Hi. I am looking for any advice you can give about Sea World. We are a Disney family so this is our first time going to Sea World. We are going for my daughters birthday who just turned 5 today and my other daughter is 7. Any feedback you have ... do this, don't do that, this is a must see, do this first, this is the best place to eat etc. Also how early do you go to a show to get a decent seat? We are going on Friday to take advantage of the weekday deal. Also is it worth carrying around jackets, I hear the penguin encounter is very cold.
Thanks so much!
One day you will see and do all. Personally, I can't be bothered carrying jackets around to use for a few minutes, but that is me. Places to eat. Really anywhere. Not like Disney where there are so many choices. Have fun.
I haven't been there in several years but I remember it was pretty easy and fun. For sure go see the shows, and know that if you sit close you WILL get wet. Enjoy!
You can see all of Sea World is a day. The Shamu show is fun. We usually get to the show about 30-40 minutes before it starts and usually have our choice of seats. We have gotten there 15 minutes before a show and have had a more difficult time finding seats. If you don't want to get wet stay out of the splash zone (usually the first 4-5 rows). Feeding the dolphins is also fun.
There is a Sesame Street area that has a small splash pad, some kids rides, and some climbing things. Your girls might be too old to be interested, but you might want to have swim suits if they think they would want to do the splash pad. There are places to change right there.
I wouldn't worry about jackets. Chances are you won't be in the penguin exhibit for very long. I haven't done this penguin exhibit, but I've been in others and never wished I had a jacket.
Our kids are young, so we have never done any of the big rides. We also haven't done any of the special things, but you can do close up tours with Shamu, dolphins, penguins, and some other things. You usually have to book those ahead of time and they cost more. Look at their web site for more info on those.
Food is expensive (like every other place). They do have an all day dining pass that allows you to pay one price and then you can eat at select restaurants all day. It doesn't include any of the food kiosks or concessions areas. And it usually just includes an entree, drink, and a side or dessert. There are also special dining events like tables right next to the shark tank or dining with Shamu. They have to be reserved ahead of time and often are sold out if you wait until you get there. They are also kind of pricey.
Take a look at the web site and plan out what your girls really want to do. If you aren't doing any of the special events you can definitely do it all in one day.
We were just there a couple weeks ago with an infant and 3 year old. Sunscreen is a must since you'll probably be sitting for a while for the shows. Don't bother about jackets. We loved the Arctic Express exhibit. It was so cool to see walruses up close! It was a nice park but not as great as Disney. You can definitely do it in a day and feel good about everything you've seen.
There is an aquarium by the Manta roller coaster that is a must see and a small one in the giftshop at the Atlantis ride that has a cool see-through floor with fish in it. There is also a place at the Atlantis ride where you see the boats go down the large flume and you can put quarters in the machine to get the people wet. My 10 year old thinks this is hilarious! Go to the Pets Ahoy show (arrive at least 30 minutes before, although during non busy times I have walked right in), it is a big kid favorite with rescued animals(dogs/cats/birds) performing. Must do Shamu and Sea Lion and Otter show. The new penguin ride is quite cold, but it is only for a few minutes in the ride and then however long you decide to hang out and watch the penguins.
Food is good everywhere. We usually grab chicken tenders by the stingray feeding pool. Or there is one in the middle by the Pets Ahoy show that is cafeteria style with salads, sandwiches, roasted chicken and ribs.
Have fun! We are probably going on Monday, crowds are not too bad this time of year.
I don't go there as much as Disney or Universal but make sure to see the Shamu show (and don't sit close to the stage unless you want to get wet) and feed the dolphins. I haven't been in the new penguin exhibit yet so not sure about the jacket. We have eaten in the walk in eateries and the food there was always good.
I prefer going at Christmas time because they have nice decorations and the Polar Express show before seeing the polar bears and some other cold weather animals. Right now they have a Halloween party on the weekends and they should be decorated for fall/Halloween.
Have fun.
