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Just as you wouldn’t expect to arrive at Disney and see nothing but Mickey Mouse, don’t expect to arrive at SeaWorld and see only Shamu. Only a few steps into the park you’ll find baby dolphins and their mothers, a pool filled with stingrays, colorful flamingos, rescued sea turtles, rescued pelicans, and even rescued manatees. SeaWorld’s objective is to educate as well as entertain.
You’ll see how lumbering manatees live and what they look like up close; watch otters and seals perform slapstick routines based on their natural behaviors; learn about the lives of giant tortoises and sea turtles; and be absolutely amazed at the scope of marine life celebrated throughout the park.
Then there are the attractions, each and every one designed not only to showcase the marine world but also to demonstrate ways in which humans can protect the earth’s waters and wildlife. And, because there are more exhibits and shows than rides, the difference between SeaWorld and other theme parks is that you can go at your own pace, without that hurry-up-and-wait feeling. It’s also worth noting that because shows, attractions, and exhibits are based primarily on nature and animals, designers have created a natural layout as well, with winding lanes and plenty of places to relax by the waterfront or beside bouquets of flowers. There’s never a nagging urge to race through anything; indeed, the entire park encourages you to slow down and move at a casual pace. That said, theme parks like SeaWorld have been criticized by animal welfare groups. They argue that the conditions and treatment of marine life kept in captivity are harmful for the animals, and that human interaction further exacerbates this.
Planning
Getting Oriented
SeaWorld’s performance venues, attractions, and activities surround a 17-acre lagoon, and the artful landscaping, curving paths, and concealing greenery sometimes lead to wrong turns. But armed with a map that lists showtimes, it’s easy to plan an approach that lets you move fluidly from one show and attraction to the next and still have time for rest stops and meal breaks.
Touring Tips
Before investing in front-of-the-line Quick Queue passes ($19–$35), remember that there are only a handful of big-deal rides, and space is seldom a problem at shows.
If you bring your own food, remove all straws and lids before you arrive—they can harm fish and birds.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early for the Shamu show, which generally fills to capacity. Prepare to get wet in the “splash zone” down front.
In Discovery Cove make the aviary one of your first stops, since the 250-plus birds within will be more active in the morning. Check-in starts at around 7:30 am.
Park Amenities
Guest Services: Ticket booths have become the new Guest Services (aka Guest Relations) center. If you ordered your tickets online, have questions about dining or attractions, or just need tickets to begin with, you can find it all here.
Information and Reservation Center: Right inside the entrance you can pick up the park map (which also has info on showtimes, services, and amenities); make dinner reservations; and buy tickets for Discovery Cove, Aquatica, and park tours.
Lockers: One-time-use, coin-op lockers ($1) are near flip-over coasters like Kraken and Manta, Journey to Atlantis, and Shamu’s Happy Harbor as well as inside SeaWorld’s main entrance. Also near the entrance, next to Shamu’s Emporium, are day lockers ($8 small, $11 large per day). At Discovery Cove free lockers await you near the cabanas.
Lost People and Things: SeaWorld’s Main Information Center operates as the park’s Lost and Found. Lost children are brought here, and it’s the place to report lost children. A park-wide paging system also helps reunite parents with kids. At Discovery Cove lost kids and items eventually find their way to the check-in lobby.
Services for People with Disabilities: Get info on services and rent standard wheelchairs ($12 daily) and electric wheelchairs ($50 daily) at SeaWorld’s Main Information Center. Discovery Cove has some free wheelchairs equipped with huge balloonlike tires to cross the sand. Reserve one in advance. At both parks, aquariums, wading areas, theaters, and restaurants are wheelchair accessible. (Note that drinking straws aren’t provided, out of concern for the safety of the animals.) Shops are level, but many are so packed with stuff that maneuvering in a wheelchair is a challenge.
Animal Encounters and Tours
SeaWorld has several programs that put you closer to the animals. Up-Close and Behind-the-Scenes tours last 60 to 90 minutes and cost about $10 to $50. The six-hour Expedition Tour starts at around $100 for adults and $80 for children (depending on the season) and includes reserved seating at shows; sea lion, dolphin, and ray feedings; Quick Queue Unlimited front of line access; and an All-Day Dining Deal. You’ll join other park guests on this one. The seven-hour Private VIP Tour (limited to just your group) includes the same but adds preferred parking, and the meal is upgraded to the full-service Sharks Underwater Grill. Prices start at around $299 per person.
You can book tours up to three months in advance. For a list, check the SeaWorld website (www.seaworld.com) or call the park (407/351–3600).
Behind the Scenes Tour.
On this 90-minute program, you’ll have a chance to see how SeaWorld’s animal experts care for rescued manatees and sea turtles. Where else can you touch a shark, step inside a hidden polar bear den, and play with a penguin? From $29 adults, $9 children. | SeaWorld.