We went to Animal Kingdom last year and it was awesome. Best park at WDW in my opinion. You can't go wrong with Disney. The safari ride and Expedition Everest are two best attractions in my opinion.

I love the Shamu show at Sea World. I didn't "love" anything as much at the Animal Kingdom.

On a really hot summer day, I'd pick the smaller Sea World over AK. Easier to navigate and the animals aren't hiding in the heat of the day.

Can't comment on Sea World bc I haven't been there. WE found the animals to be very active ona hot August day. Just be sure to do the safari ride early in the morning. The Tree of Life there is amazing.

Which do you prefer....animal life or sea life?

I've been to both numerous times.

SeaWorld has fewer rides, but also fewer lines. Excellent animal shows (Yes, the Shamu show is amazing, but Pets Ahoy with rescued pets is terrific).

Both parks are very nicely landscaped. Now that AK has been around for a while, the trees have grown enough to provide decent shade.

If you choose AK, go early and do anything animal viewing-related early. I used to work in a zoo, and I can tell you that in the mid-day heat, animals have the good sense to find a shady spot and stay there.

Honestly, if you enjoy animals you can't go wrong with either one.

I'm a big fan of the small parks in the summer and the big parks in spring and summer. I just hate navigating the BIG parks in the hottest days of the year with the biggest crowds of the year. So, that's my starting point. (Heat + crowds = really icky days at the Disney parks for me)

If animals are the draw, then I'd choose SeaWorld over AK in the summer months. I love SeaWorld and would stop in when I was traveling for business I love it so much. I'd start the visit with a Shamu show and end the day with Shamu too. The Clyde and Seamore show is corny but fun. The penguin exhibit is one of my favorite traveling memories - and a great cool break on a summer's day. As much as I love SeaWorld, AK just didn't do it for me. I'd love to go back to stay at the lodge and watch the animals in the evenings and early mornings, but the park is not much of a draw for me.

http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=462

I'd rather go to Busch Gardens in Tampa. Again, smaller park during the busy and hot summer months and we saw as many animals there as we did at AK.

Yes, I'm biased

Living in Florida, we had annual passes to both parks for several years when the kids were young. I'd have to say our favorite was Sea World. For some reason we found SW to be a better pace for us. Animal Kingdom can be overwhelming but lives up to the Disney standards. It really depends on what you enjoy most. I'd suggest taking a look at their websites to see exactly what they offer (rides, shows, animals, etc.) and decide from there. As previously stated, both parks are beautiful and have lots of great things to enjoy.

I was not impressed with Animal Kingdom. If you've been to a large zoo or similar animal park, you will not find much difference here.

SeaWorld, on the other hand is really enjoyable and very manageable on a 100+ heat index day. With all the "splash" potential & the air conditioned areas, it is just much nicer during hot weather...not sure when you are going tho.

I live a couple hours away from Orlando & get there relatively often, not necessarily for the parks, but just to the area. Seems the opinion of most "locals" is that Animal Kingdom does not have as much to offer as the other parks...I'm sure you'll find some fans, but I'm just speaking very generally. If you only have the time for one park, I'd highly recommend Seaworld. It is definitely a nice full day of entertainment & the night fireworks show with Shamu is really great, if its going on when you are in town.

My preference is Seaworld. AK just wasn't appealing. Seaworld has beer school sponsored by Budweiser(if you're interested in that type of thing)and the restaurant next to it had decent food.

Ditto Seaworld.