Sea World Orlando, Florida

I feel it is such a shame when I hear about people visiting the Orlando area, and never making a stop over at Sea World Adventure Park. This park has always been a great place for the whole family, living up to it's Anheuser-Busch standard. For those that think it's just a typical 'aquarium', they are so wrong.Sea World has undergone a lot of changes over the years, even the name changed to add "Adventure Park." It's more than just the fish and the marine mammals now, although that's still the main highlight.ShowsShows are Sea World are definitely something you want to make time to see.Blue Horizons is a nice opportunity to see dolphins performing tricks that dazzle us all. The show also features False Killer Whales. This park is one of the only in the country to have these dolphins in shows. I have not actually seen this show yet, so I can't gement any further. It is new for this year.Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island is a cute show that the whole family will enjoy. The sea lions are great at what they do, and there are lots of laughs. The show can be a bit on the corny side, but that makes it all the more loveable and fun. Nice appearances an otter and a walrus are included. Be sure to get there 15 minutes early if you don't want to be a victim of the mime pre-show. He's so funny, you'll want to see it! It starts about 10 minutes before the show.Odyssea is interesting if you're into things like acrobatics. It is amazing what the people in the show can do. Be sure to get their early to get a good seat up close.Pets Ahoy! is an adorable animal show. The tricks these pets perform, and mostly on their own, will amaze you. There are cats, dogs, birds, ducks, even a pig! Most of the animals were adopted from local animal shelters.The Shamu Adventure is a classic, what can I say? I think everybody loves Shamu. Watch Shamu, Namu, and the rest of the Shamu family perform amazing tricks. They're such graceful animals, you're certain to be amazed. Around 10 minutes before the show starts a Jack Hanna trivia on the screen withcameras going around the stadium, it's fun. If you want to get wet, sit in the Soak Zone. Shamu can splash up to 14 rows, but the most of it happens in the first couple of rows. And it's salt water.Shamu Rocks America is the nighttime version of the Shamu show. Trainers are dressed up in nice black and white wetsuits like the whales for this one. The atmosphere at night is just amazing. Finale is to 'Proud to be an American.' Cameras start taping around and showing people on the large screen about 10 minutes before showtime, and it's always fun to watch.FireworksFireworks go off daily (weather permitting) at park closing over the waterfront. If you want to get to the waterfront side to see them, make sure you cross over the bridge a half hour before the fireworks, or itwill be closed. The bridge re-opens after the fireworks have ended.RidesIn order to make Sea World an 'adventure park,' a few rides were added on the property to explore.Journey to Atlantis is a very unique watercoaster. The ride takes passengers in a boat through Atlantis, like a flume ride, where they're sure to get wet. The ride ends like a roller coaster. This ride is not that short which will make up for the time you wait on line for it.Kraken is a hypercoaster. The ride itself can vary. Sometimes it's rough, sometimes it's smoother. Nice gefortable seats though. Great for thrill seekers.Other Things to SeeBesides shows, there are a lot of exhibits you can check out at Sea World. I'll highlight some of the better, and just mention some of the rest.Pacific Point Reserve is located behind the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. It's a nice place to get to see a lot of sea lions and seals. You also have the opportunity to buy some fish if you want to feed them. Just becareful. There are lots of birds waiting to steal that fish at any opportunity, so don't dangle them, and make sure your animal knows it's geing.Dolphin Cove is a place where you can see dolphin's up close and maybe even get to touch one. It's like a giant touch tank for dolphins in a way. There are certain times during the day where the food place is open, and you can buy fish to give to the dolphins. There is also an underwater viewing around the corner.Wild Arctic is a nice experience. You can get to the animals by either "land" or "air," which is walking to the animals, or taking a motion similated helicopter ride to them. Inside you'll find beluga whales, polarbears, and walruses.Skytower is one of those aerial skytowers that you go up and and around and you can see the whole park. It's not included with admission, but a ride isn't that bad. Passport members get on free.Hospitality Center is something found in some capicity at every Anheuser-Busch Park. Food and beer served here. Even an opportunity to attend beer school.Shamu's Happy Harbor is a wet, watery play area for little kids. A fun, safe way to cool off in the hot Florida sun!There are also buildings for penguins (a very nice exhibit), sharks, and sharks. Don't forget to visit the trademark Clydesdale horses as well, back at the stable! In addition, there are little things on path, liketurtles, stingrays, flamingoes, that you'll also get opportunities to see.FoodFood can be a bit pricey at Sea World, but that's typical at these types of parks. There's basically something for everyone. If traveling with children, the Voyagers pizza place on the Waterfront is highlyregemended. They have the most kids meal options of any Sea World restaurant, which usually have one, maybe two. This one has at least 5 or 6 choices. Kids meals gee ina cute souvenir bucket.ShoppingThere are smallshops sometimes along paths. Most shopping is located by the front entrance (big souvenir store) or along the Waterfront. Some very nice merchandise over there.Other Great ExperiencesThere are also some other things you can experience at Sea World, if you're willing to pay more money. Begee a trainer for the day and get up close and personal with the animals. Dine with Shamu, by reservation only.. a buffet style meal up next to Shamu's tank. At night there is a luau at the Seafire Inn, by reservation only. (You can see this without admission to the entire park, actually) Also other great things like Behind the Scenes tours are possible! More great things to do at Sea World!Holidays at Sea WorldSea World is open year-round, and the park is decorated and has special events going on according to the specific holiday. Have some fun at the Halloween Spooktacular or Christmas at Sea World. Holiday cheer for the whole family!Be sure to visit Sea World if you're in the Orlando area!!!