Sea World Parks-Orlando
Sea World Orlando
Sea World, Aquatica & Discover Cove
Are you looking for a vacation filled with roller coasters, up close animal encounters, water parks, and more? Then you will love what Sea World parks has to offer. With their park to planet mission, each ticket sold funds wildlife rescue and rehabilitation as well as habitat protection.
Have you ever wanted to swim with the dolphins? At Discovery Cove in Orlando, you and your family can have this unforgettable experience. There are two different ticket options to chose from- an all inclusive dolphin swim or a day resort pass, which does not allow you to swim with the dolphins. If you are traveling with family members who do not meet the age criteria or do not wish to swim with the dolphins, your party can choose the ticket option that best suits the individual. The entire group does not need to have the same type of ticket. With the all inclusive pass, you receive unlimited snacks and drinks, including beer, red and white wine, pina coladas and frozen margaritas, throughout the day. Along with that, there is also a breakfast and lunch that is included with the price. Free parking and lockers are also included as well as towels, sunscreen, and shower amenities.
The highlight of the all inclusive pass is a 14 day ticket to Sea World Orlando and Aquatica. This is a terrific way of extending your vacation to experience two more parks. For an additional $25, you can add Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which would include free unlimited parking at all three of the parks for 14 days. If you do not have your own car, there is a complimentary shuttle from the Orlando area that can take you to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. There are four distinct areas within Discovery Cove. Believe it or not, there is much more to do than just swim with the dolphins.
The first area is the explorer’s aviary, which has three different rooms featuring various birds. You will have the opportunity to feed the birds in this area. The second area is the freshwater oasis. This is a heated lazy river where you free float or use pool noodles while coming face to face with otters and marmoset monkeys. The third area is the grand reef where you can snorkel and see sting rays, sharp toothed reef sharks and various colorful fish. In this area you can come face to face with sharks and eels, that are safely behind glass. The last section is the dolphin lagoon. This is where you get to touch the dolphins, learn about their behaviors, feed and kiss them, and, of course, take a dorsal fin ride that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
There are add on extras including SeaVenture, which takes you on an underwater walking tour while wearing a dive helmet. An upgraded beverage package is also available, which includes rum and tequila drinks as well as craft beers and an extended wine list. Cabanas are also available to rent for the day. These include a host, a stocked refrigerator, snacks, towel service and private lockers. Up to 6 people can enjoy a cabana. If there is a special occasion, there are several packages you can purchase that include a buoy with a personalized message delivered by a dolphin, a decorated cabana and free photo package, as well as a private cabana overlooking the dolphin lagoon with a private hammock, and your host will bring animals to your cabana for you to meet. There are also extras that you can purchase including a sting ray feeding and a shark swim.
If you haven’t been to Sea World Orlando recently, you are in for some great surprises. If you are a thrill seeker, Infinity Falls looks like a heart-pounding new attraction. It will feature a river raft ride ascending in an elevator followed by the largest drop for a raft ride. Mako, Sea World Orlando’s newest roller coaster, will debut as the tallest, fastest and longest in Florida. If you are more interested in shows than roller coasters, you have several options. The traditional orca show, One Ocean, is a great choice. Dolphin Days, a show that features the day in the life of a dolphin at Sea World, and Sea Lion High, a show with sea lions, walruses and otters, will be sure to fill your day at Sea World with fun and adventure.
There are several enhancements you can add to your day at Sea World Orlando. You can upgrade your ticket to all day dining for $34
.99, which allows you to eat as much as you want every hour. You can also purchase a quick queue which allows you to bypass the standby lines for attractions such as Shamu Express, Antartica- Empire of the Penguins, and the three roller coasters. If you are looking for a un ique dining experience, Dine with Shamu is just what you are looking for. Included with Dine with Shamu is a private trainer talk as well as Shamu featured on the slide out to provide you with a close up look at this beautiful mammal. You can also purchase a signature seating pass for $15 which gives you reserved seating for all shows. A dolphin encounter for $15 is a great alternative to those families not traveling to Discovery Cove. With this encounter, guests will not go in the water with the dolphins, but feed and touch the dolphins from the edge. There are also up close tours of penguins, sea lions, dolphins, beluga whales and walruses.
Steps away from Sea World Orlando is Aquatica, a water park filled with water slides, raft rides, splash areas, and more. This is a great, fun way take a break from the Florida heat and cool off.
With all of these fun adventures in mind, Sea World parks, including Discovery Cove, Sea World Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay should be on your itinerary for your next trip to Florida.
Erica Sprague
Erica lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children, when she isn’t traveling with her family she is making magical memories for others as a travel professional with 101 Dream Vacations. You can find Erica on Facebook and follow her for all the latest and greatest travel news.