We were so excited Seaworld reopened for Halloween. I had a pass years ago. When the only rides were Wild Arctic and Atlantis. Way before Sesame Street were ruling the Seaworld scene. Now, Wild Arctic is gone and one of the main reasons for getting a pass is — Sesame Street! We were really looking forward to all the Sesame Street action that was going to happen starting in spring. Luckily Giuseppe still has one more year to enjoy that Preschool Fun Card.
I reserved tickets before it was even announced to the public that they were available. I may have been obsessively checking.
When we arrived we went through the temperature check that’s a little off the path then what we’re used to. There wasn’t a line so we breezed right in. We saw a few of the cute Sesame Street floats. Security check was easy. Now, when you’re entering the park you need your reservation ticket AND your pass. Which made the lines a little slower and people trying to find their stuff, including us, a little chaotic. Well, the chaotic part was that our passes weren’t scanning easily — even though I keep them in my pass holder at all times.
Giuseppe picked out the Halloween Knight trick-or-treat bag. Its a cute little penguin dressed as a knight. We also purchased the map for the pumpkin scavenger hunt. Trick-or-treat bags and scavenger hunt maps are 50% off for pass holders.
I made reservations online for Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster and Elmo. We had the first reservations of the day. Elmo and Cookie walk past the line and wave to all the kids. I’d like to say we had the best seat in the house. Our table was right in front of their floats. Giuseppe was showing off his decorating skills to them and they were so happy to see it.
Whoever’s in those costumes are amazing. They were very alert and knew whenever we were taking selfies and pictures and were quick to pose.
Great assortment of toppings for the cookies. They were packed into a cute little lunchbox that you get to take home.
During the process each table were called up to take photos with the monsters in front of their floats.
Part of the package is they print up a photo for you to take home. As well as making sure to grab all of your Sesame Street merchandise. Giuseppe got a really cool Sesame Street light up necklace. Chucky really knows the meaning of fun when he’s not causing terror!
Tickets for Cookie Decorating is $25 per child. Ticket includes; Big cookie with all the toppings, milk or water, a keepsake photo, trick-or-treat bag of your choice.
Trick-or-Treating was one station near Wild Arctic. They advertised it as a Candy Garden.. but it was just one booth that you wait in line for.. and that’s it. Since opening, Seaworld have sent out emails saying that they’ve added 5 more stations.
Right after, Count and Telly came out to have a dance party on their floats. They’ve both recently celebrated their birthdays. I wish this was a little more organized and there was someone making people line up for photos instead of a free-for-all.
Also, beware when you’re playing over priced games. We payed for 3 games of throw a ball into a sideways bucket. We all know that crap is impossible — especially when your 5-year-old is playing it. Dude set up 6 balls in 3 different sections. The rules are, you need to get both balls in a row. Giuseppe threw his first ball, missed. Second ball, and it flew back out at me. I caught it and threw it back at the guy and he grabbed the remainder of the balls and said, that’s it — and that it would be impossible to win at this point and he threw 3 balls. We explained that he threw 2. Well, dude decided to count me throwing the ball back to him as one of the throws. I told him, that’s not fair. And he shook his head and said that was too bad — game is over — you lost. We wanted to know why our 5-year-old couldn’t throw all of the balls that we payed for. Even though we weren’t going to win. Why would someone lay all of those balls out and then scoop them all away. Who does that to a kid? And he sat there giggling like a madman and telling us game over. Then continued to stare at us while we walked away. Clearly, someone that doesn’t have a child. Later in the day when we walked past there was an older fella handling the booth and cheering on the kids playing and asked us if we wanted to play. We told him that we already did and it was upsetting. He totally understood why a little kid would want to throw all the balls we paid for and allowed Giuseppe to throw some balls with him.
We’ve been there a number of times in January-March before they closed down but we had never made it down to see the Orca’s. What a lovely, gorgeous, beautiful treat!!! Pure magic happened.
Giuseppe also got to touch the biggest bat ray. He loves touching the fish and bamboo sharks at Explorer’s Reef. We redeemed the map from the Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt. Spoiler: you get a mystery box containing 2 enamel pins. I was hoping for the Beluga (my favorite) but we got a penguin and a sea turtle. They’re now on our pass holder.
Seaworld have recently released Elmo and Cookie Monster Squishmallows!! Also, their Fried Green Tomato Slider is yummy!
We love you, Seaworld, can’t wait till you finally get back to normal.
Where to start?! Right now SeaWorld has some amazing deals going on. I’m going to break them all down for you. I found out about this deal from being on their email list. It’s always great signing up for all amusement park lists because you never know what kind of great deals may come your way. When this popped up I thought it was too good to be true. I had to go onto their website and read the fine print. Only to find out.. it was totally true! And just like that mommy and Seppe are now SeaWorld passholders!
So here we go —
Preschool Fun Card for only $20. (Giuseppe now has one). For only $20 preschoolers ages 3-5 can play all year. This pass can only be purchased online and the first visit must occur before April 30th. Blackout days are May 25th and every Saturday in July. Not many blackout dates — major plus! Worried that your child is turning 6 in the middle of the year, that’s okay, as long as your child is 5 during the time of purchase they’ll still be able to attend the rest of the year. Oh, and in case you’re wondering this pass usually costs $89. For more information visit the Preschool Fun Card page https://seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/preschool-admission/
Silver Annual Pass – $120 – (this is the pass I got). This pass is what I consider to be the biggest bang for your buck! If you’re on a budget but also realize the cheaper limited offers/discounts/passes will end up costing you more. This pass comes with no block out dates. 10% off dining, shopping, and animal experiences. Free sky ride and sky tower access. First to ride the new coaster. 25% off single day tickets. Here’s where it gets good, FREE parking. Let me tell you about SeaWorld parking.. it’s the closest amusement park parking you’ll ever see. The walk is not far even if you get there late. 2 FREE tickets — 1 to use in February and 1 to use in March/April. All you have to do is take your friend or family member with you and scan your ticket at the gate to redeem. You can pay the $120 in full or a monthly payment of $10. For more information visit the Annual Pass Page at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/annual-pass/ There’s also a Gold Pass for $150 with bigger perks like 3 extra tickets and bigger discounts with a $12.50 payment option. Or the Platinum Pass for $213 with bigger perks like 4 extra tickets, free up-close parking, 3 extra tickets to Aquatica, bigger discounts, admission to 11 different parks all over the country with a $17.75 payment option.
2020 Fun Card– $94 – (this is the pass that I first considered) Basically it’s pay for a day, get the rest of the year free. This sounded great to me! Until I decided to look into the Silver Pass. I never took the time to look into how much they charge for parking but I assume it’s like any other amusement park and the price will be between $18-$25. So for $26 more it would be wise for one family member to get the Silver Pass which includes free parking and 2 free tickets. For any additional family members going this might be a good option to get. For more information visit the Fun Card page at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/fun-card/
SoCal Resident Pass – $99 – (this one is brand new and just popped up). No black out dates and 50% off parking. $8.35 a month payment option. For only $21 more you can get the Silver Pass which includes free parking and 2 free tickets. For more information visit the SoCal Resident page at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/limited-time-offers/
Single-Day Tickets – $74 online purchase price. If you plan on buying a ticket at the gate then you’re looking at spending $94. So if you’re only planning on going for a day then do yourself a favor and purchase online. For more information visit the Single-Day Ticket page at https://seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/single-park-tickets/
Now that we have that out of the way — let me talk about our day. The park opened at 10:30 and we arrived just after 11. We were told it wasn’t going to be a busy day (we went mid-week) and that we’d be really close with parking. We were close. I’m talking front gate close. We were a row behind handicap parking. We walked through the metal detectors and straight to the gate. Not a far distance at all. Now, about your ticket. The slip that you print up — or if you’re having it scanned from your email in your phone — that’s your year pass. They don’t issue them at the gates or at guest services because they’re going green. Make sure you DO NOT lose it! You lose it you pay a $5 service fee at guest services. You can also download the SeaWorld app and load your ticket information in your phone for easy entry every time.
I haven’t been to Seaworld in 15 years. A lot has changed. When I was going there were only 3 rides and Sesame Street wasn’t there. Now, Sesame Street is a big part of Seaworld and there are rollercoasters.. I’m talkin, big rollercoasters! What’s different from when I went was; you used to be able to touch and feed the dolphins — that’s now considered an experience and it cost a chunk of money to do it. The Wild Arctic simulator ride just took its last flight at the beginning of January. It had been there since 1997 and the park decided it was time for an upgrade in that department. Can’t wait to see what’s in store! There are a lot of spots to grub, a lot of arcades, and a lot of games to play.
Journey To Atlantis was closed for annual maintenance and we can’t wait to ride it together! It’s one of my favorite rides of all time. I love the water ride to rollercoaster back-and-forth switch off. Such a fantastic, thrilling, fun, crazy idea! 42″ requirement to ride. If you’re part of the Preschool Fun Card and your little is big enough, you’re in for a treat!
Our first stop was rides. Starting with Octarock. Height requirement is 36″. Guests between 31″-35″ inches must ride with a supervising companion 14 or older. A giant swing — they even have spots for parents or bigger kids to ride along. Seppe rode by himself but I think next time I’ll join him.
Sea Dragon Drop – Height requirement 36″ or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 or older. Under 36″ must have the ability to walk on their own. Just a drop down a tower for a small child. Comparable to Woodstock’s Mailbox at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Aqua Scout – Height requirement 36″ or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 or older. Under 36″ must have the ability to walk on their own. You’re in a submarine just bouncing around. I was able to go on with Seppe. He sat in the front and I sat in the back. He was so funny that I was “on his team” and riding along with him. What a funny little ride this was. Comparable to Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Tentacle Twirl – Height requirement 48″. Guests between 40″-47″ must be accompanied by a supervising adult 14 or older and ride in the double swing. Swing around as a jelly fish. Comparable to Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer in Camp Snoopy and Wave Swinger both at Knott’s Berry Farm. This is so gnarly. Seppe is too small to ride the swings at any amusement park. He’s able to ride Charlie Browns double bucket kiddie swing at Knott’s Berry Farm. Well, he finally got to ride a big swing thanks to the double bucket idea on Tentacle Twirl. Lifts up high off the ground rather quickly and away you go! A totally new experience for Giuseppe and the ride was long.
Shipwreck Rapids — Height requirement 42″. I had to warn Seppe that there was a possibility that we would get soaked! He was okay with it. Comparable to Calico River Rapids at Knott’s Berry Farm. Another first for Giuseppe since he’s not big enough to ride on Calico River Rapids. Luckily we didn’t get too soaked. I once went on this with a friend and they never came to get us off the ride and we went around again — we got SOAKED!
Abby’s Sea Star Spin – Height requirement 42″ or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 or older. Take your kids for a twirl in a starfish teacup! Comparable to the Teacups at Disneyland and Hat Dance at Knott’s Berry Farm
Oscar’s Rockin Eel – Height requirement 42″ or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 or older. Take a ride with Oscar the Grouch and his eel friend as they take a rockin ride! Comparable to Rapid River Run at Knott’s Berry Farm and Rockin Tug at Castle Park.
Elmo’s Flying Fish – Height requirement 48″ or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 or older. Another one my son was so happy I was “on his team” and got to ride with him. Elmo is dressed as a variety of crazy flying fish. Giuseppe chose the chicken. Comparable to Dumbo at Disneyland, Balloon Race at Knott’s Berry Farm, Flying Ace at Knott’s Berry Farm, Space Ships at Castle Park, Sea Planes at Castle Park.
Other rides are; Electric Eel Rollercoaster – Height Requirement 54″. Multi -launch coaster. Tidal Twister – Height requirement 48″. Dueling rollercoaster. Manta – Height requirement 48″. Family launch coaster with two launches. Emperor – coming this summer. It will be the tallest and fastest dive-coaster in the state. Oh, and the first floorless dive coaster in the state.
The only show that we checked out was the Orca’s. We even got a Shamu shaped ice cream to enjoy during the show. It’s still funny to see people sit in the splash zones and then be shocked or run when they get wet.
He was afraid of shark encounter and wanted me to hold him.
Bat Ray Shallows was amazing! Never realized how far you had to reach down to touch them. Seppe screamed with joy when one came up to the surface and he touched its “soft feathers”. He went for it again and I dunked his head partly in. Oops!
Giuseppe was so awesome at the penguins and asked a bunch of questions in front of a crowd of people when they were being fed.
We checked out the flamingos
We had a ball at Seasame Street Bay Of Play. Can’t wait until May when it totally comes alive!! He really wanted me to buy him an Elmo swimsuit so he could play in the water but it was too cold. By the way, their Sesame Street merch store is amazing! He did a few rounds in the jumper. We both climbed the ropes. He showed me how to climb up the side of the walls to go quicker. While motivating me with, “you’re best of the best mommy”. Then we ran across bridges. He climbed through tubes and across another set of netting all by himself. Don’t know how I did it.. but I did.
My favorite creatures in the world are beluga whales ❤ (we missed the ice wall). At turtle reef Seppe kept asking if they were dead. He was cracking up at the sea lions and got all emotional seeing the dolphins. He got to touch sea urchins, cracked up when the sea anemones sucked in when he touched them, cracked up when the sea cucumber started to move.
We spent a lot of time at Explorer’s Reef and their touch pools. The fish were totally startling. I was told how to put my hands in but I told them I was too scared. Giuseppe noticed something wrong with one of the bamboo sharks and I told him if he wanted to know he had to ask.. and that he can ask the staff any questions. So he went up and asked, “why does that shark have an owie?” They told him that it’s just like a knee scrape. That they can’t see very well and that they bump into rocks but it heels pretty quickly.
We totally overlooked the octopus, spider crabs, eels, otters, sea turtles. We also didn’t see the dolphin show or the sea lion & otter show because he wanted to wait for his nana.
This year we are looking forward to Sesame Street Party Parade. Weekends May 9th – September 6th. We LOVE parades and this one looks so exciting!
Electric Ocean — Every day June 13th – August 16th. Weekends August 22nd – August 7th. After hours at Seaworld means a lot of lights and music. Cirque Electrics will feature acrobats on the water. Club Current dance party featuring a ton of sea creature characters. Laser Reef with tons of laser beams, floating sea creatures, and music. Sea Lions Tonite comedy show. Manta reCHARGED will feature special effects, colorful lighting, and music.
Halloween Spooktacular — weekends starting September 19th through November 1st. The whole park will be decorated in its Halloween finest. Sesame Street Bay will have its own Halloween decor with all of our favorite neighborhood pals in their costumes. Take part in Dia de los Muertos. Join in on the costume dance party. Manta Madness in the dark with spooky effects and creepy sounds. Clyde & Seymore’s Big Halloween Bash. Purchase a map for the Spooktacular Pumpkin Hunt and after you find them all redeem it for an exclusive pin. Fall Festival Hay Maze hosted by friendly scarecrow, Gourdy. See your favorite Sesame Street characters all dressed up in their costumes during their Halloween parade. Plus, I’ve saved the best for last — trick-or-treat throughout the park.
Christmas Celebration — Everday November 14th – January 3rd. There is so much going on for Christmas at Seaworld. Come enjoy over 1 million lights throughout the park.
Sesame Street Christmas Village — Merry, Magical Christmas sing-a-long with Cookie Monster, Elmo, and friends Christmas show. Story Time With Mrs. Claus who reads a Sesame Street book with her furry friends. Rock Around The Christmas Tree and have fun at this dance party with your Sesame Street friends. Oh, and did I mention falling snow?
Rudolph’s Christmastown — Photos With Rudolph and Friends. Meaning.. Bumble and Yukon! Tree Lighting Ceremony With Rudolphand Friends. Come see the 40-foot dancing Christmas tree! Bumble Ring Toss and Holly Jolly Marketplace, a pop-up shop dedicated to Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Santa Claus will be at his cottage. We meet a lot of Santa’s during the season so this is a must. I hope they have one that looks like the real deal and not just a clip on beard. Winter Wonderland On Ice. San Diego Circus Center and NexGen Cirque Du Soleil performing The Nutcracker in Cirque Christmas. Dolphin Island Christmas, special tropical holiday performance and celebrate two babies first Christmas. Clyde and Seymore’s Christmas Special. NEW Orca Encounter Chistmas Prelude where you’ll sing-a-long with a brass band to your favorite holiday carols 20 minutes before the last Orca Encounter. Ride Merry Manta with a holiday twist. Enjoy Christmas games, themed treats, and frozen Coca Cola inspired drinks at Christmas Marketplace Presented By Coca Cola
Adventures With Candy 