SeaWorld Insider Tips

Before you begin your visit to SeaWorld, be sure to check out these fun insider tips and secrets to help you save time, stay cool and make the most of your trip.

-If you want to cool off during the day, one of the best places to do so is at the Shamu Soak Zone at the Shamu stadium. These seats are located in the lower bowl portion of the theater and the first 15-20 rows are pretty much guaranteed to get a good soaking. If you do choose to sit in this area, be sure you have left behind your cell phone, watches and other non-waterproof devices so that they are not ruined. It may also be a good idea to bring a waterproof camera with you for the day as well, as you can get some great pictures of Shamu splashing everyone without the worry of ruining your camera!

-Don’t miss Shamu’s Happy Harbor if you have children. It is a three-acre kids’ paradise, and parents don’t have to worry – there are plenty of shaded and comfortable places set aside for you to relax.

-Be sure to get to all of the shows very early, especially the Shamu, Blue Horizons and Clyde and Seamore shows, as those are some of the most popular destinations. Clyde and Seamore is a great place to get to early, as they have pre-show entertainment that is hard to beat. Even if you arrive 45 minutes early, you are assured of escaping boredom. It is hard to decide what is more funny – the pre-show or the show itself!  

-Dolphin Cove is a great place to interact with dolphins, but most people don’t realize that you can still get up close and personal without paying to get food to feed them. If you go all the way down to the end of Dolphin Cove, there is an area where guests who do not have food for the dolphins can still stand right at the edge of the lagoon. While it is true that most of the dolphins will be down with the guests who do have food, there is usually a trainer over in that area with food to assure there is at least one dolphin in that area for those guests to interact with.

-The Hospitality Center near the back of the park (near the Clydesdale Hamlet) is a great hidden attraction to visit. It even houses Beer School, which gives guests an informational approach to the beverage and even hosts a sampling of beers for those over 21 year old.

-You can hand-feed many animals at SeaWorld Orlando, such as dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, but only at certain times throughout the day. Be sure to check out the feeding schedule first thing in the morning and if you would like to pay the extra cost for the food, be sure to get to each area with plenty of time to spare, especially at Dolphin Cove. By the time the feedings begin, the line can be huge!

-Shamu and friends will be available for pictures and autographs from around 9 a.m. to noon each day the front of the park.

-Study up on your penguin knowledge before visiting the Penguin Encounter at SeaWorld Orlando. During the Q & A sessions, one lucky guest who answers the questions correctly will get a behind-the-scenes look at these friendly creatures.

-The best time to arrange for lunch is when one of the large animal shows is in progress – catch these shows at off times and have a much shorter wait time getting your food!