Going to Sea World - What to do and not to do?

[pineapplewhipaddict]

Okay, so for my birthday in January (aside from stopping by at Disneyland for my AP freebie), I am thinking of going to Sea World with, at least, my boyfriend, who has never been. I haven't gone since I was 12, and I'm 21 now.

What should we definitely do? Any hints or tips would be much appreciated!

[caesarboxfan]

Well, there are only three rides, Journey to Atlantis (a water coaster), Wild Arctic (Star Tours-like simulator) and Shipwreck Rapids (Grizzly River Run raft ride).

Apart from that, check out the shows, Shamu's "Believe" and the Sea Lion & Otter show.

[BFJen]

I love all the shows. Just decide if you want to get wet or not before you find a seat!

[LLCMC]

I also have to say, do the Pets Rule! show. I had been several times and never gave the show a second thought. During my most recent visit some of the people I went with swore by the show, so we went. It is really good, and adorable (if you're in to that sort of thing!). It's one to not overlook.

[pratt55]

Must sees are: Clyde and Seymour show and Shamu's Believe show.

[Vasooki]

Okay, the one show we never see is the Shamu show, just because there isnt much whale in it! The first part is about this guy carving a necklace, and then the very last park is the whale part. We were there yesterday, and we saw every show.

SEE THE DOLPHIN SHOW! Its great and you sing the soak zone song:

If your sittin in the first 12 rows
theres something that you outta know
there's a 50/50 bet
that you'll get 100%
(left part of stadium yells) WET!
So dont look so surprised
(Center part yells) Oh My hair!
When the water splashes in your eyes
I thought you might wanna know
about the immenent
(right side yells) H2O!
If you like that camera if you like that dress
dont let the salt water make it a mess
If you want stay dyeeerrrr
Move a little bit hiiigggghhhhheeerrr!

Also, see the flamingo parade. (see my thread for info about it)

Pets show is a must see! The last part is when the pets go on without the trainers, and do stuff. A cat jumps in a giant milk container, and a white one comes out. So cool.

[sunnygirl]

If you can afford to splurge, pay the extra and go swim with the dolphins. If memory serves, it was only $95 for one person. They'll provide you with a wetsuit and all the training you could ever need, then take you for a nice hour long session in the dolphin pool. You'll get to hug the dolphins, pet them, and just soak in their general awesomeness. I let my daughter do this a few years back and it was one of the best experiences of her life.

Also, set aside a little bit of extra time for the penguin house. They're absolutely adorable, Anders and I could spend a whole day watching them.

[Exprmnt626]

See the Aquarium de la Mer...it has the world's deadliest fish in it..and cuttlefish, too.

Eat at the Calpso Bay Smokehouse. It has really good brisket.

Since you're 21 now, stop by the Hospitality Center and grab a few free product samples. Hooray free beer!

[Vasooki]

Though the Cique De La Mar in the nearby stadium is only a summer show. How sad right? Neat show full of zorbs! I want to ride in one.

[SusieP.]

Choose carefully. Sea World closes early in the winter and it always seems like there isn't enough time in the day to do it all. I always end up like wondering where the day went!

Shamu is classic and Seamore and Clyde is always funny, so those are must-dos. After that you'll have to prioritize based on what you like best.

[pineapplewhipaddict]

Thank you guys so much for all your help!

Yeah, I'm worried about time too...though the plan is to go on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, as it's my birthday, too (And for some reason, the calendar on the website doesn't have the hours listed yet)

Anyhow, I'm so excited ^_^

[draybook]

I dunno about San Diego, but the Sea World in Orlando p'd me off because if you want your kids to feed the dolphins(at $7 a pop for a tiny tray), you have to go as well. That's a load of horse crap. I loved the Clyde & Seymour show there but it was more because of the mime we had, he was hilarious.

[nursemelis374]

I was also going to suggest a stop by the Hospitality Center. I don't even like beer but we had so much fun in there. You get your own host or hostess who helps you choose beers and then pairs them with all kinds of yummy stuff!

My favorite shows are the Clyde and Seymour Show (especially the night one) and of course, Shamu. We also were pleasantly surprised by the Pets Rule! show on our last visit.

My favortie attractions are the Penguin Encounter and Shark Encounter. I could spend all day watching those cute little penguins.

Have fun! Sea World is great.

[Exprmnt626]

who knows if the hospitality centre will be there in January. Just sayin'...

[IzzyInWonderland]

Definitely see the Shamu, dolphin and Clyde and Seymour shows as previously mentioned. There's not a ton to do at Sea World, so shows comprise most of the park experience just like at the Zoo or WAP. I like the Wild Arctic ride but wasn't fond of the other 2. Penguin and shark encounters, tide pool and dolphin feeding are also my favorites. I like to watch the seals too because they are so darn cute! Have fun!