Family Travel – SeaWorld Orlando

Last fall we flew to Florida for a long weekend and stopped by SeaWorld for a few hours on our last day.

I wish we had a full day to spend at the park but we managed to use the time we did have at SeaWorld Orlando wisely.

If you’re planning a trip to Florida with your family, you must spend a day at SeaWorld Orlando.

This was my second visit to SeaWorld Orlando — my first visit to see Shamu was in the 1980s.  I didn’t see him this time. There was so much to see there wasn’t time to attend a Shamu show.

This visit coincided with the starting day of SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular so the kids used a park map to Trick or Treat.

We watched the sea lions for a bit and then threw fish to them. Some of us had better aim than others.

We checked out flamingos and other birds.

We went behind the scenes of the penguin exhibit for a penguin experience and although the various exhibit experiences aren’t included in the park admission price, I would recommend signing up for one if time allows.

Not only does a percentage of the experience price go to research but if your children like to get up close with animals, they’ll talk about the experience long after your vacation is over.

The SeaWorld Orlando penguin exhibit has closed until 2013 but there are other exhibits experiences to check out.

There are plenty of restaurants at SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld had dining options and meal plans for a range of budgets. When it was time for lunch, we had a picky eater in our family so we opted to eat at the Terrace Garden Buffet — pizza and pasta buffet. He is no longer as picky so the next time we visit, we’ll have lunch at Sharks Underwater Grill – one of the more formal sit down restaurants. I think the kids would love to look at the sharks swimming around while they eat.

Before we left for the airport, the kids enjoyed the play area and rides.

We have so much to see on our next trip to SeaWorld Orlando, and I can’t wait to return. What would you recommend?

For current ticket rates, visit the SeaWorld Orlando website and Facebook page.