Sea World during the holiday season.

Photo Credit Stroller Adventures in SoCal

Right before Christmas we had out of town family visiting, on their list of places to visit they had Sea World. We had recently been to and had a great time at a special event, however this visit would be different since they had never been or at least not for the past 15 years.

Sea World is very different from 15 years ago, for starters there is Shark Encounter where you can get so close to one that you can see their teeth! walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks. They were amazed and their kids couldn't believe their eyes.

Photo Credit: Stroller Adventures in SoCal

Photo Credit: Stroller Adventures in SoCal

Then we visited Turtle Reef, it is breathtaking to see these big turtles swim amongst colorful fish and anemones. If you have a smartphone you can use it to interact with them. There is a ride outside of the exhibit however our kids were too small to be able to ride it. Maybe next summer.

Due to the winter season, Sea World was decked out in holiday decor and also had a special area called Snow World that gets fresh snow every morning and guests can enjoy making a snowman or building snow balls, making snow angels. It was fun! I highly suggest taking an extra pair of pants for little ones, as they can get a bit damp. Also bring a pair of gloves.

Photo Credit: Stroller Adventures in SoCal

Wild Arctic was particularly fun, all the kids are always singing "Baby Beluga" from Rafi -it is a really cute song about a beluga whale- so obviously when they got to see 2 beluga whales swimming in the underwater section they were singing the song for everyone to listen! The polar bear was very active too splashing around.

Photo Credit: Stroller Adventures in SoCal

As for the Shamu Show was also fun, a bit too cold for sitting in the "splash zone". Still we saw some guests get soaked! and then rush to get dried off. It's always fun to visit the Orca exhibit where you can view these mammals swim around and sometimes get up close to the window to take a picture with them.

Photo Credit: Stroller Adventures in SoCal

Sea World is always fun and great to learn about Sea life and underwater animals. They have a new Dining Program which is fantastic specially when you are there all day with your family. The All-Day Dining Deal:

 Adults $29.99 plus tax
 Kids $14.99 (ages 3-9) plus tax

It is available at the 4 participating Restaurant locations:

• Shipwreck Reef Cafe (baby back ribs at an additional charge)
• Mama Stella's Pizza Kitchen
• Calypso Bay Smokehouse (baby back ribs at an additional charge)
• Seaport Market

Here are the program details:

Adults (10+) get a wristband valid for 1 entree, 1 side or 1 dessert, 1 regular size non-alcoholic fountain beverage each time through the line until the published restaurant closing time. Children (ages 3-9) get a wristband valid for 1 kids' meal with kids' cup (beverage excludes bottles water and hot beverages) and 1 side or 1 dessert each time through the line until the published restaurant closing time.

There is no sharing, except when children are under the age of 3. Each time you visit a restaurant you must wait in line and check out with cashier. There are no front of the line privileges.

 Sea World's Holiday celebrations are going on now until January 17th, 2012. So visit soon to enjoy!