Hidden Gems - SeaWorld

WILD ARCTIC EDITION

Polar Bear Fast Pass!

On our last trip to SeaWorld we discovered another one of those "I've been coming to this park for the last 6 yeas and I missed this??" occasions. This one was while we were grabbing some much needed AC inside the Wild Arctic gift shop. Being local, I hate having to wait in line for the ride just to see the polar bears and belugas - in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people didn't even know they were back there. We've done the 'wrong' thing in the past by sneaking into the exit for the attraction just to go look at the animals.

Well, we discovered there's a special entrance just for annual passholders that's up a ramp just to the left of the exit. You get to skip the ride and go right inside. Brilliant! How have we missed this?? Well, partly because it looks like an official 'employee only' sign on the door if you just look quickly. Bonus for all - there was no employee at the door and they never checked to see if we had annual passes, so, up to you, this secret could be a great way for EVERYONE to see the animals of the arctic without having to wait in a 45 minute line to sit through a just OK motion simulator ride.


Cold As Ice!

This then leads to our next Ultimate Park Cool-Down item that we also never paid any attention to in the past. As you are first entering the exhibit, just after getting off the ride - or through the door - you'll pass by a long wall on your right that has the glimmer of ice. But you normally wouldn't pay any attention because you're in a rush to see the beluga who's right in front of you.

Stop and check out that ice because it's REAL! About 4' high by about 20' long this is the longest block of ice I've seen outside of the Ice Bar on I-drive (or the arctic that we call the midwest.) Kept cold like a freezer with coils inside, this baby will cool you down quick with just a short lean. Take a close look at this one, are those polar bear claw marks? We might be in trouble . . .

So next time you visit SeaWorld and are in dire need for a quick cool down, head over to the Wild Arctic and have yourself a lean-against on the giant ice wall. You might get a few odd looks, but hey-it's hot up in here, yo!

Sand Bar

This little bar area is located on the Waterfront wrapped around the base of the Sky Tower. Unfortunately, it's only open during peak times of year.  If you see the "Sand Bar Open" sign out front, and you need a little break from hustling from show to show, stop by to check out this unique getaway from the crowds.

Drinks 
Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime and often Michelob products - Aluminum bottles

Food 
Chips, Hot dogs.

Atmosphere 
I can't think of a much better spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery than back here. If you wander back at the right time you'll find a great view of the waterfountain show in the lake. You'll also occasionally find a musician performing under their canopy. There isn't much, if any, shade to be found, so the middle of the day in the summer isn't necessarily the best time to be here. That being said, it's still one of my favorite places to relax with a cold beer in SeaWorld.

   

Sharks Underwater Grill

This is truly one of only a few can't miss bars in all of Orlando. The restaurant is located in between the Sea Lion and Walrus stadium and the Nautilus Theater. The bar is just inside the restaurant doors and doesn't require reservations, just walk right in.

In a hurry to get to a show and don't have time to sit back and enjoy it?  Go ahead and grab one to-go and head over to your destination, at least you got to take a quick peek.


Frozen Cocktails - $11
Blue Ocean Colada - Bacardi rum and pina colada mix swirled with blue curacao makes this signature drink.

Lighthouse Margaritas - Premium tequila, triple sec and margarita mix blended with crushed ice. Available in lime, strawberry, raspberry and mango flavors.

Tropical Daiquiris - Bacardi rum and choice of lime, strawberry, raspberry or mango fruit flavored mix blended with crushed ice.


Key West KissSignature Drinks - $10
Sea Dragon's Punch - The punch is spiked with a powerful mix of Bacardi Dragon Berry, lime juice and sour mix topped with cranberry juice.

Key West Kiss - This will surely cool you off from the Florida sun. Bacardi rum, Midori, vodka and peach schnapps mixed with pineapple juice.
Review: Smooth, melon-y sour yet sweet, one of those that doesn't taste strong at all, but is.

Sharks at the Beach - Chill out with the perfect combination of coconut rum, peach schnapps, Tuaca and cranberry juice.

After Dinner Cordials
B&B Liqueur - $7
Grand Marnier - $7
Sambuca Romana - $7
Amaretto - $7
Cognac - $8

Import & Specialty Bottled Beer
Bass Ale, Becks, Stella Artois, Rotator IPA series, Woodchuck Cider, Drifter Pale Ale

Premium Bottled Beer
Bud Light, Budweiser, Bud Light Lime, Michelob Amber Bock, Michelob Ultra, Michelob, Key West Sunset Ale, Magic Hat, Landshark

Wines
An extensive selection of red and white wines here ranging from $7 - $16 a glass. Also available by bottle.

Special of the Day Cocktail
Check the dining menu for the day's special offering, such as:
The Jellyfish - $7
A combination of white pomegranate vodka, sweet & sour, topped off with Chambord raspberry liquor.

Prices:
Call liquor mixed drinks - starting around $6 (no rail liquor here)
**Annual Passholder Discount - 10%**

Pour Quality: Above Average

Food: The full menu from the restaurant is available at the bar or at one of several tables inside the bar.

Atmosphere: The restaurant has one entire wall that is made out of a 660,000 gallon aqaurium that many species of shark and large fish call home. The Aquarium wall is clearly visible from the bar but that's not even the crown jewel in this amazing place, the bar itself is a saltwater aquarium!  Fish swim and crustacians scuttle right under your drinks.

Review: The bar is also home to the friendliest bartenders anywhere in town and may I be the first to tell you, they definitely know what they're doing behind the bar. It's a rare find when you can get the most interesting scenery and an expertly prepared drink in the same place. Take your time enjoying this one, you won't regret it.

Need an interesting fact while you're here? The black tip reef shark, featured prominantly in the large tank in the wall and in the pool out front, is responsible for the majority of shark bites in Florida and the nurse shark, which is also in the large tank, is second. (Bull sharks claim the "bite title" internationally, but not in Florida.)


Menu updated 2/12

Specialty Drinks at Beverage Stands

Now available Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka pre-mixed drinks have been added to most larger beverage stands and restaurants throughout SeaWorld. Poured straight from a tap, we welcome these new drinks as it's nice to have something besides beer available at the beverage stands. The taps are permanent installs, so it looks like this wasn't an addition just for the summer. Pick up one of these refreshing summer drinks for $7 (10% off with an annual pass!).

Pour Quality: Average

Review: The Margarita is a bit more sour than your typical margarita, but still quite tasty. The Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka is a light and refreshing mix that is perfect on a hot day.
 

Updated 6/11 

The Terrace (formerly Hospitality House)

Located in the back of the park between Shamu Stadium & the A'llure Show.

What was once a good place to grab a seat (& some A/C) is now a Pizza Buffet. You must purchase a buffet ticket before being allowed into the area.

Such a shame that this nice place for a relaxing break is no longer open to everyone.