Seaworld San Diego Review | A Comprehensive Overview to the First Ever SeaWorld Park

[@TheRealConcertKing]

Another problem with the "comfort" collars is that when one isn't latched right or just comes unlatched during the ride, people LOSE THEIR MINDS and it becomes a whole local news story about whether or not the ride is safe because the restraints "don't work". This happened again recently with Electric Eel, there were pieces on local news because someone got a video where you can see the collar flopping down when they go upside down. And I've talked to a handful of people who have experienced that and talked about it as if they barely survived. Having a totally unnecessary feature on a ride that freaks out the GP for no reason is so stupid.

[@CoasterStudios]

This is very true!

[@strudelninja]

I appreciate your content that move at a fast clip like this, I think you do a really good job with VO and scripting on your non-vlog non-podcast style videos.

[@CoasterStudios]

Thank you!

[@strudelninja]

@@CoasterStudios Not that I don't like park vlogs but sometimes the interludes lose my interest, and I'm not big on the dining room table vids. So I'm happy to see this kind of content! Just wanted to throw in my two cents.

[@miyagi619]

Thank you for doing an honest review of this park. I like your suggestions for adding a surf coaster next to Emperor and a flat ride in the back of the park, behind Manta. I also like your idea for a kid coaster. I hope they take your advice.

[@triple7marc]

Ah, my former home park. One of my favorite parts about living in San Diego was being able to see Emperor and Electric Eel from basically anywhere in that general region 😂 and the observation tower would always have the Christmas tree lights hanging off it, year-round!

[@CorkscrewCoaster]

this is my home park and i have so many memories here. the park could use another big ride or two but it is a really nice place to go and lapping journey to atlantis at night is something i’ll never forget.

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

Wonder if you got yourself drenched riding that water coaster a ton.

[@aapiedeechte]

your the best youtuber ever go trough like this

[@IceCreamIslander]

it's crazy that this park has been adding so many coasters so fast, because now I can only think of 3 things they could need (and feasibly add): 1) a true kiddie coaster (as you said), 2) a B&M mini-hyper (at or below 150 ft), and 3) an Intamin swing launch. Any of these could make this a surprisingly well-rounded lineup from a park that, until recently, barely had anything to ride.

[@raymondking2945]

B&M Jr. Giga with multiple speed hills and one camelback. 150ft is perfect for a start like Rougarou/Green Lantern. Mini-hyper with giga pacing.

[@CoasterFun101]

Woodie?

[@Dakotakemna]

@@raymondking2945 imagine an rmc there hahahahaha, something like area force one might be possible, if they ever plan to add another thrill coaster it needs to be actually different, like a b&m dive coaster wasnt it, they all feel the same and they could have gotten more unique, im bias tho bc i personally dont like the newer b&m rides, but a mini hyper would be great, but i just dont see it being good bc its b&m, an intamin mega coaster would be pretty cool if they were going for a mini hyper

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

A B&M Surf Coaster would be the best option, and go perfect with the California Surf theme.

[@maxhagenauer24]

I loved Sea World Orlando and San Antonio , I bet this one must also be great.

[@oneshadyalien79]

I’m a San Diego native and SeaWorld is truly a great place. But I feel like it was more magical when I went as a kid. The coasters are solid and manta is proof that a good coaster dosnt have to be big.

[@ImConfused37]

Manta at Seaworld San Diego was the first ever roller coaster ive been on

[@Goat_Girl_Gwen]

Journey to Atlantis was mine!

[@what_27]

@@Goat_Girl_GwenThat was my 3rd just after Coastersaurus and Dragon a short drive away!

[@MikeyLikesIt619]

This is my home park, I grew up coming here even before there were Roller Coasters. I remember when Shipwreck Rapids went in and me and my cousin rode it 20 times in a row and shut down the park. They started letting us stay on after about 7 rides. I have followed every recent construction project, the good and the bad (*Cough* Tidal Twister *Cough*). I am just happy to be able to take my kids there and have a good time. There was a time when the City had an ordinance that forced sea world to have 75% animal exhibits. The city has obviously relaxed those mandates. I am sure Sea World came to them and said, Look we are either going to go out of business or build roller coasters.

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

Well said, hopefully a B&M Surf Coaster is next to come, put it next to Emperor.

[@Mega18G]

I been Seaworld since 2009 and it was fun. Besides, I saw it last year as get a photo background for my grandparents Loveable view.

[@kyleantonini]

Oh, how the times have changed... I remember going as a kid in the 90s and the only "thrill" ride was a motion simulator ride. Instead, we would go get splashed by every type of sea mammal... When San Antonio got Steel Eel, it was like, "whuuuuuuu?"

[@bb-8schannel333]

I go to USD which is 10 minutes away from SeaWorld San Diego and it’s so cool when I go to class, I can just see the roller coasters from my campus. I just love it sm I need to get a pass asap

[@Mikephotos]

Thanks for the review of my home park. Glad you enjoyed it. By the way I think we're going to get a Surf Coaster in the next couple of years

[@AngelaJonesReviews]

I had a season pass to SeaWorld San Diego back in 2013. It’s a nice place to walk around and plenty of food options.

[@TheRealConcertKing]

The food there now is eye wateringly expensive and not very good

[@riparianlife97701]

Great place. The biggest drawback is local height restrictions that limit ride size and placement.

[@ryancommenter-r7o]

cough cough Alton Towers still makes insane rides cough cough

[@ValueNetwork]

Height limitations have never been a serious limiter of coaster design, it just means that you need to look outside the box. See: all of Phantasialand. None of their coasters go higher than the coasters that Sea world have, and they have one of the best 1,2 punches in Europe!

[@riparianlife97701]

@@ryancommenter-r7o They couldn't have built Nemesis at SWSD. If you dig a hole, it fills with water. The first drop pit on Manta has to be pumped constantly.

[@Dakotakemna]

@@riparianlife97701 but something like flight deck at great america. like even then theres so much more they could do with the coasters

[@groton27]

Last time I went. There was no roller coasters there. The Arctic motion sim ride was like brand new lol 😂 that was in 2000 before I moved back east

[@R0bloxrecation]

The thing with seaworld is they don’t need a kiddie coaster since the sesame place water park has a kiddie coaster in it

[@CoasterStudios]

That may be- but it’s still a different park, and not every guest will visit that property.

[@R0bloxrecation]

@@CoasterStudios that’s true lol but I agree seaworld San Diego does need a kiddie coaster since most of the guests are families

[@radtraveldad]

As this is one of my home parks in SoCal, I’m glad to see it get some attention on your channel. It is a really beautiful park and I agree with many of your critiques. It really stands out how unbalanced the park is now with four major roller coasters in one corner of the park and only one coaster (Manta) off to the other side. I hope to see some new additions come to the west side of the park in future years and rebalance the day, otherwise it feels like you’re literally knocking out rides and then seeing aquariums and “presentations” in separate experiences.

[@mattguerrero3700]

As a SoCal resident I would love to see a surf coaster or the first B&M wing coaster on the west coast! Make it 150ft instead of a launch. Also, a S&S swing would be perfect addition here as well.

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

The Surf Coaster would be the best option, especially with a perfect California Surf Theme.

[@ArcadeJackpotMaster]

Personaly I have always though that SWSD needs a RMC Raptor SWSD is my home park.

[@benjaminveksler3793]

i watched a news thing about how “the restraint failed” but it was just the comfort collar that came off and the girl was crying and acting like she would’ve like died

[@jeremygabe6675]

Another recent update to some old footage! Sesame St. "Bay of Play" at SWSD was rebranded "Rescue Jr." in early 2023. The 3 kiddie rides were all re-skinned. Oscar the Grouch's boat sway is now just a regular boat. Abby's Sea Spin is now spinning urchins and sea stars. And the Elmo's flying ride is now flying jet skis. All Sesame St. branding is gone from SWSD with the exception of left over merchandise in the gift shops. Sesame Street branding moved to Sesame Place, the Sea World-owned water park (formerly Aquatica SD) about 25 min south of SWSD. To open Sesame Place nearly year round, there are kiddie coasters there. The current rumour for the old Tidal Twister land is an upgraded fish aquarium (the old one, closed in 2020, sat behind the neglected tidepool next to tidal twister; all three of those attractions were demo-ed late last year). But with Jewels of the Sea clearly behind schedule, maybe management is rethinking those plans, or at least waiting to see gate returns from Jewels before starting work back there.

[@CoasterStudios]

I did not know that Sesame Street Bay of Play theming got moved over to the Sesame Street park- thats news to me! During our most recent visit we bypassed that section so I had no idea they reskinned it all. Sounds like a good improvement though!

[@mitchellries256]

I came here in 2014 for their 50th anniversary. I wish I could've returned this summer because of their 60th anniversary and because of all the new attractions that have been added ever since.

[@LoveStallion]

Growing up in SoCal, I assumed every SeaWorld had to be on the ocean because, you know, ocean animals. I was baffled when I learned there was one in San Antonio of all places.

[@FirBurger98]

Very fun coasters. I bought tickets on cyber monday and got them for $64. Super dead on fridays and every ride was a walk in. I hadn't been there since i was like 5-6 years old so it was cool being there again. They could do better at cleaning the park or just keeping things "fresh" in terms of paint or even the viewing areas for the animals

[@gulladdii8447]

They can’t put anything tall in the back of the park since they are only allowed to the build roller coasters near journey and emperor. Pretty sure that side of the park the maximum height for any building is 50 feet

[@bridgetraveler7700]

I didn't know that UCLA meant University of California, Los Angeles. I learned something new today!

[@CoastinDamian]

BRING BACK COASTER PARODY'S PT1

[@Josephdavidson]

Petition signed

[@gdy2shus]

Dude, the polar bear has been gone for years!

[@CoasterStudios]

oh really? I didn't know that!

[@gdy2shus]

@@CoasterStudios 😂

[@JoeyH-sb3fq]

How many years? ​@@gdy2shus

[@gdy2shus]

@@JoeyH-sb3fq early 2020

[@JoeyH-sb3fq]

@@gdy2shus Ahhh, Quarantine era.

[@bridgetraveler7700]

If I were management I would put in a tall Scream N Swing and a pendulum ride to get people's attention! Hey I see a couple of new attractions near the back of the Seaworld of San Diego Park!

[@CoasterFun101]

As a new coaster enthusiast in San Diego, I always throw my back back in the bushes to avoid lockers. The park is fun, but even though it’s not the best ride, manta is the most reridable. I know you say we get a lot of investment, but it doesn’t feel like it. It’s also annoying that if you are under 14, you need an adult to go in. Dolphin show might seem a little cheesy, but I feel like it’s the best. Whatever the next ride is, I hope the capacity is good because THE OPERATIONS ARE TERRIBLE. Regular 2 minute+ dispatches. Overall, good park

[@gilbertceballos8674]

I've been here twice. First time I was 12 years old. Last time wast last year. It's beautiful, I just wish they had another standout thrill coaster! (Better than emperor or manta)

[@BenjaminMcDonnell]

For someone who has been going here since I was 3, they need to bring back more aquariums that they have been taking out, a kid coaster would be cool but we need a balance of animals, big and small, and coasters/ attractions

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I AGREE WITH YOU ON EVEYTHING!!!

[@nicholaswinebrenner5164]

This is a great park. My wife and I did the dolphin experience and it was great. I got splashed. We did not do any rides and had a great time.

[@joshl9328]

Love seaworld!!!

[@Angel21595]

emperor not having a roof was the reason i despised working there

[@Mig__Official]

now we need a seaworld orlando review

[@CoasterStudios]

The old one currently on the channel definitely needs an update- since its posting, they've added Ice Breaker, Pipeline, and Penguin Trek!

[@Mig__Official]

@CoasterStudios And they seem to be continuing their rapid expansion and additions. Moreover, they are trying to fight against the huge competition in orlando with Disney and Universal by trying to become a resort. They currently have 3 gates, SWO Dry Park, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove, and they want to build 2 SWO owned hotels so they become a fully fledged resort. United parks (I hate this name, but it's understandable why they made the switch) is definitely putting all their money and R&D to this park, and BGT aswell, but thats for another time.

[@305CoastersOfficial]

This Was the First Park i went to outside of the East Coast. Its a Fun time but they need a Standout Attraction and a true Kids Coaster.

[@LegoKoopa100]

5:12 Shoutout to the guy wearing a BYU shirt! When I went to Ohio a few years ago, every place we visited, someone was wearing a BYU shirt! Go Cougars

[@johnbehneman1546]

A TOTALLYA WSOMER VIDEO. AND THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@PaoloBanchero69]

Manta from Sea world San Diego was my first ever double launched or just launched coaster.

[@pui-manleung1841]

Thanks for this awesom video. Planning on going there. Will Quick Queue be worth it on a weekday?

[@CoasterStudios]

On a weekday you might not need it! I suggest go to the park and evaluate after you see how long the lines are

[@pui-manleung1841]

@@CoasterStudios Thank you!

[@Aran.Tech.Television]

6:22 as someone who grew up in San Diego I do not appreciate that shade thrown at Wild Arctic! It was such an immersive motion simulator. I'm disappointed they didn't find a way to add Arctic Rescue without removing it.

[@MrSRArter]

12:21 Any seafood available at SeaWorld?

[@dindog22]

I was going to go last August but I looked at the prices. only 5 roller coasters and it costs more than Cedar Point

[@maxhagenauer24]

I love the 2 family coasters Arctic Rescue and Manta. Which do you think is better?

[@CoasterStudios]

We prefer Manta

[@RA-hx9uc]

Pro tip of you don't want to pay for parking. Park at the boat launch down the street. It's a lovely 12 minute walk to the front gate. The lot at the boat launch is huge and free to park in. Another pro tip, go get breakfast and take it with you to Fiesta Island. Drive around and park right on the beach across from sea world to enjoy your breakfast. After you eat, drive to the boat launch parking lot, park for free and walk to the park. You're welcome. I get an acai bowl and cappuccino, back up my subaru on the beach on Fiesta Island, open the hatchback and chill and enjoy breakfast with a great view of the park.

[@CoasterStudios]

Good tip!

[@SantiagoRico-i3u]

How many rides would you say are for kids 6 and under? Debating if I should get the kids all tickets for rides . I have 2 3 4 5 and 6 .

[@zackheisey]

Are the animal cruelty concerns with SeaWorld legit? I’m on the east coast and have never been there but I know Blackfish left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths.

[@tinsote7176]

No, they’re not. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums regards SeaWorld as one of the best animal care teams in the planet.

[@alexandersims1613]

No. When animal kingdom would get situations they couldn't handle, they'd call sea world.

[@Spencer__G]

@@tinsote7176 A public relations pivot is not the same as effectuating actual change. I'm sure there's no conflicts of interest with the members of the board of the AZA and those involved/invested with SeaWorld...

[@ravensrulzaviation]

That’s been fixed a while ago.

[@Spencer__G]

@@ravensrulzaviation 🐑

[@Coastersforchrist]

I just went to Seaworld last week. Gotta say walking in the back area of the park was super creepy. I literally heard not a soul.🤐

[@matthewchido8450]

Probably since everyone is in school

[@SpiderWaffle]

10:20 Pretty sure they are making a kiddie coaster there, It's fenced off with an L-shaped plot of land flattened and ready to develop on with a themed area in the middle. No flat ride would take an L-shape, Kiddie coaster makes the most sense.

[@jaxsonjames6467]

The park president said that they want to put a new aquarium there

[@SpiderWaffle]

@@jaxsonjames6467 Do you have a link? That's pretty unexpected because they are just unveiling a giant jewel's of the sea aquarium building this year. Strange that they would think they need to make another now.

[@jaxsonjames6467]

@@SpiderWaffle they did a meet and greet a few months ago and he said that they are focusing on new animal attractions for the next few years and when asked about this plot he said they were considering a new rescue aquarium

[@lokingbob]

I see the BYU 👀

[@RRLV434]

I love this park, the coasters always have short lines due to the amount of young children who go to the park

[@DreamMaker_23]

I go there once a week and didn't even notice they got rid of the wave.

[@zacg_]

This park is a lot of fun. It's not as good as Orlando but the layout and park appearance definitely beat San Antonio. Fun cool thing about it is that is one of three few places on earth where you can see Pilot Whales. And they are beyond cute, even arguably beating the Belugas.

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

Loved the Pilot Whales when I went years ago.

[@ZombieEatBurger]

Anyone else remember Haunted Lighthouse 4-D

[@dylanjimenez1952]

seaworld theme parks needs more theming and different lands

[@SantiagoRico-i3u]

I want to take my kids and my nephews. They are all under the age of 6 . Is there a height requirement or is there only 1 or 2 kiddie ridess? Helpppp

[@malibuaubry413]

I wanted to apologize for saying something about the way Taylor talks to Sarah. Honestly, I realized that I was being too sensitive and not remembering that different people communicate differently, and that my very recent domestic situation is not YALL. you two are are great and like I said then, I really do LOVE this channel.

[@Themeparkyle]

Dawg what did u say 😂

[@slimydog8946]

Great tip: you could totally bring your own food and any water bottle for unlimited water refills.

[@LoveStallion]

I think we need to talk about the definition of "landlocked." You can say SeaWorld has minimal room for development because it sits along Mission Bay. It's certainly not landlocked as you could literally swim to the open ocean from its shores.

[@what_27]

It’s just an expression

[@JJJJ-he8bz]

Couldn’t they apply for a waiver for the height limit?

[@jcspotter7322]

There's a major airport nearby, they're unlikely to get a waiver

[@jaxsonjames6467]

@@jcspotter7322it’s not because of the airport it’s the California coastal 30ft hight limit and they got 4 150ft exemptions back in 2004 and they have used 2

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

@@jaxsonjames6467 The 3rd will likely be for a future B&M surf coaster.

[@maddog6620]

You are cool 😎

[@krs12]

I took my kids earlier this year. It was cheaper for me to buy a platinum pass and use the guest tickets than it would have been to buy three day tickets. Decent park but not one I'm going out of my way to visit again.

[@CoasterStudios]

that's wild! good hack though!

[@Josephdavidson]

That's what my parents did for BGT. I worked out great because BGW is my home park so we get to use it all the time.

[@rhu2barb]

Is there a place for Lyft or Uber? If I missed it I’m sorry …

[@CoasterStudios]

They do allow drop off’s yes

[@ComposerConductor]

$399.00 per person for the, "Ultimate VIP Tour? 🤣

[@logicn.reasoning9744]

I can not fathom why the sky ride is an upcharge. It seems so random.

[@rachelkanter6469]

SeaWorld is my home park, but it sort of disappoints me. They don’t have a good loose article policy! What bugs me the most is that the ops at electric eel say the comfort collers,are for your COMFORT ONLY! Like what!

[@overbanked]

They could replace Tidal Twister with something like Kid Flash at Six Flags ove.....oh wait....

[@CorkscrewCoaster]

thé pricing is crazy. i just get a fun card and go like 30 times a year

[@seminolefantodd4736]

Another point I'd recommend is sunscreen! As a California resident who lives 2-hours north of Sea World, San Diego's skyline is deceiving due to it appearing cloudy to overcast at times but I'll be damned if I haven't come home with the worst sunburns after a visit.

[@FifthGate]

Blackfish is the best documentary I've seen so far.

[@Themeparkyle]

It’s All false so…

[@zacharyyamashita8554]

@@Themeparkyle Exactly.

[@jamesrauff]

If this park gets another coaster it needs a woodie

[@CoasterStudios]

that would be fun!

[@Spencer__G]

Blackfish. Period.

[@K-tw4wb]

This park is really not that nice compared to the SD Zoo and Safari park.

[@zacg_]

To be fair, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most gorgeous zoos with unbelievable lush landscaping so not a lot of theme parks or wildlife parks are going to meet that standard.

[@K-tw4wb]

@@zacg_ Even compared to Knotts, I was pretty disappointed in Seaworld when I went earlier this year.

[@zacg_]

@@K-tw4wb and to be fair in another way, Knotts is one of the best theme parks in California. I do like SWSD, though it does seem a bit confused when it comes to park appearance. Some areas look spectacular and others look bland and others look like they should be back stage areas. In that way, it's sort of similar to places like Six Flags Over Texas and Kings Dominion in that all of those parks have great looking areas then ugly areas. I think the chain's new focus on coasters has come at the expense of park appearance because they tend to just plot the coasters in a plot of gravel and put up fences. They haven't given the new additions the same attention to presentation that they did with Manta and Journey to Atlantis. By the way, coincidentally I went to California earlier this year and visited the San Diego Zoo, SWSD and Knotts on that trip (in addition to other places.) Not an important point but I just think it's cool that you and I both recently checked out the same places.

[@K-tw4wb]

@@zacg_ I'm a local lol, I just hadn't been to SeaWorld in a minute and I remembered it being cooler😭

[@zacg_]

@@K-tw4wb that makes sense. I lived in southern California when I was a kid but still go back from time to time to visit cousins. But I always make sure to include at least one park on any trip back. Random side comment, I've lived in a lot of regions of the country. And if you're a fan of the San Diego Zoo, if for some reason you ever find yourself near Omaha, Nebraska then I suggest you visit their zoo. It's the only one in the USA that is genuinely as good as the San Diego Zoo. I'm not sure why a place like Omaha has such a great zoo but it's phenomenal.