Summertime means SeaWorld for my family here in Orlando. We prefer SeaWorld at this time of year because the park just seems more alive in the hotter temperatures and at the same time feels a bit cooler than other Orlando parks. I talked about this in other articles and blogs etc but it's the truth, Sea World just seems to stay cooler when it gets unbearably hot in Orlando but what has changed is the value of a ticket. We recently spent a full day at Sea World Orlando and I often find myself thinking about the average american family on vacation and wondering if a) they can afford it? and b) is it really worth the money?. Our most recent visit to the marine park was OK and for the most part worth the money but I wanted to share some bullet points for those thinking about visiting Sea World.

• Our family of 2 adults and 3 kids spent $450 for tickets which are actually valid for 2 days but this is the chepeast option at the gate. For discount tickets which can save you a bundle head over to Discount SeaWorld tickets.
• Consider saving even more money by buying the Sea World Summer Nights tickets which will allow entry to the park after 3pm which at first blush probably seems like a waste but let me tell you from experience that this is the option we will choose from now on. The park after about 2pm starts to loose many guests that just can't hang. Imagine being at the park for opening at 9am in the heat, in the thickest crowds of the day trying to hustle from one attraction to the next. Ya, many people are just done by 3pm so the park thins out and you are just now arriving fresh and you still have 7 full hours to enjoy the park. Nice right!?
• Sea World is mostly stadium shows which are all very good with the exception of the daytime Shamu show which I personally feel is underwhelming compared to what it used to be when the trainers where aloud in the water with the animals. I completely understand the reason for the change and I don't want to sound crass but it's worth knowing that if you want to see this show go to the nighttime version which seems more entertaining. This is strictly an opinion. My favorite show is "Cylde and Seamore Take Pirate Island" but I think that might be because of the pre-show Mime who is beyond funny. My kids would pay just to see that act.
• SeaWorld's own website states that no outside food or beverages are aloud in the park except those with special dietary needs such as baby formula which I feel is misleading because virtually know one has the authority to deny hydration to their guests but just so that I'm clear here is exactly what their website says at the time of this writing: "Restaurants and concession stands are located conveniently throughout the park. Large hard or soft coolers, glass containers, food, drinks and picnic lunches may not be taken into the park. Guests with special diets, baby formula or baby food may bring their items into the park." This really upset me because I was about to drop some serious coin at this place and I wasn't about to get hustled into buying water at $2.50 a bottle. When we approached the security check bag check I noticed a small signed stating water bottles and prepackaged individual snacks are permitted in the park. This whole thing still bothers me because it's clear the park just wants to take more of your money by nickel and diming five and tenning you at every opportunity. I imagine they would charge you for the restrooms if they could legally get away with it.
• Again, another serious complaint and something that I will always remember and tell people about. We decided to treat ourselves to dessert. While patiently waiting in line to get soft serve ice cream I was reading the menu which is basically Chocolate or Vanilla with a bunch of topping options (at an extra charge of course) when I was approached by my wife who informed me that I will not be able to purchase a child's portion. I laughed thinking she was being funny and suggesting I should indulge until she pointed out that the small portions are only available to children 9 and under and then she also pointed out that there was a measuring stick on the wall saying you must be below this height to order a child's portion. Right then and there I knew SeaWorld had gone to far. I was even further pushed over the edge when existing the ice cream shop which forces everyone to exit through the arcade and then through the gauntlet of employees trying to give your kids a "one free play ticket" to the carnival style games. Beware of cranky kids wanting to try these stupid games with even worse prizes.
• "Quick Queue" is an extra charge and essentially allows you to enter attractions in a separate line and bypass much of the wait. They offer this in two flavors. a) $27 allows you express entry to each ride once b) $30 allows you unlimited express line entries.
• "All Day Dining Deal" is $30+tax for adults and $15+tax for children and is probably going to save you some money if you are spending the entire day at the park. Read more here.  The food for the most part sucks. They actually got rid of the one thing I thought they did right which was the fire cooked pizzas. Those ovens are now cold and replaced with even more crappy cafeteria style food. I'd rather eat the trees growing outside.
• Rude employees. Most of them are just down right depressing to talk to. They look like zombies and when they do speak it's to bark an order, insult a guest or say something nasty in general. There are still a few great people working for the park and they are delight to interact with but I only met one such employee that day.
• Get familiar with the map. You will criss-cross the park several times throughout your day.