Sea World Orlando tips and recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Headed to Orlando with two boys (3 and 5).

They like Disney, but I've heard good things about Sea World.

Any advice from people who've been? Are there kiddie-appropriate rides for them? Or is it all animal shows? Any recommendations? (They've seen the dolphin show at the Baltimore Aquarium, and it was a bit too instructive and not enough action for them...)

Are there decent food options? Is a half-day enough?

Any tips would be most helpful.

[Anonymous]

I would go to the website and peruse the maps and shows. The shows are great - i just went to balt aquarium dolphin show with my kids and we were all disappointed after seeing the shows at sea world. must see are shamu, clyde & ? (very funny pirate show with a sea lion and walrus & human actors), dolphin and whale stadium show. they are much more theatrical than balt aquarium. Also be aware of splash zones. The penguins are great - must see but smelly. My daughter loved the dolphin feeding - we were there on a bad weather day and there was no wait and it was great. My kids are a bit older (6 is my youngest) but they all loved it. There are rides but we didn't do them. There is also a pet show which my youngest liked, a cirque du soleil type show called a'lure (ok but better than rain), and an elmo show (better than rain). All the shows had covered areas so even if raining you are ok to go. Also there are the clydesdale horse - weird but busch owns it i believe. They are magnificent if you have the time.

Ask for 2nd day free before you leave (if they still have this program). 1/2 day is not nearly enough time. also you can buy your tickets online cheaper. food is decent and not too expensive but what you would expect from an amusement park.

have fun!

[Anonymous]

This is a full day visit and a nice contrast to the Disney parks. Agree with all comments of PP. We did do the rides, and I they are perfect for the age of your sons. The shows are fun (much better than Balt Aquarium - completely agree with your comments). I would highly recommend.

[Anonymous]

I loved sea world. LOVED it. Went last year with 5 yo.
There are some good rides for little ones in one area, and they can also ride some of the other ones with adults... like the one log flume type ride. (i forget what it was called) that was a bit scary inside the dark though, for my sensitive kid.

The shows are really breathtaking impressive or just really fun, in my opinion. You want to try and arrive early to get good seating.. although maybe not the whole 30 min earlier that they recommend.

We went straight to the dolphin and ray feeding areas when we first got in because I had read that it' sometimes hard to get in for that because they limit the amount of people who can do it, and they do it at specific times only.

[Anonymous]

The shows are spectacular! We went last year (kids were 3 and 5) and preferred Sea World over Disney. There is a kiddie section that has a range of activities and play area (it's where my son when on his first roller coaster ride). As I said, the shows are spectacular, and it's easy to see the exhibits. We rarely waited in line for anything (we went in May). Definitely worth the trip.

[Anonymous]

Re: the rides. Just remember that they won't let you on some rides if you have a purse, but there are lockers nearby. I say this because we didn't realize this until after we had gotten in line and were getting on the ride -- my 3 year old threw a horrendous fit because we had to wait while I put my purse away -- so I just wanted to warn you.

[Anonymous]

here's the map:
http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/parkmaps.html

Shamu's Happy Harbor is the children's section - it has a huge play structure, plus rides.

[Anonymous]

The food is pretty good at Seaworld, pretty similar to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. They have an upscale steakhouse with views of a shark tank. Also, there are two character dines: Dining with Shamu and Breakfast with Elmo. Both are great. They also have all you can eat specials for adults (at regular park restaurants) for $30 per adult and $14 per child.

[Anonymous]

We took my son (who was then 3) last summer. We liked it more than Disney, actually. I think it seemed more "managable." The Shamu's Happy Harbor area was great for my son. The coaster there is a great "first" coaster. There is even nice water and sand play areas. If you're going when it could be hot, I'd suggest have the kids bring (or wear) their suits and then pack a change of clothes. Our DS was disappointed he couldn't play in the water play area (fountains). We actually didn't do the shows, really. We saw parts of two shows but were happy just walking around. We did lunch in the shark place - very cool!

One day, we went morning and stayed just through lunch. Then we used the free second day pass to visit again on another day after dinner (for just a couple of hours).