Perfect weather to head off to SeaWorld, our expectations when leaving were that it would be very similar to Surfers SeaWorld given the name. This park had some great themes that included Seal, Dolphin, Killer Whale and Pet Animal shows, it also includes a shark and stingray petting zone as well as Seal, Seal Lion and Stingray feeding areas where you could actually feed the animals, these were all great to see and do. It would not be a theme park in Orlando without its usual rides that included Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster the MAKO as well as Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction.
Unlike Legoland this park was back to what we had experienced already with very clean surroundings, automated toilet facilities, very friendly staff and just the wow factor. One thing we noticed here was the increased population of squirrels running around due to the very green plantation around this park I would suspect, now I could bore you all with 100’s of photos of these critters but this will be my last one.
I also pre-purchased the dining package for this park which was around $33 each , but you got to eat every hour and drink all day, clearly we didn’t do this but was well worth the value for what we ate and drank during the day, we even managed to eat at 5:30 for our dinner so this was a real benefit and cost saving tip – one for you Belinda😜. Another cool item this park had was solar panel powered coke machines, just a nice little touch.
With many shows, attractions and rides it would be a huge review of all the attractions so I have given you the top 5 attractions in no particular order;
- Mako
Orlando’s tallest, faster and longest roller coaster, the locals refer to this as the hyper coaster with its high speeds, deep dives and sharp corners. This coaster was 💯 thrill and speed (117 km/h) with the 1st drop (60 metres) being the worst as it felt like that the coaster was going back under itself, being the longest ride it had many highs and low drops – words can not explain this ride. We (Belinda & I) were lucky enough to get the front row seats on this ride and for me that was spectacular but as I leaned over to Belinda to say look at these great views up here I got the F***Me or something to that affect. Our Review 10/10 - Manta
Themed like a giant manta ray as you fly head first, faced down inverted nosedive coaster, this is the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world. As soon as we entered the park we went straight to this ride but I was the only person willing to ride it… it was absolutely brilliant not like any other coaster you have experienced with the worst part being a 360 loop but hanging down in a nosedive position is something you will never forget. While it does not have the same thrill factor as Mako, its thrill factor comes from the position of how you are riding it as well as super high speeds that gives you the raw feeling on your skin. I did convince Belinda to ride this one later in the day with me where we got front row seats again 😝. Our Review is split 10 for me 9/10 for Belinda (does not like the loops) - Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
This starts in a room that gives you a story of a penguin being born, after a short walk you enter a carriage that spins around and rocks back and forth a little continuing on with the penguin story with animated screens and displays. Is it getting cold in here or what… as we come through the last doors to be greeted by staff completely covered from head to toe in winter snow gear, it’s freezing (0) – actually, but a beautiful display of 5 species of penguins 🐧. The penguins were awesome to watch and many of them were active – head over to my YouTube clips to see them splashing about. Family Review 9/10 - Pets Ahoy
An animal show with our pets in mind and the stars of the show, unlike the other shows where a story is being told the animals are telling you their story with trainers only coming out when required. It started with a display of dogs, cats, rats, ducks, doves, a skunk travelling through a storyline of opening stores and then closing them. With some well trained animals this was a great attraction to view and finished with a pig. The fun fact for this was that all the animals are rescue animals and the handlers message was clear about next time when you are thinking of getting a pet think of adopting first, a great lesson and reminder for all of us – I think this was the first time the girls missed Oscar. Family Review 8/10 - One Ocean
Killer whale demonstration/show that not only gives you a small insight into the power of these truly majestic creatures but also has a powerful message throughout the show about keeping our planet and oceans clean. There are some very funny moments as they have the first 20 rows classed as soak zone and you can see what is meant by this by heading back over to my YouTube channel for more as words can not describe the beauty of this experience. Family Review 10/10
That was our top 5 attractions for SeaWorld review however we did see many more for the day which are listed below;
- Dolphin Days – dolphin show
- Clyde & Seamore Sea Lion High – seal lion show
- Sky Tower – 400ft high view of the park YouTube clip
- Wild Arctic – helicopter flight simulator through the Antarctic
- Journey to Atlantis – river boat wet ride and mini coaster, splash level 3/5
- Shamu Express – a kid friendly roller coaster YouTube
- All the animal exhibits are so well done and you get so close to the animals, imagine them being in an above ground pool and you are standing next to it with no barriers – no touching though.
- Every animal show has a fun life fact; keep our oceans clean for our marine animals or adopt a pet from a rescue home
- Lots of back tracking and walking around this park due to renovations and show times.
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Our Aussie Family 