This post was written in partnership with Sea World San Diego. We received complimentary passes in exchange for this review.

Sea World San Diego has made so many changes since my last vacation there with my family!

We spent the day at the park this past weekend and I couldn’t wait to share my tips and tricks with all of you from our experience.

Our kids are two and nine years old, so we definitely got to see the park from two different perspectives. If you are planning a trip with your family you definitely won’t want to miss my tips below!

Let me start by saying Sea World is a fabulous place to visit with family. There is plenty to do at the park for both young and old, the adventurous and not so adventurous.

My family had a blast! However, I came back from our trip with lots of do’s and don’ts to share.

Hopefully these simple tips will help you plan the best trip to Sea World San Diego for your family!

6 Planning Tips for the Best Family Vacation at Sea World San Diego

1. Pack for the Weather (…and the chance you may get soaked!)

   If you are going to Sea World San Diego in the summer you need to know it often gets chilly in the evening. This was weather I could handle, but my kids needed a light sweater.

   Soak Zones are in almost every show at Sea World. There is also a splash pad located in the Sesame Street Bay of Play. So, it’s probably a good idea to pack a change of clothes or swim suit for the little ones.

   Just like any amusement park, don’t forget to bring sunscreen. We had to reapply sunscreen all day on our sunny summer visit.

2. Buy Your Tickets Online

   No one likes to wait in long lines. Save time in line for your ticket by purchasing them online before you go! There is even a discount available for purchasing your tickets online, which is great for saving on your trip!

3. Plan Out Your Day (Download the App)

   I downloaded the Sea World app before we went and found it very useful. We were able to check out all the showtimes and plan which shows we wanted to see before we left. If something didn’t work out we just checked during the day to see what shows were starting.

   Sea World really has the most amazing shows. So, planning your day ahead can really help seeing the shows and exhibits you want to see most.

   Our favorites were definitely the Dolphin show and Sea World’s new Electric Ocean. We also loved the touch pools at the entrance of the park. Which are new since our last visit! My kids were very excited at the chance to pet a shark!These tiny fish were so cool. If you hold really still they will come nibble on your fingers!

4. Sea World’s All Day Dining Pass is Worth it for Frugal Families

   Do you love saving every penny you can on your vacation? Me too!

   The best deal we got on our Sea World visit was the All Day Dining Pass. Don’t think twice about purchasing this when getting your tickets online.

   All Day Dining means you and your family get wrist bands that allow you to eat at one of the many Sea World restaurants once per hour. Each time you use your wrist band you can choose 1 entree, 1 side/dessert, and 1 drink. Even if you aren’t hungry this is a good opportunity to pick up a snack and drinks for the kids, so they don’t get overheated at the park.

   Our passes paid for themselves after the second meal. We really took advantage of our dining passes and had so much fun trying the different restaurants!

5. Don’t Miss Out on What’s New!

   Like I said Sea World had made a lot of changes since my last visit! Some of their newest attractions/shows include Sea World’s Electric Ocean show, New Orca Experience, and several new rides and exhibits including Submarine Quest!

   Submarine Quest is the perfect ride for all ages. Our whole family including our two year old toddler could ride. She loved it!

   Staying at the park after dark? Don’t miss Electric Ocean. Lazers light up this amazing show that’s complete with giant glowing sea creatures, acrobats, and musicians. My kids were amazed with this show and it was a great ending to our evening!

6. Watch the Park Change at Night

   Electric Ocean is only one of the reasons to stay at the park after dark. When the park starts getting dark you will see cool fish and neon trees light up for Electric Ocean.These displays are even beautiful during the day!

   The park looks beautiful at night with the lights and has several places set up for dancing. During certain parts of the year you can even see an amazing fireworks display at night.

7. Bonus- Know What’s Best for Every Age

   Do you ever wish you knew what your toddler, preschooler, or older kids can do before you go to an amusement park?

   Since we have a toddler and a 9 year old I like to check the height requirements and appropriate attractions before we go.

   Sea World San Diego has lots to do for all ages. All of the shows are appropriate for all ages, although an infant may get startled by loud noises.

   There are also rides available for all ages at Sea World. I put together a handy printable height requirement guide for all the rides at Sea World San Diego. Hopefully this helps you plan your next trip!

The next time you are in San Diego don’t forget to visit Sea World. Remember to pack for the weather and take advantage of that All Day Dining Pass! With all the shows, exhibits, and animal interactions it is bound to be a trip you will never forget!

Visit Sea World’s website to get all the information you need for your trip and to get tickets!

Do you have an upcoming trip planned to Sea World San Diego? What are you most looking forward to seeing? Do you have any tips for visiting Sea World? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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