Continuing our series on the Theme Parks of Orlando, today’s post is about the Sea World. The park has branches in three states: San Diego (which we visited for the first time in 2010), San Antonio (which Lu Misura talked about the Aquatica park here in this post) and Orlando, which we always visit. Whenever someone comes to Orlando for a few days, I always say not to miss at least Sea World, because it’s a different park that appeals to all ages, and if you have more time, incorporate Discovery Cove for swimming with dolphins, which is an unforgettable experience.

The first time I went to Sea World was in 2004, and since then I have been dozens of times, and there is always something new. Even the dolphin and Shamu shows always have novelties. This year, the Sea Turtle Trek was inaugurated, a 3D attraction with sea turtles, which I talked about in this post about the news from Orlando parks for 2012, and next year, the big attraction will be Antarctica (video here), a new area with penguins that I can’t wait to see inaugurated. I go back every year and in some years end up going more than once to accompany a family member or friends who come to visit, and it’s impossible not to love it because the experience is always unique. I’ve been alone, with children (Nick went for the first time at 10 years old and Dylan at 11 months), with just my husband, with my mother, my brother and sister-in-law, with friends. You can tell from the photos that I’ve been in practically every season of the year, on various special occasions like Christmas, Halloween, the peak of summer. So in this post, I’m not going to talk about a specific experience, I’m going to give an overview of several visits combined with the latest news, with many tips to make the most of your visit to the park.

 

Before you go:

– Read this post carefully and keep an eye on the tips!

– To buy park tickets, you can use the Sea World website and save on the ticket price at the park gate. But if you plan to visit other parks, pay attention to the possible combinations.

• Single Park Ticket (visit any park – SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Adventure Island Tampa Bay) – Visitors over 3 years old – $99.99
• Two Park Tickets (visit any two parks – SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Adventure Island Tampa Bay, or the same park twice) – Visitors over 3 years old – $109.99
• Three Park Tickets (visit any three parks – SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Adventure Island Tampa Bay, or the same park again) – Visitors over 3 years old – $119.99
• Four Park Tickets (visit all parks – SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island Tampa Bay, or the same park again) – Visitors over 3 years old – $149.99 – Valid for unlimited visits and general parking for 14 consecutive days at any of the Florida parks

– See the places you would like to visit and the shows you want to watch. If you have plenty of time and have set aside at least two days for the park, you can afford to leave without planning and visit whatever comes your way. If you only have one day, mark the attractions you would like to visit, the shows you want to watch, and the animals you want to see.

– During holidays, Halloween, and Christmas, the park decorates to celebrate and has details in the decoration, shows, and special attractions.

– Decide if you will include a meal plan (All Day Dining Deal). Lately, we always buy the meal plan because if we are going to spend the whole day at the park, we end up spending much more than that if we decide to buy everything separately. The plan is unlimited, so you can eat as many times as you want at various restaurants throughout the day, and each time you line up you can get a main course, a side dish or dessert, and a soda from the machine or iced tea or a bottled water. Attention: Sharing food or taking food out of the park is not allowed. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to have breakfast there as well. The food is very varied, and they have 6 restaurants that participate in the plan: Seaport Pizza, Captain’s Pete’s, The Spice Mill, Seafire Inn, Mango Joe’s, Voyager’s and Expedition Cafe. The children’s plan includes only specific dishes for children (kids meal).

The meal plan costs Adults: $34.99 (plus tax) and Children (3 to 9 years old): $19.99 (plus tax). At the time of purchase, you receive a bracelet to put on your arm. In this plan, the Shark Underwater Grill restaurant or the special Dine with Shamu are not included.

– Remember to bring a change of clothes or, if it’s hot, to dress in clothes that dry quickly. For the little ones, there is a water toy in the Shamu area that is really cool and definitely requires swimwear.

Special Tip – If you have an iPhone, download the Sea World App. The app works without WiFi or 3G, but if you have 3G enabled, you can see the map, find attractions and bathrooms, see what’s near you, the queue times, when the next show will be, and much more.

Upon Arrival:

– If you haven’t downloaded the App, look for the map and the schedule. By the way, having the map on hand is always good, as batteries run out. 😉

– Take a few minutes to plan your itinerary, arrange a meeting place and time if someone in the group gets lost. Plan your day according to the show times and combine with activities near that show. Leave activities without specific times between shows.

Important Tip: The shows are usually very crowded (especially Shamu and Blue Horizons) and have specific capacity. When a show is full, access to the stadium or theater is restricted. Arrive at least 30 minutes in advance, especially during holidays, year-end, or high season. You won’t be bored, believe me! All shows have extra entertainment before the show starts.

– If you didn’t buy the meal plan online, it can be purchased at Guest Services at the entrance or at participating restaurants.

 

 

Attractions:

A question I always get: what are the must-see attractions? It depends on the age, goals, and personal taste. But of course, there are some unanimous favorites. I will make a more detailed post with the attractions, but here are some of the favorites.

Shows

The shows at Sea World Orlando are: One Ocean Shamu, Blue Horizons, A’Lure The Call of the Ocean, Clyde and Seamore (comedy/theater show with sea lions), Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt (great for younger children), and Pets ahoy. Here are more details about two favorites:

Shamu – The world’s most famous whale is the main attraction of One Ocean. The show is beautiful, combining a narrated story with music and the whales performing acrobatics. One of the most fun places to sit is in the “soak zone,” where Shamu passes by and wets the audience at the end of the show. Depending on the time of year, there are also nighttime shows that are unmissable.

 

 

Blue Horizons – It is a show that combines theater with dolphins, tropical birds, and acrobats. It is beautiful, very popular (arrive early!), and everyone loves it.

 

 

Rides

The park has several sensational rides and roller coasters. Highlights include the newly opened Turtle Trek 3D 360, Journey to Atlantis, and Manta. In addition to these, for younger children, there is Shamu’s Happy Harbor located behind the Shamu stadium and excellent for when the heat is very intense, Sea Carousel, Shamu Express which is a roller coaster for the little ones. Water works is a water park.

Manta – This roller coaster, shaped like a stingray, is one of the best I’ve been on. Your feet hang! Even my mom is a big fan and wanted to go more than once. (Warning, the roller coaster is quite radical, my mom really likes roller coasters!)