From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBayWelcome! Sign in or register.
 Advanced Search

Reviews & Guides

Write a guide

Sea World Orlando - Eco-Conscious Vacationing!

by: minivacpac( 307Feedback score is 100 to 499) Top 1000 Reviewer
95 out of 99 people found this guide helpful.


Sea World - The big question on many vacationers' minds when they plan a trip to Orlando is "Why go? I've spent $250 apiece on Disney tickets...."  But Sea World is a very different "fish" from Disney!

Sea World's online ticket prices start off VERY inexpensive - usually about $10-$15 LESS per day than Disney and Universal Studios.  Sea World has a completely different atmosphere from the other parks.  Part zoo, part theme park, part conservation center, Sea World offers a variety of experiences offered nowhere else in Central Florida.  This guide will help you navigate the myriad personalized experiences Sea World offers, so that you can buy your tickets and reserve your tours more easily.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Theme Park Rides

- Kraken - The tallest (120'), only floorless roller coaster in Florida!
- Atlantis - A "water-coaster" with tight, quick turns and a 60' drop.
- Polar Expedition - Simulates a helicopter ride through the arctic with
   mild thrills and simulated animal encounters.  (Good for ages 6-12.)
- Shamu Express- A whale-themed, family friendly roller coaster.
- Sky Tower -A leisurely trip 400' up to observe Sea World Orlando.
- Jazzy Jellies -A "Samba Tower" that spins and lifts riders into the air.
- Swishy Fishies - A water-spout-themed tea cup ride for young kids

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Shows & Experiences

- Fusion - Seasonal (summer & holidays) show featuring watersports,
   stunt-kite flying, music, dance, and bird performances.
- Clyde & Seamore - a variety of acts featuring Seamore Sea Lion
- Pets Ahoy! - Perfect for young children, this longer show features
  over 100 performing rescued animals, from a VERY clever rat to cats,
  dogs, and birds. Afterwards, meet the animals & learn about adoption.
- Blue Horizons - think "Cirque Du Soleil" with Acrobats & Dolphins!
- Oddysea - An indoor show featuring acrobats, whimsical costumes,
   and special effects, meant to simulate an undersea adventure.
- Mist-ify - Seasonal (summer & holidays) light show featuring music,
   mist-screen animations, lights, fireworks, and more.  Night-time only.
- Oyster's Secret - Watch a pearl diver choose a pearl just for YOU!
- Believe -  A brand-new Shamu performance by Shamu and his Sea
   World family (a new calf was born September of 2006)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Animal Attractions & Exhibits

- Turtle Point -  Observe rescued sea turtles in a scenic natural lagoon.
- Clydesdale Hamlet - Horse-lovers can visit the famous Budweiser
  Clydesdales, and participate in petting times to get pictures taken.
- Wild Arctic - A 900,000 gallon, multi-level ecosystem featuring polar
   bears, walruses, beluga whales, and more.
- Stingray Lagoon -  Guests can observe, feed, and even touch rays!
- Dolphin Cove -  this is our favorite - the dolphins come right up to an
  observation wall where you can feed and even touch them.  All ages
  can participate.  Visit the lower level to observe from underwater!
- Dolphin Nursery - Observe new baby dolphins and their mothers.
- Shark Encounter -  A bit scary for tentative youngsters, but great for
  older kids!  The world's largest underwater acrylic observation tunnel
  lets you get VERY close to sharks, eels, barracuda, & venomous fish!
- Penguin Encounter -  Observe 4 species of penguin and 3 species
  of "flighted" Arctic bird in a snowy - and VERY chilly - indoor habitat.
- Pacific Point Preserve - Feed California Sea Lions & Harbor Seals.
Manatee Rescue- Observe rescued and rehabilitating manatees in a
   peaceful, underwater environment simulating a Florida spring.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Basic One Day Pass:
The base ticket for Sea World gets you access to the park and rides for a full day.  Price includes access to the above rides, exhibits and experiences, but guests must pay extra for fish to feed the seals and dolphins (be sure to arrive early to get in line for fish).  You should try the earlier shows to get better seating.

Sharks Deep Dive: $150 ****
While not for everyone, this 2 hour "Extreme Extra" is an opportunity for adventurous visitors to participate in something you usually only see on television - Shark Diving.  Don a wet suit and underwater breathing helmet (no scuba gear!), step into the observation cage, and travel very slowly two at a time through a reef filled with sharks, sawfish, and underwater schooling fish. Not for the faint of heart!

Dolphin Nursery Close-Up: $40****
(For ages 10 and up, no pregnant mothers) Interact poolside with dolphin families - usually including calves and mothers - with Animal Care Specialists.  You'll get instruction on bottle-nose dolphins' personalities, habits, and environment from those who know them best!

Adventure Express Tour: $89/$79****
This six-hour tour is the cream of the crop, and very enjoyable for animal lovers who hate lines.  Not only do you get front-of-the line access to rides like the Kraken and Atlantis, you get reserved seating at some shows and performances.  You get to venture behind-the-scenes at many exhibits, touch a penguin(!!), feed dolphins, sting-rays, and sea lions, and more!  Lunch is included.  A great experience, but not worth it if your family is on a budget.  You can get a similar value - feedings, lunch, and penguin ineraction, for about $60 per person a la carte - you just lose out on the "express" access to rides and shows and may not get to everything in one day.

Behind-The-Scenes Tours: $12-$16 ****
Get close-up experience with your favorite Sea World animals!  A variety of specialized interactive tours that each last approximately one hour and are appropriate for most ages.
- Save a Species - Hand-feed exotic birds in the Sea World free-flight
  aviary, and visit the rescue and rehabilitation facilities where the staff at
  Sea World work to save endangered species like turtles and manatees.
- Predators Tour - Touch a shark!  Peer down into the tank at Shark
  Encounter and visit backstage at Shamu Stadium.
- Polar Expedition - Explore the backstage area of the multi-level Wild
  Arctic Exhibit and get a chance to actually touch a penguin!

**** Price set by Sea World and subject to change without notice. We review this guide periodically and will change pricing for extra events and tours as necessary. ****

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(Don't forget - If you found any part of this guide helpful...please click on the YES below!  The more YES we get the easier it is for other people to find and benefit from this guide!!!)


Guide ID: 10000000001907456Guide created: 09/25/06 (updated 07/23/08)

 
Was this guide helpful? Report this guide

Ready to share your knowledge with others? Write a guide



Member Information

minivacpac
minivacpac( 307Feedback score is 100 to 499) Member is a PowerSellerAbout Me
See all guides by this member
View items for sale by this memberVisit this seller's eBay Store!
Member has an eBay StoreMini Vacation Rentals

See member's items

 


eBay Pulse | eBay Reviews | eBay Stores | Half.com | eBay Express | Reseller Marketplace | Austria | France | Germany | Italy | Spain | United Kingdom | Popular Searches
Kijiji | PayPal | ProStores | Apartments for Rent | Shopping.com | Skype | Tickets


About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2008 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time