Sea World opens at 10:00 and so I wanted to be there 8:30. I had done some research before we left on some tips. I found a few blogs that helped refresh the memory about how to get the most out of the day. Tip Junkie recommended being there early so you can get in the front of the lines to get in. So that’s why I wanted to be there so early. They also recommended feeding the dolphins in the morning, so that was the first on our to do list. I have to warn you, Sea World has changed some stuff up and if you look for “tips” look at the dates because if you go too far back the tips might not be relevant. They have now opened up Aquatica which we did not visit. The last two trips we had made, there was a water park type area. There was a small area for kids to play and a lazy river. Now that was all converted into Aquatica. They still have the kids play area with water coming out of the ground but nothing like before. Oh and the Aquatica is extra. You have to buy a ticket to Sea World and then to Aquatica. We opted out of that this trip, since it was the opening weekend.
The sky looked really gloomy over the entrance as we arrived. There was a very low chance of rain so we weren’t worried.
As we started I took off with the Noah, Ian, and Eli wanting to be the first one in line. It wasn’t very crowded at all.
We decided to wear swim suits so we could get wet and dry quickly. We also wore flip flops because the boys have a tendency to fuss when they have wet shoes. Next time I think I might have to buy them the water socks. We got a picture before we went to get in line. I think the kids were too excited to sit still and smile.
To cut down on luggage we decided not to bring the “big” stroller so we rented a stroller at Sea World so Eli and Makaela could ride. I think we were the 4th family in our line, so we were able to quickly go get the stroller and head to the dolphin tank. Oh and they opened the gates at 9:30.
Of course they didn’t start handing out fish to feed the dolphins until 10:00 after the National Anthem. I mention the anthem because I had to keep shhing Makaela since she didn’t understand why she needed to get off the side of the pool. They changed the way they do the feeding. Before you could get the fish and go on any side of the tanks. So, when we got there I had the kids go in the shallow area hoping they would have a better chance of petting the dolphins as they fed them. John stood in line waiting for the fish. The boys laid on their belly watching the dolphins swim and play. Makaela made me laugh because I could tell she wanted in with them. Or at least touch the water.
Then right before they opened it we found out that everyone that was going to feed had to be in line and feed in this one area. I grabbed the kids and squeezed through the line to get near John at the beginning of the line. I felt bad, because his dad then had to squeeze through with the stroller. Note to self, next time let John keep stroller to hold place in line. Since we went off of our other times, we took the stroller so he could have his hands for the trays of fish. The dolphins were not up for being touched or maybe it was because the kids were a little shy, but we didn’t get to pet any. We went through the trays of fish VERY quickly. And we were off to the Sea Lion Show!
I did calm down a little at this point. I was on “go-go-go” mode thinking we had to beat the crowds, but then I noticed there wasn’t really that many people there. So we got front row seats for the show- above the top of the pool wall so the kids can see everything. Yes, the splash zone is a must when you are at Sea World. Before the start of the show we enjoyed some popcorn.
Also before the show, there is a pre-show. Lenora was actually picked to participate, or was she just being “picked on”? The pre-show had the guy looking for his date. As he walked by Lenora looking for his date he pretended that she pinched his rear. Then he started dancing in front of her if I remember correctly it was “I’m sexy and I know it.” The boys got a kick out it! The show, as always, was cute. And we did get wet some. We really introduced Lenora and Vance to the splash zone as they got the wettest.
We headed over to see the sea lions and seals in the tank. We decided not to feed them but watch as others threw fish to the sea lions and seals below. The spotted ones are Harbor Seals. The others are California Sea Lions.
Then we walked over to the Shamu show. We had tickets for lunch with Shamu, but had enough time to catch the show before lunch. We also had time to stop and watch the Atlantis ride. John had been wanting to “show” the boys, since he knew about the big splash. So he got the older boys and walked into the splash zone.
They got SOAKED!! It was so funny! Then we were off to get wet at the Shamu show. We got there just as they opened the gates for people to start sitting. When we set down and waited for the show to start you could really tell that this must have been an off day. Most of the times I’ve been to Sea World the show was packed, we had a lot of open seats. The boys were not sure if they wanted to get wet. They kept asking when would it start. They were ready to see Shamu. Makaela tried to swipe popcorn from the people in front of us!
I had Makaela, so I gave the camera to John. He was very good about taking pictures and keeping it dry.
They have it set up where you kind of know when you are about to get wet, so he could hide the camera in our ziplock bag. I turned to cover Makaela and Eli as the wave came, but they still got wet. At first with the shock of the cold water they started to cry, also there were kids screaming and crying behind us that I think scared them. After I cheered them up with some coaxing that it was AWESOME to be splashed by Shamu, they were okay with it. The older boys were laughing and cold! The second time I had John try and cover Eli some. My back side was soaked since I kept turning to cover Makaela. I don’t think she got wet the second time.
Oh how I LOVE this place!!! The Shamu show had changed, but it is still awesome to see these amazing animals!
