Eight Must-Dos When You Add a SeaWorld Day to Your Walt Disney World Trip

Orlando is a haven for theme parks with the crown jewel for most travelers being Walt Disney World. A lot of people go to Orlando and never set foot anywhere but Disney World, but there are other theme parks in the area that are definitely worth a visit.

One of the often overlooked parks is SeaWorld Orlando. Whether you think it’s just a big aquarium or you’re aware of the park’s troubled history, SeaWorld might not have made it onto your previous trip itineraries.

Here are some great SeaWorld experiences that just might make you want to add the park to your next vacation.

Sky Tower

The first attraction that you have to visit in SeaWorld is the Sky Tower. The Sky Tower is a 400 foot tower that has stood in the park since it opened in 1974. This is an all ages activity where you take a ride in a slow moving capsule up the tower where you can see all around the park.

Maddie the Bald Eagle looking out from the Sky Tower ©SeaWorld

Flamingo Paddle Boats

This is another classic attraction good for almost all ages. There is something charming about the Flamingo Paddle Boats. These are exactly what they sound like, flamingo shaped boats that are operated by a the passengers pedaling. Two people can fit in these large pink paddle boats at a time. During your time in SeaWorld take a few moments and drive one of these flamingos around the pond.

Journey To Atlantis

At SeaWorld you expect that you might get wet, and on Journey To Atlantis you will definitely succeed in doing so. This a combination boat ride, roller coaster, and log flume. You ride in a boat through an ancient temple and see some different scenes from the mythic island of Atlantis, then the ride changes and the boat goes along a roller coaster track. The very end is a steep drop that ends in a huge splash and you will get wet. We recommend riding this early on the hotter days to stay cool through the first half of the day.

Manta

Now we are going to look at one of the more extreme rides at SeaWorld Orlando, the Manta roller coaster. This is a coaster that is supposed to replicate the feeling of a manta ray swimming through the ocean. There are corkscrew turns, drops, and flips on this one. The passengers are laying on their backs for the majority of the ride. At one point the coaster goes down near the water and the fins cause water to spray towards the passengers. If you like extreme roller coasters this is a great one to ride.

©SeaWorld Orlando

Sea Lion High: The New Class

SeaWorld is famous for their animal shows, and you can’t go here without seeing Sea Lion High: The New Class. In this show we follow Clyde and Seamore as they try to earn their diplomas. There are also a few otters and a mime in the show as well.

©SeaWorld Orlando

Pets Ahoy

Okay, so this may be another animal show at SeaWorld, but it features some animals you wouldn’t expect to see in a show at an aquatic theme park. Pets Ahoy is an animal show that features dogs, cats, ducks, doves, pot-bellied pigs, and a few others. If you have a cat and have every tried to get it to do anything you will want to catch this show. This is also an indoor show and great to watch on a really hot day.

Stingray Lagoon

If you’ve ever wanted to know what a stingray feels like, this is the attraction for you. Stingray Lagoon is a unique opportunity to get up close with some stingrays. In the open air lagoon there are over 120 stingrays swimming around. You are encouraged to reach in and pet these friendly creatures. They also offer the chance to feed the rays. We highly recommend trying this. The stingrays are docile and feeling like soft leather.

Manatee Rehabilitation Area

SeaWorld may be known for the aquatic animal shows, but they also have a functioning manatee rescue and rehabilitation facility that is behind-the-scenes at the park. Manatees are one of the gentlest creatures in the oceans, but are often injured by boat propellers. On the tour you will learn all about manatees and the various threats they face. If you love animals this is one of the best attractions for you at SeaWorld.

There are tons of other fun activities and attractions to do in SeaWorld Orlando. Next time you take a trip to Disney World we recommend that you take a day and visit SeaWorld.

What are your favorite attractions in SeaWorld? Let us know in the comments.