15 Tips for Visiting SeaWorld San Antonio

My Big Fat Happy Life received complimentary tickets, parking, and Seven Seas Food Festival lanyards to visit SeaWorld San Antonio.  All opinions are mine, as always.  

When I was 10 years old I visited SeaWorld for the first time.  I credit that visit to helping develop my love for whales and dolphins, especially Orcas.  I was so excited to get to take S to SeaWorld San Antonio for the first time.  She loves animals so much and had been asking to visit since we moved to Texas. 

SeaWorld San Antonio is educational, fun, and great for kids of all ages (including adults).   We arrived at park opening and stayed all day until closing!  It was such an amazing day filled with laughter, new experiences, saying yes to the splash zone against my better judgment, and making wonderful family memories.  I wanted to share a few tips to help you have an amazing time at SeaWorld San Antonio. 

1. Tickets

To get the best deal, be sure to book your tickets online at least 3 days in advance.

2. Free and Discounted Admission

Kids 3 and under are free. Active duty military personnel and up to 3 direct dependents may receive one complimentary admission in the year. Veterans can receive a discount by going through the Waves of Honor site. Be sure to check and see if SeaWorld San Antonio is running any specials during your visit because they have in the past offered free admission to Texas Teachers.

3. Clothing and Sunscreen

Texas is very hot, especially during the summer months.  Be sure to dress in light, airy, cotton apparel and wear comfortable shoes.  Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also a must.

4. Don’t Try To Do Both Aquatica and SeaWorld in One Day

You will need a whole day to enjoy all the shows and rides that SeaWorld has to offer.  We arrived when the park opened and left at closing and still did not see or experience everything at the park.  The same goes for its water park, Aquatica, because there is tons to do!

5. Plan your Day at SeaWorld with a Park Map

You can look up the park map on SeaWorld San Antonio’s website prior to your visit along with all the rides, a description of them, and their height requirements.  You can also look up the schedule of shows for the day of your visit, so you can see which shows are offered multiple times and which ones are only performed once.  Be sure to pick up a park map at the entrance.

6. Bring a Bottle of Water

Each person is allowed to bring one bottle of water into the park and you should take advantage of that.  Again it is really hot in Texas and with all the walking around you will need to drink plenty of water.

7. Cool Off with Frozen Treats

Ice cream, frozen lemonade, and cold drinks are all great ways to cool off when the temperatures start rising.  Someone really enjoyed her dippin’ dots and frozen lemonade.

8.  Spend Time Interacting with SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors

At Animal Connections Conservation Center, you can enjoy interacting and asking questions of the handlers, at no additional cost. This makes for a great learning experience for kids and adults.

9. Seek Shade and AC to Cool Off

In the afternoon, when the day is at it’s hottest that is the perfect time to visit the Sharks/Coral Reef Aquarium, the Penguins Encounter, and the Animal Connections Conservation Center.  Getting wet on one of the water rides or attending a show is also a great way to cool off.

10. Sign up for a One-of-a-Kind Animal Encounter

For a price, you can sign up for an animal encounter including Stingray Encounter, Penguin Interaction Program and the Beluga Interaction Program at SeaWorld.  I know that we will have to sign up for an animal encounter during our next visit to SeaWorld!

11. Be Prepared to Get Wet

Even without plans to go to Aquatica, there are several ways to cool down at SeaWorld including the Journey to Atlantis ride, sitting in the splash zone at the shows, and riding Rio Loco.  I recommend light-weight clothing that will dry quickly or pack a change of clothes.

12. Visiting with a Baby

There are baby changing rooms between almost every men and women restrooms in the park.  In the changing rooms are also air-conditioned nursing rooms.

13. Technology

Remember to bring your camera to capture all those family moments during your day at SeaWorld.  Also be sure to bring along a portable charger for your cell phone.  You can also look for the Relax and Recharge Stations to power up your electronic devices.

14. Young Children

If you visit with young children, save plenty of time for Bay of Play, the Sesame Street themed area in the middle of the park.  There are several little rides, a huge playground area, and character meet and greets.  Starting May 19, the Sesame Street Party Parade featuring 10 themed floats will debut with characters and favorite tunes. 

15. Lockers

Store your valuables in a locker.  You can find some right inside SeaWorld’s Main Entrance and in Aquatica.  There are also lockers available at all the big rides.  I paid for an all-day movable locker so that I could use my code at any of the lockers available throughout the park.

Bonus Tip

If you visit during the Seven Seas Food Festival be sure to sample your way around the world at the various food and drink booths in the park.  The food was delicious!  Make sure to get your passport stamped at each booth you visit and if you visit every booth you will get a free dessert.

Have you visited SeaWorld San Antonio?