[friendnc]

We really enjoy Sea World. We even have annual passes. We like the rides they have and love all of the shows (REALLY miss Shamu Rocks!). It could use a few more rides/attractions IMO. But it is a very unique park unto itself, so we don't try to compare it head to head with Disney or Universal. We like all 4 Orlando parks. They're all so different in their own ways.

[laughingplace<3]

As I said in another thread, I love SeaWorld but I am there every summer for a program, so going there during the summer is enough for me. It is truly an amazing park, but I think it's only because of the program that has brought me to love it? Maybe.
I do agree about the theming though- it seems so everywhere. But I do love SeaWorld! And I don't think they need help. It'll never be Disney, but the park in itself is truly amazing.

I can't believe Shamu Rocks got outed! NOOOOOOOOOO! I didn't know that.

[Winkster]

I love Sea World for the setting. All the trees, plants and flowers make it look really attractive. WDW only beats it on that score during the Flower Festival.

Whilst I enjoy the Sea World shows too, some are sickeningly over-sentimental. I've mentioned this on another thread but that whole story in the Shamu show with the whale tooth and the little kid is just stomach wrenching stuff! And the chanting! Just NO!!!!

The animals are the stars here so why they have to dress it all up in the slushy rubbish is beyone me.

I also think Sea World needs better food outlest - fast food and restaurants. We never seem to get decent food there.

I love Kraken and Journey to Atlantis but have never done Wild Arctic. Simulators just don't do it for me.

Originally Posted by laughingplace&lt

Discovery Cove is great though, went last summer. The water was FREEZING though, so that was a big diappointment. It was fun but not as fun as everyone makes it out to be.

Laughingplace, do you mean the water in the lazy river was cold or are you referring to the animal pools? We went in 2006 and I found the water in the lazy river and swimming parts too warm - it was like a warm bath in the Florida sun.

Yes, the dolphin and ray pools were cold but I'm sure that's how the animals prefer it and I don't think Sea World will make the dolphins uncomfortable just for us!

I loved Discovery Cove. It was such a great looking park and the limited guest numbers made it feel extra special. We found some hammocks on a beach right at the top and were the only ones there. We just laid there, sipping on a cold beer soaking up the sun with absolutely nobody around - heaven!

I did find the dolphin "swim" was more of a dolphin "interaction" as you hardly swim with them at all (10 seconds from one side of the pool to the other) but I guess it would be cruel to make the dolphins drag people around all day - especially when you see the size of some of the people!

We are considering going back on the non-swim package next time (I don't feel the need to swim with dolphons again now I've done it) just because we loved the park so much.

Aquatica looks kinda fun too! Must give that a try soon.

[Kebabs]

I really like Seaworld, it always feels like its a relaxing park, rather than one I have to rush around at full speed! The shows are great, they might be a little bit cheesy, but who cares, they're fun and you're on holiday! Last time we were there, we did two back stage tours, one was of the dolphin nursery (and I fell in love with the babies) and was of the other animals, and I got to stroke a baby penquin! And I'd go to Discovery Cove, every trip if I could, thats an amazing place, I will definatley go back there one day!
x

[friendnc]

Originally Posted by Winkster

I love Sea World for the setting. All the trees, plants and flowers make it look really attractive. WDW only beats it on that score during the Flower Festival.

Whilst I enjoy the Sea World shows too, some are sickeningly over-sentimental. I've mentioned this on another thread but that whole story in the Shamu show with the whale tooth and the little kid is just stomach wrenching stuff! And the chanting! Just NO!!!!

The animals are the stars here so why they have to dress it all up in the slushy rubbish is beyone me.

I also think Sea World needs better food outlest - fast food and restaurants. We never seem to get decent food there.

I love Kraken and Journey to Atlantis but have never done Wild Arctic. Simulators just don't do it for me.




Laughingplace, do you mean the water in the lazy river was cold or are you referring to the animal pools? We went in 2006 and I found the water in the lazy river and swimming parts too warm - it was like a warm bath in the Florida sun.

Yes, the dolphin and ray pools were cold but I'm sure that's how the animals prefer it and I don't think Sea World will make the dolphins uncomfortable just for us!

I loved Discovery Cove. It was such a great looking park and the limited guest numbers made it feel extra special. We found some hammocks on a beach right at the top and were the only ones there. We just laid there, sipping on a cold beer soaking up the sun with absolutely nobody around - heaven!

I did find the dolphin "swim" was more of a dolphin "interaction" as you hardly swim with them at all (10 seconds from one side of the pool to the other) but I guess it would be cruel to make the dolphins drag people around all day - especially when you see the size of some of the people!

We are considering going back on the non-swim package next time (I don't feel the need to swim with dolphons again now I've done it) just because we loved the park so much.

Aquatica looks kinda fun too! Must give that a try soon.

I tend to agree about the "Believe" show being a bit over-the-top. I don't mind a little bit of sentement, but it's just a little too sappy for my taste (I do like the way they honor our troups, though). But over the summer, they did tone the cheesyness down a little, so it is better than it was before summer '07. But my whole family LOVES Shamu Rocks! It's one of the best shows we've seen ANYWHERE! Very, very well done with lots of energy. I wish it was a year round show and not seasonal.

[Mad_Hatter]

I started going to Sea World in the mid- 1970's when they had an awesome park here in Ohio. [which was closed decades later because it coul dnot be kept open 360 days a year ]

I've always loved the park and I don't think it needs ANY rides whatsoever - not every destination has to have them.

I look forward to taking my son to the Florida location when he comes of age....if the Ohio one were still open we could go now with little expense.

[tnsdean]

We are looking forward to enjoying a slower pace on our visit to SeaWorld. I like to think that all travel is education and SW is an excellent educational experience. If they tried to make it into another DW, it would ruin the experience. As others have mentioned, SW is more of a zoo than a amusement park.

I saw they are offering a special on a 7-day SeaWorld/Aquatica (seaworldbyaquatica.com) unlimited pass for $80 through the aquatica website. Our boys were so excited about the tube that goes through the dolphin pool!

[alkemyst]

I think seaworld is just about perfect.

I travel during off-peak times although this year we went between Christmas and New Year and it wasn't bad.

It's one of our favorite parks (we have annual passes to disney too) to spend the day at. You can relax and mostly sit rather than walk through lines all day. The coasters and Polar Express do have larger lines at times with the Polar Express being almost always long.

I think they have a good mix of shows and rides. Viewing and feeding animals is also offered.

[TinkerBellBabe]

I haven't been to seaworld in like ten years but i really enjoyed it when i did go! I can't wait to go back

[jamies parents]

I love seaworld. great to visit around halloween (selected days). lots for the kids to do and we all left with huge bags of candy. best of all its a free event included with park admission. has anyone got tips for Aquatica? counting the days to go oct 2008!!

[friendnc]

Our family loves Sea World (16/13 year old sons). We've had annual passes (along with Universal) for the past 2 years and will be expiring in the Fall. Disney annual passes at Christmas. I don't see SW as direct competition to WDW or US. It's unique unto itself. The shows are wonderful, has two of the best coasters in Orlando, it's relaxing, and the grounds are beautiful. There are some areas they could improve on, but it's a wonderful park nontheless. Look forward to going back in the future.

[Winkster]

Originally Posted by friendnc

...has two of the best coasters in Orlando

I agree - especially Manta. We rode during the soft opening and loved it.

Great queuing area (although it was VERY hot down there when we were there) and a really exciting ride in a scary position!

[friendnc]

WHAT??? They've ditched Shamu Rocks????????!!!!!!

[Pseudolatina]

Originally Posted by Shadow Jedi Rhy

I've always been a little partial to Sea World b/c we used to go a lot when I was younger. I think from what we've seen and heard from people they're having a bit of a problem with what direction and how to promote the park. That's why it seems they have a little of everything (animals, shows, rides). I think it's by far the most relaxing of the parks in Central Florida and a nice day although when they figure out which element of the park to focus more on it will make things more appearent as to what they want the park to reflect.

I completely agree. I love Sea World. For me it is relaxing and I get the best of both worlds. Rides plus lots of animals. And I like the fact that it isn't nearly as crowded as the Disney Parks.

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

Originally Posted by friendnc

WHAT??? They've ditched Shamu Rocks????????!!!!!!

Nope, it's still there. Although they only play it during the summer and during holiday periods when they have longer park hours.