Jolene Kearns

San Diego Family and Children

Soak Zone by Sunset

Family Tips for a Sea World Summer Night
By Jolene Kearns
Posted on Thu, Jul 16th, 2009
Last updated Thu, Jul 16th, 2009

In addition to entertaining by day, much to our delight, Shamu is also a night whale. And, at least according to the trainers at Sea World, the rest of the water mammals are, too. Welcome to Sea World Summer Nights 2009 - come rested, (or summon your second wind), and get ready for an evening of laughs, manageable crowds and extended family fun. Here are a few ideas for a successful evening - good luck and may the family with the most endurance win!

For starters don’t let the 78-degree sunshine fool you. The marine layer notoriously rolls in by dusk and even on clear days that welcomed ocean breeze by day soon becomes chilly by nightfall. Your best bet is to bring cozy sweatshirts for everyone, otherwise come ready to donate $40.00-$50.00 to Shamu’s Gift Shop fund.

Killer Whale preparing to splash the crowd

Photo Courtesy Sea World

Also, by evening you'll want to stay clear of the Sesame Street's Bay of Play. Though it’s a great place to let little ones roam about to expend energy, by six PM it’s overrun with exhausted preschoolers and is more aptly named "Bawling Bay" or "Crowded Cove." The trick at any attraction with crowds is to do the opposite of what most people do. The one exception would be if you have trustworthy tweens or teens that might enjoy the extra freedom to peruse the arcade after a day of “togetherness.” If, by chance, the new upgraded amusement park rides lure you in, give Slimey the Worm a whirl. This line moves faster because “Slimey” can fit more people. Keep in mind all rides require children under 42 inches tall to have one companion 48 inches tall or above per rider. This usually equates to long lines while parents endure the baby switch. I say: skip it - besides, you came for the water shows right?

If you have the time to spare, your best option is to upgrade your ticket to a fun card so you can enjoy your evening leisurely on a different day. Consider this idea: around six PM your brood shows up at the park well rested and well fed because you can actually afford to feed everyone since you ate at a restaurant outside the park. (Hint hint) Look, I enjoy Mama Stella’s on the inside of the park as much as anyone, but there’s just so many ways you can split a pizza slice. A sliver is only so filling. Or you could always buy Shamu meals for your kids. Just be ready to cart around plastic whale lunch boxes for the rest of the night since there is NO WAY any right-minded first grader could dispose of such a unique treasure. Heck, for the price maybe the six year olds are onto something. But I digress…

Start your night by heading straight away for a soaking spin on the unpredictable raft ride Shipwreck Rapids. Lines here are significantly less at night, just the die hards who absolutely relish getting soaked before dusk. The kids will find waves splashing mom and dad’s bum amusing, and I have to admit there is a small pleasure in watching them take in a mouthful once or twice. Warning: you WILL get completely soaked. If you don’t purchase your fashionable cobalt blue Shamu poncho you will need a change of clothes because there isn’t time to dry out before dark. I usually bring my fully stocked family swim bag. Just remember that everyone must be at least 42 inches tall to ride. It’s no fun to see and hear the disappointment coming from that 40 incher who got turned away at the entrance. If you have a more daring set and are looking for more nighttime thrills opt for the awesome drop at Journey to Atlantis. This roller coaster line is usually only a 5-10 minute wait by evening so there’s time to do it twice.

After changing into your dry clothes at any of the nearby bathrooms, you’re ready to get situated in a stadium to see something new. My personal fave is Sea Lions Tonight. Gently spoofing all the other Sea World shows, this animal show is a ringer to make everyone in the family laugh. After all, a little self-deprecating humor is good for the soul. Afterward, change it up and move over too Ignite. This jumping dolphin performance set to the background of fierce pyrotechnics and fast-paced music is sure to please. Be ready for traveling vendors selling coffee, lemonade, candy, light sticks, and other curious nighttime thingamajiggies. Budget-wise parents can keep wallets out of the soak zone by practicing saying the word “no.”

You’ll still have time to spare in between shows if you plan on staying until ten PM to see one of the most popular night shows, Riptide. Though not a marine show, school-agers and teens love this one since it’s primarily made up of young people. Make your way back to the entrance to lay down your towel for seating at least thirty minutes early to get good viewing. Now you’ll be situated in a prime spot to catch fireworks at 9:50 PM. Soon after the fireworks, Riptide starts at 10:05 PM complete with hip-hop dance moves, impressive gymnastics, and synchronized drum performances.

Your last challenge before the night is over is to find your car and keep order while you wait in the traffic lines to leave the park - perhaps your most daunting task yet. Just remember to plan ahead and your Sea World Summer Night will be a family memory that’s a success! For show times and info to plan your summer night go to : http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=134

About the author: Jolene Kearns holds a BA in Theater from the University of Alaska and was inspired to teach creative arts to children as a director of preschool and after-school programs. Her most passionate role to date is being mom to her 3 year old toddler and six year old twins. Before writing for San Diego.com she wrote for local travel sites and parenting blogs. Jolene truly believes San Diego is America's Finest City, and THE BEST place to raise kids.
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