Sea World Advice

Get a sitter. Your going to wish after the fact that you had. At 20 months she won't remember any of it but your son will remember it as the trip he couldn't see things becuase sissy was crying/needed changing a nap etc. Take your son and enjoy it. take your daughter later when she is older. There is absolutly nothing wrong with taking only one child on an excursion. we took our 3rd old and 9 yr old to disney and left the 1 and half yr old at home with my mo for a week. I don't feel guilty about it and the now 20 yr old doesn't feel slighted at all. Go have fun with your 5 year old. he will remember it and be glad you ahd the time together

I wouldnt leave her behind but maybe if you stay close enough to Sea World. I know there is a hotel right up the street from it. You can accept that the 20 month needs go back to the hotel room and you take her back for afternoon nap.. Let your husband take the 5 year old around about. Because while it will not be fair to leave the 20 month behind, its not fair for the 5 year old to suffer because of it. They also have a bus (have a paw print for a bus stop) that will drop off in front of hotels. If leaving scares you when your 20month gets cranky take her to the little sand pit they have. There is the area that has a little sand pit and a few others items designed for really younger kids. Again have your 5 year old go with dad around to different things so that they can fun also. By giving the dad and the 5 year old a break you will bond them more with the 20 year old

We had this situation come up a lot too because my boys are 4yrs apart. You're 20mos old isnt going to remember SeaWorld, your 5yr old will. But doing things together is part of being a family.

If you leave your daughter behind, I would at least make it really fun for her by letting her stay with an auntie or a grandparent or something - if that's possible.

If you take her, I would just suggest that you find a hotel to stay at nearby so that if the youngest needs a break, it's easy to slip out. Then the older son can do something alone with the other parent. Your 5yr old is going to appreciate some breaks too - check in advance what the re-entry policy is. Maybe you all could slip out for a nap at the hottest part of the day and come back after an early dinner.

I wouldn't leave her behind. No she will not remember it (but a 5 month old doesn't remember the zoo either... but you still take them) and they enjoy seeing new things. Going new places, new experiences etc. And it is important for children to experience new things. There is a play area that if she needs to just run and play a bit she can while dad and brother go off to ride big rides and go see the sharks or touch the sting rays (my personal favorite part). Re-entry is free (same day) so going back to the hotel for a nap is no big deal either. I shows are entertaining that (if she watches tv) she would be able to sit and watch them. The car ride will probably be the most difficult. You will be so busy moving from thing to thing there that she will not have time to get bored. The only lines (really) are for rides that she can't ride anyway. You can split up for a while in the park so your son can go do some of the big, fun, cool things that sis can't do yet... or just to give him a break. I also believe that imprinting a love and respect for animals at the youngest age possible is very, very, very important. Babies that love (and start learning to respect) animals, nature and the world tend to grow into children, teens and adults that love and respect animals.
I would not even consider leaving a child behind (but then again I also wouldn't consider taking a vacation without my children either- something many parents say is a must).
Wish I were going with you! I love Sea World. Have fun. Hope this helps :)

I would take her, I am not a fan of leaving children behind on family vacations. She has to learn how to deal with certain situations and how will she learn if you don't take her?

Joanna
Mommy to Mara 9, Cate 7 and Olivia 6

If you want to take her, then it would be best to take her. I have been taking my daughter to Sea World since she was 6 month old in San Antonio. My son went for the first time at 17 months old. We went over spring break for two days (my daughter is almost for and son is 17 months) and they both LOVED it! Not sure if you have been but here are some tips to surviving Sea World with a little one.

Bring a comfy stroller...we brought our sit and stand so my daughter could ride when she got tired. They also have ones to rent.

They check your bags and you are not allowed any outside food. I did bring their sippy cups with water in the cup holders in the stroller and I put goldfish on the snack tray and put a baggie of goldfish in the bag. He didn't say anything when he checked.

Eat a big meal on the way. Pack a picnic and go out to the parking lot to eat. They do have meals there, though if you want to eat at Sea World. They are just slightly expensive and not very tastey looking.

Pick one show that you rally want to see and see it first. For Shamu, get there 45 min to an hour early, the other shows you can get there about 30 min early. One show a day is about all my kids can handle.

The rest of the time we look at all the animals like the sharks, penguins, sea lions and seals. They also have a water play area for little ones so make sure you bring their bathing suits and a swim diaper for your little one. This way they can cool down a little and then continue on.

I hope this helps make the most of your Sea World trip! Anymore questions, please feel free to PM me.