If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen our #WildadventuresinFlorida over the last week or so, if you haven’t then feel free to head over and check out the hashtag. While we were in Florida we visited all four of the SeaWorld parks. Today I’m going to give you a closer look at SeaWorld and the amazing fun we had there…

Selfie time while waiting for a show
Firstly I will mention that we stayed in the Renaissance hotel at SeaWorld so basically we just drove across the road in the morning and parked the car in the SeaWorld car park. It would be possible to walk to SeaWorld from the Renaissance but everybody seems to go in cars or use the shuttle bus that is provided by the hotel.

Before she decided against riding Mako
The first thing we did was ride the brand-new rollercoaster Mako! Mako is the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster in Orlando. While riding Mako you will experience the movements of a shark and also get to experience weightlessness. Mako is almost a mile long, 200 feet high and reaches speeds of up to 70mph. Mako was the first rollercoaster I have ridden in over 20 years and I was absolutely terrified before I got on. I won’t lie, Mako was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done but I’m really pleased that I got the chance to experience it. My partner James says it is the best rollercoaster that he has ever been on! If you are a fan of rollercoasters then Mako is one rollercoaster that you should try! You may never want to ride it again but everyone should ride Mako once!

Trying out a Mako seat
Throughout the day we enjoyed many rides and experiences, I’ve chosen our highlights and will tell you about them below…
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
Bugs was particularly taken with this ride which follows Puck the baby penguin, you get to choose a mild or wild version of the ride and are transported through the South Pole through the eyes of Puck. Once you get off the ride you step into the penguins’ colony where you can see the penguins in their own climate enjoying swimming in the water. The temperature is set to -1 so brace yourself if you don’t take something warm to wear 😉

Empire of the Penguin
Clyde and Seamore’s Sea Lion High
This show features sea lions, walruses and otters and their big personalities! This is a really fun show, the kids were giggling away throughout, and we all especially loved the ‘surprise visitor’ at the end 😉
One Ocean
One Ocean was Boo’s favourite attraction from the whole day at SeaWorld. This amazing show demonstrates wild killer whales behaviours, it is incredibly educational and inspiring. I came away in complete awe at the wonderful work that SeaWorld does. It is so clear how intelligent these beautiful animals are. Don’t miss this!
Tip: Don’t sit in the splash zone if you don’t want to get wet 😉

The One Ocean Show
Blue Horizons
I think this was my absolutely favourite show; it had quite a few wow moments that we all loved. I just adored the beautiful birds that flew into the audience, which was a complete surprise to me as I just thought it would be dolphins! Blue Horizons is an amazing theatrical experience that you will LOVE!
Sharks Underwater Grill
The food at Sharks Underwater Grill was absolutely gorgeous but what made it so special is the view. This is a chance to get very close to the sharks at SeaWorld. It was so much better than I thought it was going to be. Our seats overlooked the Shark Encounter exhibit. The windows are basically floor to ceiling and we had many sharks stopping by our table to say hi 🙂

Amazing lunch at Shark’s Underwater Grill
Manta
If you want to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray then Manta is the ride for you! This is the ride I have been looking forward to most for the past six months and it didn’t disappoint! On Manta you are head-first and face down just like you are flying! It is a must ride for any thrill seeker!
Kraken
This is Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster, which reaches heights of 150 feet and has seven loops! Kraken is exhilarating, full of swoops curves and speed, and is just an extreme pleasure to ride.
Journey to Atlantis
Riding Journey to Atlantis and getting drenched was the kid’s favourite part of the day and a real welcome break from the Orlando heat! Getting soaked in Orlando is completely different to a good soaking in the UK! This ride is part rollercoaster and part water ride, you experience dark tunnels and a 60ft drop which leaves you soaked. Really good fun!

Watching the killer whales at Dine with Shamu.
Dine with Shamu
At Dine with Shamu you get to enjoy a buffet lunch while learning all about the killer whales and watch their amazing interactions with their trainers. This is such a fabulous opportunity to get up close to such incredible animals.
Manatee Rehabilitation Area
Visitors are now invited to step behind-the-scenes and catch a glimpse of SeaWorld’s working manatee rescue and rehabilitation facility to learn more about the plight of these vulnerable animals in the wild. Seeing a Manatee was a first for all of us and being able to learn about how SeaWorld cares for these animals was incredible. This area is open for all to see but there is a Behind the Scenes Tour available if you want a more in depth view into SeaWorld.

Baby Manatee
At SeaWorld there is something for everyone, a real mix of animal shows, animal encounters, rides for thrill seekers and rides for younger ones. It is a really special day out and we have so many wonderful memories from our day there.
If you are planning a trip to Orlando then I’d say adding SeaWorld to your agenda is a must! There is far too much to see and do at SeaWorld in just one day so allow yourself two days so you don’t miss anything.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
14 Comments
[…] why you should visit the SeaWorld Parks. If you don’t know the SeaWorld Parks they are SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. We all loved each of the parks and if you are planning […]
[…] The lovely people at SeaWorld Parks flew us to Florida for a week to visit their parks… SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove. It was a truly amazing holiday and we cannot wait to […]
Oh wow, amazing place, I am sure going into the Penguin Empire felt so good after the heat outdoors! And how cute is that baby manatee!
Aw great review and tips. I lived for a year just behind the Renaissance Hotel whilst working for the American Hospitality Academy. I used to have an annual pass for Seaworld so popped over after work regularly!
We’re headed to SeaWorld in just a few weeks time… haven’t been since 2013 so looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see the penguins again – they’re my favourite animal 😀
This looks absolutely spectacular! A once in a lifetime opportunity. Glad you had chance to experience all of the parks
What can I say apart from the fact that you are making me so want to go back. We had just the best time when we went.
I loved your instagram snaps! Looks like you had a great time!!
What great pictures. I visited Orlando in my early twenties, can’t wait to take my little family with me next time x
I love seaworld and I would love to go back. Such an awesome trip. xx
It looks like an amazing place to visit, I’m not good on roller coasters but the Manta sounds amazing. I love the restaurant too.
Well done on the rollercoaster – rather you than me!
That restaurant looks so cool with the sharks swimming by.
We didn’t make it to Sea World when we went to Florida, but we always enjoy visiting an aquarium back home.
We went to see Finding Dory last week and now the kids want to go to an American sealife centre!