To start our summer, right before school let out, we took a trip to Sea World in San Antonio. The weather was nice, the crowds weren’t bad and we all needed a break. Before our trip, I was invited to have lunch with Shamu and friends at Sea World San Antonio’s Dine with Shamu, and couldn’t be more excited. It was such a great experience!
Our reservation to Dine With Shamu was for 1 pm, which was the perfect time for lunch. We arrived about 20 minutes early to check-in and soak up some of the shaded seating available while waiting.
Once we checked in, we were provided with table numbers and given an approximate area of where our table was located. Lucky for us, we were seated in front. Right in the center!
As we walked to our table, the first thing I noticed was how the tables were set up. They are right beside a training tank, behind Shamu stadium. Each of the tables kind of line the tank, so I don’t know that there could be a “bad seat” in the house. While you wait for everyone to be seated, make sure you look at everything around you (and I don’t mean physically get up and wonder… look with your eyes!) It was interesting and fun to see what goes on behind-the-scenes!
I then noticed lunch. The buffet was being set up and the smell was filling the air. The whales must have smelled it, too, because they kept swimming by as we watched. You can see the day’s menu online, as I’m not sure if it changes. We were served salad, baked chicken, BBQ ribs, pasta, etc. They even had a kid’s buffet of mini hot dogs, mac & cheese, and… dessert! To drink, we had a pitcher of tea and water on our table.
As you are eating, the trainers walk around to answer any questions adults or children may have. My son might have asked 20 questions, but they were all so well thought! I think we learned a lot that day! The trainers then held a brief training session, where we were able to see the love and compassion each trainer has for the whales. Take a look at a few more photos:
In all, we had a great time and will definitely do it again!
They are magnificent like every other animal. Hope you had a great time there.