Sea World Orlando

Overview
One of the most popular non-Disney attractions in Central Florida, Sea World Orlando combines animal exhibits, aquariums, a few rides, and several shows into an all-day experience. If you've never been to a Sea World park, you may find this enlightening. However, there is nothing relevatory about the Orlando iteration of the park, if you've visited a Sea World in the past.

How to Visit
Sea World straddles two major highways: Interstate-4 and Toll Road 528, which heads out to the International Airport. It also crosses the busy International Drive! If that weren't enough, in a larger sense it's also in the middle of things: it's halfway between the Disney and Universal Resorts! Follow signs from any of the roads mentioned to the parking lot. It's unlikely that any hotels, except those closest to Sea World, will offer shuttle service.

Planning Your Day (aka, “Touring” the Park)

1. Do crowded rides early. At Sea World Orlando, that would be the powerful Kraken roller coaster and the nearby multicategory attraction named Journey to Atlantis. On very busy days, the simulator ride Arctic Expedition will also sport long lines during the afternoon.

2. Understand the movement of crowds at this park. Sea World is an experience constructed upon the shows, which are scheduled in such a way as to give people the option to go from show to show all day, with little room for animal exhibits or rides (let alone repeat shows). Take a few moments to study the show schedule and decide if you want to move with the crowd, from show to show, or to go opposite the crowd, perhaps by sacrificing a show here and there or by not moving methodically through the park, but rather skipping around.

3. Don't miss out on Journey to Atlantis, a real highlight of this park. It's got Disney-quality theming, and more than a few surprises thrown in.

Where to Eat
If an extraordinary dining experience isn’t your goal, by all means, make use of the frequent fast-food options in the park, including carts along the street. However, if you’re looking for some variation, here are some ideas:

1. The Hospitality Center is a euphemism for what's really here: free beer in sample-size cups. You can easily get enough for a minor buzz, especially on an empty stomach, but they do cut you off eventually. Not to be missed.

2. Sharks Underwater Grill offers the upscale full-service dining you would expect next to the enormous shark tank, and an overall better experience than the highly-touted but overpriced "Dine with Shamu" experience.

Our Bottom-Line Recommendations
Sea World Orlando, while world-famous, isn't too different from any other Sea World park you may have visited. Its high admission prices border on the unreasonable. Still, first-time visitors will find much of interest here, and may even be blown away by the close-up view of the animals. Those less interested in animals of the ocean, especially mammals, may quickly tire of Sea World's offerings. Decide which type of visitor you are, and you'll know whether to have high or low expectations.