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Thursday, June 14, 2007
A SeaWorld Review
Yesterday, we had a chance to go to SeaWorld, San Antonio. If you've been to either of the other SeaWorld parks, it's some, but not all, of the same. You still get to see the shows, and you can still feed the dolphins and sea lions. There are 3 water rides and 2 roller coasters in the main park area, and there is a separate water park area. If you want to spend the money, they also have sea lion and beluga encounters (where you can get up close and personal with some marine mammals). And, since it's an Anheuser- Busch park, there are always the Clydesdales and the hospitality house (more on that later).
First, the good stuff. The shows are great (I loved Viva!, and the boys like Sea Lions Tonight). The animals are as playful as ever. Food at the park is good (but pricey, of course). Lines didn't seem terribly wrong. The park is small enough that you don't knock yourself out trying to get from one end to the other. At the hospitality house, adults may responsibly consume samples of AB products, and, if you want to kick back for a half hour or so, you can sample 4 AB products plus learn food pairings and tips at the Brewmasters Club (which is free, and includes a tasting tray of cheese, crackers, fruit, and chocolate).
Now, the not so good (but not really bad) stuff. If you've been to SeaWorld Orlando, you'll notice a few things missing. There is (understandably) no huge manatee habitat. There is also no sting ray feeding area. You can still feed the dolphins and sea lions, but no sting rays. Of course, the food prices are... steep. $2.50 or so for a bottle of soda you get (overpriced) at a convenience store for $1.25. Water costs about the same (but there are plenty of water fountains with cool water all over the park). If you're going for rides (does anyone actually go to SeaWorld for the rides?), you'll be sorry- the roller coasters are cool, and looked like a long ride, but there are only 5 rides in the park (not including the baby coaster in Shamu's Happy Harbor).
Would I recommend Sea World San Antonio as a place to visit? Sure, if you're going to be in or near San Antonio anyway and have a free day. You should be able to see most everything you want to see in one day (unless you want to hang out at the water park for part of the day, and then you'll probably need two days). Would I go back? Probably- we missed a show or two, and the boys wanted to check out the water park.
All in all, it was a good day. We had fun. And that's what we set out to do.
First, the good stuff. The shows are great (I loved Viva!, and the boys like Sea Lions Tonight). The animals are as playful as ever. Food at the park is good (but pricey, of course). Lines didn't seem terribly wrong. The park is small enough that you don't knock yourself out trying to get from one end to the other. At the hospitality house, adults may responsibly consume samples of AB products, and, if you want to kick back for a half hour or so, you can sample 4 AB products plus learn food pairings and tips at the Brewmasters Club (which is free, and includes a tasting tray of cheese, crackers, fruit, and chocolate).
Now, the not so good (but not really bad) stuff. If you've been to SeaWorld Orlando, you'll notice a few things missing. There is (understandably) no huge manatee habitat. There is also no sting ray feeding area. You can still feed the dolphins and sea lions, but no sting rays. Of course, the food prices are... steep. $2.50 or so for a bottle of soda you get (overpriced) at a convenience store for $1.25. Water costs about the same (but there are plenty of water fountains with cool water all over the park). If you're going for rides (does anyone actually go to SeaWorld for the rides?), you'll be sorry- the roller coasters are cool, and looked like a long ride, but there are only 5 rides in the park (not including the baby coaster in Shamu's Happy Harbor).
Would I recommend Sea World San Antonio as a place to visit? Sure, if you're going to be in or near San Antonio anyway and have a free day. You should be able to see most everything you want to see in one day (unless you want to hang out at the water park for part of the day, and then you'll probably need two days). Would I go back? Probably- we missed a show or two, and the boys wanted to check out the water park.
All in all, it was a good day. We had fun. And that's what we set out to do.
