If you haven’t visited the SeaWorld theme park in Orlando Florida, you are missing out on the most exciting and unforgettable experience of your life. It is a marine mammal park that features all types of animal encounters and it is situated in the middle of Disney World and Universal Studio. Since 1973, SeaWorld has become an all time favorite of millions of people from all over the world. (photo credit: Nairaland)

Only at SeaWorld will you be able to get real close and touch the dolphins, sharks and the most famous animal celebrity Shamu, the orca whale. It is a family friendly atmosphere that boasts many live shows featuring incredible marine life and a combination of thrilling and mild rides. SeaWorld’s Dolphin Encounter is a must see for the entire family.
SeaWorld is a place that offers entertainment for the whole family including world class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters that will allow you to explore the mysteries of the sea. Travel through the underwater acrylic tunnel and find yourself inches away from sharks. You can get splashed by Shamu, dine very close to sharks, or sleep next to manatees. The choice is yours and you can even catch the SeaWorld’s famous Sea Lion comedy show at night. (photo credit: Nairaland)

What is good about SeaWorld is that while it is contained in one area, there are some distinct places within the park. Here are the places you can explore when you visit SeaWorld.

Shamu’s Happy Harbor – is a children’s play area that features family rides and a play fortress.

The Waterfront at SeaWorld – resembles a seaside Mediterranean village. It has restaurants, shops and the parks’ iconic Sky Tower ride.

Key West at SeaWorld – is designed to resemble the city of Key West Florida. There are many exhibits here such as stingrays, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and alligators. And, you can feed the dolphins and stingrays. (photo credit: GoFlorida)

Rides

Kraken – is a floorless roller coaster.
Journey to Atlantis – is themed after the mythical Atlantis, but is really a boat ride that resembles a roller coaster. Very interesting one!
Sea Carousel – is a carousel themed with marine mammals and fish.
Shamu Express – is a junior roller coaster with cars that look like Shamu.
Sky Tower – an observation rotating tower that is 400-feet tall and was built in 1973
Ocean Connection – is a tug ride that rocks.
Swishy Fishies – is a teacup ride made to look like a fish.
Pirates Net – is a children’s play area with a net and fun things to do.

Animal Exhibits

Dolphin Cove – is an outdoor exhibit where you touch and feed the dolphins.
Shark Encounter – features the Sharks Underwater Grill where you can dine while observing sea life in the main exhibit tank.
Penguin Encounter – is an indoor exhibit which also includes puffins and murres.
Pacific Point Preserve – is the home for sea lions and seals.
Clydesdale Hamlet – is the home for the parks Clydesdale horses.
Stingray Lagoon – is a covered exhibit where you can actually touch stingrays.
Manatee Rescue – is home to rescued Florida manatees.
Turtle Point – is an outdoor exhibit that features rescued sea turtles.
Dolphin Nursery – this is where new born bottlenose dolphins reside. So cute!

Live entertainment

There are lots of live shows featured at SeaWorld in Orlando and many include trained animals. During the summer months, the park offers special shows in addition to the main performances listed below.

Shamu Stadium – is the seven million gallon home for killer whale performers. The current production at the park is “Believe” and is joined by Shamu Rocks during peak season. (photo credit: Andru Edwards)

The whale and Dolphin Theatre – features whales, dolphins and macaws in “Blue Horizon” and includes human acrobats and divers.

The Sea Lion and Otter Stadium – hosts “Clyde and Seamore” a pair of Sea Lions from California.

Bayside Stadium – hosts the Bayside Ski Jam part of the “SeaWorld after Dark” summer show.

The Nautilus Theatre – hosts an acrobatic show

Seaport Theatre – features dogs, cats, and other animals rescued from local shelters.