Dine with Shamu (August 4th) review with *pics*

We went to Dine with Shamu this past Friday and it was an awesome way to end our visit to Sea World. There was so much food and while the quality was not like dining at a five star restaurant I did not feel that we spent too much money. Our DS who is 8 was so excited because not only did they have food he liked but they had fun gummi items and the desserts were fabulous, both for adults and kids. Shamu swam around the pond several times and came up right in front of our table. Yes, it was not a lot of interaction but you got a lot closer to Shamu then you do when you visit the shows and you don't even have to sit in the splash. However, our DS did note next to the seats whwere we ate is a sign that says "splash zone". One nice thing to note is that it was raining when we were there and everyone of the seats was covered so you were able to enjoy the dinner without getting wet. I would definitely suggest doing this. As long as you keep in mind it is buffet food and you are in a tourist area so it seems expensive you won't feel disappointed at all with what you get out of the event.
 
We have never done this, but after seeing the report and pictures of all the great food, this is a must for our next visit to SW. Thank You!
 
Hi All,

We just returned from Orlando on Sunday, Oct 28th. We attended Dine with Shamu on 10/19 at Sea World. We were seated at table 25 which was a great location. You're table is assigned to you based on when you booked your meal. Our particular dinner was sold out for that day.

At 4:00PM we headed for the backstage entrance at Believe stadium. We were greeted by a hostess who asked for our last name. She found our name on a list and gave us each a lanyard with a VIP backstage pass inserted in the sleeve that we wore around our necks. We were then taken to our table by another hostess who asked us a few questions about our day at Sea World. Once we were seated she kindly told us who our server would be and how the experience would work. I call this meal an experience because to us it was more than just a dinner.

Our servers name was Mark. He immediately came over to our table and asked us what we would like to drink and told us we could go to the buffet at anytime. The buffet was located in a room called the "Green Room" just behind the dining area. The room was rather small and the line seemed unorganized because of the way the food was presented. Food items included seafood creole, oven roasted turkey breast, roasted chicken, pasta and several sides including mashed potatoes and gravy, and a vegetable melody. The buffet has a child's area with food just for them. There were also several desserts including cakes, pies, cookies, and bananas foster flambe. The food was fresh, well prepared, and absolutely delicious.

Once we finished our food a trainer introduced himself and told everyone how trainers interact with the killer whales at Sea World. They use a series of under water tones which tell the whales what to do. The trainer gave the audience a few examples. We could actually hear the same tones and watch how Shamu reacted. There were a few tricks and then Shamu actually paid us a visit near our table. It was really incredible watching how Shamu reacted to the audible tones and how close he got to us. Another trainer explained to us how they develop a relationship with the killer whales at Sea World. She also explained the importance of rewarding the whales after they successfully perform a task.

Next we received a visit from one of the trainers at our table. We were able to ask the trainer questions. She told us some of her job duties and what she experiences in a typical days work. The interaction was terrific. At this point I realized how educational this experience was becoming. This just wasn't a typical dinner, but it included an educational component I wasn't expecting. If you've ever wanted to know how Sea World interacts with its marine life you will want to make it a point to attend this experience.

My personal view of this event is it is well worth it. It is an educational experience as well as an opportunity to see Shamu up close. This food was delicious and well worth the price in my opinion. The buffet room did get a bit tight at times and seemed unorganized. Beyond that everything was perfect. I would suggest this meal to anyone!

Here are a few pictures from the event:

Beverages available included with your meal
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Banannas foster table outside the main buffet room
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Our Daughter Anna with the trainer that visited our table
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Our server Mark. He was fantastic! He lowered the shade for us as he saw the sun was bothering us.
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These badges were given to us in a lanyard we could keep and wear around our necks. It made us feel special.
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Our visit from Shamu. This was simply spectacular and one of the highlights of the meal.
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The wall along the dining area sports graphics and information about killer whales and the Believe stadium.
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The dessert table inside the "Green Room" or buffet room. Very delicious!
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A trainer had Shamu perform tricks for the dining audience.
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Thanks to Cass for posting this experience for our family to try it! :)
 


How much is the dinner for adults and kids???

Here is the info directry from Sea World's website. There is a 10% AAA discount offered if you are a member. Be sure to mention it at the time of booking.

Adults: $37.00 plus tax.
Children ages 3 - 9: $19.00 plus tax.
Children under 3: Free, but require reservations.
Park admission is required but not included.

For reservations, call 1-800-327-2424
 
Thanks for the info everyone-
How soon can I book for April 2008?

Thanks-
:love: :love:
 


What is the difference betweent his experience and the Shamu Rocks experience? Thanks, Jen
 
We just booked the buffet for April :banana: is there any special seating for the show following dinner? what time is the show (dinner seems so early!) Thanks in advance !:love:
 
We just returned from our trip and the dinner with Shamu. Although the food was very good, the experience was great, the trainers coming over to visit with the guests was neat, Shamu swimming around and peeping out, etc.

Suggestions: The picture that was taken when you first arrive- should have been with the Shamu character or something to make it more memorable. The pic with the water behind it- no big deal and we didn't buy them for that reason. Have something there for us to know when and where the pic was taken.

Too many tables in this space...it was hard to get in and around for those that were by the water. We had to constantly move seats or get up when people wanted to go back to the food.

Other than that...great time, good food, kids loved it! Just remember, this is an animal and the "performance" is all up to the day and their willingness. They basically let the whale determine their own show here.
 
Great review and pictures,Ds would like to do this for his birthday in July .How early can you book?
 

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