Today’s post is in partnership with SeaWorld San Diego and The Moms. I am so excited to share our amazing day at SeaWorld San Diego with you! The kids and I have not been to SeaWorld in years. In fact, the last time we went Elijah was just a little tot. So, you can only imagine how ecstatic my kids were when I told them “We are going to SeaWorld!” + thanks to the sweet ladies from The Moms!
Our trip to SeaWorld San Diego was not your standard visit. Okay, don’t hate, but we received an exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure that we will never ever forget! It was such a moving and life-changing experience for our entire family.
There were so many favorite parts of this trip (as you will see) but our most dear moment was visiting the Sea World’s Animal Rescue and Research Area and discovering their passion for the lives of all animals.
Meet Melissa Gerstein and Geanine Cilenti of The Moms, a multi-platform lifestyle brand based out of New York which delivers the most engaging and important information to parents all year round! These amazing #bossbabes were the best hostesses and made our experience at SeaWorld unbelievably comfortable and memorable!
I was completely impressed with every SeaWorld team members’ interaction with my family and me. It is clear how much these wonderful people love animals and the mission of SeaWorld. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and fun! Seriously, my daughter Emi wants to work here when she is of age!
Kelly, Dave, Kat treated us like family and guided us through every highlight and showcased us what SeaWorld San Diego has to offer! This was the very best tour experience I have ever had!
The party started adjacent to the Nautilus Pavilion which is SeaWorld’s Special Events Area. This gorgeous place hosts group and private party events with delicious food in style catered by their in-house catering team. Our lunch was absolutely magical and the kids and I felt like celebrities.
Food stations were set with the most mouth watering foods and desserts. The staff was so accommodating and courteous. The presentation of the food and flavors were amazing! We had the opportunity to dine with SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team and they came to each of our tables to say hello and share with us their day. These guys are real life HEROES!
Just when the kids and I thought it couldn’t get any better we were greeted with live animals during our lunch experience! The Animal Visits were out of this world – I mean these are the kind of animals you normally see behind a thick glass wall. The kids hurried and swallowed their last bite and ran to greet a friendly penguin, porcupine, and little owl. This is just one of the many enhancements that made our experience so fun at SeaWorld!
It was so fun to watch the Dolphin Days show! My kids loved watching the dolphins and pilot whale families show off their athleticism and playfulness. The music was lively and the presentation was engaging and informative! Our favorite part was hearing this sweet gal’s dream of becoming a dolphin trainer as a child.
I love to hear when people follow their dreams and this sweet dolphin trainer did. Her story was so inspiring and I honestly had a lump in my throat when she was sharing it! After the show was over, we got to stay longer and experience the dolphins in our own personal meet and greet. We also got to feed the dolphin too. We loved each second and it was amazing to get so up close and personal with this friendly water friend!
Orca Encounter highlights SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales in a documentary-style format featuring a three-story, first-of-its kind infinity screen and a natural rugged coastline setting complete with towering pines and picturesque waterfalls.
This presentation was awesome! I can’t even describe it and you must bring your family to experience this with your very own eyes! The amazing SeaWorld Public Relations Team took us to the VIP section where we got a perfect view of this inspiring and extraordinary experience. The combination of the live orca presentation coupled with the massive digital infinity screen exhibition was astonishing!
My kids sat in awe as they watched Orca Encounter (they were actually quiet!). It was beautiful to witness the amazing bond between the orcas and trainers. You could see every characteristic of the whale from the 140-foot-wide screen. Every seat in the house was a good one because of it! The kids and I were inspired by this presentation.
I have a deeper understanding of these wild animals and I am happy knowing the kids got this experience because this insight helps you better understand why conservation for these sea animals are so important.
The final phase of our behind-the-scenes Family Event with The Moms at SeaWorld San Diego was at their Animal Health and Rescue Center. Wow, were the kids and I in for a treat! Learning about SeaWorld’s rescue program made me feel so happy!!! Why? I had no idea at all that SeaWorld has helped lead advances in the care of animals — until now. What a honor it was to be invited and a privilege for my kids to learn and experience this first hand.
Knowledge is power. I am so grateful for this educational experience SeaWorld provided for my children and I. SeaWorld rescue program is the primary example of the passion SeaWorld has for the lives of all animals. On average, SeaWorld San Diego comes to the aid of 300 – 400 marine animals every year. The animals they medically rehabilitate and aim to return back to their home in the wild are: sea lions, seals, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and sea birds.
Speaking to the crew here I got a strong sense of their passion and commitment to the animals. They are fantastic individuals with a heart of gold! We were told that they work around the clock, every day of year, rain or shine to care for these animals. These men and women love these animals who are either ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned. Collectively SeaWorld rescue team has helped more than 29,000 animals in need over the last 59 years!
It was 4:30 PM and it was time to part ways! We loved our personal tour adventures with the SeaWorld Public Relations Team and the fine ladies from The Moms. Thank you! Thank you! We were granted use of the entire park for the reminder of the day and the kids were ready for the “after-party” festivities to begin!
We headed over to ShipWreck Reef Cafe for a delicious dinner! Man, were we spoiled!!! The exclusive wristbands allowed us access to each participating restaurant (every hour if we wanted) for “on-the house” entrees! I need to mention again how delicious the food is at SeaWorld!
The world diet does not exist at SeaWorld. There is so many healthy and delectable options to choose from with their main entrees, side dishes and desserts. SeaWorld dining, drinks, and snacks made our tummies very FULL and HAPPY!
The heart and destination of Ocean Explorer is a series of undersea research bases housing specifically-designed aquariums and displays that showcase unique and elusive ocean animals. Interactive surprises – like pop-up bubbles and a kid crawl. Kids can get face to face with these amazing oceanic species.
Elijah was so excited to ride Ocean Explorer’s Submarine Quest ride! It is a mini-submarine ride with digital interactive learning components. Each sub ride vehicle has its own nautical-themed name (e.g. Bubbly Bailey). There are touch screens in each row of the mini sub allowing kids to play and interact! My kids had so much fun on this three-minute ride that allowed them to discover oceanic exploration!
Looking at these photos wants me to experience these moments again with my children. The girls were able to ride together on both the Bayside Skyride and Tentacle Swirl Ride. Elijah and I enjoyed some mommy and me time together and my heart is so happy to have these sweet moments with my son! This was honestly the best thing we have done this summer. Nothing will beat this!
This caps our fabulous behind-the-scenes Family Day at SeaWord San Diego with The Moms! I am so grateful I got to take my kids to this destination. I know they will never forget this experience! This place is perfect place for families.
There is something for everyone, whether you love shows/presentations, rides, exhibits or dining — SeaWorld San Diego is your place for educational entertainment for the entire family. SeaWorld offers each and every visitor a meaningful experience. Be inspired to help preserve our ocean home and creatures.
WIN A SEAWORLD FAMILY FOUR-PACK OF TICKETS NOW!
Our family loves SeaWorld! We are proud to partner with SeaWorld in offering one of my lucky readers a chance to win a Family Four-Pack of Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego!
To ENTER all you have to do is comment on this post by letting me know you are interested in winning the tickets and what attraction(s) you are excited to experience at SeaWorld.
It is that easy! Contest ends by July 31st so make sure to enter by then. Check back in on August 1st (to this original blog post) to see if you were randomly selected. Please, tell your family and friends! Good luck everyone!
Congratulations to @emilytycksen! You are the lucky winner of the family four pack of tickets to SeaWorld San Diego!!! Please email me to claim your tickets. Thank you all who entered. Wishing you a Happy Summer! Thank you for supporting To Thine Own Style Be True.
Thank you for stopping by!
such cute pics! love the post 🙂
what a fun family trip!
I would love to take my little girl on the Ocean Explorer and check out the flamingo habitat but it all looks amazing! Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
This looks like such a fun trip! Your kiddos look so happy 🙂
– xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
So much fun! I’ve actually never been to Sea World so I’m jealous! 😉 Loved seeing all the pictures!
My sons loves Sea World, it his 8th birthday on July 23rd, this would be a special treat!!! Thanks for a chance!
This looks so fun! Your photos are so cute!
@samanthabowers_
http://www.thefitbrunette.com
Sounds like you had an amazing day! Also sounds like it’s a great idea to take some tours around sea world after doing all the attractions to get a better idea of everything that they do!:)
What an unforgettable experience! I went to Sea World years ago and always remember it as a fond memory!
xo, Ilse
http://www.livelearnluxeit.com
Looks so fun! I live in San Diego and I have yet to experience Sea World. I need to check it out!
What a fun experience! I’m glad they are taking good care of the animals, those flamingos are stunning!
Looks like a really unforgettable experience for the kids! I love that they brought out some animals during lunch, how fun!
xoxo, Natalie
http://www.rachelgreenandprettythings.com
Awesome! Would love to take the kids and enjoy EVERYTHING! You hear such negative publicity – it’s great to see all the amazing things being done, too! Great photos! Skyride will be first on our list! Happy Summer!
It would be a dream come true for me, I bet your kids were ecstatic! Beautiful pictures!
It looks like a fun trip! I’ve never been!
Maggie @ Polished Closets
This looks like such a fun day out for the kids!! Bet the absolutely loved it and you would have too!
this looks so fun!!
I would like to win. I want to see the Orca Encounter.
It looks like you had so much fun while you’re there! I have never been to Sea World and I would love to take the kids there! There’s so much to look forward to!
Awe it looks like you had an amazing time, I went there when I was 15 and loved it!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
How fun! I bet the kids loved it!
I am sure my daughter and I would love to win tickets and the orca encounter would be awesome. Although behind the scenes with any of the animals would be amazing. We do love the penguins. Thanks for sharing everything here.
That is so fun! I went years ago and it was really cool!
What a fun day, it looks like you all had a blast!
This looks so fun! Love your photos!
@samanthabowers_
http://www.thefitbrunette.com
Oh my gosh, this is amazing… SeaWorld is my DREAM!!!!!
Coming Up Roses
Oh wow it’s been so long since I’ve been to SeaWorld! It looks like so much fun.
xo,
Steph
@trendyinindy || trendyinindy.com
I don’t care what anyone says I love SeaWorld and it looks like you guys had a blast!! 🙂
x
Missy
http://popofstyle.com
Looks like everyone had such a good time!
You have the cutest family!
What a fun family trip! I used to love Sea World!
xx Mollie
So jealous! It looks like you had such a fun family trip!
April | http://www.thebluehydrangeas.com
Oh my god this looked like so much fun. I love Sea World. I went there a few times when I lived in San Diego!
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
xo, Laura
What a fun day at Sea World!! It looks like you guys had a blast!
Looks like a blast! I think I’ve only been once when I was young.
It looks like y’all had a great time! I loved sea world so much as a kid.
How cool!! I was really excited to read your post on this experience! It sounds like you had an unforgettable time! I am a bit jealous you guys were able to get up close to penguins and porcupines after your lunch. Haha. What a neat experience!
What an amazing experience and great giveaway!!
What a great trip to take!!
This sounds like such a fun family outing! I think even though I have older girls, they would still love it. The Orca show is always amazing and the new rides sound really fun! I’m glad you & your kids had such a great day together.
What an amazing experience and trip! I have only been their once and loved it. I would love to go back one day!
Looks like everyone had a great time!!! such a fun trip.
Looks like a fun family trip!
You have some very beautiful photos from the vacation that you took with your family. The sea life is amazing! I love the dolphins! It also looks like you enjoyed it very much.
It looks like y’all had such a great time. Beautiful photos. Sea world has so much to do for the whole family.
Such a fun post!! I hope you had a wonderful time. 🙂
~Adriana
http://www.leopardmartini.com
You guys must of had a blast! This looks like so much fun for the entire family!
This looks so fun! What a great opportunity!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
looks like a great time!
looks like such an amazing time!
What a great giveaway and it looks like you had a great time!
I haven’t been since I was a kid! Looks like you guys had a great time!
I haven’t been to SeaWorld in forever!!! Glad y’all had a blast!
Xo, Nickie
Inthegreyblog.com
This is one of my favorite places! There’s always so many fun things to do there!
~Hillary
http://www.styleinasmalltown.com
I think I would enjoy more here than disneyworld. The interaction with dolphins are priceless. And it is also educational!
Glad you enjoyed SeaWorld San Diego with your children Debbie! I’ve never been to San Diego but I will visit SeaWorld if I am there 😉
xx Aldora
AldoraMuses.com
Amazing place! Wish I could join and win but don’t think I’m going San Diego anytime soon. All the best to participants and say hi to the creatures for me too!
Perfect Family! Love these photos, Deb! Looks like you guys had an amazing time as family. Thank you for sharing!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
I would love to win these awesome tickets! I would love to watch the Orca Encounter show. Such a great review you gave of it!
This looks like such a fun family vacation! I haven’t been since I was a kid and your photos really make me want to go back!
xo,
Lisa
http://www.prettylittleshoppers.com