On a recent trip to SeaWorld Orlando we did the “Dine with Orcas” lunch. Here’s a review of our experience and the bottom line is, I couldn’t recommend it more. This is a essentially a great meal and a private orca show in one.

The lunch is located adjacent to the stadium behind the main show pool and features an indoor reception area that leads into covered outdoor seating surrounding a large poo. The lunch is very reasonably priced at $31 for adults and $22 for kids (this can be discounted further with a season pass). Lunch includes a bread and salad to start, choice of entree, non-alcoholic beverages and a dessert plate at the end. Everything is done table service with waiters and waitresses and feels high end compared to your standard counter based quick service options. $31 for a multi-course lunch with a beverage is an awesome deal when you’ll pay nearly $20 for a basket of chicken fingers and fries. While you’re eating there will be Orcas swimming in the adjacent pool, so you can’t knock the view!

There are several main entrees to choose from including beef, chicken and salmon. There are also chicken nuggets or hot dogs for the kids. Each of the entrees comes with sides of rice, potatoes and vegetables. I went with the salmon and it was excellent (although a bit weird eating fish in a park dedicated to aquatic animals). All the entrees looked great though and I felt like I was eating something wholesome and nutritious which is rare at a theme park.

The staff was great and the food/service almost had a cruise ship feel. The waitress could tell my wife was having trouble deciding on an entree and actually brought out a separate plate with the other protein for her to try. At the end of the meal when dessert is served they will leave you with a note and a little tip plate giving you the opportunity to take care of your table server. At the end of lunch it’s time to move on to the stars of the show, the orcas!

If just watching orcas swim and play while you eat wasn’t cool enough, you’ll soon be joined be a bunch of SeaWorld trainers for some neat demonstrations. Between the pool and glass in the restaurant area there’s a concrete walkway where the trainers can interact with the animals. If you saw one of the shows earlier in the day you’ll probably recognize some of them. Over the next 15-20 minutes you’ll see demonstrations of the care the animals receive and some fun and jumps mixed in too. It’s essentially a mini version of the show, but up close and perhaps without all the music and production value. Seeing everything from just feet way (without splash zone worries) gives you a perspective you don’t get in the large stadium show.

One of the neatest things was that the trainers hung around at the end of the demonstration for questions. For a parent this was GOLD and it was great to see my son have several minutes to interact with a SeaWorld trainers and ask all his orca questions.

A few tips and notes and things to be aware of. First, not all tables are created equal. If you want the best seats register early and arrive early. There are a couple rows of tables around the pool and you’ll want to be sure to get the ones right next to the pool adjacent to the glass for the best experience. The venue is small and there is no bad seat though. You do have to buy tickets in advance either at the park or online, so be sure to do that to assure your spot as soon as you decide to go. Second, there is a great bar here with souvenir cocktails, wine and beer available. The beer even includes some local choices, so you can have a drink with your nice lunch. Third, as mentioned previously with taking care of the staff, bring a little cash to handle the gratuity since with advance tickets there’s no way to do this with your credit card. Finally, there are private restrooms inside the facility, so no need to leave or take care of that in advance.

To me this is one of the best values you’re going to find at SeaWorld Orlando. You’re going to get a great lunch, great service, a great show and the ability to interact with SeaWorld trainers for just a little more than you’d pay for quick service chicken fingers. Seems like a no-brainer to me. It’s a chance to get out of the crazy crowds for an hour into something that feels special and exclusive. Be sure to check out “Dine with Orcas”, you won’t be disappointed.