We love our Facebook fans! Did you get a chance to read our post from yesterday? One of our Superfans, Blake Foster is guest blogging this week on our blog with tips for our park guests. Here are Blake's tips on "Enjoying SeaWorld to the Fullest."
Here it is, your day at SeaWorld is here! This is not the day to sleep in, plan to arrive to the park about 30 minutes early-this will prevent a long line to get in and better parking, because after a long, exciting day, you will want a close parking space.
Be sure to grab a map as soon as you arrive so you can map out the show times along with other attractions and events that might be happening that day. Times can change for the various shows, so don’t assume the times will be the same from one day to the next.
I recommend going to feed the dolphins at Dolphin Cove right when you first enter the park. In the morning, the dolphins are hungry and are eager for attention. It also won't be as crowded, and you won't have to nudge your way in to the side of the pool. Also, be sure to feed the sea lions earlier in the day (behind the Sea Lion Stadium). They are such funny animals to interact with and feed, it will definitely bring a smile to your face! The sea otters are also right by the sea lions, and often get overlooked. Be sure not to miss them, they are super cute. Later in the day, check out the Penguin Encounter; the penguins are awesome, and as a bonus, the arctic temperature is a nice change to the Texas heat!
If you are a roller coaster fanatic, you are going to love SeaWorld's rides, The Steel Eel and the Great White. Go on the Steel Eel later in the day, it usually has shorter lines then. The Great White generally has had shorter lines in my experience, so anytime in the day is a good time for Great White. During shows are also great times to enjoy rides, especially during the Shamu show. Most of the crowd will be at the show, leaving shorter waiting lines. There are typically three Shamu shows a day, and the first and the last are generally the busiest, so during these shows it’s an ideal time to ride the rides or sit down to eat. When you are picking a place to eat, I recommend choosing a sit down restaurant, because they are air conditioned, and it gives you a break from walking for a while. If you are looking for a good meal plan, check out The All Day Dining Deal. You get unlimited access to food and drink at all the restaurants in the park. I highly recommend this, especially if you have teenagers or older kids. Being a teenager myself, I know how much we can eat, and unlimited access to food ends up being a great deal! It also allows you to refill your drinks for free, which keeps you hydrated throughout the day.
If you have little kids, the Sesame Street Bay of Play keeps them busy and gives parents a chance to rest while keeping an eye on the kids. And yes, sometimes even adults can’t resist playing along, too. The Sesame Street Gang also has a fun 4D movie, ‘Lights, Camera, and Imagination'. Your kids will love it! Be sure to check it out!
My last tip is try and see every show at SeaWorld! (This might be hard to do all in one day - another reason why the Fun Card is great!) Arrive at the stadium 15-25 minutes early. Not only will you get a great seat, but each show has a unique pre-show, that you will not want to miss. Each show is incredible and different; you will laugh with Clyde and Seamore, be amazed by the animals and performers of Azul, and you will be in awe of the relationship between killer whales and their trainers, as well as be inspired by the message of One Ocean. Of course, it is a Shamu show, so be prepared to get very wet! Sit in the splash zone, trust me, its amazing! If you can see each show multiple times a day, do it. The animals always do something different, it's hardly ever the same. After each show, don't be afraid to talk to the trainers. They are happy to answer any questions you might have, as well as pose for a photo.
I hope you and your family find these tips useful, and I hope you enjoy your visit to the park!
Check back here tomorrow for Blake's final list of tips where he talks about experiencing SeaWorld behind-the-scenes!
Written by guest blogger, Blake Foster
