Today, we decided to check out the food event at SeaWorld San Diego. Food notwithstanding, I would recommend that nobody go at this time. Having been to Downtown Disney and seeing how well the organization handled crowds, social distancing and enforcing masks, this was the COMPLETE opposite.
What I witnessed was ridiculous. When you enter private property, you agree to abide by the rules. I witnessed the following:
1) A guest refusing to wear a mask in line for food and started yelling that he didn’t care and he would do what he wanted. Nobody was doing anything, so I had the employee contact manage and security before a fight broke out. I didn’t stick around to see how it was handled.
2) Silk veils are NOT appropriate face coverings.
3) Neck gators are not appropriate face coverings. They have 1 layer and do nothing. I saw one woman I could tell the color of her lipstick on the other side of the fabric. Most of the trainers were also wearing them.
4) Many Many people were just walking around with no masks.
5) At the shows, they had every other row labeled to not sit (which did nothing). People still tried to sit there. Also 3′ markers so people know to stay 6′ apart. There was almost no enforcement. No security, no employees, nothing…. I ended up leaving the show. Talking to an employee at the entrance did no good. I told them they need more people trained and security to handle the crowds.
6) Indoor activities are supposed to be closed, but they had the Penguin, Sea Turtles and Shark encounters open. I believe this is in direct violation to state orders.
7) Attendance should be 25% of capacity, but it was definitely higher than that. I would guess closer to 50%
Basically, IMNSHO SeaWorld San Diego opened too soon. They are not prepared to handle the crowds. The way Knott’s Berry Farm and Downtown Disney District has handled crowds should be a lesson to all the others. So, I would avoid this park until the entire state is back to normal (if ever).
During our visit, I never saw a single security person or any park janitorial service. Almost every trash can was full and we saw trash and debris all over the park.
I have tried my best to socially distance everywhere we go and I have never felt uncomfortable anyplace until today. If anyone from SeaWorld San Diego sees this, I would be happy to have a constructive discuss about what should be done to make your guests feel safe.
Again, this is not a debate about if you should wear a mask, or if they are effective. This is basically, you entered private property and agreed to the conditions of admission. You have no rights when it comes to not following the rules or not. If you don’t follow the rules GTFO.
KUDOS to the temp scanners., they were mass scanners that you just walked by.
Now for the food:
We had mixed review on the food.
Mama Stella’s Kitchen:
* The fish and chips were really good and I would recommend them
* The bbq chicken quesadilla was horrible. There was very little cheese and there were exactly 4 small cubes of chicken. The tortilla was hard and dry.
* The pork Sliders were just ok.
We wanted to go to Calypso but the lines were huge. So we went to Shipwreck Cafe:
* The salmon was excellent
* The chicken sliders were way too spicy and went right in the trash
* The Brisket slider was good, but the bread was stale. So we ate the brisket only.
* Chocolate cake, well it’s chocolate cake.
The Sea World Zoo Days is a good idea and I look forward to going back once the park is back to full operation and we are no longer required to socially distance. But, until then, we will be avoiding the park.
