Sea World Attractions & Rides
KRAKEN
Themed after an ancient myth; The Kraken was a massive, mythological
underwater beast kept caged by Poseidon. SeaWorld will uncaged the
beast and once unleashed he made a big splash. But beware he's very,
very angry.
A good portion of Kraken was built over water, making it a fitting home for
a Sea Serpent. But during the adventure the coaster also plunges down
three times, into the underground serpent's lair. On one occasion the train
plunges underground at full speed, creating a huge plume of spray to
drench nearby bystanders.
What really sets Kraken apart is the three colorful trains that are custom
designed without floors or sides. Yes...there are no floors, nor sides. So let
your feet dangle free and don't worry about keeping your hands and arms
inside the cars, because there is no inside on this train.
Wild Arctic
The Wild Arctic is not a roller coaster like Kraken or Atlantis, instead it is a motion-based ride, where you sit in a room with about 50 others to experience a simulated "jet helicopter" ride through the frozen wonderland of the Arctic. You can opt for the non-simulated movie version if you choose. After the ride or movie, you walk through the Arctic camp to observe Beluga whales, walruses and the ever popular polar bears, Klondike and Snow. As you exit into the gift shop, be sure to visit the observation deck to the right. Here you can view the ride in full motion. (Something that you may want to see before taking the "flight".) There is a 42" height restriction for this ride.
Manatees: The Last Generation?
The Manatee is found mostly in Florida's coastal waterways. These slow
moving sea mammals suffer one great malady.curiosity. They are attracted
to the noise and commotion created by boats as they pass. Unfortunately,
these very gentle creatures tend to swim to close to the boats, getting
caught in the propellers. It is estimated that only 2,000 manatees exist
in Florida and 10% of that population is killed every year by passing
speedboats, crab traps, loss of habitat, and other man-made conditions.
Some even die of hypothermia when they can't make it back to warm
water during winter. Sea World Orlando maintains a highly trained
response team that rushes to the scene of an accident involving a
Manatee. All of the Manatee's seen on exhibit here are rescued from the wild. On all of them, you can see the damage that was inflicted on them. This exhibit will shock, sadden, enlighten and inspire you all at the same time. Take time to educate yourself, and enjoy their simple beauty.
Pacific Point Preserve:
Is home to Sea Worlds Sea Lions. As you start to approach the preserve, you
can hear the sea lions barking. This usually means they are trying to get the
attention of the scores of visitors with food in their hand. Like Dolphin Cove, you
can feed the Sea Lions here. Unlike Dolphin Cove, you can feed them all day!
Due to the nature of these animals, you are not allowed to get close enough
to pet them.
Penguin Encounter
This is the attraction to be in on a hot Florida day...namely because they have to keep it nice and chilly. As you enter this attraction, you can step on to a long conveyer belt that takes you past a large glass enclosure housing the penguins. From this vantage point you can see them dive off of their rocky dwelling into the freezing water below. If you choose not to take the conveyer belt, you can walk up to an observation area where you can watch the penguins for as long as you like. This area is very climate controlled as birds do not adapt as well as mammals to changes from their natural environment. In the next room, several interactive exhibits await to explain all about the various types of penguins and puffins.
Tropical Reef
Here you will view the sheer beauty of the tropical fish, and the amazing reef recreation. The assortment of fish, and colors, is enough to keep anyone in awe of it's beauty for more than a passing glance. There is also a Tide Pool here which is home to several invertebrates and fish, and you're welcome to touch such animals as anenomes, sea stars, sea cucumbers and urchins.
Terrors of the Deep:
This is sure to be a hit with just about anyone in the family.This exhibit
has a fascinating collection of the deadliest fish found in the sea.
Everything from Barracuda, puffer fish, and Morey Eels wait to greet
you as you enter the exhibit. As you go into the exhibit, you will see
the stars of this show..... the Shark Tank. In this hugh 660,000 gallon
tank there are more than 6 species of shark. A conveyer belt passes
you through a 124 foot tunnel that takes you directly through the tank.
From this conveyer belt you can view sharks swimming all around you...
but your safe..the acrylic walls can hold the weight equivalent of 372
elephants. There is a 'chicken' door for anyone who gets claustrophobic
or uncomfortable in the tube. Also, in there are benches in the theatre
where you can sit and relax for as long as you like.
NOTE: If you're can to catch a feeding, consider yourself lucky. This is one of the best shows you'll ever see!
Pets on Stage
Imagine if someone went to a local animal shelter, adopted dozens of cats and dogs, and then trained them to perform at a local theme park. Well, this is exactly what was done for the "Pets on Stage" show. During the course of the show, these wonderful animals will show the audience just how talented they are by performing a variety of acrobatics (including a high-wire act!). This is a must for any animal lover!!
Shamu's Happy Harbor
If you have children with you when visiting Sea World, bring their bathing suits, and head to Shamu's Happy Harbor. This part of Sea World offers several "water based" attractions for kids to enjoy. There are several different attractions here, and any child could spend hours just playing and exploring. This addition was a wise one for Sea World, and will be a welcome break for many parents.
Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island
The plot of this show is rather simple. A pirate ship is looking for treasure, when they happen across a marooned sailor and his trusty, sea lion side kick. From time to time the Sea Lions didn't want to cooperate with their human counterparts, and there are some very funny moments. Sea World has hired some very talented performers for their shows.
Journey to Atlantis
The story goes that a Greek fisherman has discovered the lost city of Atlantis, but warns that something evil exists there and that everyone should stay away. The lines for this attraction are long.
As you board your boat, you are taken through a colorful tour of Atlantis, but something goes awry when the spirit of Allura begins her attack on your boat. At the end there is a VERY steep drop which is almost guaranteed to soak anyone in the first two rows. After the ride, you pass monitors that will show you a picture that was taken just as your boat started down the final dip.
Nautilus Theatre
In the Nautilus Theatre is where you will find the stage show Cirque de la Mer. The show runs approximately 30 minutes and is a good stop if you're looking for some quiet 'down time' after a day in the park.
Sky Tower
The 400 foot icon of sea world is it's Sky Tower. For $2.50 extra (annual pass holders can ride free), you can get a view of the surrounding area as the circular cab climbs up the tower. The entire experience lasts about 5 minutes. Since Florida is such a flat state, you can see just about anything within 10 miles from the top (this includes several Disney attractions) depending on the weather
Key West
You will find 3 specific attractions in Key West, and a series of fast food stands and shops, as well as some Island entertainment.
Turtle Point
A quiet attraction, this section of Sea World's Key West area features
turtles. There are four species of turtles on display here, including
loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles. Of the four,
Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered. This rare sea turtle only spawns
on a certain beach in Mexico. You will find the male and female sea
turtles separated. The law allows sea turtles to be kept for breeding
OR for rescue, but not both. Sea World, as is consistent with thier
charter, opted for rescue.
Stingray Lagoon
One of the many things that Sea World does well, is allows you to reach out and touch the animals. Stingray Lagoon is a large, shallow tank. You are able to lean in and pet the stingrays as they swim by. If you would like to have the experience of feeding a stingray, you can purchase small trays of fish for $1 at select times. You simply hold one of the fish between your fingers, and slip your hand into the Stingray pool. The Stingrays will swim over your hand (their mouths are on their underside) and SUCK the fish away from you.
Dolphin Cove
This is your chance to pet a live bottlenose dolphin, and even feed one
Dolphin Cove is a beautiful grotto beach where Dolphins are free to swim
and play. There are two sections to Dolphin Cove. The first is outdoors, and
is along the banks of the cove. This is where you can feed and pet the Dolphins.
The second is the underground viewing area, where you can watch them swim
(and even listen with an underwater microphone).
Key West Dolphin Fest
This showcases the great skill and grace of the Dolphins. The stadium theming seems a cross between Key West and Jamaica. During the course of the show, the Dolphins demonstrate their spectacular skill and grace through a series of acrobatic feats. A child is routinely chosen to volunteer and help the trainers give commands to the Dolphins. A part of this show also showcases the power and grace of the Pseudorca Crassidens or False Killer Whales, which are also members of the Dolphin family.
