A Visit to SeaWorld Orlando

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.