Seaworld Orlando | Mum In The Madhouse

Seaworld Orlando

I have to admit that I was really skeptical about Seaworld.  I was unsure about using animals in shows, however, I have to say that I was completely won over and we had an amazing day.  First things first, there is no way you can see everything in a day (unless you opt for one of the excellent VIP tours, which cost from £172 per adult and child in addition to park admission and includes a freshly prepared lunch) . I would advise you to plan your must see’s before you get to the park.

rays

Seaworld Orlando offers the perfect mix of action rides, educational exhibits, hands on interaction and amazing shows.  It is a great place for all ages and would be a super place to visit for children and grandparents, although there are some rides which are for 54 inches and above, but you can find this information on the park website.

Shows

dol

We managed to see the Dolphin show (Blue Horizons), which was epic (in Maxi’s words),  So make sure you check the times for the shows.  The shows are designed to showcase the animals natural behaviors and  Blue Horizons was a really spectacular combination of dolphin, human and avian entertainment.  Maxi was transfixed for most of the show and he thought the divers were amazing.    It is advisable to turn up to the show 30 minutes before it starts and do keep an eye out where you choose to sit as you will get wet in the splash zones!

Food and Drink

shamu

There is a good range of dining experiances at Seaworld, including an all day dining option. We were lucky enough to experience the Dine with Shamu experience which starts at $28 per adult and $19 per child.  This meant that we got to see the Killer Whales behind the scenes in training for their One World show at reserved tables.  The food was a buffet style and it was a great way to get up close to the Whales and watch them with their trainers.  The trainers do not go in the water with the whales at any time.  If you are looking for a unique experience then this would be on my list of must do’s.   Maxi has been raving about this.

Rides

Manta and Kraken are the big thrill rides and you need to be over 54 inches tall to be able to ride.   Maxi was too small to ride, but I did go on Kraken and loved it.  It was exhilarating, but smooth and was so much fun.  Oh yes I screamed like a girl.  Maxi is a mini thrill seeker and loved the Shamu Express.   He also loved the Wild Arctic simulator ride, but being someone who suffers from motion sickness I gave this one a miss!   There really is a ride for everyone at Seaworld.

Exhibits 

One thing that really stood out for both Maxi and I at Seaworld was the exhibits including the fantastic 3D turtle trek.  This showcases the manatee and the plight of the vulnerable sea turtles.  The animals that are used in the exhibit are all rescue animals and this makes it even more interesting and amazing.  You get to experience what it is like to be a turtle in an amazing 3D dome, which gives you a 360 degree experience  so there is no shouts of “I cant see” from smaller children.  The park guides and staff are amazingly well informed and more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Why not time your visit to the ray pool so that it coincides with feeding time, you can even search the bottom of the pool for teeth to bring home as souvenirs.

Once exhibit that we didn’t get to experience, but hope to when we go back in November is Antarctica, Empire of the penguin, which opens on 24 May this year.   At this amazing new attraction, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds and awesome encounters found in this frozen place, embarking on a one-of-a-kind ride and an incredible, first-of-its-kind family ride.

Maxi and Cecelia

We did however, get to “pet a penguin” named Cecilia and she didn’t feel anything like I expected.

You can see more photos of our trip on The Mad House facebook page 

Thanks to Seaworld Orlando for looking after us as part of our trip to Orlando hosted by Visit Orlando 

 

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