An Introduction to Sea World

This popular 200-acre marine park explores the mysteries of the deep in a format that combines wildlife conservation awareness with plain old fun. While that's what Disney is attempting with its latest park, Animal Kingdom, the message here is subtle and a more inherent part of the experience.

Sea World's beautifully landscaped grounds center on a 17-acre lagoon and include flamingo and pelican ponds and a lush tropical rainforest. Shamu, a killer whale, is the star of the park along with his expanding family, which includes baby whales. The pace is much more laid-back than at either Universal or Disney, and it's a good way to break up a long week trudging through the other parks. Close encounters at feeding pools are among the real attractions (so be sure to budget a few extra dollars to buy fishy handouts for the sea lions and dolphins, which make begging an art form).

Sea World manages a few thrills and chills. Journey to Atlantis is a high-tech water ride similar to Splash Mountain at Disney's Magic Kingdom and Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure. And Kraken is a floorless roller coaster that sports seven inversions, much like coasters such as Montu and Kumba at SeaWorld's sister, Busch Gardens in Tampa. But this park doesn't try to compete with the wonders of WDW or Universal. Instead it lets you discover the crushed-velvet texture of a stingray or the song of the seals.

Tips for visiting Sea World Orlando

1) When visiting Sea World Orlando get on Kraken and Journey to Atlantis during the last hour the park is open to get on with no wait.

2) Ride Kraken or Journey to Atlantis right before the park closes at night- everyone's at the show and you can see the fireworks from the rides.

3) Get to Shamu Stadium as early as possible- the whole place fills up in a matter of minutes.

4) Avoid riding Journey to Atlantis or Kraken right after the Blue Horizons show as the crowds tend to head for these rides after the show resulting in longer lines.

5) If you're going to Aquatica, get there early. If not you'll never get in the park. They close the entrances once all the parking spaces are filled. Most of the time at about 9:00 is when the parking spaces are fillled!

6) Must see shows in SeaWorld- Believe, Blue Horizons, Clyde & Seamore Otter Show, Shamu Rocks. Manage other activities around these show timings. Kraken is the only good ride for adults.

7) When purchasing merchandise, you can use the free package pickup service where your purchases are sent to the main gift shop at the front of the park. This allows you to enjoy the park without carrying your shopping bag all day.

8) Its a great idea to grab a map with a timesguide on the back to make sure you get to see all the great shows seaworld has to offer.

9) Get on Journey to Atlantis first in the morning (due to the fact it breaks down often)