Although this 200-acre facility does have a handful of thrill rides and plenty of family-oriented amusements, the real focus at SeaWorld is on close encounters with an extraordinary variety of marine creatures. Visitors can see endangered manatees, touch stingrays, feed dolphins, pass through a tank full of big sharks via a 60-foot acrylic tunnel, and watch polar bears, walruses and beluga whales frolic in a simulated Arctic habitat.

SeaWorld also harbors an ongoing schedule of animal shows featuring dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, otters, dogs, cats, rats, skunks and pigs, as well as human acrobats and clowns appearing in the Odyssea circus. New in 2006 is a revamped killer whale show with elaborate sets, an original musical score and new choreography described in promotional material as "killer whale ballet." While some environmentalists frown upon keeping marine mammals and other wild critters for entertainment, SeaWorld does consistently deliver a message of habitat conservation and respect for ocean life.

In addition to the animal attractions, SeaWorld is home to Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster, a simulated whitewater boat ride, simulated helicopter rides over an Arctic landscape, themed play areas, arcade games and pearl diving demonstrations. The wide range of restaurant options includes a dining room facing an aquarium full of sharks, a Polynesian luau and poolside tables next to the home of the world’s most famous killer whale, Shamu. For more information, go to www.seaworldorlando.com.