SeaWorld Orlando as well as a theme park, is a zoological park along and forms SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando along with Discovery Cove and Aquatica. It is separated into different areas called seas, each one being uniquely themed.
Port of Entry
This is the main entrance to the park and features an artificial marina with a Shamu themed lighthouse.
Sea of Shallows
This area is features most of the shallow water sea animal exhibits as well as the Dolphin Theater. The architecture and landscaping is designed to resemble Key West, Florida. It has stingray and dolphin habitats which offer the opportunity for guests to feed the animals.
Attractions
Manta
Turtle Trek
Dolphin Theater
Sea of Legends
The Sea of Legends area is dedicated to myths and other tales about the sea for example Journey to Atlantis is based on the legendary lost city of Atlantis as well as a floorless roller coaster called the Kraken.
Attractions
Journey to Atlantis
Kraken
Sea of Ice
This area was originally named Antartica and primarily features a penguin exhibit area.
Attractions
Antartica: Empire of the Penguin
Sea of Delight
Many of the parks restaurants and shops are featured in the sub-area of The Waterfront.
Attractions
Sky Tower
Pets Ahoy - Seaport Theater
Sea of Mystery
This is one of the smaller areas of the park but it features the new hypercoaster Mako, and is the longest, tallest, fastest roller coaster in Orlando.
Attractions
Mako
Nautilus Theater
Shark Exhibit
Sea of Fun
This is the children's area of the park located adjacent to Shamu Stadium but stills has the previous signage of Shamu's Happy Harbor.
Attractions
Shamu Express
Shamu's Happy Harbor
Sea of Power
This area is host to the iconic killer whale shows and indoor animal exhibits that transforms into a Polar Express themed attraction during the Christmas period.
Attractions
Shamu Stadium
Wild Arctic
Tip #1: Head for the penguins!
Most people when the get to SeaWorld will head straight for the big coasters to avoid long lines later on. However for the first hour of opening the coaster ques stay at about a 15 minute wait. I recommend going straight for Antartica, I've visited SeaWorld 3 times since the penguin exhibit opened and every time the wait is over 3 hours so I've never been able to see them. Get it out of the way before the busy period.
Tip #2: Atlantis at night!
On my past few visits to SeaWorld, Journey to Atlantis is constantly breaking down and closing at the busiest parts of the day after you have waited in line for hours. I suggest checking it out before closing, with less people going on there's less chance of it breaking down plus depending on the time of year you go you can see SeaWorld lit up at night!
Tip #3: Flex Tickets!
If you're going to Orlando for a family vacation don't get a day ticket for SeaWorld. Purchase the Flex Ticket which can include both Universal Park, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild which will close the end of this year to be replaced by Volcano Bay.
Tip #4: Making the most out of its location!
Unlike Universal and Disney, SeaWorld only has one theme park however it also has a water park and Discovery Cove. I personally wouldn't stay in a hotel nearby SeaWorld as it's a park you can do in a day. However it is on the bus route for the I-trolley and is on International Drive so I recommend spending the day at SeaWorld and inside of over priced park food, check out one of the many restaurants on International drive such as Panera, Buffolo Wild Wings or the many steak houses. You won't be disappointed!
Tip #5: Live shows!
Although over the years SeaWorld is transitioning into more of a coaster park, there is still a large emphasize on the live shows. You'll most likely have to plan your day around these shows viewing times. I never recommend going to the first or last showing as they tend to be the busiest but i would head to the shows at least 30 minutes early to get a seat.
Tip #6: Skipping the shows!
Okay so maybe not skip them entirely but while every other guest is cramming into the stadium, take this opportunity to go on one of the more popular attractions such as Journey to Atlantis.
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