If you’re looking for an aquatic adventure
where you can learn and experience marine life, look no further than
SeaWorld theme parks. Located in several regions of the United States,
and one park currently being built in Dubai as of 2011, SeaWorld theme
parks are popular for giving their guests a taste of aquatic life,
specializing in theme park shows featuring various marine mammals.
History And Location
The first SeaWorld theme park opened in San Diego, CA in the 1960s. Founders Milton C. Shedd, David Demott, George Millay and Ken Norris originally planned to open an underwater restaurant featuring a marine life show. When the UCLA fraternity brothers found out their plans were unfeasible, they decided to turn their idea into an aquatic theme park.SeaWorld has grown into several theme parks throughout the U.S., with locations in:
- San Diego, CA: SeaWorld San Diego was the first among the SeaWorld theme parks, followed by SeaWorld Ohio, which was later sold to Six Flags in 2001. The park has become popular for its Shamu show featuring a captive orca, or killer whale, and other comedic shows featuring other sea animals.
- Orlando, FL: SeaWorld Orlando was opened in 1973 and is slightly larger than its San Diego counterpart, featuring a total of 10 rides as opposed to 8. The park currently features several rollercoasters: Kraken, Manta and the Shamu Express.
- San Antonio, TX: SeaWorld San Antonio featured popular rides like Shamu Express, The Great White and Steel Eel, along with its own exclusive theme ride – The Texas Splashdown. However, The Texas Splashdown would eventually close in 2011 to make way for another ride or attraction.
Animal Attractions
While attractions may vary depending on which theme park you visit, they all share an aquatic theme. The main attraction at each park is the killer whale, with several killer whales on site at each location. Other animals that can be found at each park include:- Dolphins
- Pacific walruses
- Penguins
- Polar bears
- Beluga whales
- Sea turtles
- Flamingos
- Stingrays
- Manatees
- Alligators
- Various sharks
Rides And Other Attractions
The rides and attractions featured at SeaWorld may vary from location to location. Here are some of the attractions that guests might encounter, along with their location:- Bayside Skyride: an aerial tramway that crosses over Mission Bay, found only at SeaWorld San Diego
- Journey to Atlantis: a water rollercoaster that can be found at all three theme parks.
- Kraken: a floorless rollercoaster filled with U-turns, inclines, twists and vertical loops, found only at SeaWorld Orlando.
- The Great White: an inverted roller coaster featured at SeaWorld San Antonio.
- Shipwreck Rapids: a wild raft ride where guests can expect to get wet. It also features a tunnel pass with a live turtle exhibit and is located at SeaWorld San Diego.
- Dolphin Cove: a popular exhibit featured at all three theme parks. Here, guests can view dolphins living in a habitat designed to represent a natural ecosystem.
The Shamu Show
Serving as the iconic killer whale that symbolizes SeaWorld theme parks, Shamu is the stage name that has been passed down to various orcas featured at SeaWorld. While the stage name has remained the same, there have actually been numerous killer whales used in the acts over the years. In fact, each SeaWorld park houses six to seven orcas on site. At the Shamu Show, park guests can witness the incredible trained feats of these giant sea mammals. Guests seated in close proximity to the show pool can expect to get wet, and can even interact with the killer whale.Admission
SeaWorld admission prices and packages vary between the three parks. The following is a list of single day prices for each park:- SeaWorld San Diego: $73 for adult admission, and $65 for children online or at the gate.
- SeaWorld Orlando: $71.99 for adult admission and $63.99 for children online only. Add $10 to the ticket price when purchasing at the gate.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: $59.99 for adult admission, and $49.99 for children online or at the gate.
Multi-Park Packages
Here is a list of some available packages with great deals to other local theme parks near each SeaWorld:SeaWorld San Diego
- Southern California City Pass: This pass will allow you to visit SeaWorld with an optional second visit for free, Disneyland and Disney California adventure with a three-day park hopper ticket, one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, and your choice between one-day admission to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park at the San Diego Zoo. The price for this pass is $276.00 for adults and $229.00 for children online or at the gate.
- SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Aquatica Length of Stay Ticket: At the cost of $134.99 for adults and $126.99 for children, this pass will offer unlimited access to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa and Aquatica for up to 14 days from the tickets first use.