Sea World San Antonio

Are you seeking a quick getaway? Consider Sea World San Antonio. It is clean, well-maintained, and there's just enough for everyone. 

Park Overview:
Sea World San Antonio is different from other parks in that it includes a rides, a waterpark, and shows – all in one theme park. Like many theme parks, it is divided into several park theme areas. There is literally something to do for all ages and personalities.

Planning Your Visit:

• If at all possible, try to schedule your visit on a weekday. We happened to visit on a Thursday, and none of our wait times for rides exceeded fifteen minutes.
• If you only plan to visit Sea World during your visit to San Antonio, I would suggest selecting a hotel that is near the park – preferably with a continental breakfast area. This will be a big time saver.
• Depending on your family’s personality, plan to arrive when the park opens at 10am.
• Parking is $15, but I would suggest splurging for the VIP “Shamu Express” parking for $5 more. It’s up-close parking, and it makes a world of difference at the end of a long day.
• If you can, study the park map prior to your trip and decided what’s important for you to do.
•  If you decide to feed the dolphins and/or visit the shark tank, go toward that area (called “Dolphin Cove”) first. You won’t regret this because a) the dolphin feeding is popular and best done in the morning; and b) this area is off to itself and, by going there first, it will substantially save you some steps later! (Perhaps it is now evident that I made the mistake of not going here first. After trekking back to it in the heat, lesson learned!)
• The Sesame Street Bay of Play is a large themed area within the park. It includes an EXTREME play structure, a nice-sized water playground, and small rides. The rides were small enough for my preschooler, yet large enough for my two third-graders (but still mild enough for grandma to ride, too!)
• Check the height requirements for the rides before visiting. The largest roller coasters are suitable for your young thrill-seekers that are at least 54” tall, while smaller guests can experience the major water rides.

 

• All of us enjoyed the Sesame Street Bay of Play. The Elmo stage show was cute, and most of the characters visit the crowd afterward for photo ops. (Sorry… you have to pay for a photo op with Elmo).
• One Ocean, Sea World’s new Shamu show, was memorable for its dancing fountains,  the message of conservation, the inspiring music, and, of course, the majestic Shamu whales.
• The Great White was a hit with the thrill-seekers in our group.
• The Journey to Atlantis was a perfect way to close out the day.

• Sea World is a theme park with many WET rides and attractions (even the shows). At some point during the day, you will get wet – it’s just par for the course!
• That said, don’t take your most expensive camera equipment because there’s a chance that it may get wet as well. We brought extra gallon-sized zip bags for cell phones and cameras.
• There are lockers located at the entrance and at each of the larger rides. Lockers can be rented for $1.00 to store your valuables.
• Dress comfortably, again with the expectation that you will get wet. Many visitors wore their swim attire.
• If you plan to visit the Lost Lagoon waterpark, swim wear must be worn.
• Do not bring large coolers – they are not allowed in the park.
• We were allowed to bring in water and light snacks. However, straws had to be removed from all juice drinks (they are harmful to the animals and not allowed in the park).
• Special encounters (like swimming with dolphins, etc.) are extra.

Sea World San Antonio is located at 10500 Sea World Dr., San Antonio, Tx. Adult tickets (10 and up) are $59.99. Child tickets (3-9) are $49.99. Children under 3 are free. Online and group discounts are available.

Sea World provided single-day tickets for my family's visit. This article was originally published on July 14, 2011.