Do you know what it’s like feeding TWO teenage sons at a theme park? Expensive! These guys are bottomless pits! Thankfully, Sea World’s All-Day Dining Deal actually is a deal — and helps our budget! I just wish I had done the math our first trip!
We got to Sea World Orlando about 11:00 after eating a horrible hotel buffet breakfast (more on that another day). By 1:00 we were really hungry. The Seafire Inn was close-by, so we ducked inside to get lunch. Staring at the menu, my husband asked, “What do you think of the All-day Dining Deal?”
Our oldest quickly calculated the cost of a meal, dessert and drink and determined that we would need to eat two meals to break even. Anything extra would be “free food.”
Remember I have TWO teenage bottomless pits to feed!
What is the All-Day Dining Deal?
The All-Day Dining Deal is a convenient, all-you-care-to eat deal allows you eat selected Sea World restaurants all day, until 30 minutes before park closing. Currently, participating restaurants include Voyager’s Smokehouse (excluding Baby Back Ribs), Seaport Pizza, Terrace Garden Buffet, The Spice Mill, Seafire Inn, and Mango Joe’s.
Cost in 2017:
- Adults (ages 10 plus): $34.99
- Child (ages 3-9): $19.99
- Under 3 eats from adult plate for free.
Was the All-Day Dining Deal “worth it”?
Our total cost for the all-day dining deal was $134.96 plus tax (2013 rates). We have annual passes that offer a 10% discount on all dining, even the all-day dining deal. Nice!
We ate two meals, lunch and dinner, in the park. The actual cost of the meals was $145.96 plus tax. We saved $11 just on two meals.
In addition to the two meals, we used the all-day dining deal for snacks! Just because the menu says you get a meal, side or dessert and drink doesn’t mean you actually have to do that. We got bottled water several times during the day. Each bottle costs $3.00. We saved $45 on water alone.
Those bottomless pits I mentioned earlier also ate 5 desserts, an entree salad, two servings of oranges, a serving of watermelon and three servings of strawberries. That saved us another $52 — not to mention it kept the boys quite content.
Before heading “home,” we stopped in at Mango Joe’s for a final snack. Instead of getting a full meal, we got two servings of nachos and cheese. I’m not sure what they’d charge for that, but the nachos meal is $9.89. We also got four servings of strawberries, two more servings of cookies and five bottled waters. That saved us (approximately) $58.
Grand total savings using the Sea World All-day Dining Deal: $166.
Without a doubt, the Sea World All-Day Dining Deal offers a tremendous value! Unless you plan to picnic at the park (coolers are not allowed inside the park, but picnic benches are available), the All-Day Dining Deal is worth it!
Hints for Using the All-Day Dining Deal
As we went through the day, we appreciated some great benefits to using the All-Day Dining Deal plan.
1. The intense Florida sun saps energy. Having chilled, bottled water available all day ensured we drank enough.
2. Just because the plan includes main dish, side or dessert and drink doesn’t mean you have to get it all. Eat what looks good and remember, you can always go back for more when you want something else.
3. Having the wrist band makes “paying” quite easy. We didn’t have to go through the register line. We just showed our wrist bands as we passed by the clerks and they waved us through. I’m not sure that this is the actual policy, but we sure appreciated the convenience when we were there.
4. Look for the short line. Regardless of whether you use the all-day dining deal or not, always check all open restaurant lines. Most people seem to queue up at the first line they see leaving the less visible line short and quick!
5. Have a light eater in the family? Skip the meal deal if you want. It’s not required for every member of the family… However, paying members will have to go through the register line every time they eat.
6. Meal sharing is NOT permitted unless shared with a child under age 3.
Our overall impression of the All-Day Dining Deal
Of course, my husband and I appreciated the value of the dining deal. Some menu items at participating restaurants are not included (the full plate of baby-back ribs at Voyager’s Smokehouse) and only the named restaurants participate. Snack stands and specialty restaurants are not included. Still, the cost savings is worth it. We will choose the all-day dining plan whenever we visit Sea World Orlando.
Both boys loved being able to eat whenever they wanted — definitely not something we usually do at theme parks. All of us appreciated having fresh fruit, salads and water available for healthy options.
Of all the theme park dining plans available, the Sea World All-Day Dining Deal seems to offer the best overall deal. I wish the sister parks at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa, Aquatica and and Water Country USA offered a similar dining option.
For more information on Sea World Orlando
- Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin ride, review and tips
- Sea World in a Day: Tips and tricks to enjoy the park, includes a park map.
**For Current Dining Plan Costs and Information, visit the dining plan link here: http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/dine-and-shop/dining/all-day-dining-deal/**
I have a teenaged son too so I feel your pain! When we went to Disney World, we did the same thing and took advantage of their dining plan. I really do think these are great bargains for people who plan to spend an entire day at an amusement park. I didn’t know Sea World offered this option. Will have to remember this when we visit!
Corinne, We went to Disney after Sea World and used the Disney Dining Plan. I’ll be reviewing it too. While it offers a deal compared to regular pricing, it’s not as great as the Sea World deal. We never went hungry though. 🙂
have always wondered about these all day eating plans. Thanks for sharing your insight and tips!
You’re welcome.
THANK YOU so much for posting this. We are planning a trip to Florida in December and plan to go to Sea World. I don’t know that I would have just purchased the all day dining right off the bat. However, after reading this that is exactly what I will do.
Melinda, I’m writing about the new penguin adventure later this week. Put it at the top of your list — long lines all day, but absolutely amazing experience!
That definitely sounds like it would be worth it if you have at least two children with you!!
Michele, my husband and I ate our fair share too. 🙂 Just not quite as many snacks as the kids. I think I got 3 servings of fruit and 4 water bottles in addition to my two meals.
That makes so much sense! I think that all parks should have that option! My son would eat that much on his own! You guys really saved a lot!
Thanks, Christy. To be fair, we would have used drinking fountains and skipped the water bottles…. but it sure was nice having a water bottle to carry with me wherever we went, especially since it was 90 degrees the day we went.
Thanks everyone for the input! Is it really not possible to take leftovers with you to eat later? I’m imagining that it is no problem to take the water bottles out of the restaurant.
Looks like a good plan, you saved a lot. I have a toddler and quite picky one, I see that this would a good deal for us too.
This is amazing. Karen I cannot get jealous enough at how your money saver inside really works! When I go out, especially to theme parks, I waste a fortune on everything! I’m the ultimate sales person’s dream because I completely suck at saving.
Oh Lexie, we must travel together sometime!!! I will personally tutor you in all my money saving ways. 🙂 BIG HINT: Plan a trip to a theme park about a month before your little guy’s third birthday. He’ll have a blast and still get in free and get free food!!! 🙂
Are anyof the restaurants open for breakfast?
Yes, several restaurants offer breakfast.
Very glad to hear breakfast is offered as well! I think that even with it being just my sister and me it will be a deal to eat breakfast and a late lunch. They are offering a WEEKDAY ONLY special of BOGO 50% off right now! Who of the participating offered breakfast? I didn’t see any breakfast meals on the website menus.
Do you have to eat inside the restaurant? Is it the type of thing where you can get your meal then take it with you into the park? Do you have to pay a tip? It doesn’t apply to the snack stands with ice cream, churros, turkey legs, etc. does it?
The plan is for restaurant dining, but you can take your meal anywhere in the park to enjoy it. We got ours and took it to the Shamu show to eat. No tips. No snack stands.
When we first got our season passes to busch gardens williamsburg they offered the all day dining option, but that was back in 2011 or 2010, and I agree it is a totally worthwhile purchase. Especially for the cool drinks on hot days. I am sad that is no longer an option, however, you can still take your own refillable bottles and get free ice water all day long. Plus we have found that it is nice to pack an ice chest with sandwiches and other goodies to enjoy in the parking lot, which also gives a nice break from the busy and chaotic nature of the amusement park.
We went to BG Williamsburg a lot these past two years, and I wish they had the dining deal too. At least Sea World still offers a great dining deal!
Thanks for the great tips!! We are headed to Seaworld in 2 weeks, and I just purchased the All Day Dining. I am glad you posted about the water because that is my main concern and they don’t mention it on the Seaworld site itself.
Amy, I’m so glad this post helped you. That’s the best compliment ever! Enjoy your trip!
Do you only get to eat at one place on the web site it says ADULT (Ages 10+) wristband valid for 1 entrée (excluding Baby Back Ribs), 1 side OR 1 dessert, 1 regular size non-alcoholic beverage (excluding Naked Juice) each time through the line until 30 minutes before the published restaurant closing time. What is the published restaurant mean? We are going to sea-world and as a family of 6 this is a great deal just wish the web site answered more !
Michelle, send me your email. There are many restaurants you can choose. Also, you can get a side dish and drink or just a drink or the whole meal. You can eat all day!!! My sons at 4 meals, easily, in our day. I had two full meals and a couple snacks and at least 3 additional water bottles. Different restaurants have different menus — and a couple of restaurants are not included in this plan. Does that help?
We are a family party of 8 , 3 under 8 yrs. 2 teenage boys and 3 adults. Would dining plan work for all ages
Yes, definitely! The children under 8 would get the kids’ plan which is only $18. If you go in the morning and purchase then, you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/water bottles. It’s a great plan — the only dining plan I really recommend from a budget standpoint.
This is a really great value!! I’m impressed at how much food you got, and how much you were able to save. Theme park food is SO expensive, but $32.99 for an adult for all day isn’t bad at all.
Tracie,
It really was a great deal for us, especially the water, fresh fruit and teenager meals! Thanks for stopping by!
Do you know which restaurants offer breakfast? I look on Sea World site but can’t find this information.
Lennie,
Excellent question! We got the All Day Dining Deal at Seafire Inn when it opened and used it for “breakfast” by focusing on the fruit salad and beverage rather than a full meal. Most restaurants don’t open for actual breakfast. Sorry for any confusion! But, I still think an 11:00 lunch, 3:00 afternoon snack, 7:00 dinner and 9:00 snack work well (adjusted slightly for show times). Also, bottled water is available all day!
Enjoyed a trip to Orlando FL this past May, went to the Disney parks and Sea World and Busch Gardens Tampa. One of the last places my husband and I visited (this was our first visit to Florida, BTW) was Busch Gardens Tampa, and we got the All-Day Dining Deal. The only reason it didn’t work out good for us was 1. we got there late because of the scheduling of a hotel bus 2. we had to leave early because of previously mentioned Orlando bus and 3. we were running around trying to do as many rides and shows as possible. We ended up having an awesome lunch of platters of beef and french fries, cherry cheesecake, and about 4 bottles of water. I’m not sure of the totals but obviously we came out in the negative or even.
Now that I know I don’t like Busch Gardens much, and love Sea World, and they have the All-Day Dining, next time we go I am going to get the deal at Sea World and milk it for every pennies worth. Besides, Sea World is in Orlando so I don’t have to worry about an 1.5 hour trip, and can enjoy breakfast at the park, unlike Busch Gardens.
for those that have gone here recently, its aug 01 2014.
what was the wait like? was there only 1 restaurant? or multiple places I can choose?
i’m going to be there in 2 weeks.
Hi Huy,
Great question! Here’s a link to the current offer: http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/dine-and-shop/dining/all-day-dining-deal/.
Per the website: prices start at $29.99 for adults/$14.99 for kids
Includes 5 restaurants (which is the same as when we went).
As to the wait, during prime dining hours, the wait is longer. Opt to eat at 11 or after 1 p.m. to avoid longer lines. Also, restaurants near shows tend to fill quickly when shows let out. Choose another location to avoid long waits. We found that Mango Joe’s moved most quickly.
I hope this information helps.
Does Drinks Come Free With the all day meal deal ?
Yes, non-alcoholic beverages are included with the meal deal.
Came across this site today while planning our first trip to Disney! I’m looking into the meal deal for our family of 4 and was wondering if anyone knew if you could take a pizza to go? We are going in Feb and the park closes at 5pm – i know my family will be hungry again in a few hours and why not try to expand my savings!
thanks for sharing! we go with 5 people its going to be great not to worry about the cost 🙂
You can only eat at selected places in the park and limited items in those places so for us it was not worth it. It is 34.99 now too so hard to eat that much food. Some of the restaurants have to go containers and some do not have any way for you to take food with you so watch for that too. Get lots of bottled water, that helps. We just went a few days ago.
Lori, What did they limit? Other than the big ribs dinner at the Smokehouse, I don’t remember a limitation on menu items. I wonder if that’s a new change this year. I do think the family eating habits makes a difference. For us, snacks of fruit during the day helped us fight the intense heat of the day.
I truly appreciate this post as we a family of 5 will be heading to Sea World next month and I really tossed the option of just paying for meals but the kids are getting older and eating more, so this really helped me know the A-D-D is the way to go.
Thank You!
You’re welcome. Have fun at Sea World!
If I purchased the ticket package where I can visit all 4 Seaworld parks unlimited for 14 consecutive days meaning Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, and also Aquatica does that mean I can just purchase the all day dining option for say seaworld and it will carry over to the other 3 parks? Or do I need to purchase them individually for each park? Do the water parks even have this option?
You would have to purchase the all day dining package each time you go to Sea World. It’s a one-day in park purchase. If you leave the park (say to take a nap :D) and return to the same park, you can use it some more. BUT the all day dining deal doesn’t carryover between parks.
At Aquatica Park, you can purchase an all day dining package. Here’s the link: https://aquaticabyseaworld.com/en/orlando/book-online/tickets/allticketstourists?from=Top_Nav. Again, it’s only good for the day of use.
Thanks for the info.
You’re welcome!
Any idea how much a kids meal costs at Seaworld? Trying to figure out the most cost effective plan for my family of 5 =)
Hi Tiffany, I believe kids’ meals are $5.99 each and include a main dish, side (fries or fruit) and drink. They do not include dessert. That’s the most recent info I could find.
Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip.
Karen
We are going to Sea World and Busch Gardens next week. Debating about the ADD plan for us family of 5. We have one 7 year old, and 2 teens. Myself and my one teen are light eaters, we probably can share one meal. What do they mean about NO SHARING? No sharing of one meal? Are they really going to watch people if they are sharing a plate? Otherwise, how will they know if we just have the meal to go then? Do all restaurants provide “to-go” plates? Thanks.
No sharing means no sharing. That is their policy and they can choose to enforce it. I cannot speak to whether they will watch what you eat or not, but they do have a right to enforce the meal sharing plan.
The plan is reasonably priced, particularly since bottled water and snacks are available all day long.
Each restaurant has its own policy on to go plates. Please refer to the website to determine which restaurants allow to-go and which do not.