Attractions

Swimming with the Sharks

In addition to the all-day (9-hr.) Marine Mammal Keeper Experience, SeaWorld offers one other interactive program. Sharks Deep Dive gives guests a chance to have limited, hands-off contact with more than 50 sharks, including a nearly 9-foot sand tiger, in the Shark Encounter area. Two at a time, guests don wet suits and a special underwater helmet (it lets you breathe and communicate with others) for a 30-minute encounter inside a cage that rides a 125-foot track. Part of the cage is above water, but participants can dive up to 8 feet underwater for a close-up look at the denizens. The cost is $149 (minimum age 10). The price includes a souvenir booklet and a T-shirt, but does not include the required park-admission fee.

The program is not open to expectant mothers or kids younger than the age of 10. Call tel. 800/432-1178, 800/406-2244, or 407/363-2380, or visit www.seaworldorlando.com to make mandatory reservations or for more information.

Skimming the Sea & Sky

At press time Manta, Seaworld's newest thrill-a-minute mega-coaster, was about to make a splashy debut. Touted as an experience unlike any other (a common claim in Orlando, but they do their best to back it up), the Manta-inspired flying coaster will take riders soaring as high as the sky before diving as deep as the ocean depths -- and all at speeds of up to 60 mph past some of the largest underwater habitats in the park. Oh, and did I mention that riders will be face-down, headfirst, and in a prone horizontal position? Don't let the name -- or its appearance from the ground -- fool you: Mantas may be graceful creatures that effortlessly glide through the ocean depths, but SeaWorld's newest signature ride is a wild ride from beginning to end. At times riders will find themselves within inches of the sea -- at others skimming the sky, twisting through four inversions and several near misses, the wildly twisted tracks disorienting (albeit temporarily) even the most veteran coaster crazies. This one's definitely not for the faint of heart.

Nighttime Fun

In addition to its regular productions, SeaWorld stages a few shows only seasonally, including Mistify, a nighttime spectacular combining fireworks and fountains on the lagoon. During summer months, guests are treated to the special-effects extravaganza nightly. While not on the same level as Disney's nighttime spectaculars, it adds an entertaining element to the experience -- especially for those who prefer to visit well into the evening hours. If you're dining at the Spice Mill restaurant in the Waterfront, you can even enjoy dinner with the show.

On the Water

SeaWorld's 5-acre Waterfront area, which debuted in late spring 2003, added a seaport-themed village to the park's landscape. On High Street, look for a blend of shops; street shows; and the Seafire Inn restaurant, where lunch includes a musical revue. At Harbor Square, the Groove Chefs make musical mayhem with pots, pans, trays, and cans. The park also added street performers, including a crusty old captain who tells fish tales and makes music with bottles and brandy glasses. The array of Waterfront eateries includes the Spice Mill, Voyagers Smokehouse, Seaport Pizza, and the Seafire Inn.

Additional Attractions

The park's other attractions include Pacific Point Preserve, a 2 1/2-acre natural setting that duplicates the rocky home of California sea lions and harbor seals. And Turtle Point showcases sea turtles swimming in the lagoon or lounging on the beach and sand dunes. The Extreme Zone tests your climbing and jumping skills with a rock wall and trampoline jump (both for an additional fee). A ride on the Sky Tower, open only seasonally and at an additional fee, lets you look out over the entire park.

The Makahiki Luau is a full-scale dinner show featuring South Seas-style food (fish, chicken, and pork) while you're entertained by music and dance of the Pacific Islands. It's hardly haute cuisine or Broadway but is very much on par with Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show -- minus the characters. It's held daily at 6:30pm. During the winter holidays, a Christmas Luau temporarily replaces the original experience. Park admission is not required. The cost is $46 for adults, $29 for children 3 to 9. Reservations are required and can be made by calling tel. 800/327-2424 or online at www.seaworldorlando.com.