SeaWorld Grown-Up Tours

Strolling through SeaWorld is comforting. Quiet sidewalks and landscaped lanes abound. Indeed, a number of local senior citizens who were part of mall-walking clubs have learned that an annual pass gives them access to a very pleasant walk in the park—as well as a day filled with wonderful attractions. Follow in their footsteps on a walk of up to a mile, from west to east.

West Side Story

The west side has most of the attractions—and the most paths. From the entrance, walk around the information center and to the left toward Pelican Preserve, where a flock of rescued pelicans are shuffling about.

Turn left into Key West at SeaWorld, where you can enjoy nature—first by feeding and petting the slippery skates at Stingray Lagoon and then by spending time with the residents of Dolphin Cove; be sure to head to the far end of the cove and drop down into the grotto, where a wide window reveals their underwater world. A little farther along, take your pick of Turtle Trek (home of turtles and manatees) and/or the Blue Horizons show at the Dolphin Theater. Afterward, loop back toward the entrance before peeling off to your left toward the Waterfront area. When you reach the shores of the lagoon, stroll past the Sky Tower—unless you'd like a bird's-eye view of the entire park. In that case, head on up and see the sights. You may also want to spend a few minutes watching the action at Pearl Dive before catching the show at the Sea Lion and Otter Theater. And be sure to explore Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin (both the land and the ride).

East Side Story

Start at the Seafire Inn, a great place to grab a bite to eat and cool off. Head to the boardwalk and take it across the lagoon. This pleasing, uncongested walk brings you to the rear of Shamu Stadium, and although you can circle it in either direction, go right to avoid crowds of kids gathered at Shamu's Happy Harbor. If there’s a show at the stadium, perfect. If not, not too far down the lane are the Nautilus Theater and the Cirque-style show, A’Lure: The Call of the Ocean. If your timing’s off, after crossing the boardwalk just walk over to Wild Arctic where an observation area affords a glimpse of polar bears and walrus. Spend some time in the frozen North before returning to the sidewalk, which winds its way behind the Atlantis Bayside Stadium and back toward the park entrance and, all too soon, the real world.