How to visit Sea World

Best known for Shamu the killer whale, Sea World parks can provide you with animal encounters of many kinds in addition to more traditional amusement park thrills.

Instructions

1. First you must choose which of the three Sea World parks you want to visit. You can visit Sea World Orlando, San Diego or San Antonio. Go online to check out what each of the three parks can offer you (see Resources). Each park has a wide collection of aquatic animals for you to appreciate, in addition to rides and shows for everyone in your party to enjoy.

2. Know what kind of shows await you. From the traditional Shamu show to friendly dolphins and playful sea lions, Sea World offers a unique look at many different ocean creatures. The rows marked "Splash Zone" are marked for a reason as these animals jump and splash the audience on command from their trainers. If you choose to sit in the Splash Zone, don't look shocked if you come away from the show soaking wet as if you have been submerged in the ocean yourself. Either bring ponchos or climb to higher and dryer seats. Make sure all cameras, cell phones and other such electronic equipment are safely stored away because they will get ruined, too.

3. Know what kinds of rides await you. All three Sea World parks are home to Journey to Atlantis, part roller coaster, part water ride that's fun for everyone. San Antonio and San Diego each offer other full-on water rides aside from Journey to Atlantis in the form of Rico Loco and Texas Splashdown in San Antonio and Shipwreck Rapids in San Diego. If roller coasters are what you're looking for, San Antonio's Sea World has two coasters (The Great White and Steel Eel) for you to check out, while Sea World Orlando offers Kraken. San Diego and Orlando both house Wild Arctic, a simulated helicopter ride into Base Station Wild Arctic to encounter polar bears. Be sure to check out further information on these and other ride options when you visit the official website.

4. Make sure you pick up a park map immediately upon arrival to figure out where your must-see attractions are located. The good thing about Sea World is that you can see majority of what is in the parks without too much waiting in line. Obviously the rides will have lines you'd encounter at any theme park. However, the shows can hold hundreds of people at once in the various amphitheaters and the exhibits for animal viewing make it easy for you to spend as long as you want at whatever attraction you want. From penguins and manatees to seals and sea turtles, all three Sea Worlds give traditional aquariums a run for their money with size and variety of exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

5. Check into behind the scenes tours available at the parks. Research them on the website or talk with a guest services representative upon entering the park about different packages and options for a more up-close and personal interaction with the animals.

6. Look into the Sea World Fun Card, which will allow you repeatedly visit Sea World through December 31, if you want to continue your Sea World visit for more than one day. Less overwhelming than Disney or Universal Studios, Sea World can feasibly be seen in 1 or 2 days, but the Fun Card will allow you to come back and check out your favorite rides, shows and exhibits again and again for the remainder of the year.