SeaWorld is a theme park and a marine zoological park, located near Orlando, Florida. The park is owned by, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. The park opened in 1973 and now ranked 11th most visited amusement park in the whole of the United States of America.

I visited in December 2008 with my family. Some of the rides and shows I did/saw, may now have been changed.

Here are some of the most popular attractions at SeaWorld, which were at the park when I visited, back in 2008:

Shows:

Shamu

Before I write my opinion on Shamu, I understand there is a lot of mixed opinions on the show; the cruelty towards the orcas, and how devastated people were, once they found out the killer whale performing in front of them, wasn’t the real Shamu. Please read everything I have to say about the Shamu show before you make an opinion on my thoughts.

The Shamu show was one of my biggest highlights of SeaWorld. I had never seen killer whales before, never mind perform stunts. I was amazed at what they could do. Before visiting SeaWorld, I didn’t even know who Shamu was. I didn’t realise how popular he was as a whale until arrived in Orlando. I didn’t realise how much the American’s loved him! Back in England, nobody talked about Shamu unless they had been on holiday to SeaWorld. Even after their trip to SeaWorld, they would just say they saw a fantastic whale show.

However, since my visit, there has been a lot on the news about Shamu. In 2010, sadly a trainer lost their life. After reading more into orcas, it soon made me realise, these animals are not designed to be small captivities, performing stunt shows. Since then, I have read more about the orcas, where the park originally got them from, and how their captivity is too small for them. This makes me sad and grateful the show is due to end this year, in 2019.

The show will always be a great memory from SeaWorld for me. I’m grateful I’ve seen the show but I’m now also grateful it’s ending this year. It’s a shame SeaWorld couldn’t bread them in the park and keep them in a lot bigger captivities as it’s not every day you get an opportunity to see a killer whale.

Dolphin Theatre

The dolphin show is a must-see at SeaWorld. Watch Bottlenose Dolphins show off their skills and tricks. Just don’t sit on the first few rows of seats. You may get splashed!

A show is great for all the family.

Sea Lion Show

I do love a good Sea Lion Show. Sea Lions are so entertaining and these weren’t any exception. They had the whole audience laughing!

Great for all the family.

Animal Experiences:

At SeaWorld, you can see the rescued manatees, alligators, penguins, turtles, sharks, stingrays and much more.

Here’s my favourite animal experience at SeaWorld:

Dolphin Cove

At Dolphin Cove, you get the opportunity to stroke a dolphin as they swim around in a large pool. This was one of my favourite attractions at SeaWorld. It’s not very often you get the opportunity to touch a dolphin without getting wet. You can also see them swim underwater through the large underwater viewing platform and watch them splash around, playing with each other.

A great attraction for all the family.

The Rides:

SeaWorld is home to three big, thrilling rollercoasters: Mako, Kraken, and Manta. Kraken was the only rollercoaster there when I visited, back in 2008. I was not brave enough to ride it! Instead, I enjoyed getting soaked on a lodge flume; Journey to Atlantis. Also since my visit, back in 2008, Infinity Falls, a water rapid ride has joined the park too. There are also some other rides, slightly less daring, more family-friendly at the park too.

Here’s more about the Journey to Atlantis lodge, my favourite ride at the park:

Journey To Atlantis

If you like a lodge flume and like getting wet, then this is the ride for you. I got soaked!!! The ride takes you on a journey, relaxing along a river, before the boat turns into a thrilling rollercoaster ride, then before you know it, your back into the water on a boat, before plummeting down a big flume, ending in a big splash.

Journey To Atlantis is a great family ride. You need to be taller than 42 inches to ride Journey To Atlantis.