Offseason Trip to SeaWorld Orlando

Sea World Orlando: In contrast to others' not-so-hot recent visits to Disney World and Universal, David Harrison reports on a good off-season trip to SeaWorld Orlando.

From David Harrison
Posted February 11, 2003 at 4:13 PM
Before Jimmy Buffett took stage in Orlando yesterday, I had a few hours to kill (Monday 2-10-03) so I went over to Seaworld where I am a Platnum Passholder.

From entering the parking area, you could tell it's the offseason for Shamu and friends! At the time I arrived, they only had 1 parking gate open, though it took seconds to get through.

The parking lot was half full, but it looked like much of the far side is being used for construction trailers.

As we were walking up to the Ticket and Entrance, you could see inside where they were building their new entertainment and eating area. It was mostly steel beams, and you couldn't make out much of what would become of the construction.

Once inside, it was nice. Hardly any crowds, and a lot of area to use to get around slow walkers! Since it's February, the show selection has been cut in half. There were only 3 or 4 Shamu and Clyde & Seamore Shows. Also note, the Pets Ahoy show was not running. I don't know if this is due to construction or if the animals are taking a vacation!

We headed over to Kraken (one of the best coasters in Florida in my opinion) and found out there was a 20 minute wait. The person working at the entrance said it would probably be longer, because they only had 1 train running.

Journey To Atlantis had a minimal wait, shorter than Kraken.

One huge note, and a very important one! The hospitality center where you can sample free Bud beer now allows you to sample 1 beverage per day! Just two months ago, you could have 2 per day! The bartenders were quick to point the new rule out as I tried to get my second helping of Bud Light!

One nice thing, Passholders get to enjoy Wild Artic without going through the simulators! This was nice to walk in and see the animals without having to wait to ride the simulator.

Overall, not bad for an hour in the park. The Buffett show later on in the evening (following a late afternoon at Margaritaville) was a great way to end the day!

From Jason Moore
Posted February 11, 2003 at 7:10 PM
i thought anybody could get to arctic without riding the simulator. they take you into a room where they show you the ride film without the ride. (which is kinda silly) but this is a nice option for people like my mother who can't ride the simulator for health reasons but still want to see the animals. it's also usually a shorter wait.

From David Harrison
Posted February 11, 2003 at 7:53 PM
Annual Pass holders don't have to sit through the video or the ride simulator anymore. They can enter the animal exhibit area though a "special" door.

From Michelle Pilling
Posted February 12, 2003 at 2:29 AM
whem we went to seaworld, it was half empty, mostly tourist from overseas, like myself, trying to find sun and fun, from a cold winter in the UK

From Dave Bradley
Posted June 18, 2003 at 5:35 PM
In Response to David Harrison. You can still get 2 samples per day in the hospitality house. You can get only 1 sample per bar. You may get one from the front, and one from the back. Hopefully you can get you second helping next time you go there! We always make it a point to go through the hospitality house at least once per visit.

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