For animal lovers everywhere. (Seaworld Adventure Park (Florida))

Member Name: custard1975

Product:	Seaworld Adventure Park (Florida)
Date:	12/11/08 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Variety of animals and rides, get up close to dolphins, manatees and seals

Disadvantages: You want to go back time and time again

I have visited Seaworld in Florida on a number of occasions, at least 20 I think so have become somewhat of an expert! It offers a different type of theme park experience combining animal and thrill attractions. Obviously the star of the park is 'shamu', the killer whale family that have been at the park since its opening. Currently they have approx 10 whales at the park which according to their official information is the max they can hold. On several occasions we have visited we have been lucky enough to see a baby, in fact once a baby was born 2 days before we visited. However the killer whales are only a small part of Seaworld. My favourite area is the Pacific Point where the sealions are housed. There are both california sealions and fur seals. Both of which are highly entertaining. One of the best bits about the seals is that you can buy fish from the feed station to feed them which is fab for young and old alike...just watch out for gulls waiting nearby! The area that has had the most impact on me is Manatees: the last generation. Here you can get up close via the underwater viewing area to these beautiful yet ugly creatures. Once mistaken for mermaids by fisherman they are from the elephant family. They are native to florida and live in shallow rivers. They are endangered though through boats in the rivers which can be fatal to them and pollution. Additionally there is the dolphin cove which gives the opportunity to feed the dolphins, great if you can't afford discovery cove, penguins, sharks etc. One of the most innovative areas is the Wild Artic. This combines an animal attraction with a ride. You first board a helicopter(simulator) which takes you to the artic sub station. You then exit into the wild artic. This is a fantastically detailed mock up of a station in the middle of the artic right down to the chill factor and ice. Here you come face to face with beluga whales, walrus and polar bears.
As well as the animal attractions there are a couple of big thrill rides, Kraken a rollercoaster and Journey to Atlantis, a log flume. One of the new experiences at the park I would recommend are the behind the scenes tours. These include the save the species tour which allows you to go 'back stage' and see the work being done by seaworld to help injured animals. This includes seeing the rehab pools which are usually full with turtles, dolphins and manatees, some orphaned animals. It gives you a different perspective on the park and the other work it does.

Summary: A great way to see sealife up close you would never see otherwise inc penguins and whales