I told the kids three days ago that we were going to Sea World..."I want to see the penguins..."

I told the kids three days ago that we were going to Sea World on Monday…”I want to see the penguins” said Eleni, “I want to see the polar bears” said Quinn, “I want to see Shamu” said mom, “I’ve never been to Sea World, I’m so excited!” said Eleni’s friend Samantha. While I have been to Sea World several times since my youth and my children have been there a handful of times we were bursting with excitement to once again visit Shamu’s home. Rolling into the parking lot just minutes before park opening Nik and I secured our space, unloaded the stroller, water bottles, snacks, jackets, cameras and of course kids and headed toward the entrance. It’s hard to contain your enthusiasm when you see VW bugs painted like Shamu, complete with dorsal fins, the kids were so impressed.


We were fortunate to see a different side of the park today. With a 10 a.m. tour scheduled and an extremely knowledgable and friendly tour guide, Danielle, we headed off, past Shamu’s stadium, past the Ship Wreck Café, past the aquarium, past the gates that read, “Authorized Personnel Only”, we were going “Behind the Scenes”. We were given instructions to stay together, and behind the metal bar and we were led up a staircase to an area that contained two pools and 4 dolphins. While Sea World has 44 dolphins, 5 of which are babies, we were able to see the training regimen of Belle and Sparky, two male dolphins, yes, Belle is a boy, gender identity issues I guess, or maybe he can relate to our female dog that we named “Chuck”. The dolphins are taught by experienced trainers that use high pitched whistles, long target poles and lots and lots of fish. By waving our hands Sparky waved back with both fins, by stomping our feet, Sparky bounced up and down out of the water, by pointing our fingers in the air, Sparky spoke. After each trick the whistle was blown to indicate it was time to cease the activity and head back to the deck for a handful of cold, slimy fish.

Our adventure continued with the sea turtles that live in the coves surrounding the Ship Wreck café. There are three species of sea turtle that inhabit the coves, the Green Sea Turtle, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, we were able to give them whole lettuce leaves, a favorite treat, and it was fun to watch them race for the green prize and secure their trophy with a big chomp of their sharp beak; the most sought after prize is the lettuce heart, and with only two to offer it was a good race to see who would be the winner.

Continuing on our educational journey through the park we visited the Forbidden Reef which is home to several, friendly, bat rays. Using one hand we, including the kids, were able to reach into the 50 °F, cold water and stroke the backs of these graceful creatures. We learned that their black and white coloring allows them to camouflage when observed from both the top and bottom, the soft slimy mucus covering protects them from ocean borne pathogens and that they have flat teeth to crush mussels and other crustaceans.

The Forbidden Reef is not limited to above ground viewing so we put on our imaginary, mask, fins and snorkel and headed underground for an underwater experience. Below the decks there is an awesome, sort of eerie Moray Eel display; with over 10 eels in each tank there were plenty of opportunities to see these ominous, muscular creatures peeking out of their caves.

The Dolphin Discovery is currently under renovation so we were not able to see the Dolphin Show, but the newly redesigned exhibit will open over Memorial Day weekend in 2010 and looks to be an amazing addition to the Sea World action.

Be sure to take a journey into the depths of the shark exhibit; the warm tropical air only adds to the experience as you view shark species that are found in the tropics. The shark exhibit is complete with a glass see through tunnel where lemon sharks, the largest species at Sea World, linger on the other side of the glass, quite eager to show off their “fork” teeth.

With only two shows a day we wanted to catch the early Shamu “Believe” show. I would recommend getting to any of the shows at least 15 minutes prior to the start time to guarantee your preferred seating choices. We were fortunate to secure front row seating in the “dry” zone and sat down to an amazing display of training and friendship between man and beast. The grace of the killer whale and the gentleness they extend to the human species is so awesome. I have always wanted to get up close and personal with Shamu but our behind the scenes tour would not take us that close due to the requirement that all those interacting with the killer whales have an established relationship. Only the most experienced and veteran trainers at Sea World are given that opportunity.

We dined at the Ship Wreck café and were pleasantly surprised by the choices, quality and economically priced food. There were freshly carved sandwiches, fresh fruit and even grilled salmon.

After fueling our tanks we set off running to catch as many exhibits as we could before closing. We passed through the Sea Lion and Seal exhibit where Samantha was knowledgeable of the difference between the two, “Sea Lions have ear flaps, while Seals have holes”. After getting a bucket of fish for feeding it was comical to watch the local Seagulls fly in and perch amongst the rocks and squawk…it was reminiscent of the Finding Nemo scene, “Mine, Mine, Mine”, and they exercised that mentality as they swooped down toward are stainless buckets, brushing our heads with their powerful wings and trying to steal our fishy treats.

From the seals and sea lions Antonia led the way to the Sesame Street Bay of Play, a land devoted to Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie and all the Sesame pals. If you can make it past the gift shop where even I was tempted by the Elmo Crocs you will find yourself amongst Elmo themed rides such as flying Elmo’s, similar to Dumbo at Disneyland, and spinning sea stars like the “Tea Cups”. There is also a large play structure where kids aged 4 and up may climb a large rope wall to a 2nd story collection of tunnels and walkways. The kids truly enjoy the maze, however, please be aware that there is more than one entrance and exit and it is hard to keep tabs on the kids to make sure they don’t get lost in the sea of kids and people.

At 3:00 we headed for the children’s and Papu’s favorite show, Pets Rule. Sea World does not limit their training and caretaking to sea creatures, they now also welcome into their family, shelter animals from all over the country. There are dogs, cats, pigs, ducks, a parrot and doves that mesmerize the audience with talents such as playing soccer, jump rope and obstacle course mastery. The 4 minute grand finale will leave you wondering “how did they orchestrate such a well timed exhibition of animal frolic.”

As the sun set we wanted to catch a couple more exhibits, first the Penguin Encounter where Eleni eagerly identified the Emperor and the Macaroni penguins and we all got a chuckle out of the snow penguin that added to the arctic scenery; and second the Wild Arctic. Complete with a realistic journey aboard a jet helicopter, which Nik really enjoyed with all it’s realistic turns and up and down movements, we entered the arctic and saw the stark white beluga whales, the sleeping polar bears and the largest walrus I have ever seen. With floor to ceiling aquariums, it was fun to watch the kids lay down and press their faces up to the glass in the hopes of the walrus coming to give them a kiss.

We had such a wonderful day and can’t wait to return. Just a couple recommendations to ensure you have an enjoyable day; I would recommend that all patrons bring a stroller for the smaller children as the park is quite expansive and those little legs will tire quickly, Sea World also has strollers available for rent as well. In addition, the weather can vary greatly throughout the year so be sure to check the local weather before your adventure and bring a sweatshirt for the cool onshore breezes and sunscreen for those hot summer days. Finally, to maximize the ability to see all the shows, exhibits and rides I would recommend that you schedule your day around the shows because most of them have only 1 or 2 time slots. Most importantly have a GREAT time!

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