When you go to SeaWorld, one of the first things you probably think of is going to see all of the animals. Plan your day around which animals you want see and plan to be in that area during each animal's feeding times and shows. For feeding times, plan to arrive 15 minutes early to get a great spot by the water's edge and purchase food. Arrive 30 minutes early for popular shows to get a decent seat and see the preshow. Shows like Clyde and Seymour have preshows that will be missed if you do not arrive early.
Get a look at the workings behind the scenes at SeaWorld on one of the theme park's education experiences. Behind-the-scenes tours give you a look at how the animals are cared for and allow you to experience personal interactions with some of the animals that call SeaWorld home. Guided tours at SeaWorld include the Family Fun Tour; Elite VIP Tour; Christmas Celebration Tour; and the Sea Lions, Dolphins or Penguins Up-Close Tour.
If traveling with kids, include at least a one-hour block of time to spend at Shamu's Happy Harbor. Kids of all ages can spend time playing on the wet deck and pirate ship or riding on some of the family friendly rides. There is also a large rope jungle gym with slides kids can explore.
Enjoy your lunch or dinner during nonpeak dining times at the SeaWorld restaurants, between 1 and 4 p.m. The shorter lines during these times will make for less time spent eating and more time enjoying the attractions. If you do not want to see a show, or have already seen it, go get something to eat during show performances when most guests are watching the shows. If you plan to dine at Sharks Underwater Grill, you will need to make a priority seating request in person. To ensure you get a table, stop by the restaurant early in the day, starting at 10 a.m.
Plan to spend the entire day at the theme park, which will help you see everything you want to see. Before going, make a list and look at a map from the park's website. Make a route of how you are going to see everything. Write down the shows and restaurants you want to experience first, and then fill in the rest of the day's time gaps with animal viewings and rides.
Rather than spending just one day at the park, make your vacation all about SeaWorld. There is more to SeaWorld than just the one theme park. Book your hotel accommodations at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld where you will be within walking distance and have shuttle service to everything there is around SeaWorld. Plan to spend one day at Discovery Cove swimming with the dolphins and enjoying the other in-water experiences. Spend a day at Aquatica, where you will slide through a clear tube into the dolphin pool and splash around on the other water slides and wet decks.
