We've gone to Sea World a number of times this year. We bought Fun Passes for the whole family just before Christmas last year and we like going there. If you live in Florida or Georgia passes are the way to go since they aren't too much more than one-day or multi-day passes. If you are from far away like New York or Chicago or even Europe and South America then single day passes or multi-day passes are better for you. It's not a bad deal to get Sea World/Busch Gardens passes as they are only about 45 minutes apart. There are several levels of purchase you can get. The more high-end pass gets you perks like free parking and discounts at gift shops and food establishments.
Sea World is a fun family park with four major rides, the most recent being the Manta, a roller coaster that prones you out so you ride like you're flying! It's a totally new experience for those who haven't been on one of those. Take off your hats, glasses, and flip flops because at then end you won't own them anymore! Kracken another high speed coaster where your feet dangle and you get tossed around a lot. Also, is the Journey to Atlantis, a water ride with a mean drop. It's kind of a roller/water ride and is similar to Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World but themed very differently. Also, check out Wild Arctic, a simulated helicopter ride through the arctic. After the ride you see whales, walruses, and polar bears inches from your face. I used to live in Alaska, and the experience is so authentic it makes me miss the harsh, cold environment because it conjures up old memories as well.
Needless to say, my kids who are 12 and 14 years old love all the rides but I think they like Manta the best.
Sea World is not just a carnival. The whale and dolphin shows are superb and a once in a lifetime experience. Imagine being splashed by a 12,500 lb killer whale. You can sit right up close and get wet. You may not want to be drenched in salt water but I guarantee your kids will! There is a sea lion and otter show that is guaranteed to make you laugh and all the shows are interactive. There are plenty of gift shops because in Florida it's the only thing we have more of other than condos and citrus. What I like the most about Sea World is it's not some tacky midway. They really are more focused on the preservation and proliferation of sea life. They don't just have dancing wildlife, they educate the visitors as to the wonder and value of these remarkable creatures. So you leave with a sense of having had fun but also a renewed interest of the animals we share the earth with.
Restaurants are good. You can get sandwiches and salads at the cafeterias or eat in luxury at the Shark Encounter. You sit right against the tank and see phenomenal sea creatures swimming beside you. If this is a once in a lifetime trip you might want to eat there. Just to remember to make reservations with the folks at the door early in the day or you'll wait forever to get seated at dinner time. Another good trick is to eat at odd hours like between 2-5:00p when the crowd is light. Keep in mind so many of our guests are South American or European and they tend to eat later in the evening unlike Americans.
Hotels around Sea World are plentiful so accommodations are too. One of our favorites is the Renaissance right across from the park. Rates are reasonable and rooms are, well, roomy. Hospitality is premium and the hotel staff treats us like millionaire's. In the morning you can walk right across and leave your car so you don't have to pay the $14.00 to park.
We also like the Hilton Grand Vacation Resort also across the street. They have shuttle service to the park so no driving. Accommodations are all suite and you can get great rates if you shop sites and compare such as Expedia, Kayak, or Orbitz. They are all good so compare. There are more reasonable rates at hotels along International Drive so if you don't mind driving up to 4 miles in the morning you can get good rooms at great rates.
Sea World also hosts concerts and seasonal shows such as ice skating, They often have evening shows like fireworks on the 4th of July and New Year's. Always something to do.
Al in all the experience is excellent and you won't regret it. Just bring lots of sunblock and you and your family will have the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy
