SeaWorld is getting a lot of love actually. They just reported today that they set an attendance record in 2011:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...rld-parks-president-seaworld-orlando-aquatica
SeaWorld is a fantastic destination that has really gotten much better in just the last few years. They have had big capital investments since 2009 in Manta, Grand Reef (which is just incredible), and Aquatica. Then you have TurtleTrek and Freshwater Oasis to open this year and the massive Antarctica next year.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment's parks were probably run a bit better under Anheuser-Busch in the ride operations department. However, you would have never seen so many massive capital investments in such a short period under them. SeaWorld under Blackstone is really going big it seems. Perhaps it's just the competition forcing them, but either way I am happy to see them digging in their heels. Brian Morrow, the lead creative developer, has proven to be a really talented guy so I expect these new attractions to be great.
Busch Gardens is actually my favorite park in Central Florida. The animals at both of these parks is what makes them so dynamic. Every time you go you will see something different because you never know what the animals are going to do. The SeaWorld parks also have a more relaxed and classy atmosphere. It's just a different vibe from the
in your face approach at Universal, and the
you're happy right now approach at Disney.
BTW, Discovery Cove is awesome, and I mean that word literally...not like the way we throw it around in daily conversation. I just went for the first time a few weeks ago, and holy crap I love that place. I wish I could have waited for Freshwater Oasis, but we had to go now to take advantage of some discounted employee tickets we had access to.