Sea World Orlando: Tips for What to Pack and Bring
Planning a trip to SeaWorld Orlando promises an unforgettable adventure filled with marine life wonders, thrilling rides, and captivating shows. But before you embark on your journey, it's crucial to pack wisely to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From sunscreen to comfortable attire, here's a comprehensive guide on what to pack and what to know before visiting SeaWorld Orlando.
Sea World Orlando: Tips for What to Pack and Bring
My family of 5 visited Sea World Orlando when we were visiting Florida in December and had so much fun! We conquered the entire Sea World Theme Park in one day and we cannot wait to go back again in the future. There are so many amazing Sea World attractions that we could visit multiple times and still not have seen it all, which I love as a parent. If you are planning a trip to Orlando and want to visit Sea World, do not feel overwhelmed. Sea World Orlando is laid out so well to navigate with children and the staff are so friendly and helpful. Before packing for your trip to Sea World Orlando, check out these 11 essential items your family should bring for a successful and fun visit to the Sea World Orlando park.
11 Items to Pack When Visiting Sea World Orlando
Swim Suits
If you are visiting Sea World in the Spring and Summer months especially you are going to want to pack swimsuits for your children so they can have fun in the Sesame Street Splash area. Even older children or adults will want swimsuits if you are heading onto the water themed rides throughout the park, such as: Infinity Falls & Journey to Atlantis. The Orca shows are splashing fun too and if you sit in the front, you will get SOAKED! Do not find yourself unprepared for the water fun at Sea World!
We visited Sea World Orlando in December, and it was still in the high 80’s and the splash area in Sesame Street World was in full effect! Having swimsuits packed or on your child year-round means they don’t have to miss out on water fun at Sea World Orlando!
2. Change of Clothes
For the same reasons mentioned above, it’s always nice to have a change of clothes so you aren’t miserable during a day long trip to Sea World Orlando. With small children, it’s nice to have a change of clothes for spills or accidents. I like to roll the shirts and shorts and put them in a gallon freezer bag so that I can find them easily if I need them and they will not get wet inside of a bag!
3. Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the Florida sun with a high SPF sunscreen. Its Orlando, Florida - it’s hot! We visited in December, and it was still high 80s most of our trip. Pack sunscreen so you don’t have to worry about sunburns! We love the spray sport sunscreen because it is easy to apply on wiggly children on the move and it’s not sticky! I would recommend packing this or at least applying before you head into the SeaWorld Orlando Park, as its much more expensive to buy once you get into the SeaWorld theme park.
4. Stroller
If you are visiting Sea World Orlando with young children or toddlers, a stroller is a must. SeaWorld is a huge theme park - spanning 200 acres. Plan ahead if you think your child will get tired to make the end of the visit easier when you are heading out with tired kids in tow. If you are traveling from afar and do not want to bring a stroller on your trip do not worry! Sea World Orlando rents single and double strollers. You can rent a stroller for 40 dollars a day
5. Hat and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun's rays with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
6. Comfortable Shoes: Expect a lot of walking, so opt for comfortable, supportive shoes.
7. Water Bottles: Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing a reusable water bottle or buying a refillable bottle. Sea World Souvenir Cup and Refills I would recommend purchasing the SeaWorld cup to refill throughout the day. We got 3 SeaWorld Orlando souvenir cups to refill during our visit for free all day. The refills can be fountain drinks or Icee’s! If you plan on visiting any of the related parks (Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove) make sure you keep the cup and take it back for .99c refills.
8. Camera or Smartphone: Capture memories of your SeaWorld adventure with a camera or smartphone.
9. Rain Gear: Florida weather can be unpredictable, so pack a lightweight rain jacket or disposable ponchos so you dont have to rush to buy overpriced options at the gift shop. If you do not need to use them, no big deal save them for your next trip! You will not regret remembering to pack ponchos.
10. Backpack or Bag: Carry your essentials in a comfortable backpack or bag. A fanny pack / sling belt purse is the key to my sanity during any theme park trip. I brought mine to Sea World Orlando and loved having my valuables close to me and my hands free to help kids and access things without having to juggle a big purse.
11. Baby wipes: for sticky hands after snacks or a meal or after your children touch lot of things!
12. Hand Sanitizer: Maintain hand hygiene with a travel-sized hand sanitizer.
13. Portable Phone Charger - Parents love to take a ton of photos and videos to remember vacations and trips and that drains phone batteries pretty quick! Do not add the stress of a dead phone while at Sea World and pack a portable charger. At less than 20$ this investment is well worth it and then you can be a parent paparazzi with no fear about the charge!Having the Sea World App downloaded to use to find ride wait times, navigate the park, and find other helpful information will be invaluable. You will want to have a charged phone to be able to utilize the Sea World app.
14. Bathing suits - In Sesame Street area the water play areas get a lot of love by the younger children.
15. Towels -If you are planning to spend time at the splash area in Sesame Street or ride any of the water rides at SeaWorld Orlando, you will want a towel. We typically bring 1-2 for our family to share. Roll it up and put it in a bag with a change of clothes and make it easier when you need to change children at the SeaWorld park.
What to Know:
Park Hours: Check the park's operating hours before your visit to plan your day effectively. Plan for larger crowds during special events during the year like during winter months for the Christmas celebrations.
Attraction Schedule: Take note of showtimes and attraction schedules to make the most of your visit.
Height and Age Restrictions: Some rides and attractions have height and age restrictions, so be aware before queuing. Go over which roller coasters your children will be able to do, and highlight the attractions in the park geared towards them so everyone is on the same page. Sesame Street land is going to be a great place for visiting Sea World with little ones as its packed with family-friendly rides.
Animal Feeding Times: Don't miss the opportunity to witness animal feedings and interactive experiences.
Dining Options: SeaWorld offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants and snack stands, but outside food and beverages are not allowed. Spoiler alert you have to eat at Sharks Underwater Grill, my son's favorite dining choice. The whole family will enjoy their meal and you can see the sharks so close beside your table!
Is the all day Sea World Orlando Dining Pass Worth it?
The SeaWorld Orlando dining pass is 49.99$ per day per person. This includes a meal and beverage every 90 minutes. If you want to eat full meals at the park this would be a great way to save. Our family of 5 spent over 250$ on food at the SeaWorld Orlando Park during our day visit. Most of this cost came from our lunch at Sharks Underwater Bar and Grill, which cost 150$. That was hands down my favorite part of the SeaWorld Park, so we knew we would be spending more for that meal.
You could save on dining by sharing the all day dining pass or eating smaller snacks during your visit.
I would recommend the dining pass if you have a teenager that will be going off alone or with a group of friends during a visit. That way you dont have to give cash or your card, can purchase the pass and they can access meals and beverages throughout the visit as needed.
SeaWorld Orlando has 8 total restaurants included in All-Day Dining Deal at SeaWorld Orlando. Voyager's Smokehouse, Expedition Café, Captain Pete's Hot Dogs, Seafire Grill, Lakeside Grill, Altitude Burgers, Panini Bistro, and Waterway Grill, and Breakfast at Seafire Grill.
What to Wear:
Lightweight Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather.
Swimwear: If you plan to visit water attractions, bring swimwear and a change of clothes.
Layers: Florida weather can change throughout the day, so dress in layers for comfort.
Comfortable Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes suitable for walking long distances.
When to Visit: Consider visiting SeaWorld Orlando during weekdays or during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. Additionally, aim to arrive early to maximize your time in the park and experience popular attractions with shorter wait times. We took our first trip with our family during beginning of December and did not have to wait in lines and had the time of our lives. We rode roller coasters multiple times by the end of the day.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Respect Wildlife: Remember to respect the animals and follow all guidelines provided by SeaWorld staff.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in the Florida heat.
Plan Your Route: Study the park map in advance and plan your route to minimize walking distance.
Be Prepared for Security Checks: Expect security checks upon entry, so pack accordingly to expedite the process.
Follow COVID-19 Guidelines: Stay updated on any COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions implemented by SeaWorld Orlando for a safe visit.
A trip to SeaWorld Orlando promises endless excitement and memorable experiences for the entire family. By packing wisely, knowing what to expect, and following these tips, you can make the most of your visit while creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. So, gear up, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure any time of year at SeaWorld Orlando in Central Florida!
Can I bring my own food into Sea World Orlando?
No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into SeaWorld Orlando, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle.
