A visit to SeaWorld Orlando!

A visit to SeaWorld Orlando!

Seaworld Orlando has something to offer all members of your family, regardless of age. My kids are age 9 and 12. The 9-year old is really into animals and the 12-year old is more into rides and thrills. Both boys (and parents) had a great time!

 

 Parking is well organized at Seaworld. Staff are on hand to make sure that the parking goes smoothly. After lathering up with sunblock at the car, we began the 5-minute walk to the park entrance. The first attraction we checked out was the aquarium. The aquarium is world-class and showcases a wide variety of marine life. From sharks and rays to inverts such as jellyfish and anemones, you are sure to find a favorite at this exhibit. It is a great walk-through exhibit and you can tell that the animals are well cared for. We especially liked the various types of sea horses and large 'community' exhibits. Definitely take the time to check out the aquarium.

 

 

 Near the aquarium is the Manta roller coaster. This is a suspended roller coaster where you lie flat on your belly. Not for the faint of heart and be sure to put your belongings in a nearby locker as you will lose any loose items in your possession. Make sure your thrill seekers make a beeline for this popular ride.

 

 More snapshots from the aquarium!

 

 

Don't forget to check out the skill games for a chance to win great prizes!

 

Turtle Trek is a great exhibit dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. Be sure to check out the manatees and other abundant sea life as you enter the exhibit. There are staff on hand to answer questions and provide background on the exhibit.  This is a guided walk-though exhibit with many different marine animals.  Visitors are led through the exhibit which ends in the grand finale - an awesome 3D dome theater experience where you have the vantage point of a hatchling sea turtle barely escaping the clutches of a hungry crab. You follow the young turtle on a great 3D adventure through the high seas! Definitely a must-see!

We checked out two shows while at Seaworld. First, we visited the dolphin show. It is absolutely amazing at what the dolphins can be trained to do.  There are plenty of opportunities for some great photos here. Complete with trained tropical birds flying over the audience, high-diving humans, and aerial acrobats, the dolphin show is sure to thrill the entire family.

 We also caught the Shamu (killer whale) show. What really caught my attention is the intelligence of these huge creatures. I gained a great appreciation for how intelligent the orcas are. You can also tell that the staff have a genuine interest in the well-being of the whales. We did not sit in the 'splash zone' at this show, but those that did got very wet! At several times during the show, whales would swim around the edge of the tank splashing the visitors. We stayed dry because we sat high in Shamu Stadium but next time, we will try the splash zone!

 

 

  

 My 9-year old animal lover especially liked the opportunity to pet sting rays. Don't worry, the stingers have been removed and you can lean over a short wall and touch the rays as they swim by. Seaworld also has sting ray food for purchase that allow you to hand-feed the rays. Staff are on hand to make sure that visitors use the proper techniques to touch and feed these interesting creatures.

SeaWorld Orlando is a great way to spend a day or two in Central Florida. There are plenty of rides to keep your thrill-seeker happy and your animal lover will be fascinated with the abundant exhibits throughout the park. SeaWorld has done a great job of providing an excellent environment that both thrills and teaches.

(Disclosure: I received 2 complimentary ticket for my review. All opinions are 100% my own)