Wet and Wild at Sea World Orlando, FL

We woke up to a day of cloudy skies. We knew the forecast called for rain, but I kept hoping this would be one of those Floridian types of rainstorms, the ones that pour and pour for 20 minutes and then lead to bright sunshine afterwards.

We were able to make it through our Gatorland visit without a drop of rain, however, by the time we loaded the bus to head over to Sea World the first drop fell.

We managed to get a nice group shot it before we headed into the park, and our wonderful hosts at Sea World even got us some lovely umbrellas to protect us from it all.

Sea World was an emotional visit for me. My abuela and mother LOVED Sea World, and when I used to visit them there and especially when I lived in Orlando, we visited often. This was one of those places that just delighted them no matter how often we went. I knew it would be emotional, but I didn’t know how much.

As we walked through the park, I was surprised with how much it has grown and changed. Not only have the facilities at Sea World expanded, but the various programs that it now offers visitors have also grown.  Some of them being the various vip tours they offer guests.  We enjoyed the experience of being on one of these. It offered reserved and very desirable seating for shows, front of the line access to rides, and an exclusive feeding of the dolphins just to name a few of the highlights. In addition to the VIP tours, they also offer a Summer camp experience, where kids can learn about care, protection, and other information for all the animals at Sea World. You can read more about their Summer Camp programs here.

And, it is also clear that representative of Sea World are very much aware of visitor’s concerns for the well-being of the animals, and the treatment of the same. I know this, because without asking, and even when asked, the tour guide pointed out areas where the question or concern for the animals would arise. She pointed out how dolphins had been rescued from nets, or even Katrina. Our how others, such as the manatees had been injured by propellers and had been rescued and would eventually be sent back out into the wild. I know there are a lot of concerns around these issues, but even in our little tour, we received a lot of information and the tour guide was very forthcoming with her responses. I see a value in education provided here and prevention of further damage to the population of the many animals we see here.

Our tour guide was wonderful and knowledgeable, and such a trooper in getting us to where we needed to be under the buckets of rain falling upon us.  We even got some special “Sea World” umbrellas and the kids wore Shamu rain ponchos.

My oldest and I got to ride on the Manta…and all I can say is, do not eat before you do it! It’s really fun, but the challenges to gravity in that ride also challenge your stomach!

It took me awhile to settle my system after the ride, but I was able to enjoy a buffet-style lunch at the Sea Fire Inn, where occasionally they also host performers.

Aside from maybe some of the rides, Sea World is truly fun for the entire family, no matter what age.  I absolutely loved the dolphin show…and admit that this was the place where I finally lost it and cried thinking about how much my grandmother and mother would have loved it. Honestly, I hate crying in public, but if I was going to, as was the case, I can’t think of a better group of women to cry in front of. And the Shamu show was also great, and something the kids really would enjoy (our group of kids did!).

It was awful weather, but the end of our tour we were all wet and exhausted. I was emotionally drained and we all wanted to head back to the hotel. But despite the effects of the weather, the experience at Sea World is one I want to share with my family over and over.  I am thrilled that they have grown so much and have so much to offer now. It truly is one of my favorite places to visit in Orlando, probably just as much as it was from my beloved abuela and Mami.

For information on tours, packages, and/or passes, as well as general information about Sea World please visit their site here.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit to Orlando, FL by the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, including two complimentary access passes to selected theme parks. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view.

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