Now I'm starting to wonder if maybe there's an extra/earlier (9:15 a.m.) feeding on Fridays and weekends (which tend to be more crowded) and a 10:00ish first feeding during weekdays. Who knows...
We're planning to visit on a Monday, and I'll see if the weekday schedule supports my little theory. (I'll also ask a few staffers while I'm there.) Then, I'll post what I learn here.
I actually tried to contact SW via e-mail for a definitive answer, but -- so far -- the customer support folks remain unresponsive.
I finally heard back from Sea World last week regarding my questions about the Parks dolphin-feeding schedule and hours of admission.
*
The good news: It appears that two different staff members took the time to reply, because I received two separate responses to my initial e-mail inquiry.
*
The bad news: The information arrived
after my Sea World visit.
My Questions:
*I recently read on the Aquatica web site that patrons who purchase their tickets in advance receive access to the park an hour before it opens to the general public. (So, if Aquatica is scheduled to open at 9:00 a.m., then those with tickets in hand can enter as early as 8:00 a.m.) Does Sea World offer the same benefit?
*Also, are the dolphin-feeding times consistent each day? If so, what time is the earliest feeding?
Sea World's Responses (cut-and-pasted below):
Thanks for contacting SeaWorld Orlando. We always appreciate hearing from our guests. Seaworld opening time is 9:00 a.m we do not open one hour earlier. First feeding time is within one hour of park opening.
We look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Guest Correspondence
SeaWorld Orlando
******
Thanks for contacting SeaWorld Orlando. We always appreciate hearing from our guests. Due to the very large volume of correspondence we have received, we apologize we were unable to respond to your e-mail until now. You have probably visited the park; I hope you had a great day.
In case you have not gotten an answer, SeaWorld does not open it's doors before the scheduled opening time. There is not early admission for advance sale tickets. The dolphin feeding times are not always the same each day. The first one is typically around 9:15 in the morning. The rest are scheduled around the dietary needs of the dolphins. The Zoological and Educational staff around the Dolphin Cove will be able to give you a general time table the day of your visit.
If you have any further questions, please visit us online at
www.seaworld.com or call 1-888-800-5447 toll free.
Thanks again for visiting our Web site. Should you require additional information, please contact our Customer Service & Information Center at 1-888-800-5447.
Sincerely,
Guest Correspondence
SeaWorld Orlando
******
I had to chuckle at the admission in that last response that Id probably already visited the Park. (I have!)
Of course, I guess that means Ive got some splaining to do, since Ive yet to report back with details.
(Sorry about that, folks! Ill post some photos and insights in the next day or two.)