It was worth the trip and we shall return.

 

[C.Ann]

Count me in as a Sea World lover.. I wouldn't dream of going to Orlando and not spending a day there - even if it meant cutting a day off of Disney..

I've found it to be very clean, the staff are friendly and helpful, and of course it's a very educational experience - great for the kids! And you sure as heck can't beat the price..

If one goes there looking for an abundance of thrill rides they would probably be better served at US/IOA..

 

[chuckd]

I would have to agree that Sea World is deffinitely worth a day of your vacation. While it is true that it isn't "Disney" it isn't supposed to be. It is a completely different experience. JTA and Kraken are both world class attractions and all the shows are top notch.

 

[BarryHom]

I've never seen a flithy bathroom at Sea World. In fact, Sea World is impeccibly clean. I found it hard to find a piece of trash laying around.

 

[SilverDragoness]

I love seaworld myself but I'm an animal nut. Too bad you didn't care for it. Personally I think it is just as clean as disney. I've found quite a few disney restrooms to be lacking as of late.