If you're about to visit Orlando and are thinking about visiting these parks, keep reading for my SeaWorld and Aquatica guide...
In recent years there's been a lot of controversy around SeaWorld. Most of this has stemmed from the "documentary" Blackfish (released in 2013). While I'm not usually a fan of zoos, I appreciate they are often vital for the conservation of protected and endangered species. I believe it's better for an animal to live a 'comfortable' life in captivity than die in the wild.
I visited SeaWorld and its sister parks Aquatica, Busch Gardens & Discovery Cove as part of my job (I used to work for FloridaTix) and decided to go with an open-mind. After seeing the work of the animal rescue team, I left feeling confident that everything they do is with the well-being of the animal in mind. I also fully support their decision to end their captive orca breeding programme, and the steps they are taking to promote education in their parks as opposed to using animals for entertainment.
SeaWorld
One of the downsides to visiting Florida in January is the weather is a little unpredictable. On the day we visited SeaWorld it chucked it down with rain for 90% of the time. Luckily it didn't dampen our spirits (pardon the pun). We were still able to enjoy most of the rides and even caught a few shows.
SeaWorld rides
If you're visiting any of the Florida theme parks outside peak season then remember this is the time many rides close for refurbishment. Journey to Atlantis wasn't open during our visit, but we were able to experience Empire of the Penguin, Manta and Kraken. Both roller coasters were amazing, but Empire of the penguin was disappointing. Although I can imagine it makes a nice break if you're visiting during the summer (it was freezing in there!) We also saw Mako being built, which looks incredible!
SeaWorld behind-the-scenes tour
My personal highlight of the day though was the SeaWorld behind-the-scenes tour. It was so interesting going behind-the-scenes at the park's Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Facility. We saw first-hand some of the animals that had recently been rescued and were undergoing treatment and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. We even met one of the vets who works at the facility, who talked us though some of the work she'd been doing that morning.
Where to eat at SeaWorld
I'm going to be honest, the food at SeaWorld was a massive disappointment. I could only find ONE vegetarian option in all of the restaurants we looked at (a veggie burger served in a stale bun). I'm fairly sure the rest of my group were also disappointed. Apparently only half the restaurants were open due to it being off-season. Hopefully if you visit during the summer you have more luck.
Aquatica
The day we visited Aquatica was fairly warm considering it was January (a mild 22-24°C). We got there just after the park opened. Although it got a little busier towards the afternoon, there were basically no queues for the rides. I'm fairly sure it's a completely different story in the height of summer though!
Aquatica rides
My favourite ride of the day was Ihu's Breakaway Falls. You stand inside a tube, then the floor falls away beneath you so you drop almost vertically down into the slide. I went on it once, then chickened out of going on it a second time - and I usually like scary rides!
The rest of the rides were a little underwhelming. HooRoo Run was pretty fun, and I enjoyed the "lazy river" (Roo's Rapids). If you've ever visited the Disney Water Parks or Siam Park in Tenerife then you may be a little disappointed. Otherwise it's a lovely clean water park and there's plenty to keep you occupied.
Where to Eat
We had Aquatica All-Day Dining wristbands, which let you eat and drink as much as you like at the Banana Beach Buffet. The food was pretty basic (pizza, burgers, chips, salad etc.) but it tasted good and we went around 5 times while we were there to grab drinks and snacks. I'd say it's worth getting if you're on a budget, as Aquatica don't let you take your own food and drink in with you.
Have you ever visited SeaWorld or Aquatica?
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