I love the ocean! We live near it; we love to play in it and we love to travel around the world to see different parts of it. So, it’s no surprise I wanted to visit SeaWorld. They help rescue animals, rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild. I love that SeaWorld has helped more than 35,000 animals and your visit to SeaWorld helps their efforts. Let’s talk about the park!
I found really cheap 2 day passes to Sea World and Aquatic so I booked a trip around these tickets. Since it was just the girls and me on this trip we brought my Dad and his wife. We went to SeaWorld for the first day which we all enjoyed. On the second day, just the girls and I went to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park. I wasn’t prepared with this handy pouch so I don’t have any fun pictures from Aquatica. Just one of the three of us before we went on any rides. But now that I have it, I will be taking lots of water pictures on our trips. Stay tuned.
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Contents
Shows at SeaWorld
When planning your day at SeaWorld make sure to leave time for the shows, you won’t be disappointed. They have several to choose from including the killer whales, dolphins and sea lions. To find out showtimes for your specific date check the SeaWorld.com website. Choose Orlando or another park then scroll down to the bottom of the page. In the center under ‘About the Park,’ you will see ‘Park Hours & Show Times’. Select the date of your visit and you will see what shows are playing and when. The shows run about 20-25 minutes but you should arrive 15-20 minutes earlier to get seats, early on busy days.
Shamu Show
We saw the killer whale show as well as the dolphin show. They were both super fun and we all learned a bit about each animal. It was really fun when the various trainers worked with the orcas. Asking them to jump, twirl, and swim around the outside of the pool and of course, splash the audience. I was pretty surprised that there were so many killer whales in the pool during the show. At the end of the show, there were 6 orcas in the pool! It was a pretty amazing show. The whales we saw on our whale watching tour didn’t jump out of the water as these guys did. I think they may need more training. ha ha.
Dolphin Days Show
The dolphin show was equally as amazing. Seeing how they are trained and what they can do is really cool. I was amazed by all the different vocal sounds the dolphins can make. It was also fun to see the commands they use are universal and anyone can give them. As you can see in the video a young girl –on my youtube channel -was able to tell Clyde the dolphin what to do. The birds were also featured in the show. You can really see them flying around at the end of the video.
Rides at SeaWorld
There are many different types of rides throughout the park. You have the thrill-seeker rides, the water riders, the ‘kiddy’ riders, and the rides that include seeing animals. Since neither of my kids is tall enough for the thrill-seeker rides we went on the others. However, if you are one of the thrill-seekers, you will not be disappointed with the variety in the park. There are three, Mako, Kraken, and Manta, with a fourth coming spring of 2020, Ice Breaker. The park offers three different water riders. Infinity falls, high thrills on this ride. Journey to Atlantis I’d consider medium thrills and the Flamingo Paddle Boats which are low thrills. We really enjoyed the rides that included seeing animals. There are three, Antartica: Empire of the Penguin, Turtle Trek and Wild Arctic. Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando is new for the younger kids.
Experiences at SeaWorld
SeaWorld offers many different animal experiences and encounters. If you’d like to enhance your time in the park book a tour or encounter ahead of time. We didn’t have time for this in our day but perhaps on our next visit we will.
Planning your day at SeaWorld
As with any theme park to make the most of your time, you will need to plan ahead. Figure out the rides you’d like to go on and the shows you want to see. Then make sure you see the shows when you are on the correct side of the park. It doesn’t make sense to go back and forth. You just waste time that way. The other nice thing about SeaWorld is that there are water rides to cool you down on those hot days. They also offer rides that include seeing animals afterward which are air-conditioned so you can cool off. So when planning, chose to go to Wild Arctic after the killing whale show. As well as go to Turtle Trek after the dolphin show rather than the other way around.
How we spent our day
Of course, we divided our time between shows and rides. However, first, we went up the Sky Tower to get a great overview of the park and the surrounding area. This ride costs $5 each but was very cool. Our next stop was to the touch tanks where my kids fed the sharks and rays. I was really surprised by the number of different species of sharks and other animals in their touch tanks. We then headed over to the Shamu Show but first, we had a ride on the Sea Carousel. Yes, the Sea Carousel has aquatic animals to ride. If you follow along with my Instagram feed you know my kids ride carousels any chance they can get.
Feeding the sharks Sharks and rays in the tank
The killer whale show was next. So thrilling. Our last ride on this side of the park was Wild Arctic. This ride is a flight simulated helicopter ride through the arctic. You really do feel like you are flying through the air. It was a bit shocking when the helicopter drove right into the water! Yes, in the simulated movie but still you felt as if you were plummeting down into the water. It was good that I was next to Evelyn. You walk through what feels like the Arctic field station as you see the aquariums that house Beluga whales, walrus’ and polar bears. I was amazed at seeing the beluga whales. They are so much smaller than the killer whales.
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Lunch break
Next, we ate lunch at Spice Mill where we all enjoyed hamburgers. After lunch, we went over to Antarctica which is an amazing experience. We chose the ‘wild’ ride and it was fun and not scary at all. At the end of the ride, we saw the penguin colony which is always a treat. I could sit and watch them play for hours.
Since we had cooled off in Antarctica, we were ready to go out to see the dolphin show. Afterward, we went to turtle trek were you get to wear 3D glasses. Who doesn’t love that? Seeing the turtles, fish, and manatees in this aquarium was very special. Sea turtles are one of my favorite animals. Our last ride of the day was Journey to Atlantis. This was the only ride that didn’t work for everyone. My dad’s wife and Evelyn went shopping and returned in time to see my dad, Ainsley and I come down the flume. The splash level on this ride says ‘soaked’, not for everyone but it was true for my dad. There is a human dryer next to the ride for $5 if you need it.
Pin for Later
We had a fabulous day at SeaWorld and honestly, we didn’t want it to end. There is more to explore and experience on our next visit. Have you been? What was your favorite ride or show?
Thanks for the cool blow-by-blow account! I’m not an entertainment park enthusiast, but I love animals. Made me want to go there.
Going to SeaWorld just for the shows and animal encounters would be an awesome day at the park.
When I was a kid I wanted to work at Sea World training dolphins. If you loved this you should check out Georgia Aquarium.
The next time we’re in Altanta we will get out the Georgia Aquarium. Thanks for the tip.
We LOVE Sea World. When the kids were little we went all the time. Our favorite was the Pet’s Ahoy show. It is still one of my favorite parks.
We’ll have to put that show on our list for our next visit.
Sea World is a wonderful place. I liked all the shows!
We enjoyed the shows we saw. Next time we will see different ones.
We haven’t been to SeaWorld in about 10 years. Looks even better than before can’t wait to go and see it again!!!
Now with the Sesame Street Play area, you and your kids will love SeaWorld Keagan.
Who knew that there were rides at SeaWorld? Not me! I probably wouldn’t have considered SeaWorld as it’s own destination, but now I will. We love shows and water parks too. Fun!
The big rides really are pretty spectacular. There ride Manta is supposed to make you feel like a stingray. You are practically laying down while gliding over the water! It looks so cool. I can’t wait till my kids are tall enough for it.
I’ve been to Sea World once and loved it. Loved the rides, the animals and the park had a nice feel and flow. Love all your pictures, and they make me want to go back again.
Me too. Next time I’d like to include an animal experience.
Who doesn’t love a place where you can immerse yourself in animals?! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
I agree. The trip was so enjoyable.
Everyone should do SeaWorld once in their lives! So much fun!!
I am excited to go to Sea World this year but we may hit up the one in San Diego! My little kids will love it!
I’m sure they will love it.
The shows at Sea World are great! I haven’t been for several years, but I really enjoyed it last time. As I recall, Sea World didn’t really have many rides back in the day. But last time I went in Texas, there were some fun rides.
Yes, they are adding rides. A new ride is set to open next year in Orlando. A major rollercoaster plus this year they opened the Sesame Street Land for the little kids.
I can’t wait to show our toddler Sea World. What a fantastic time
I’m sure he’ll love it.
I haven’t been to Seaworld in a lonnngggg time! I love a good flume ride! Glad you all had fun!!
The penguin exhibit is probably my favorite because it is so cool inside when it is so HOT outside! We’ve been to SeaWorld San Antonio and SeaWorld Orlando and enjoy ourselves every time!
Agreed Susan, that’s why we did a show than a ride with an aquarium attached for the A/C. lol
I love SeaWorld as a kid, so this brought back some fond memories. Sounds like y’all had a blast! I’ll second the comment earlier about checking out the Georgia Aquarium.
Yes, I will.
We have been before, but it’s been a while! Thanks for the info.
It had been a while for me and the first time for my kids so I understand.
Those touch tanks are really cool. I haven’t been to that Seaworld but looking forward to visiting some day. Excellent tips
We love touch tanks. So many places now have them. In fact, the New England Aquarium put in a great one with rays and sharks.
I’m so happy that SeaWorld still exists – it is a truly educational and unforgettable experience for kids! Thank you for the detailed post, makes me want to go back soon!
I was thrilled with our day too. The shows are really great for education as when as entertainment.
Love SeaWorld…so many educational and entertaining opportunities for the entire family.
Yes, there are. It’s really a great place to visit.
We love SeaWorld but haven’t been in years! Great pictures. Thanks for sharing. Maybe we will return soon!
Yes, there are new things to experience.
We took our service animal to Sea World and the dolphins reacted to him like he was one of them. It was the most beautiful experiences. We had so much fun. Haven’t been to their water park, but we should check it out!
Yes, their parks are really great.
I’ve never been to either place but now that I’ve read your post, I need to change that asap! I’m pinning this to my travel wishlist board for future reference. Thanks!
I’m sure you will have a great time when you visit.
We haven’t been in years. We loved the old Clyde & Seymour show!!
I love that each show is so different. You can see them all.
I went to sea world when I was a young lass and loved it! Thanks for the blast to the past!
There have been a lot of changes since we were both young kids. Time to go again.