SeaWorld Orlando: learn to love an eel

There's a whole lot more to SeaWorld than Shamu, the "stage name" used for its mammoth killer-whale mascots. Sure, you can be splashed by the whales, stroke a stingray, see manatees face-to-snout, learn to love an eel, and be spat at by a walrus. But as the world's largest marine adventure park, SeaWorld celebrates all the mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles that live in and near the ocean. Although SeaWorld can't rival Disney World when it comes to park design and attention to detail, it does offer a somewhat gentler and less-hurried touring experience governed mostly by show schedules. Every attraction is designed to showcase the beauty of the marine world and demonstrate ways that humans can protect its waters and wildlife. And because there are more exhibits and shows than rides—believe it or not, there are only four actual rides in the entire park—you can go at your own pace without that hurry-up-and-wait feeling. First-timers may be slightly confused by the lack of distinct "lands" here—SeaWorld's performance venues, attractions, and activities surround a 17-acre lake, and the artful landscaping, curving paths, and concealing greenery sometimes lead to wrong turns. But armed with a map that lists show times, it's easy to plan a chronological approach that flows easily from one show and attraction to the next and allows enough time for rest stops and meal breaks.