Clyde and Seamore Make the Grade at SeaWorld Orlando

April 21, 2015, 2:25 PM · Have you ever had a nightmare where you were back in high school and had one more class to pass? For SeaWorld Orlando's Clyde and Seamore, that dream has become reality.

SeaWorld Orlando's Clyde and Seamore's Sea Lion High debuted on April 16, 2015, replacing the long-running "Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island," and features the former pirates as soon-to-be high school graduates. On the eve of their graduation, we learn that the duo is set to receive scholarships to the prestigious Ocean University. However, in order to graduate and get those scholarships, they must pass science, dance, and gym before the end of the school day.

Clyde and Seamore's Sea Lion High

Plan to arrive early to secure a good seat and catch the entertaining pre-show that features the school's crossing guard directing audience members entering the stadium. A trainer also provides insight into how they train the animals for their performance. The trainer remind us that things don't always go as planned, which we saw later in the show. Then, the school's music teacher comes out to teach us the fight song and to recognize educators in the audience.

When the music fades, Cindy, a lively cheerleader, is joined by Clyde and Seamore. The pair's performance in school has 'netted' them the scholarships, which upsets the resident star athlete, Trip. However, Principal Twimby arrives and informs Clyde and Seamore of the aforementioned graduation dilemma. With encouragement from audience and their classmates, our protagonists agree to pass their remaining classes. Clyde needs to pass science; Seamore needs to pass gym and drama; and both need to pass dance.

Clyde and Seamore's Sea Lion High

Drama is first on their schedule and their teacher, whose act reminded me of Jon Lovitz, gives them their assignment, which is to re-enact scenes from famous movies. Seamore gives an impressive performance in scenes from Jaws, Mission: Impossible, Hamlet, and The Sound of Music. Not to be outshone, Trip attempts to deliver a moving monologue, but is repeatedly interrupted by Seamore. After Seamore's rousing rendition of "The Sound of Music," their teacher exclaims, "Whale done!" and ushers him onto his next class.

Next, Clyde is greeted by his eccentric science teacher, who informs him that they will be studying astronomy. Clyde eloquently balances a beach ball on his nose to demonstrate orbiting planets, and then proceeds to use the telescope to seek out his crush on the Kiss Cam. His teacher scolds him for his lack of focus and reminds him that he must always follow the rules.

In a nod to Finding Nemo, he points out us not to dispose of chemicals in the sink as "all drains do, indeed, lead to the ocean." Of course, Clyde ignores this important safety tip and now he and his human friend must clear the blockage they caused in the school's plumbing. The pair quickly construct an air cannon and, inevitably, use too much pressure, which causes the toilets to overflow and flood the stage.

Clyde quickly flees the scene and joins Seamore for lunch. On their way to the cafeteria, they pass Opie Otter who is raiding the vending machine. Opie previously starred as the mischievous prankster who stole the treasure map on Pirate Island, and he is still up to his old tricks here.

Clyde and Seamore's Sea Lion High

After lunch, Seamore moves onto to dance class where he conveniently injures his flipper while doing the Tango so he can skip gym. His teacher suspects a scam and sends him to see the nurse, where he is miraculously cured by the sight of a comically oversized needle. As he takes off, Trip returns and carelessly tosses an empty soda can into the water. Not to fear, as Opie dives in, recovers the can, and places it into a recycling bin.

The day is almost over as we reach the gym, where Clyde and Seamore demonstrate their talents as they perform push-ups and handstands. Clyde then performs an eloquent high dive to show Seamore how it's done. However, Seamore is afraid of heights and refuses to dive. Instead, he performs a lazy swim just as the bell begins to ring. Principal Twimby returns with their report cards and we learn that, sadly, Clyde failed science and Seamore failed gym; therefore, the scholarship is awarded to Trip. As he begins to gloat, Opie appears and steals the paper. Chaos quickly follows, including a humorous sight gag featuring Davy Jones and a locker.

As the search for Opie progresses, Trip becomes trapped in the school's water tower. Seamore overcomes his fear of heights and climbs up in an effort to rescue him and also becomes stuck. It is up to Clyde to rescue them.. if only he were around. Apparently, he was "skipping school," as he missed his cue, demonstrating the trainer's earlier comment on how things don't always go according to plan. Fortunately, Clyde's lab partner from earlier in the show "remembers" Clyde's plan and uses a large recycling bin to construct another air cannon. They fire it at the water tower which causes it to break apart, allowing Seamore and Trip to escape and soaking the audience.

Everyone gathers on stage as Clyde and Seamore are awarded the scholarships as a result of their successful rescue. The show ends with a festive celebration featuring the cast, including a lovable walrus, and they sing and dance as they audience exits the stadium.

"Clyde and Seamore's Sea Lion High" is a brilliant addition to the line-up at SeaWorld Orlando. The vibrant costumes, clever jokes, and positive message make it enjoyable and educational. Grab your backpack, sharpen your pencil, and take a seat because school is now in session.

Rate and Review:

Replies (3)

April 21, 2015 at 8:36 PM · Wow... Thanks for the great review. Looking forward to seeing this when I take my daughter and her 6 year old son down to SW at end of May. Have seen "Pirate Island" too many times during the past 8 years and I'm glad to see something fresh in that arena.
April 22, 2015 at 4:09 AM · If only there were sea lions in real high school...
April 25, 2015 at 3:59 PM · I'm looking forward to seeing this the next time I'm in orlando, but I still hate that they fired the mimes from the old preshow

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive