Expert: Steve Summers - 8/3/2003

Question
hi steve,

hope you can help me. my family (husband, me, 6 year old, and 2 year old) are flying from san francisco to san diego on wednesday morning. we are staying at the marina marriott and will be going to seaworld on friday. this will be our first seaworld experience. any tips that you have would be much appreciated. one of my friends recommended renting a double stroller and bringing changes of clothing for the kids in case they get wet. what about the "must sees" or the things we should do first to beat the crowds?

i would appreciate your expertise!
:), kristen

Answer
Hi Kristen!

I think renting a double stroller is an excellent idea. It sure beats carrying 2 tired kids around (I have 4 kids, including a 2yo). I do have some Sea World tips for you:

-Taking a change of clothes is a good idea. If you are planning on getting wet (on a ride, or at Happy Harbor for instance), do it early in the day so that you can stay cool during the heat of the day. DO NOT sit in the first 3 rows of the Shamu show. You will get SOAKED. Imagine jumping into the Shamu tank. In fact, I have seen people in the tenth row get wet. It is much more fun to watch others get wet and watch them slosh around in wet shoes all day. Besides, it's no fun when your underwear starts to ride high.

-Dress for comfort: Comfortable sneakers, cool clothing, etc. You probably won't need it, but take a sweater in case you get some fog and a breeze.

-Plan your day: Download a map from www.seaworld.com (click on the link to California). Since SW does not publish the show scedule on the Internet, you should plan your itinerary as soon as you get in. Must see: Sea Lion "Fools with Tools" show, Shamu (sit back), Dolphin Discovery, and Shark Encounter. With young kids, you will probably want to spend some time in Shamu's Happy Harbor. The Shark Encounter is cool because you get to walk through a clear plexiglas tube, with sharks all around you. The Sea Lion show is the most entertaining. Don't forget to pace yourself. Another tip is to try to sit near the exits. The last time I went to SW, I remember that we sat near the exits because we had to rush from one show to another immediately following. If you plan your day, you can hopefully avoid this. The best time to arrive for shows is about 15 minutes before, but this may be difficult with small kids. Also, others may have the same great idea.

Other tips:
-Get there early. You can see quite a bit before the crowds arrive.
-How about "Breakfast with Shamu" or "Dining with Shamu"? The kids will never forget it. Call 800-275-4742
-Shipwreck Rapids is one of those "get wet" raft style rides. Ride it only if you don't mind getting wet.
-"Wild Artic" is one of those simulated motion rides like "Star Tours". I have heard that you can take the "non motion" option, though.
-Food is going to be expensive. Not that great, either.

Have you thought of the 3-in-1 pass? The San Diego Zoo is THE BEST zoo anywhere, and the kids would enjoy it a lot.

You didn't mention Legoland, but I thought that I'd mention it because your kids are in the right age group.

The Marriot is just down the street from one of my favorite SD restaurants, Anthony's. Tip: Get there just before 11 AM, when they open. You can get a window table without having to wait. I don't know if the kids like seafood, but our 2-year-old will eat shrimp and rice.

Also, check out the Star of India, just down the street. Tell the kids it's a pirate ship (or that it was used to fight pirates), and they will enjoy it immensely. Arrgh.

For the best, most comprehensive coverage of San Diego, check out www.localwally.com. I think Wally must be retired, or has a lot of time on his hands.

Have fun!

Steve