Make time for feeding times: Meal time is the best time to meet some playful Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, and sea lions, who you can even feed by hand—but only at designated times throughout the day. Stop by in the morning to check the day's schedule, then give yourself some extra time to get a great spot right at the water's edge.

See what goes on behind the scenes: Up Close Tours like our Saving a Species or Penguin Encounter tour times aren't listed on the park map, so they're easy to miss out on once you're here. An insider's tip? Book online ahead of time, or stop by the tour desk just inside the front gate.

Bring a disposable waterproof camera: There's wet, and there's Shamu wet. If you're in the Soak Zone at Shamu stadium, you'll have a lot more fun watching kids' reactions if you don't have to watch out for an expensive camera. A little tip for parents. Pack a parka—or pick one up at the gift shop. It's a great way to keep yourself and a towel or two dry, and still get in on the fun.

Feed their imagination: Look for interactive work stations located throughout the park that give kids a fun way to learn about the animals they meet. Kids can test their lung power against a walrus in Wild Arctic or see how many hairs an otter has per square inch on its body over by Rocky Point Preserve.

Make an autograph book: Put together an autograph book with kids ahead of time, then catch the Shamu and Crew characters from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate.

Catch the show before the show: Take your seat for the Clyde and Seamore show at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Late-comers miss out on their zany pre-show antics.

Beat the crowd: Plan to have lunch during show performances and you'll get ahead of the crowd.

Choose your seats wisely: You will get drenched if you sit in the front seat of Journey to Atlantis—and we mean drenched.

Beat the heat: Temperatures can get quite high—especially in the middle of the day. Plan to take in these "cool places" when the thermometer rises: Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Turtle Reef, Shark Encounter or any one of three Aquariums.

Remember the kid in you: Don't be surprised if you find yourself choked up in the presence of Shamu. Or your arms covered with goose bumps in 85° weather as your hand touches a dolphin. There's an incredible connection between humans and animals, one we celebrate here every day. Take a few deep breaths and take it in when you feel that move through you, and you'll carry that feeling home with you.

-$48.49 for electric (CA sales tax included)

-$12 for manual

-Stroller rates: $12 single | $17 double

Restaurants and concession stands are located conveniently throughout the park. Large hard or soft coolers, glass containers, food, drinks and picnic lunches may not be taken into the park. Guests with special diets, baby formula or baby food may bring their items into the park.

Journey To Atlantis

42" (107 cm) or taller

* Guests between 42” and 48” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

Shipwreck Rapids

42" (107 cm) or taller

* Guests between 42” and 48” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

Wild Arctic

42" (107 cm) or taller

* Guests between 42” and 48” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

Riptide Rescue

40" (142 cm) or taller

* Guests between 42” and 48” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older). Hand-held infants may not ride this ride.

Sesame Street Bay of Play

Watch your kids play at Sesame Streets Bay of Play. The three family-friendly rides require children under 48 inches to be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person over 14 years of age). Some of the Play Area elements have no height restrictions, but the ones that do vary according to the individual characteristics of that element.

48" (122 cm) or taller

* Guests under 48” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

* Hand held infants may not ride these rides.

* Some of the Play Area elements have no height restrictions, but the ones that do vary according to the individual characteristics of that element.

Skytower

48" (122 cm) or taller

* Guests under 48” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

* Hand held infants are permitted to ride with a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

Bayside Skyride

56" (102 cm) or taller

* Guests under 56” tall must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).

* Hand held infants are permitted to ride with a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person 14 years of age or older).