The Wonders of SeaWorld Orlando

I attended a press event with Experience Kissimmee and most of my travel expenses were covered. All thoughts and experiences are my own.

Hands down, without question, the highlight of the attractions I visited on the press trip for Experience Kissimmee was SeaWorld. Many of you have probably been to SeaWorld, but I’d never gotten the opportunity.

It was a beautiful (but hot) day filled with sunshine as I joined the crowds waiting to see the gorgeous marine animals up close and personal.  I expected the experience to be more like a zoo, but it’s really so much better!

The very first exhibit we encountered was the sting-ray bay.  All of the observers couldn’t wait to reach in and touch one!

Then as we walked through the nature trail, I saw dolphins playing, sea lions frolicking, pink flamingos posing, turtles splashing, baby alligators sunning themselves, and a manatee gracefully gliding through the water.  I was captivated!

We were on a mission to make it to Shamu Stadium in time for the One Ocean show, and I kept lagging behind the group of bloggers to take just one more picture or just gaze in wonder at all the lush, tropical beauty around me!

I’m so glad they didn’t let me dawdle too much and miss the show, because it was spectacular!  I had never seen a whale of any kind, and I was instantly drawn to the beauty of the Orcas.  I’m still in awe when I think about how graceful those stunning creatures were as they dived and jumped and splashed in perfect synchronization.  They were so playful!  Our seats were quite high in the stadium, far above the splash zone, so we didn’t get wet but that was okay because we had an amazing view of the entire pool.

After a refreshing lunch at the Sea Fire Inn, we headed over to the new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction, which just opened in May.  Thanks to special media passes loaned to us by SeaWorld we were able to skip much of the 90 minute anticipated wait time and were ushered in to the artic experience.  After choosing a mild or wild expedition, you go on a thrilling ride in an 8 seat pod that twists and turns and glides you through the cavern of icy beauty.  When the ride ends, the gate lifts up right outside of the penguin’s habitat.  The scene of over 200 penguins in a very close simulation to their natural environment is simply breathtaking!

There are plenty of other fun things to do at SeaWorld as well, such as ride one of the three exciting roller coasters, or catch more amazing shows. I didn’t ride the coasters, but I was told that the Manta is their favorite coaster in all of Central Florida by more than one person.  It sure looked like a blast, but I couldn’t tear myself away from all the wonderful exhibits long enough to find out!

I guess you can probably tell I fell in love with SeaWorld!  I honestly didn’t think I would be so enthralled.  If you’ve never been, then I highly recommend you make plans to visit one of the three SeaWorld locations when you have the opportunity, because there is nothing else like it!

Have you been to SeaWorld? If so, what was your favorite part?