A card, a cut-up, the life of the Shamu party, hosted twice a day seven days a week, Shamu is a master at wooing the public with his whalish ways. He slides across the reviewing stand on his tummy, tail held skyward, flippers straight out for "aren‘t-I-wonderful?" emphasis. After taking the trainer for a ride through the giant tank, he begs playfully for a few more buckets of fish. Then the bad boy of saltwater splashes sheets of the cold, wet stuff on the audience with his giant flippers as he circles the arena. He disappears for a long period of time then breaks through the water unexpectedly, propelling his gigantic but graceful frame far into the air with a double gainer and half twist. A second trainer dives into the water with his party friend and proceeds to surf on Shamu’s back, followed by barrel-rolls finally hitching himself on Shamu’s nose while being hurled into the stratosphere as he performs his final and most impressive leap from the water.

Way back when, the original Sea World had exclusive rights as the only place to see killer (Orca) whales splashing about like family pets in a backyard pool. That is, a 50 million-gallon, 55 degree saltwater pool. In public, trainers pet and stroke, joke and tease with the magnificent animals helping to develop a personna that is as lovable, enduring, and recognizable as Lassie. The trainers likewise have the image of perennial pollyannas, cloned offspring of wide-toothed "Up With People" performers or something so ultra clean cut they must come straight from Pleasantville. But of course, killer whales are wild animals and trainers are serious, educated marine biologists and athletes to boot.

Though Shamu was necessarily "replaced", the image hasn’t changed over time and Sea World has expanded to include multiple theme parks developed as part of the Anheuser Busch corporation. But Sea World isn‘t reallyonly Shamu. You will also find penguin falls, the sea otter and seals exhibit, and the stupendous dolphin show with its own star, Dolly.

Wild Arctic is a newer attraction of Sea World that provides a glimpse into life under the northern seas and ice flows. After taking the thrilling (wink) ride that simulates a visit to the arctic with a landing on a glacier, a visit to a remote outpost and a fall down a steep crevasse (!), you wander through a simulated wilderness outpost. The wonder of all this is that it smells of ice and snow and icicle drip under the canopies. It is refreshingly cool during the heat of summer, one secret to its popularity. Another wonder is the white beluga whale in the tank with underwater viewing area at the end of the attraction.

The penquins, seals, dolphins, and sharks are all wonderful additions to the park. Yet, somehow they still seem only to be the honor court supporting the main event, Shamu.

The schedule for night shows varies, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to see some of them. Except for Shamu's House of Douse, they have a more carnival-like feel to them than the daytime shows.

The opportunities to touch and feed animals including dolphins, batrays, and starfish are worth their weight in gold. SeaWorld evidently knows that because 4 miniscule fish for the dolphins cost $3.50, and they tend to be stolen out of one's hand by seagulls.

The penguin exhibit, manatee rescue, and shark tunnel are among the best sites in the park and deserve second or third viewings, or just a nice long rest on a seat in front of one of the tanks.

Most of the smaller aquariums are lovely and well designed, although most don't contain all the fish listed on their signs, and many contain unidentified fish.

Consider taking the behind-the-scenes tour, especially if Melissa is your guide. You'll see some sea mammals and turtles who are enjoying a day off or being nursed back to health. You'll also have the opportunity to pet a baby shark.

The rides may be the least interesting attractions in the park. Shipwreck Rapids requires a warm day to be remotely enjoyable, and enemies, friends, and strangers alike can buy the opportunity to squirt you with a water cannon when you are at your most vunerable on the raft. The Wild Arctic hydraulic ride offers you the option of motion-filled or motion-free transportation to the arctic, followed by a wonderful opportunity to view wildlife native to the area. Unless you have a cast-iron stomach, take the motion-free ride and then enjoying viewing the animals.