I'm still a kid at heart.
Written: Aug 07 '01 (Updated Jan 23 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Shows, rides, as well as 'SeaWorld'.
Cons: Getting drowned in our wet season.
The Bottom Line: Tired of Disney, then find the real world of live creatures. Just off of International Drive and Interstate 4. Fun for all the family.
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| Susie-34668's Full Review: Sea World Florida |
With my 2 year pass for Busch Gardens, my favorite place of all, I got 2 years at SeaWorld too. Not bad for $159. As of 2005 this has gone up to $189 for seniors.
My husband and I visit Orlando 4 or 5 times a year. We normally have 1 day at Disney, but love to use our pass for SeaWorld. We can just pop in for a couple of hours and then leave. Free parking (now $9 a day), free entrance, free trip up the Sky Tower (normally $3). The last time we were at Sea World this was taken down. Plus 15% discount on taking friends into the park, 10% off food, and shopping. What a deal.
The park is really well sign posted from either the interstate or International Drive. All of the parking is fairly close to the entrance. We have found this to be great on our really wet July/August days, when the heavens have opened and the thunderstorms have roared in.
Now there are other promotional offers throughout the year, for both Florida residents and visitors. However, if you can only make a day visit the price is over $50 for adults. There has just been an increase to around $60.
Quite a lot of money so ensure you get a full day in.
If you are in town for a week or more then check out SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Value Ticket.
Seaworld 12 month pass. (If you plan on going several times)
Wild Card (1 year SeaWorld/Busch Gardens)
Wild Card Plus (same as above plus Adventure Island)
Also look out for times when you can go back a second day for free.
So what do I like the best?
Wild Arctic
This is one of the most popular rides. It is a simulator ride which takes you into the frozen north on a jetcopter adventure. First you see the beluga whales, walruses and polar bears on film. Then hold on when the ride really kicks in. If you are unable to take the jolts, when go by land, and watch the movie with no motion. On completion you get to walk through and see the real creatures. I always take my jacket with me as it can get really cold back there. Mark this up as a must.
Journey to Atlantis
This one I only do in the summer months. You see it there, 'You will get wet on this ride'. You bet you do.
Everyone thinks this ends with the thrilling drop into the water below. I won't give the end away but if you have any health problems do not go on this ride. My husband did it once after by-pass heart surgery. Now he watches me.
Kraken
Is a mega-coaster and is the fastest, tallest, longest and wildest roller coaster in Orlando. I can not tell you what it is like. I am chicken. Just the thought of going on it turns me into jelly. I have watched it dozens of times and the teenagers certainly love it. Also when Len's family came over from England, they just adored it.
Shows.
The Shamu Adventure.
We have seen this many times. I think the most exciting time for me was, when the baby was born. No shows on, but Mother and baby were swimming together. What a pleasure.
The show is thrilling, and if you are lucky, you could be chosen to participate.
Key West Fest.
See a show and have some fun here.
Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island.
This has been going forever and a really funny and cute show.
Intensity Water Ski Show.
Okay guys, enjoy the view. I know us ladies enjoy watching the lifeguards. Fun, exciting, water antics that will leave you wishing you could do them.
This show is not available right now. January 2006;.
Hawalian Rhythms.
Shamu's Big Chill. Rock'n'Rockets.
This is a must. A live killer whale show with lasers and fireworks, to complete a great evening.
I also would like to mention the very cute 'Pets on stage'. We had probably been about 50 times and never seen this show. One wet afternoon we were close by and found it to be one of the best live animal shows. To train cats, dogs, rats, and mice was just amazing. I plan on seeing this again on my next visit. Have to let you know we head here first on every visit. I just love the cats walking the tightrope. Birds flying above you, and the pig! Boy, did you smell that skunk.
The 'Cirque De La Mar' was beautifully choreographed. The precision and dedication certainly came out in this wonderful display. Check out days and times of this show. We have been disappointed on days we have missed it.
The latest show to hit SeaWorld is Blue Horizons. We got to preview it in May of 2005 before it opened to the public. This is magical in so many ways. You watch the dolphins and whales performing, while birds are flying over you. You see divers on high boards doing all kinds of turns, flips, twists, into the water. There are people flying like birds and ladies on swings and ropes doing acrobatics. The scenery is brilliant and the water shoots and fountains enhance the show. We have seen it twice this week and were thrilled both times.
This park is owned by Anheuser-Busch so we get BEER. Not just beer, but 2 free glass for anyone 21 and over. Also you can taste beer too. For the drivers they have the non alcoholic type too. In the same area are the Clydesdale horses, who are a magnificent sight as well.
Shops.
All the usual gift shops associated with any theme park. They want you to spend your money on family and friends that couldn't make the trip. Plenty throughout the park for all you shoppers.
Restaurants.
These are slightly cheaper than Disney. We have purchased the club sandwich on numerous occasions. These run about $7 and come with potato salad. They are piled high with meat, cheese, and salad. Certainly a good buy. We have tried the pizza, which is okay. Burgers and fries. They have wonderful cheesecake, fresh strawberries when in season and so much more. The drinks are expensive, so I suggest taking your own bottled water with you, to help with the cost. You can also fill your bottle at any of the water fountains. You can ask for a cup of iced water, when ordering your meal, a savings of $2.50.
The new Waterfront area has some good restaurants. You can catch a show while eating your meal.
Now did anyone want to know what creatures lie in the water.
Manatees.
The Last Generation?
Get up close with our gentle giants. We are lucky enough to have these unusual creatures, here in Florida.
Dolphin Cove.
Penguin Encounter.
Pacific Point Preserve.
Sea Lion & Otter Stadium.
Great place to feed them. You will get smelly hands. I have seen children wiping them on their clothes. Poor Mom. Have your ear plugs too as they can get very noisy.
Terror of the Deep.
Housing some of the most frightening fish and creatures that we have ever encountered.
Dolphin Nursery.
Tropical Reef.
Turtle Point.
Stingray Lagoon.
What an amazing sight. Glad I see them here, and not when I go swimming at the beach.
Shamu Close Up.
You can actually go below water level and view.
Don't forget those polar bears at Wild Arctic.
So you still want more to do?
There are paddle boats than you can hire. There is a charge for these.
The little ones want to play, then they can have fun at Shamu's Happy Harbor. In the same area are Arcades and games area.
SeaWorld now has 'Adventure Express' A 5 and a half hour guided tour. You get to see the best of the shows and front-of-the-line entrance.
How about becoming a 'trainer for a day'. Call 407-370-1382 to find out more.
Behind the scenes tours are available. Tickets are available at SeaWorld Ticket Plaza.
Camp Seaworld.
Including sleep-overs. For information 1-800-406-2244.
So why do I keep going back. Yes, it is a great place. I love real life animals/creatures. Also I like the Anheuser-Busch commitment:
A Lifetime of Adventure.
SeaWorld is dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment and all its wildlife. And our passion for the sea inspires us to share this spirit of adventure with you and your family. We see our commitment come to life every day in the smile of discovery ... we hear it in the laughter of a child. We hope your visit to SeaWorld sparks extraordinary encounters, majestic adventures and exhilarating family fun.
Need more information than check them out at www.seaworld.com.
You can telephone at 407-351-3600. They are located at 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Fl 32821.
Maybe next time I visit I may see you there. Don't forget to take my photo, at the top of the page, so you won't miss me :)
Thank you for reading this review.
Susie.
Recommended:
Yes
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