Seaworld is a Must See (Seaworld Adventure Park (Florida))

Member Name: Meggysmum

Product:	Seaworld Adventure Park (Florida)
Date:	26/09/09 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique type of park

Disadvantages: Confusing maps

Seaworld, Orlando is part of the Anheuser-Busch Corporation. It offers a refreshing change from the other major theme-parks in the area and is a definitely worth a visit.

Seaworld is easy to locate at the Southern end of International drive, it is well sign-posted and there is parking for over 6000 vehicles. For visitors parking in the farthest lots there is a tram car to take them to the entrance and more importantly to return them to their cars after a busy and tiring day.

The entrance is marked by the Shamu lighthouse and taped sounds of seabirds to set the atmosphere for the visitor. This is obviously an attraction devoted to all things marine and the environment feels friendly and is clean. Visitors will encounter security bag searches before entering through the turnstiles, queues do build up quickly as the ticket reading machines can be unreliable and staff often have to assist guests to enter when the automation seems to want to exclude them.

On entering the park it is essential to pick up a copy of the map. The front shows a large, colourful map of the park and is rather "cartoon" style in its appearance. The reverse of the map contains lots of useful information. The most important thing to look at first is the show timetable. There are several shows around the park and it does take careful planning to be able to see all of them in one day. It is worth taking a few minutes to sit with your family and decide which of these are "must-sees" and plan your day accordingly. Keep in mind that if the park is busy it will be necessary to arrive quite early to gain a good seat. The rest of the information covers safety aspects such as height restrictions on rides and also restaurant times and any special offers available or attractions that are closed. We have found that this planning really helps us get the most from the day. The map does take a bit of getting used to and sometimes we found the paths weren't quite where we expected. Once the day is planned you are all set to start the fun.

---Rides---

Thrill rides are not the mainstay of a park like Seaworld and if you are a real white-knuckle fan you may find the park lacking but there are some rides to keep guests amused:

Journey to Atlantis- this is a brilliant water ride visiting the lost city of Atlantis before plunging down a breath-taking drop and being covered in water. If the wave misses then passing guests can use water squirters on the passing boats, the water ride then suddenly turns into a roller coaster for the exciting return trip to the loading bay. Waterproof capes are recommended and bags are not allowed to be taken onto the ride so must be left in the lockers.

Kraken- this is a roller-coaster to equal any other in Florida. The journey is fast and long and the inversions are thrilling. Once again no bags allowed.

Manta- this is a brand new ride that I cannot comment on as I have not yet seen it but it was being built when I was last in the park and it looked spectacular.

Wild Arctic- this is a simulator taking you on a helicopter journey across the arctic before disaster strikes! For visitors who don't wish to use a simulator there is a static version that tells the story. Visitors then exit into the arctic animal exhibit. Avoid this after the Shamu show has finished as the queues are alwsy at their longest then.

Shamus Happy harbour- to ensure younger guests also have a great time there are a selection of smaller rides including a small coaster in a designated family area which is located by the most amazing three storey adventure play area.

---Animal Enclosures---

Animals are what make Seaworld a different sort of park. There are lots of exhibits and in many of them there is the chance to touch or interact with the animals. The map gives indications of feeding times and it is worth trying to see these if possible. My children were thrilled by having sting-rays eating out of their hands and stroking dolphins. These are certainly not experiences that they will have every day and they are what memories are made of. Purchasing food for the animal does work out expensive so it is wise to set a budget beforehand and then choose the animals that appeal most. Dolphin feeding is particularly popular and be prepared to queue if this experience appeals. The main animal exhibits are:

Wild Arctic- polar bears and beluga whales are observed in a very cold exhibition. There are viewing areas above and below the water.
Dolphins- there is a large pool where the adult dolphins are located and a dolphin nursery. There are always staff on hand to answer questions and also to keep dolphins safe from the visitors, they will eat anything and cause themselves injuries so the keepers are very vigilant about glasses, hats and jewellery.

Manatees- not a particularly well-known animal outside of Florida this exhibition houses mainly animals that have been found injured. A fascinating and informative display and an underwater viewing area really capture the elegance of these creatures.

Sharks- the walkthrough shark tunnel houses many varieties of shark and there are identification guides all around. It is possible to book experiences of diving in the shark tanks and helping with feeding.
Penguins- a moving walkway takes visitors past the penguins, there are many types and it is possible to witness the clumsy birds looking so graceful underwater.

Stingrays- a huge raised tank allows these elegant creatures to be seen close-up. They vary greatly in size and colour and they interact with the visitors.

Sea lions and seals- this huge enclosure houses many animals and is very noisy. It is possible to feed these but take care as the seabirds will swoop down and take the fish as it is thrown.

---Shows---

SeaWorld is more than an aquarium, it is known for its animal shows. There is a lot of controversy about using animal of any type in shows but the spectacular nature of SeaWorld's shows means they should not be missed.

Shamu- the killer whale shows can be amazing and they can also be completely uneventful. If the whales choose not to co-operate the keepers give a talk and then the show is over. The whales can't be forced to do anything and the confidence that the shamus trainers have with the whales is awe-inspiring as it's is obvious that theirs is a dangerous job. The shamu show is varied at night with a more freeform style and lots of music. The splash-zone does get very wet with freezing cold salt water. Exhilarating on a hot Florida day but not great for young children or cameras so take care when selecting where to sit.

Blue Horizons- a dreamscape told using dolphins, false killer whales and a multicoloured selection of tropical birds. A delightful show with plenty of action and colour.

Clyde and Seymour- sea lions and otters join forces to produce a comedy pirate show particularly aimed at the younger audience, watch out for the mime-artist on arrival or you may find you are the stooge.

The other shows seem to change with more rapidity, currently there is an Elmo and friends show and there is also Pets Ahoy.

If guests are lucky enough to visit at Halloween then they are in for a treat. Included in the normal entry fee there is free Trick or Treating and a whole area set aside with photo opportunities and interactive experiences. The perfect Halloween Treat for younger children.

Overall SeaWorld offers a unique day out. Careful planning is needed to get the maximum enjoyment out of the day but if there are things that are missed pop into guest services before leaving as there is often free entry offers for the next day which are worth checking.

Summary: A great family day out where the children learn as well as enjoy.