I remember visiting SeaWorld I was a kid many moons ago and for me the park has just got better and better!

Naturally I really like the fact that SeaWorld now have lots of rides, especially after becoming an adrenaline junkie following our visit to Busch Gardens.  But my biggest enticement to visit is that SeaWorld do so much to save animals.

Your entrance fee will help support SeaWorld’s conservation efforts, which makes a HUGE difference!

Helping with Conservation

I was so impressed with how much SeaWorld do to help animals.  So much goes on behind the scenes at SeaWorld.  I really don’t think they get enough credit for what they do.  I was lucky enough to get a tour with Maggie from the animal rescue team to learn more about what really goes on.

Maggie was so passionate about what she does.  Her eyes would really light up talking about all the SeaWorld rescues.  They have saved more than 35,000 animals.  Many of these animals have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild.  Those animals only got a second chance at life because of the care and dedication of the staff at SeaWorld.  The medical facilities they have available are first rate.

When it comes to treating an animal, they do everything possible to increase its chances of surviving and successfully returning to the wild.  An injured bird had just arrived when we were there, and it was straight into the operation theatre because birds heal fast and they didn’t want the bones to set incorrectly!

Turtles In Pants

We saw two turtles that had special little floatation devices made (they affectionately refer to them as their pants!) because part of their shells had been damaged and it was a way to help them adjust to swimming whilst they recovered.  The staff make sure that the animals don’t get too used to humans so they can slot back into life in the wild without difficulty.  The turtle’s food they hide where its coming from so the turtles don’t associate food with humans.

We learnt how manatees eat vegetation indiscriminately.  They don’t use their eyes they just munch on what they come across.  Sadly, fifty percent of the manatees that have been rescued by SeaWorld have eaten the wrong things like plastic bags and fishing lines.  Basically, anything that gets discarded and ends up near their food source can end up in their poor tummies.

Humans really need to change, and SeaWorld are educating visitors about keeping waterways clean and recycling.  Meeting animals in parks like SeaWorld’s also help people make a connection with them.  They are firm believers if we care for an animal, we will do more to try and save it.  You will leave SeaWorld inspired to do more, you really will!

Thrilling Rides

If I am being completely honest, I was a little nervous of the big three coasters at SeaWorld.  They look so imposing when you first enter the park.  But I am so glad I faced my fears and rode them all.  Once you’re on them you get lost in the moment!  It’s such an incredible feeling.  I felt so energised coming off them.  I rode each one twice and had a real urge to carry on!

My youngest decided not to play ball and refused all three.  But we have since booked to come back in 2020 and I have a feeling he will be chomping at the bit to do them then!  His brother hasn’t stopped telling him what he missed out and how much he would have loved them if he had just given them a chance!  But it suited me fine as it was more excuses why I NEEDED a return visit.  Mind you he did make the most of the water rides!

Mako

This ride is so called after the fastest shark is very deserving of the name.  The hyper coaster reaches a maximum speed of 73 miles an hour!  Seriously you whizz round that track, the speed is breath-taking.

Kraken

With seven inversions, this ride gives you ALL the exciting things coaster lovers appreciate! With vertical loops, a corkscrew, a cobra roll, zero-g roll and dive loop you can tick off those thrill elements you enjoy on one amazing ride!

Manta

Well this takes some getting used to, I think it’s being in a different position.  But its one hell of a ride!  It really does feel like you’re flying.  I really enjoyed the experience, I felt so alive and free.  Totally liberating.

You also have two fantastic water rides with Infinity Falls and Journey To Atlantis.  We were glad of an excuse to cool off!  Infinity Falls you get a proper soaking too; in the height of summer it was very much appreciated!

There really isn’t a dull moment when it comes to the rides in SeaWorld.

Animal Feedings

Don’t miss out the chance to feed the sea lions, stingrays and sharks.  The boys were thrilled we could pick up food trays for a nominal fee (three trays for 10 dollars).  It’s something they had never experienced before so was very memorable.  Although watch out for the opportunist white birds eager to steal the fish you throw for the sea lions!  They are very masterful at the art of fish theft!

Animal Experiences

A lasting memory was meeting a fluffy young penguin, you would never have thought it was a youngster it was as big as its parents!  Penguin Encounter Tour (which costs an additional £25 each) is similar to the tour we experienced and we would really recommend it!

We also got to meet one of the penguins from the nursery.

These penguins are a little bit older and have been moved away from their parents before being reintroduced to the colony!  Otherwise they would never give their parents any peace and follow them around forever.  Which isn’t how it works in the wild!

The tour was very enlightening we learnt all about the penguin breeding programme which is helping the penguin breeds which are endangered.  Some penguins even get to be surrogate parents so they can give parenthood a go when they are not on the list for breeding!

But you can enjoy lots of animal experiences without paying any extra.  Just visiting Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is quite special.  It was brilliant watching the penguins swimming or scuttling along the snow.  I love how they have created the perfect habitat for them, although it’s worth wrapping up though as its quite chilly!

There are also plenty of underwater viewing windows so you can really get a great view of all the animals at SeaWorld.

Characters

Yes, kids love characters and SeaWorld have plenty for you to meet!  In Sesame Street Land you can have cuddles with Elmo, Big Bird and our favourite the Cookie Monster.

Sesame Street Land is a lovely section of the park that the little kids in your family will appreciate.  The theming is fantastic, I enjoyed having a look around.  It was a trip down memory lane as I enjoyed Sesame Street when I was young.

Dining with the Sharks

If you want a unique dining experience the Sharks Underwater Grill is the place to be.  You really are spoilt with the most astonishing views here.  It kept us all entertained watching the fish and sharks, so relaxing and mesmerising.  Plus, the food was tasty and the service attentive.  It was a lovely treat eating somewhere so memorable and I would highly recommend a visit if you get the chance!

All the seafood at Sharks Underwater Grill is 100% sustainable.  So, you don’t have to worry about getting evil looks from the sharks because your eating seafood that considers the well being of our oceans.  I wouldn’t expect anything less from SeaWorld.

Trading Cards

We found that if you approach the SeaWorld education staff in the light blue tops, they had limited edition animal trading cards you can acquire.  You get them when you ask a question about the animals in their care.  This is the perfect motivation to inspire children to ask questions that will help them learn.  My youngest asked “why do the beluga whales have a lump on their head?” – he then learnt that it helps them communicate.  Each trading card has tips on how you can help the animal it features.  It all reinforces the message SeaWorld want to get across about saving animals.

Shows

Pets Ahoy was a hilarious show but it also made us feel quite emotional.  The entertaining show involves 100 animals from rescue centres where their owners have either given up on them or they have been found as strays.  It really did tug on our heart strings.  The show wanted to spread the message about the importance of adopting.

SeaWorld chose playful pets that would suit the spotlight!  They get to live their best lives each day up on stage, with lots of positive reinforcement with treats and playtime.

I think SeaWorld has so much to offer families and the fact your helping with their conservation efforts is the icing on the cake!

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment provided us The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package which provides an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove and a 30-minute dolphin interaction and swim. As well as 14 days unlimited access to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens. This package includes free unlimited parking at all parks. It’s currently available at www.seaworldparks.co.uk from £202pp*. For more information, head to www.seaworldparks.co.uk.

*Price correct as of 20.08.19.