I'm taking a 6th grade class down to SeaWorld in Orlando as part of a field trip. What are the things we really should see?
SeaWorld Orlando is a low-stress park, intelligently laid out, and fairly easy to tour in a day. SeaWorld attractions fall into a few cateogories: rides, shows, and standing exhibits. Here's the skinny on all three:
RIDES
On Journey to Atlantis, guests are transported back to that lost city on a ride that combines the excitement of a water flume and a coaster. (This sort of hybrid is called a water-coaster.) There are two major drops, one you can see before you board the ride and one unseen; that last 60-foot, S-shaped drop results in some major splashing.SeaWorld's newest coaster is Kracken, which sets the standard for Orlando coasters with its 15-story drop, 65 mph speeds, and seven inversions. Kracken is not only the longest, fastest, and tallest coaster in town, but it also has an interesting design twist--there's no floor. Yep, you ride in open-air pedestal-style seats with nothing above or below you and nothing to hang on to but the shoulder restraints. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
SHOWS
SeaWorld is probably best known for its shows featuring marine animals. The don't-miss shows are those starring the dolphins, the sea lions, and the park icon, Shamu. The shows are funny, exciting, painlessly educational, and utterly worthwhile. (The other shows, such as the water-skiing, acrobatic, or musical shows are well-done, but not as essential as the SeaWorld classics.)Your map is also your show schedule, and you'll find that shows are scheduled at times that allow you to pretty much walk from one to another with little backtracking or waiting. The stadiums are huge, but get there at least 20 minutes before showtimes, both to see the amusing preshows and to have your choice of seats. One word of warning--when SeaWorld labels a section "Splash Zone," they aren't kidding. Shamu's goodbye wave is enough to drench you straight down to your underwear.
STANDING EXHIBITS
SeaWorld is also famous for its standing exhibits, which allow you to visit animals for as long as you like. The Penguin Encounter is a real standout. Check your map for feeding times--it's hilarious to watch the trainers slip around on the iceberg with buckets of fish while the penguins waddle determinedly behind them. In Terrors of the Deep you'll encounter sharks, moray eels, and baracudas at close quarters, as a moving walkway takes you beneath the giant aquarium. (Pretty eerie, but after a ten-hour bus ride with a group of 6th graders, I doubt anything will scare you.)The California sea lions are at Pacific Point Preserve, and it's fun to buy fish and feed them. In Key West at SeaWorld, you'll find Florida's own endangered species, the manatee. And at Wild Arctic, you can get to the polar bears either by walking or ascending via a motion-simulation helicopter ride. All of these continuous-viewing exhibits do not have special showtimes, and can just be visited at your leisure as your circle the park.
One-day SeaWorld tickets are $51.95 for adults, $42.95 for children 3 to 9. To order tickets, check out theme park hours, get other information, or find out about SeaWorld parks in California, Texas, and Ohio, visit the Web site.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in March 2001. Updated November 2003.
