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Our First Visit to SeaWorld Since 2017 – Was It Worth It?

Writer: Family Traveling USAFamily Traveling USA

Dine with Orcas. Child by a table with empty plates and blue cups. An orca emerges from a pool in the background at SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas. Sunny day, relaxed mood.
Dining with orcas swimming nearby—a truly unique experience!

This was our first time visiting SeaWorld since 2017, and we were excited to see what had changed! When comparing the cost of single-day tickets to a season pass, we quickly realized that the season pass was the better value for our family. Not only does it allow us to return for future visits—including a trip to Aquatica—but it also includes general parking, which started at $36 plus tax on the day we visited. After our trip, we can confidently say we’re happy with our decision to get the season pass!


Dine with Orcas – A Must-Try Experience!


We decided to splurge and make a reservation for Dine with Orcas, and it was absolutely worth it! While we don’t usually go for buffets, this one exceeded our expectations. The food was great, with favorites including the chicken, salmon, potato wedges, and a variety of desserts. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the experience of dining so close to the orcas made it truly unforgettable.


For our family (2 adults, 3 kids), the total cost—including taxes and fees—came to $115.76, and we would definitely do it again!



Kid-Friendly Attractions & Construction Updates


On our last visit, we remembered a cute little kids area with a splash pad and other activities for younger children. Unfortunately, that section was closed due to construction, which was a bit disappointing for our youngest. However, we did find another playground in a different area (not featured in our video), and it was great to have a space where all the kids could play together.


Closed little kids section at SeaWorld San Antonio due to construction.
Little kids section temporarily closed for construction.

Riding the Texas Stingray & Rio Loco


Westin and Aubrey had a milestone moment—riding their first roller coaster, the Texas Stingray! We also took a ride on Rio Loco, which was a blast. Since we arrived close to park opening, the wait times were very short at the start of the day. However, as the day went on, the crowds grew, and lines got longer. Next time, we’ll definitely aim to arrive early again to maximize ride time!



Watch Our SeaWorld Adventure on YouTube!


Want to see our full SeaWorld experience, including ride reactions and a closer look at Dine with Orcas? Check out our YouTube video below, and let us know in the comments—what’s your favorite SeaWorld memory?

SeaWorld San Antonio | Dining with Orcas, Texas Stingray & Rio Loco

Thanks for visiting our blog!

Wishing you epic adventures and safe travels! 

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Photo of our family!

Hey Traveler!!

Join us as we explore the best family vacation destinations and attractions across the USA!

 

We are Family Traveling USA—a family of five passionate about discovering family-friendly travel destinations, hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, restaurants, attractions, and activities.

 

By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire your next family adventure and help you find the perfect spots for your family trip!

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