Yes it is definetly worth the extra $ to do a Dine with Shamu lunch. I've never done the Picnic with Shamu, but have Dined there many times, usually for birthdays or mothers day. You get up close and personal with the whales, sometimes they blow water on you, but not to an annoying extent of course, just enough to add excitement! The food is awesome, a buffet with several options for entree, all you can eat and the desert tray is the best! You can book this lunch right at the main gate, once you get in the park. You should also go to the lunch place about 15 -20 min before your scheduled lunch time, since they seat in order of firstcome/first served. There are no "bad" seats since all are really close and have great views, but I like to have a choice of tables. Be sure to bring your camera since you'll get better pictures of the whales there than you can get during the actual show.