Sea World truly is a fascinating experience with tons of unique wildlife, but I will say this: within minutes we had arrived at Sea World, parked, bought tickets, and walked inside the gates and had just dropped $95!  ($43 admission and $7 parking) 

But with all that said I would also say this:  the park is worth the time and (though it is expensive) the money.  There's no other place I've been or heard of that rivals the experience you can have in a full days time at Sea World San Diego.