I'm going to Sea World this December and would like to know if there is anything that is not to be missed. Also we're going for one day, can we see everything? If not what should we skip that maybe isn't "must-see" How are the rides? Thanks.

Which Sea World location are you going to?

Oops sorry! San Diego.

I saw everthing ( well almost in less then 3 hours) I missed the bears and penguins but my boy really wanted to leave. It was nice but not a whole days worth in my opinion. I liked it but we got to see all we wanted to in short order and gone back to the motel to swim. :)
we had our pic's done there, you know the ones they draw? very cute! we loved it. also saw a few shows, I liked them, my kids got bored.

missm - A lot of it will depend on what you're specifically interested in. If there's a particular animal you love, then of course make sure to see them. You've got your choice of killer whales, dolphins, sharks, manatees, penguins, polar bears, walruses, beluga whales, otters, sea lions and a miriad of fish. It also depends on what your interest is in them. I've been at Sea World for a whole day, from 9am until 11pm, by myself, didn't go to one show and still had a hard time making myself leave. But then, I can sit for hours and watch the polar bears and whales doing not much of anything. Some people aren't into that. It would be hard to see *everything* on one trip, but what's important is that you see what you want to see. December hours are also going to be shorter than, say, summer hours.

I'd definitely recommend Wild Arctic. There are polar bears, walruses and beluga whales in that exhibit. There's a ride at the beginning that uses the same technology as Star Tours, but if you don't want to deal with it, just go to the "non-moving" side. You still get the same film but without the bumpy. You then can walk past the three exhibit areas and spend as much time watching them as you like. It's a nicely themed attraction.

Just for the fun of it, try to catch a Shamu show. I usually only watch the show because I get a good view of some of the whales, because otherwise, I just watch them in their holding tanks. The dolphin show is ok. It can sometimes be hard to see the dolphins in their holding tanks, so again, it's a good way to really see the animals. The sea lion and otter show is just ok - you don't get nearly enough time with the animals, imo.

I'd definitely recommend the Penguin Encounter. It's really fun to watch them, and in December, they'll be really active because it'll be their summer time.

I happen to love watching the manatees, so I'd recommend wandering through there as well. The shark encounter is pretty cool too. Terrifying things. At Rocky Point Preserve, you can see dolphins and sea otters, but with how they've changed things, the dolphins are a bit harder to see. The otters are always fun to watch, though.

As for the other rides, unless you really feel compelled, I'd skip them. In December, I'm not sure you're going to want to get wet, and both of the rides (Shipwreck Rapids and Journey to Atlantis) will get you wet, and neither of them are really worth the bother (though I've not personally ridden Shipwreck). If you wander around the Shipwreck Rapids and Cafe area, you'll get a pretty good idea of what the ride is like. It's got great theming though. As for Journey to Atlantis, you can pretty much see most of the ride from the front area. About the only thing I'd recommend is to look at the commerson dolphins, who are at the exit of the ride, next to the gift shop. I love that they're accessible to the public again.

There are two other rides that require a separate admission. The Skytower is pretty cool and you get a great view of the surrounding area. The Skyride is nice too, but I'm not sure if that's usually running in December.

Other than that, there are a ton of aquariums with all kinds of fish. If you're into that, by all means go. Fish don't do much for me, so we usually skip them.

I think that about covers it. Let me know if you have any specific questions. It's actually been a little while since we've had a chance to go down there. Maybe November.

Wow. Thanks for all the info. I love "animal-watching." We're taking a shuttle from our hotel in Anaheim to Sea World so we'll be there from opening until closing. I've always wanted to see a show at Sea World. I will definately watch the Shamu show. Thanks again.

See if they still offer teh dine with shamu - that is actually nice, and good food also. Make sure you get a seat up front and try to get the middle!

Check on how to register for it - if I recall correctly you can only sign up the day-of, so get there right when the park opens to get the best seats.

^ The reservation center is located to the right when ou enter the park...

Right now, there are 4 shows at SeaWorld, let me place them in the order you should make sure and see them, IMHO

1. The Shamu Adventure, hey it is Shamu.... Sit in the upper rows of the lower section, or the lower rows of the upper section. You will get WET if you sit in the middle and lower seats of the lower section. Currently 2 of the Killer Whales are expecting, so there is a possibility that they will need to stop offering the show if one of them goes into labor. They have already relocated 3 whales to Orlando to make room for the 2 new calves.

2. Dolphin Discovery - A fun little show

3. Pets Rule! - a showcase of animals, which they have tried to place in a show with some laughs

4. Haunted Lighthouse 4-D - This is one that you can miss, unless someone in the family is a R.L. Stine fan.

The Sea Lion and Otter show is being totally redone, rehersals start in October, the show should open in March.... Until then, there is a chance to see Sea Lions up close next to the Pineapple Pete's smoothie shop.. check the map for showtimes.

As for rides...

1. Journey to Atlantis, this 6 and 1/2 minute ride is fun, and while you will get a bit wet is still worth it.

2. Shipwreck Rapids, the usual large multi-person white water ride, but a well decorated one... you will get wet, they do have lockers near the entrance.

3. Wild Arctic, take the motion version, it isn't that bad, and is fun... the animal area is very well done, especially in the themeing.

4. SkyTower, awesome views of San Diego, well worth the money.

5. SkyRide, typical bucket ride, for $2 more (than just the SkyTower) it is OK....

Have young kids, then Shamu's Happy Harbor is for you, a large playground area, with a large dry area, but also a WET area, so I would bring some extra clothes for them....

For adults, there is the Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center, which offers FREE beer (2 8 ounce samples), also they offer a free Beer School if you have a beer fan in the group.

Next to the Hospitality Center is the Clysedale Hamlet, they are amazing to see upclose. If you are a horse fan, find out when the daily hitching will be (usually about 1:30 PM).

The Penguin encounter is worth checking out, as is the Shark Encounter.

As for the feeding opportunities, I would put the Dolphin Encounter at the top of the list, they feed the dolphins a few times a day, check the area, they will post when the food goes on sale ($4 a tray, 2 for $7).

Forbidden Reef has bat rays you can feed, they will eat right out of your hand...

The Sea Lion and Seal pool, you throw the fish into the tank, but heck, you can just watch someone else do that....

As to where to eat, well, that is something SeaWorld does well.

My choices for a meal.

DIne with Shamu.. a show and a meal combined in one...

Shipwreck Rapids Cafe, lots of choices, served buffteria style

Calypso Bay Smokehouse is good if you like BBQ

Pineapple Pete's has great waffle cones and smoothies.

SeaWorld has plenty to do, and you should have a great time :)

See if they still offer teh dine with shamu - that is actually nice, and good food also. Make sure you get a seat up front and try to get the middle!

Check on how to register for it - if I recall correctly you can only sign up the day-of, so get there right when the park opens to get the best seats.

Dine with Shamu is still available, but I'd actually recommend against it for a short trip. Yes, it's a nice experience, but it takes quite a bit of time. If someone wants to see as much as possible and has a lot to see, I'd suggest a quicker meal.

Thanks so much for all the info guys!