23 Best Sights in SeaWorld Orlando, Florida

This is clearly the premier experience at Discovery Cove, but before you picture yourself frolicking alone with these playful creatures, remember that your "swim" is largely done alongside your fellow guests and is carefully supervised and restricted for the safety of both you and the dolphins. Despite the limitations, however, the attraction offers you the unique chance to touch, feed, play with, and even kiss a bottlenose dolphin, one of the most social and communicative marine animals. Before you can get into the lagoon, you'll attend a 15-minute orientation consisting of a film plus a few words from a dolphin trainer. Following the orientation, you and up to eight other guests will spend roughly 30 minutes interacting with one of a few dozen dolphins. Although you are only knee-deep in the water most of the time, it's surprisingly chilly, so you'll be grateful for the mandatory, Discovery Cove–provided wet suit.

When in the water, trainers teach you hand signals used to communicate with the dolphins and with them you can instruct your dolphin to roll over so you can touch its belly or signal it to leap into the air. Near the end of the session you have a chance to swim out to deeper water, catch hold of the dolphin's fin, and have it pull you back to shore—and you even get a moment to pose for a picture with your newfound friend. Be prepared for the photo finish: after you leave the water and return to the orientation cabana, the skilled trainers quickly transform into a determined souvenir-photo sales team. For people with disabilities: Alert staffers to your hearing, vision, or mobility issues when you're making reservations, and they'll have someone there to offer special assistance—signing or having a modified wheelchair at the ready. Note that the pool here is "zero entry," so there are no steps to contend with. Be mindful of the appointment time on your badge. You don't want to miss the experience of a lifetime.

As the park opens, many coaster lovers head straight for Kraken, and when you see its loops and dips you'll know why. Named after an angry sea monster, this wickedly fast coaster takes you underground three times, lifts you higher (up to 149 feet), drops you longer, and spirals you faster than you'd expect. Kraken also packs a serious punch thanks to its floorless seats (your legs dangle loosely), seven inversions, and moments of weightlessness. The line for it moves pretty quickly because of a high seating capacity. Note that bags aren't allowed past the turnstiles. It costs about 50¢ to leave them in a locker, but it's worth the investment. This is one cool coaster, though not for anyone with motion sickness or back, neck, or heart conditions. For people with disabilities: You must transfer from your wheelchair to the ride vehicle. Come as soon as the park opens—especially to snag front-row seats. Otherwise, use a Quick Queue pass (extra fee required) or come near closing or during a Blue Horizons show.

While waiting in line for this incredible coaster, you're ushered past 10 aquariums containing more than 3,000 sea creatures, including 100 species of fish, graceful rays, sea dragons, and sea horses. This alone is fascinating, but this gentle encounter is followed by the sight of row after row of guests being locked down, strapped in, and firmly secured for... what's about to happen. You'll be suspended horizontally (face down!) beneath a 12-foot, stingray-shaped, roller-coaster car, which leaps out of the station, attaining speeds of up to 56 mph on a ½-mile race of loops as it spins around and above the aquarium. At times you are so close to the water that the coaster's wings skim the surface. There are four inversions and a drop of more than 10 stories. Halfway through, the ride slows down a bit and you may think it's over—but it's not. There are even more twists and spins ahead. Kids will love the aquarium entrance; daring older children and adults will love the thrill of the ride. Avoid this ride if you're pregnant, suffer from motion sickness, or have back, neck, or heart problems. For people with disabilities: You must transfer to the ride seat, properly use the ride restraint, and be able to grip a harness with one hand. Come first thing or late in the day, or use a Quick Queue pass (extra fee required).

Within this stadium, SeaWorld's iconic mascot, Shamu, and other orcas star in a choreographed spectacle. For safety the trainers stay out of the water, which dilutes the thrills, but everything—not just the animals—still seems larger than life. A three-story whale-tail backdrop, enormous LED screens, a brilliant oceanic color palette, rhythmic music, and surround sound set the scene for the killer-whale performances. Celebrating how we and other creatures are all connected to the world we share, the show also incorporates fountains, an innovation inspired by regular interactions between whales and trainers, who have long used water hoses in play sessions. Perhaps you've heard tales of so-called soak zones? They exist. It takes only a wave of these creatures' massive flukes or a well-placed belly flop to throw gallons of water into the stands. Even in the upper reaches of the splash zones, you'll still get wet—fun at the time, but less so a few hours later if you didn't bring a change of clothes. If you've seen Believe, you may be disappointed; if not, this show may still be entertaining. For people with disabilities: If you're using a wheelchair, you and a companion can sit in a special area near the front-row soak zone, and others in your party can sit nearby. Assisted-listening devices are available. The show itself lasts about 25 minutes, but there's also a 20-minute preshow, so plan accordingly. For an extra fee, reserve a seat through Signature Show Seating.

SeaWorld never holds back when it comes to stage shows, and this one, similar in style and feel to Cirque du Soleil, is no exception. It is framed by the story of a fisherman who falls overboard into a new world beneath the waves. The colorful, costumed inhabitants of this underwater kingdom astound the fisherman with their amazing talents on the trampoline, rocket themselves through hoops, and leap onto towering poles and stick to them like chameleons. Acrobats march into the audience with festive Chinese dragons, find wonderful new uses for hula hoops, and perform impressive feats with hanging strips of silk. You might want to see this show twice—there's so much taking place you're likely to miss some wonderful moments. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs have reserved seating at the rear of the theater. Assisted-listening devices are available. Although the auditorium seats more than 1,000 and you won't feel packed in, arrive at least 15 minutes early for a wider choice of seats. Reserved seats can be arranged through Signature Show Seating.

Lined with swaying palms, tropical foliage, quaint thatched huts, and speckled with shady umbrellas, hammocks, lounges, and beach chairs, this is where you claim your own private spot in the sand. Since the park's biggest selling point is its limited guest capacity, the most seductive aspect is lying in the sun and leaving the real world behind. For the most privacy, head to the far west end of Discovery Cove, where the beach chairs are more plentiful and private cabanas (from $60) are available. For people with disabilities: Modified beach wheelchairs are available. With attendance limited to 1,000 guests, and plenty of sand to share, you should be fine. Just arrive early for the best spot.

The story is a fairytale of sorts, starting with a young girl's fantasy of life in the sea, which is enough to lead off a high-energy, crowd-pleasing show that features high dives, dazzling dolphins, and astounding feats of “aquabatics.” Dolphins execute perfectly coordinated leaps, arcs, and splashes. Performers ski atop the backs of two dolphins while another performer in a feathery bird costume performs an aerial ballet. Divers repeatedly leap from two high towers as two acrobats portraying the story's villains perform impressive and repeated synchronized jumps on bungee cords. It's active, it's exciting, it's beautiful, and it's a show that blends everything SeaWorld does best above and below the water. For people with disabilities: Ask an attendant about seating for wheelchair users toward the front. Arrive 20 minutes before showtime for the best seats, or invest in Signature Show Seating.

Although largely overshadowed by the more magnificent attractions, this large pool, which has been here since the park opened in 1973, continues to please guests by allowing them to watch dolphin moms and babies (with birth dates posted on signs) play and leap and splash. They say you can even observe the dolphin calves learning to communicate with their moms through clicks and vocalizations. Although you can't get close enough to pet or feed them, you can see them from just a few feet away. A host is usually on hand to answer questions. A popular answer? "No, you can't take one home." Hint: if you just have to touch a dolphin, head over to Dolphin Cove in the Key West section. For people with disabilities: Fully wheelchair accessible. Get ready to lift up small kids so they can see into the pool.

There are several entrances to this 12,000-square-foot birdhouse—three of which access the aviary from beneath waterfalls falling beside the Wind-Away River (otherwise, you can walk in from the beach). However you arrive, you will enter a sanctuary populated with more than 250 small exotic birds, including darting hummingbirds, tiny finches, and honeycreepers. In the large-bird sanctuary, you get up close to perched toucans and wandering peacocks, red-legged seriema, and other colorful winged creatures that stand as tall as 4 feet. Look for attendants who have carts filled with complimentary fruit and feed that you can use to attract the birds. It's a beautiful experience—especially when a bird hops onto your shoulder to say hello. Get the camera ready. For people with disabilities: A pathway through the aviary accommodates wheelchairs. Come early in the morning when the birds are most active.

The oasis has a tropical theme and its lush landscaping is akin to a rain forest. Part of the experience is wading through a crystal-clear spring to reach an island populated by some outrageously cute marmosets (which are contained on the island thanks to a convenient moat). Swim a little farther and come nose-to-nose with otters, which frolic behind a nearly invisible wall of acrylic. Beyond the menagerie and beneath a canopy of cooling vegetation, there are watery trails to explore. It truly is a seductive setting and effortlessly evokes that soothing Discovery Cove experience.

SeaWorld's coaster offering is a hybrid, combining the elements of a high-speed water ride and a roller coaster with lavish special effects and a story line. The lost continent of Atlantis has risen in the harbor of a quaint Greek fishing village, and you board a Greek fishing boat to explore it. An ominous current tugs at your vessel, and an old fisherman (actually Hermes, the messenger of the gods, in disguise) offers a golden sea horse to protect you from the evil Sirens. The LCD technology, lasers, and holographic illusions are really cranked up during a watery battle between Hermes and Allura, queen of the Sirens. Amid this story, you experience frequent twists, turns, and short, shallow dives, as well as one hair-raising plunge that sends you nearly 60 feet into the main harbor (plan on getting soaked). This is followed by a final nosedive into S-shaped, bobsledlike curves. Although the ride is a little dated, it's still not for the faint of heart, anyone with back, neck, or heart problems; anyone who's pregnant; or anyone who dislikes the dark or enclosed spaces. For people with disabilities: You must transfer from your wheelchair to the ride vehicle. Come first thing in the morning or about an hour before closing. Going at night is awesome, and if there's a wait at all, it will be short. Last resort: spring for a Quick Queue Pass.

A nonstop chorus of "aarrrps" and "yawps" coming from behind Sea Lion & Otter Stadium leads you to the 2½-acre home of California sea lions and harbor and fur seals. This naturalistic expanse of beaches, waves, and huge outcroppings of upturned rock, designed to replicate the northern Pacific coast, has a calming effect. The area is roughly circular. Stroll around the edge of the surf zone, a favorite hangout for fun-loving pinnipeds, who swim up close for a share of the smelt you've just bought ($5) or flop over on their sides and laze in the Florida sun. On the far side of the complex you can walk down into a grotto where a large Plexiglas wall allows you to see them darting and diving and playing underwater. Priceless. For people with disabilities: This attraction is completely accessible to guests using wheelchairs. Come anytime. It shouldn't be too hard to find a place away from the crowds.

About a dozen dogs, a dozen-plus cats, and an assortment of ducks, doves, parrots, and a pot-bellied pig (nearly all rescued from local animal shelters) are the stars of this lively, hilarious show. The animals perform complex stunts on a stage that looks like a seaside village. From stealing a string of sausages to driving their "girlfriends" on a date, these cute-as-a-button actors perform feats that are each more incredible than the last. Look around and you'll notice that the show is just as appealing to foreign guests; you don't have to speak English to enjoy what is essentially a live version of a silent movie. Stick around and you'll have a chance to shake paws with the stars. For people with disabilities: Special seating for guests using wheelchairs and assisted-listening devices are available. Gauge the crowds and arrive early if necessary.

If you've always wanted to experience the underwater world but don't have time for scuba lessons, SeaVenture is the solution. You don a dive helmet tethered to an air supply, which allows you to walk on the reef floor (about 15 feet deep), surrounded by schools of fish, sleek rays, and sharks. Even though the sharks are contained on the opposite side of lengthy panoramic panels of glass, you can't tell there's a partition, so the effect is chilling (so chilling, it makes a great souvenir photo). If you feel anxious, don't fret: guides float above you and beside you as you take your underwater stroll. The whole experience, including orientation, lasts about an hour, with about half the time spent on the underwater walk. At the end, you'll be handed a shaker filled with food. When you shake it and release its contents, you'll be instantly surrounded by a cluster of hungry fish. An unforgettable finish. The SeaVenture costs an extra $59. Some health restrictions apply.

A key to Discovery Cove's popularity is that it gives you time to do absolutely nothing. So if doing nothing means something to you, Serenity Bay is your place. This large pool of refreshingly clear, 80-degree water is ready when you are—or not—because maybe you'd prefer to just find a spot on the beach and soak up the sun. Take your pick. It's your vacation, and this is your bay.

Sprawling, towering, and (for kids) beyond incredible, this 3-acre playground has places to crawl, climb, explore, bounce, and get wet. There's an adjacent arcade with midway games; there are pipes to crawl through; a tent with an air-mattress floor; and "ball rooms"—one for toddlers and one for grade-schoolers—with thousands of plastic balls to wade through. Keep on looking and you'll discover miniaturized thrill rides— roller coasters and spinning rides and an assortment of other rides that inject a pint-size dose of adrenaline. Then there are big sailing ships to explore and webbed ropes to climb and water to play in and around. For kids, this part of the park is worth the price of admission—they could be here for hours. For people with disabilities: Various areas offer different levels of clearance. Check with attendants about accessibility. Don't come first thing, or you'll never drag your child away; that said, it's busy here mid-afternoon or near dusk. Bring a towel to dry them off.

Within a large, innocuous white structure are some thoroughly creepy critters: eels, barracuda, sharks, and poisonous fish. You may even spy a few creatures you've never seen (or even imagined) before, like the weedy sea dragon and his cousin, the leafy sea dragon, which look like branches of a tree. But the stars of the show are the sharks, and this attraction doesn't scrimp. The real fun comes when you enter large transparent corridors and see fish, eels, and a half-dozen species of sharks slice gracefully through the water all around you—even overhead—which is a sensational new experience. Consider visiting the attraction in conjunction with a meal at the extraordinarily well-designed Sharks Underwater Grill, where you can order fresh fish and Floribbean cuisine while watching your entrée's cousins. For people with disabilities: Open spaces allow access to guests using wheelchairs. Spend at least 20 minutes here. Crowds are biggest when the adjacent sea lion and otter show gets out; time your visit accordingly.

The focal point of the park is this 400-foot-tall tower, the main mast for a revolving scenic double-decker observation platform. During the six-minute rotating up and down round-trip, you'll get the inside scoop on the park's history, its attractions, and surrounding sights. All in all, it's peaceful, relaxing, and gives you a new aerial perspective on SeaWorld and Orlando. Adjacent to it is Pearl Dive, a small area where you can sit and watch pearl divers snag oysters. For people with disabilities: The tower can accommodate two wheelchairs per cycle. Come whenever there's not a line, or use Quick Queue if necessary (extra fee required).

In this interactive hands-on exhibit (aka a shallow pool), dozens of circling stingrays are close enough to touch, as evidenced by the many outstretched hands surrounding the rim. Buy stingray delicacies (smelts, silversides, shrimp, and squid) available for $5 a tray, two for $9, three for $13 from the attendant. The best part is when the rays flap up for lunch, you can stroke their velvety skin. Even though they have stingers, they won't hurt you—they just want food (and they're obligingly hungry all day). Check out the nursery pool with its baby rays. For people with disabilities: This attraction is easily accessible to guests using wheelchairs. Walk by if it's crowded, but return before dusk before the smelt concession stand closes.

You can follow thousands of butterfly fish, angelfish, parrot fish, and a few dozen other species as you snorkel through this authentic-looking coral reef. Stingrays sail slowly and gracefully past and curious fish often come within touching distance—though when you reach out they scatter in nanoseconds. There's even an artificial shipwreck that, through a hole in its hull, reveals a separate pool filled with barracudas and sharks (they're out of reach, thanks to panels of Plexiglas). Even though you're hundreds of miles from the Caribbean, this is a wonderful, accessible substitute. If the sun is shining bright, good for you. The brighter the day, the more brilliant the underwater colors. For people with disabilities: Guests with mobility issues who can readily maneuver themselves with limited assistance can experience the reef. It's easy to monitor crowds; come when they're light. It's suitable for all ages, but teens and adults enjoy it most.

This walk-through attraction is a three-part experience that begins underground where wide windows reveal a pool inhabited by surprisingly graceful manatees. (SeaWorld, by the way, has rescued more manatees than anyone else in the world and has rescued an estimated 20,000 birds, fish, and animals since 1964.) Part two takes you to a room where rescued sea turtles can be seen swimming past as a host discusses the life cycle of these docile creatures. This bit of background leads to the final room, a domed 360-degree 3-D theater where you are introduced to Nyah, a sea turtle who defies the odds and scurries into the ocean after being hatched. From here, you follow Nyah through a series of near disasters until she returns to the beach to lay her own eggs. Note that the predators attempting to get at Nyah and her siblings may be too intense for kids, and the volume may be cranked up to rock-concert levels. If you have a tinge of motion sickness, hang on to the support rails, because the film makes it seem as if the world's gone topsy-turvy. If you can't handle the virtual motion of the movie, skip the film and take a peek at the manatees and turtles from an outdoor observation area. If there's a long line, the fee-additional Quick Queue pass works here.

At this pseudo ice station, you embark on a soaring and swooping virtual helicopter ride that takes you over the Arctic and through some dangerously close calls (if you're sensitive to the very real rolls and pitches, you can opt out for a stationary virtual helicopter). Then you exit onto a long walk through interactive, educational displays which lead to above- and below-water stations where you can watch Beluga whales, polar bears, and groaning tusked walruses (some weighing as much as 3,000 pounds) hoisting themselves onto a thick shelf of ice. This is a diverse and cute collection of animals you certainly don't see everyday, which makes this sneak peak at their lifestyle vastly entertaining. Those who are pregnant or who suffer from neck, back, or heart conditions or motion sickness should opt out of the virtual-helicopter part of the attraction. For people with disabilities: You must transfer from your wheelchair to the ride vehicle. Come early, late, or during a Shamu show. You can skip the simulated helicopter ride if you just want to see the mammals.

As this river meanders through most of Discovery Cove, swimmers float lazily through different environments—a sunny beach; a dense, tropical rain forest; an Amazon-like river; a tropical fishing village; an underwater cave; and the aviary. The only drawbacks? The rough bottom of the river can annoy bare feet, and the too-often repeated scenery along the way can make it a little tedious. Still, this is a great option when you'd like a respite from the heat and a unique way to get around the park. For people with disabilities: Guests with mobility issues who can maneuver themselves with limited assistance can enjoy a tour of the river. Slip in when it gets hot. All are welcome, but it appeals most to teens and adults.