SeaWorld Theme Parks Guide


 
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Introduction

SeaWorld Orlando

Aquatica Water Park


Discovery Cove

Busch Gardens
 

intro


SeaWorld Orlando

Florida vacations just aren't complete without a visit to Sea World. SeaWorld Orlando is the twelfth most visited theme park in the world, and ranked seventh most visited in the United States. There's no place in the world like the Sea World Orlando theme park. Where else can you touch and feed dolphins, count the teeth on a shark and come face-to-face with a polar bear? At Sea World Orlando, families can visit the Shamu Adventure theatre and see Shamu himself do tricks while flying through the air. At the Key West Dolphin exhibit, you can pet and feed dolphins and stingrays - you just can't get any closer than this! Or perhaps you'd enjoy Pets Ahoy, a hilarious show featuring more than 100 animal athletes, or the new show Believe. Challenge Kraken, Orlando 's only floorless coaster. Don't miss “Journey to Atlantis” on Sea World - the super-charged water coaster of mythic proportions. And, just try to stay dry when the world famous Shamu comes a splashing!
Only recently has Sea World begun to include thrill rides into its lineup and you can look for the trend to continue in the future.

 

Aquatica Water Park by SeaWorld

 

The whimsical Aquatica by SeaWorld is inspired by the South Seas- beautiful, bright colors, amazing flowers and animals, and a carefree environment that's sure to make your vacation a hit with the whole family. Many of Sea World Orlando Aquatica's revolutionary rides are first of their kind in the world, and take you directly through animal habitats!
Since it's opening on March 2008, it's been the most popular water park alongside with Disney's Blizzard Beach, the all time favorite.

Aquatica is packed with tubes, slides, and tunnels in a gorgeous landscape modeled after Australia , New Zealand, and New Guinea. Fly down a clear 300-foot tube through crystal blue waters filled with exotic black-and-white dolphins in one of Aquatica's most unique rides! Kids can enjoy a massive 60-foot-tall rain fortress, climbing up nets or sliding down twisting slides into a 15,000-square-foot pool. Explore hidden grottos and more as you discover Aquatica's 36 water slides, six lagoons and rivers, and over 80,000 square feet of beach area; such as two different, yet side-by-side wave lagoons- one with a gentle surf, and the other featuring 5-foot swells and crashing, immense or even dueling waves!

 

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is ranked #3 in the United State’s top attractions, and no wonder– it gives you the chance to swim with dolphins, glide with sting rays, and view tropical birds, among many other unique attractions. The prices can seem a bit steep, but they include a full day at the park, all you can eat or drink– including alcoholic beverages– use of a mask and vest or wetsuit, and a snorkel to keep. Discovery Cove requires a reservation, and only 1,000 guests are allowed in the park at any given time. If the price still seems a bit high, reservations without the dolphin pool have a lower rate.

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops & games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivaled “real” excitement for guests of every age. Busch Gardens was recently rated the most popular theme park in Florida among residents of the Tampa Bay area.

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay features an unparalleled combination of world-class thrill rides and scenic animal habitats. Look right into the eyes of Africa's most amazing animals at the Edge of Africa, an exhibit with animals from hippopotami to lions. For an additional fee the Serengeti Safari Tour takes you right into the plains for an even closer look at giraffes, zebras and rhino.

Thrill seekers can challenge the incredible heights and speeds of Gwazi®, Bush Gardens Tampa Bay's mammoth double wooden roller coaster and Montu®, a fearsome Egyptian thriller. Maybe you'll be brave enough to have at the Sheikra, a "dive coaster" that drops straight down 90 degrees!

After that, you can relax and enjoy the spectacular entertainment of highly acclaimed shows. Experience the unpredictable Rhino Rally®, an off-road safari river adventure leading to a spectacular river thrill ride, or Mystic Sheiks, Bush Gardens' famous marching band.

There's even a place just for the kids - Land of the Dragons has many kid friendly rides, and children can feed lorikeets at Lory Landing.

Situated just over an hour's drive from Orlando, this African themed adventure park is well worth a visit - or two!