When visiting Orlando, Florida (USA) there is a tendency to go with the two theme park mammoths of Walt Disney World and/or Universal Orlando. However, if you have been to Orlando before, you will know that this barely scratches the surface of what is on offer.
So on a recent visit to the Sunshine State, the #NInja decided to give some of the other parks / attractions in the area a blast and see how they fair in comparison!
Seaworld
SeaWorld is probably best known for its world famous shows (in particular the whale shows) but in reality is a fantastic theme park with plenty of other animal experiences and heart pounding rides that will entertain all the family.
This particular #Ninja loves his roller coaster action and Seaworld has not one, not two, but THREE that are as good as anything around ….
Mako – Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster.
Mako takes you 200 feet high at 73 mph and really blows your socks off. If you have been on the front row of this coaster than the “best rollercoaster in Orlando” discussion is a redundant argument. An incredible thrill ride that you will want to ride again and again!
Kraken – Billed as “Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster” this has been Seaworld Orlando’s staple thrill ride for almost 20 years! This will be a thrill seekers dream as it takes you at highway speeds to 150 feet high.
Manta – The coaster that turns you into a giant ray! You fly head first and face down through a nerve wracking coaster experience. This is a NInja favourite and one all adrenalin junkies shouldn’t miss as you get the chance to feel what it would be like to fly!
Jourrney to Atlantis – If you love water rides this one is definitely for you. A log flume ride that finishes with a waterfall that plunges you into the waters below. You WILL get wet (but not completely soaked) and luckily, Orlando gets the good weather to dry you off fairly quickly after this ride!
Antarctica: Empire of the Penquin -This is a motion based simulator ride that transports you to the icy world of Antarctica and you experience it through the eyes of a penguin called Puck.
Two options to choose from, you can choose from either the mild or wild ride. This NInja will always go for the wild however the mild option is there and is exactly the same ride but without any spins.
Seaworld Shows:
Once Ocean – This is SeaWorld’s signature killer whale show known the world over.
This show takes all guests on a journey into the world of the killer whale. Its an awe-inspiring show where you get to witness the power and grace of the killer whales. This NInja recommends you sit in the soak zone to get the full experience of this show … sure you will dry off easy enough!!
Dolphin Days – This show will entertain, inspire and educate all the family as you get an up close look at the relationships they have with their trainers. The show also includes tropical birds. Try to get in early to get good seat though!
Clyde and Seamore’s Sea Lion High – Lots of fun audience interaction in this show.
It’s full of fun, laughter, education and the big personalities of sea lions, walruses and otters – if you dont laugh at some point during this then you need a new funny bone!
There are also lots of walk through exhibits as you go round the park – including:
- Pacific Point Reserve – Sea lions and seals
- Shark Encounter – Walk through the shark aquariums
- Dolphin Cove – Poolside and underwater view of SeaWorld’s bottlenose dolphins
- Stingray Lagoon – Another NInja favourite, this is your chance to pet a stingray
SeaWorld Orlando is a wonderful theme park, with its relaxed atmosphere, wide array of rides, animals and shows there will be something to suit all the family no matter the age.
Aquatica
Aquatica, put simply, is an amazing waterpark! There are plenty of rides and attractions for all ages along with plenty of loungers and umbrellas if you’d prefer to just relax for the day and let the rest of the family go mad!
The main area (in the middle of the park) has the beach with the loungers and the wave pools. The waves go at intervals – Its announced and theres a timer for when the waves are due to start in case you need to make a quick exit!
The lazy river system is great and a bit different from what you normally find in a waterpark. There are two different rivers – the one with the Tube is the traditional lazy river (Loggerhead Lane) but there is also another one for swimmers (Roa’s Rapids). Stick on your life vest and jump in, it’s a faster paced river which is really good fun.
Tassie Twisters are only accessible from the Lazy River so watch out for the signs for where to exit in Loggerhead Lane.This Tube ride shoots you into a giant bowl and spins you around and around before shooting you back out to join the Lazy River again.
One of the best slides is IHU’s Breakaway Falls – you stand in the tube and countdown to the floor just disappearing from under you! The anticipation is the worst bit! It’s a great ride, a must do! (There is also a version of the slide which doesn’t have the breakaway floor if that sounds too crazy for you!)
Brand new this year is Ray Rush. A raft ride for a minimum of two people which is so much fun! Your raft gets launched out at speed down the slide and then you’re swooping high out onto the Manta wings!
Another great raft ride for the family is Walhalla Wave. Loads of twists and turns as you shoot down the slidetogether in a raft – so grab the family and jump in.
A #NInja favourite is the Taumata Racers. An individual mat ride for up to 8 people, race head first against your mates down the slide! Always great fun and remember to check your time to see who wins (this #NInja always won!!)
One of the top signature attractions is The Dolphin Plunge. Twin slides which send you though a Dolphin pool with black and white Commersons Dolphin so keep your eyes peeled! There’s also a viewing area for the Dolphins if you want a closer look.
There are plenty of tube rides as well, such as Omaka Rocka which you speed down into the huge funnels and slide high up on both sides.
One of the #NInjas favourite tube rides is Whanau Way. One or two person tube rides but a NInja top tip is go for the 2 person tube ride as it’s faster and you get plenty of air time on the last part of the ride! Look out for the Aquatica photographers taking your pics on this one!
Kookaburra Cove and Walkabout Waters are areas for the little people. There’s so much on offer in these areas and if you’ve got smaller children you’ll probably find yourself here for a good part of the day.
Lockers and Towels can be rented if you need to. We rented a locker just for valuables and used it as and when we needed to. There are showers as well once your day at the park is over which is great bonus if you’re heading on elsewhere etc
Ninja Top Tip – If you’re gonna be there for probably 2+ days consider purchasing a refillable cup – 2nd day you bring your cup and pay once for all day refills. Well worth it if there are a couple of you wanting drinks through the day …. and the frozen drinks are an amazing refresher!!
There are a lot of waterpark options in the Orlando area – however time and again Aquatica matches and surpasses the other choices, certainly in this #NInja’s opinion, and its constant improvement (new slides already planned for 2019) means return visits will always be required!
Busch Gardens
Fancy a break from Orlando, then there is no better place to go than Busch Gardens. Located in Tampa, an hour’s drive on the I-4 from the Disney/Orlando area, Busch Gardens opened in 1959 (NInja fact; that’s actually years before any of the Orlando theme parks opened).
Busch Gardens is a hot spot for thrill seekers, given its array of roller coasters to choose from.
Busch Gardens has an African theme, and once you enter the park, you can work your way around Egypt, Edge of Africa, Nairobi, Pantopia, Congo, Jungala, Stanleyville, Bird Gardens and Morocco. There is also the Serengeti Plain, which can be viewed by train or the Skyride.
As well as this, younger visitors can get their kicks at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
Some of the best roller coasters that you will experience throughout your holiday in Florida will be done right here at Busch.
This NInja’s personal favourites are SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Montu, Kumba and Cobra’s Curse. That’s five coasters spread across this exhilarating park. That moment on SheiKra when you are looking down and dangling over the track’s drop is something that has to be experienced first hand. At the time of its construction, it was America’s fasted and tallest dive coaster!
Away from the coasters, another heart stopping, gut-wrenching ride is Falcon’s Fury Drop Tower. It reaches a maximum height of 335ft, making it North America’s tallest free-standing drop tower. The free fall takes about five seconds, meaning you reach a speed of 60 miles per hour as you plummet. If that’s not NInjatastic then I don’t know what is!?!
Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you’re not a huge roller coaster fan (and why not!?) that there is nothing for you at Busch Gardens.
Firstly, for all those water ride fans, there’s the Congo River Rapids and the Stanley Falls Flume Ride. So dress light and go get wet!
After that, the list goes on as to what is available at Busch, with various rides, walk-through exhibits and experiences on show. The Serengeti Express Railway Track Ride, Jungle Flyers Swing ride, Tree Top Trails, Lory Landing Walk-Through Exhibit, Skyride, Aviary Walk-Through Exhibit, Sand Serpent Roller coaster, Animal Nursery Walk-Through Exhibit, Grand Caravan Carousel, Wild Surge Drop Tower, Myombe Reserve Walk-Through Exhibit, and the Edge of Africa Walk-Through Exhibit to name but a few.
As touched on earlier, there is also the Sesame Street Safari of Fun. This is where the younger NInjas amongst you can enjoy kid-friendly rides, water fun and adventures with Sesame Street characters! As the Busch Gardens website itself states, you can fly through the desert with Grover, climb in Elmo’s Tree House, and splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole. A trip to this safari will leave kids with a life time of memories.
Dining in Busch is also a joy to behold. With the Serengeti Overlook Restaurant, with views that’ll live long in the memory, to Dragon Fire Grill & Pub, Zambia Smokehouse, Garden Gate Cafe and Zagora Cafe Bengal Bistro. And that’s just the start. No matter what your preference is, it’s catered for at Busch.
Another NInja tip is that given Busch Gardens location, you can spend all day at the park, having the time of your life, and then head into Tampa and take in a ball game. The Tampa Bay Rays baseball team play in the nearby Tropicana Field. So check their schedule and you may be able to take in 2 American past times all in one day.
So be smart like a NInja, book your tickets and get yourself along to Busch Gardens on your next trip to Orlando. You will not be disappointed!
Discovery Cove
The Crown Jewel in the Seaworld Parks is undoubtedly Discovery Cove. Put simply, DC is an escape from the nonstop madness of the Orlando theme parks and allows you to retreat to a calming oasis … yet still has enough to keep you occupied!!
You need to pre-book your day at DC as numbers are limited per day in an attempt to keep that exclusivity the park is known for.
You arrive early for check in – similar to a luxury hotel check in – where you provide your booking details and identification, before being shown to the breakfast and orientation area where all the details of your day are explained. Along the way there is an abundance of staff who will answer all queries.
Food and drink is included in the day ticket so your breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snacks are complimentary throughout the day allowing you not to worry about handling money and paying for things. There are also a selection of alcoholic beverages included as well so you are able to properly relax in the sunshine!
Breakfast is a plethora of hot and cold items, enough that you will be fully stocked for your day ahead!! You are assigned a locker area and there you are supplied with towels, wetsuits and suncream for your day ahead. Lunch (at the same area) has enough choice for all types of people, while the snacks and drinks in between will keep you well energised or cooled off!
There are several highlights within Discovery Cove – away from the man-made beaches and luxurious relaxation zones – and every one of them should be experienced with your party:
Learn about & Swim with a Dolphin
What an experience this is! The main reason for most people in purchasing this day pass will be the opportunity for a one on one encounter with a dolphin. You are given an allocated time at some point through the day when your dolphin experience will happen. At this point you meet for a short orientation from the friendly instructors and dolphin trainers, before you head to the fresh water lagoons.
The water temperature will shock you at first as its much more chilled than the rest of the areas – but that will be why you are provided with a wetsuit or wetsuit vest (it is compulsory to wear one when you enter any water area in Discovery Cove). Wading into the lagoon you get to stroke, pet, hug and even feed a dolphin before its just you swimming alone with your new best friend – an amazing experience!
You then get the chance to purchase a photo / video package of your once in a lifetime experience that has been captured by a professional photographer / videographer who is alongside you in the water.
The Grand Reef
After being provided with a snorkel at the locker areas, you can head straight to the reef where you can swim through tropical surroundings, snorkelling with a variety of fish – yet another chance to get up close and personal with your new underwater buddies!
Animal Meet & Greets
There are some amazing opportuities that pop up throughout the day to meet such creatures as a two-toed sloth, a kinkachu (honey bear) or a giant tortoise. You can also head to the Explorers Aviary to hand feed a selection of tropical birds!
Seaventure
If you are an underwater thrill seeker then you can even experience the Grand Reef in a completely different way by wearing dive helmets and coming eye to eye with the schools of fish, rays and even zebra sharks … through the safety of of a glass panel!! (*additional charges apply for this attraction)
Relaxation Station
Want to take some time away from swimming? Then grab a quick refreshment and head into the Freshwater Oasis or Serenity Bay for the perfect way to chill out in the sun.
Every one should experience DC at some point – whether they are visiting Orlando for the first time, or if its one of many repeat visits. The big selling point is always going to be the Dolphin Swim however the chance to retreat to an all expenses paid relaxation area is enticing enough to anyone regardless of whether they want to take the opportunity to swim with some friendly porpoises!
#NInja Conclusion
In summary, the choice on offer with these parks is certainly comparable to the Disney and Universal products. There is so much variety in what they can offer, and whilst they may not have the polished shine or magic of Disney, they will more than fill your day with bundles of hours of fun for kids and adults alike.
The best value ticket for visiting these parks is the 3-Park Seaworld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Ticket, or the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package. The 3-Park ticket offering 14 days unlimted entry to those 3 parks when guests book and visit before 31 December 2019. Tickets also include free parking at the 3 Parks.
The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package includes a one day reservation at Discovery Cove (with 30 min dolphin swim experience, all meals, snacks and beverages included) plus 14 days unlimited entry to Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Aquantcia Orlando
The biggest selling point however is the ticket price – offering you entry to Seaworld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens for 14 consecutive days from only £110 per adult or £106 per child. This stacks up very well against the more premium priced Disney and Universal ticket entry and allows for many repeat visits over 2 weeks.
For more information on Seaworld Paks please visit seaworldparks.co.uk or for ticket purchases, visit attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk – or why not visit your local #NInja travel agency who can help plan your perfect Orlando holiday.
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