Would you go to SW if there were no Orcas?

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Just a hypothetical scenario in the light of the recent situation. If SeaWorld decided one day to stop using Orca's (killer whales) in their shows would you still visit the park? Are the Orca shows (Believe, Shamu Rocks etc) so important to you that you wouldn't go back to the park if they weren't there. Could you imagine a SW with no Shamu?

Me personally, I would still go. I love Believe and the Orca's but my favourite show is probably Clyde and Seamore and I love the laid back, chilled out vibe of SW and the highlight of the visit for me is feeding and interacting with the dolphins.

Do you think SeaWorld could survive without Brand Shamu? I wouldn't like this to turn into a debate about Orcas and captivity, whether its right or wrong although I have made in clear in other posts how I feel. I would just like to know how much of a part "Shamu" plays in your trip to SeaWorld and if you could visit SW without him?

 

[andrews_dad]

Shamu is SeaWorld. That would really harm the brand to get rid of their symbol. Diz with no Mickey.

That being said, I would still go. Personally I'd like to see them amp up the Sesame Street focus. The Elmo show (and Elmo Xmas Show) are great. I could see them spinning some new rides and attractions for the little kids to this end.

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Shamu is SeaWorld. That would really harm the brand to get rid of their symbol. Diz with no Mickey.

That being said, I would still go. Personally I'd like to see them amp up the Sesame Street focus. The Elmo show (and Elmo Xmas Show) are great. I could see them spinning some new rides and attractions for the little kids to this end.

Interesting, I've never seen the Elmo show! I think it is the most young child friendly park in Florida. I don't have children (yet) but I have thought for a few years its a nice park to take really little ones to when they first start to walk etc.

 

[andrews_dad]

My son has been twice (2 days each, 4 days total). Once at 6 months old and one at 1 year and 6 months. Both times were a HIT. The Elmo show is a MUST with kids under 5. After the show you head out the side and geet to pose/meet Elmo.

They have two different Elmo shows. One regular one and a different one at Xmas that is Sesame versions of Xmas carols and such. Wonderful.

 

[meldobe]

I would definately go if there were no killer whales, i've been once many years ago but didn't like watching the killer whales performing and decided never to visit again so for me and my family it would mean we could visit seaworld on our trips to florida.

 

[Rosie]

I would still go.
There is so much else to see there and my favourite show is Pets Ahoy! with no Marine wildlife.
Yesterday was tragic and I also hope discussion is positive and not used as a vehicle for those who would close all Zoos and Animal parks down.

 

[andrews_dad]

I would definately go if there were no killer whales, i've been once many years ago but didn't like watching the killer whales performing and decided never to visit again so for me and my family it would mean we could visit seaworld on our trips to florida.

That is too bad. I do Orlando 2 times per year. Somewhere in the range of 20-30 trips to the Diz theme parks and maybe 10 trips to SW (totalling 20 days at SW and 150+ days at the 4 main Diz parks). After Magic K, I think SW is the next best park in Orlando. Just a great place with something for all ages. Don't get me wrong, I love Epcot, AK, DHS, the water parks, even DizQuest. But if I only had 4 days to tour Orlando parks, it would be 2 at MK and 2 at SW every time.

 

[livndisney]

My son has been twice (2 days each, 4 days total). Once at 6 months old and one at 1 year and 6 months. Both times were a HIT. The Elmo show is a MUST with kids under 5. After the show you head out the side and geet to pose/meet Elmo.

They have two different Elmo shows. One regular one and a different one at Xmas that is Sesame versions of Xmas carols and such. Wonderful.

There is more Elmo coming to Sea World

 

[inkkognito]

I would go, but only because I live near SW and already have a season pass and love Manta. As a PP said, SeaWorld without Shamu is like Disney without Mickey.

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

. After Magic K, I think SW is the next best park in Orlando.

Me too !

 

[Metro West]

Would I continue to go? Absolutely.

 

[Thumper_Man]

I would definately go if there were no killer whales, i've been once many years ago but didn't like watching the killer whales performing and decided never to visit again so for me and my family it would mean we could visit seaworld on our trips to florida.

Just because there is an Orca show doesn't mean you still can't go to SW. Just avoid seeing the Orca show.

As for me, would I still go? Absolutely. For me, my favorite show is Blue Horizons (dolphin show). I love dolphins, they are my favorite animal in the whole world. I can spend hours watching them. Next trip, I'm hoping to do Discovery Cove and do the swim with them. If I can afford it. Plus I haven't been to SW since they added Manta. Can't wait to ride it.

 

[andrews_dad]

There is more Elmo coming to Sea World

Hint, hint, wink, wink? C'mon... what is the scoop? What do you know that I don't?

 

[meldobe]

Just because there is an Orca show doesn't mean you still can't go to SW. Just avoid seeing the Orca show.

I couldn't give them my money if i don't agree with part of their park so its a no from me whilst they have orca performing.

 

[TitanBrett]

I would definitely go. Blue Horizons is my favorite anyway. That being said I think Sea World would have a hard time surviving without the whales. Also, the whales arent going anywhere so we dont need to worry about it.

 

[WickedElphaba]

I couldn't give them my money if i don't agree with part of their park so its a no from me whilst they have orca performing.

just curious why only orca? because of the risk factor?

 

[meldobe]

No its more to do with the life they lead as nothing created by a park can compare to life in the wild for a creature as large as an orca that lives in family groups and hunts together using great skill -i know the same can be said for dolphins etc but the size difference is a factor, just my opinion and not wishing to upset anyone that enjoys watching the orca as its each to their own

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

I wouldn't like this to turn into a debate about Orcas and captivity, whether its right or wrong although I have made in clear in other posts how I feel. I would just like to know how much of a part "Shamu" plays in your trip to SeaWorld and if you could visit SW without him?

Whilst I respect Meldobe's opinion, just a polite reminder above! I just know how easily these things can disintegrate into a moral debate (although, thankfully it hasn't so far) and I wouldn't want this thread closed as one on a similar topic was this morning on the UK Trip Planning Board. Thanks for your insight everyone, seems like we are almost all agreed that we would still visit SeaWorld even if there was no Shamu .

 

[meldobe]

Sorry was just answering questions others had asked me, not wishing it to become a debate on the ethics.

 

[RabFlmom]

We love SW. We love Shamu( actually all the killer whales. They are beautiful creatures of earth that none of us or very few of us would ever have seen if not for them being in captivity in a park. I would still go to Sea world but I would definitely miss the shamu shows. I saw my first show in the early days of the park in Orlando and still remember that first show as if it were yesterday.

I first saw Dawn when she was just a young woman of 23 or 24 when I was chaperoning local school kids to SW . She was beautiful, loved her job, and loved sharing about it with anyone who would listen. All you had to do was look at her face when she was working and you saw her love of the animals. She brought joy to anyone who ever saw her in the water or knew her. RIP Dawn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I really think she would want all the programs to continue so the world can continue to see these beautiful creatures that she loved.