Planning a trip to SeaWorld? Looking for things to do at SeaWorld? We’ve got a travel guide with information about shows, animal attractions, rides, restaurants, private tours, and more. And don’t worry, it’s up-to-date for 2021.
Contents
Shows
Orca Encounter. A show featuring SeaWorld’s killer whales. This show lasts about 25 minutes and shares a message of conservation. Be sure to plan ahead if you want to see Orca Encounter. As one of the most popular shows in the park, it often fills up before show time. And, the best seats are in the Splash Zone – especially on a hot day!
Dolphin Adventures. A wonderful show to learn more about bottlenose dolphins. This show is new for 2021, and replaces the Dolphin Days show.
Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight. A educational show where guests can learn more about sea lions and otters. This show is also new for 2021, and replaces Sea Lion High: The New Class.
Rescue Tails. This show shares some of the unique stories of animals that SeaWorld Orlando has rescued. This show is new for 2021, and replaces the Pets Ahoy show.
Animal Attractions
Dolphin Nursery. This area is home to pregnant dolphins, new moms, and adorable babies.
Pacific Point Preserve. Home to SeaWorld’s seals and sea lions. Don’t forget to grab some fish from the feeding station to feed them.
Stingray Lagoon. Guests can touch and feed several types of stingrays in the lagoon.
Flamingos. Close to the main entrance of SeaWorld Orlando, you can catch a flamboyance of Caribbean flamingos.
Wild Arctic. See beluga whales, walruses, and seals. Look for Kora, the youngest walrus born in 2019. Polar bears were previously located in this area, but they are no longer at SeaWorld Orlando.
Antarctica: Empire Of The Penguin. Home to four different types of penguins, Rockhopper, Adelie, Gentoo, and King, Antartica: Empire of the Penguin gives guests views from both above and below the water.
Manta Aquarium. Tucked out of the way from the crowds, the Manta Aquarium is located near the Manta lockers. Inside, you’ll find sharks, rays, fish, sea dragons, an octopus named Tootsie, and other marine life.
Jewel of the Sea Aquarium. Located inside the gift shop near the Journey to Atlantis ride, the Jewel of the Sea Aquarium allows you to walk on top of an aquarium filled with fish and rays, get up close and personal with an electric eel, and see exhibits full of jellyfish.
Dolphin Cove. Here, guests can view bottlenose dolphins above the water and in an underwater viewing area.
Shark Encounter. A walkthrough exhibit and tunnel featuring several different kinds of sharks. Be on the lookout for more than just sharks. Inside Shark Encounter, you’ll also find tropical fish, moray eels, lion fish, shark eggs, educational displays, and more. And, watch for exotic birds on your way into Shark Encounter.
Manatee Rehabilitation Area. This area allows guests to view manatees that are currently being rehabilitated, as well as resident manatees that can no longer live in the wild.
Turtle Trek. A 360° movie and a walk through exhibit featuring resident sea turtles. (2021 adjustment: The 360° movie is not currently running.)
Pelican Preserve. A small area in the park dedicated to pelicans where guests can view them interacting with each other.
Rides
Roller Coasters
Journey to Atlantis. A water coaster where you might get soaked.
Manta. This roller coaster simulates gliding through the ocean as a manta ray while guests ride facing down.
Mako. Mako gives guests the sensation of being a Mako shark, the fastest shark in the ocean. This roller coaster takes guests up to 73 miles per hour and 200 feet high.
Kraken. This roller coaster is floorless and takes guests 65 miles per hour.
Ice Breaker. SeaWorld Orlando’s newest roller coaster is set to open in February, 2022.
Other
Sky Tower. A 400 foot sightseeing tower that rises and lowers slowly to give guests views of SeaWorld Orlando and the surrounding area. (2021 adjustment: Sky Tower is not currently running.)
Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld. An entire area of the park dedicated to younger children. There are a number of kid friendly rides, a water play area (bring a swimsuit or extra clothes), meet and greets with Sesame Street characters, and more.
Infinity Falls. A raft style water ride with the world’s tallest drop. If you plan on riding, bring a waterproof bag to hold items that cannot get wet – like electronics. Or, plan on using a locker.
Sea Carousel. A carousel with sea creatures to ride on.
Unique Restaurants
SeaWorld has a number of restaurants throughout the theme park. The most unique ones to check out are:
Sharks Underwater Grill. A steakhouse where guests can dine next to an extra large window to Shark Encounter.
Dine with Orcas. This experience allows you to eat next to the orca tank. As you eat, trainers interact with the orcas and give you a close up view of these large creatures.
Seasonal & Special Events
SeaWorld Orlando offers a number of seasonal and special events. Many of them are included in your ticket price.
SeaWorld Craft Beet Festival. This event offers over 100 types of craft beer, many sourced from local Florida breweries. Of course, if you don’t like beer – other beverages and foods are available. Next event: August, 2021 through October 31, 2021. This event is included in your ticket price.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld. This scary, Halloween event is meant for adults and kids older than 13. While typically held at Busch Gardens, this is the first year SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa have both hosted the event. Next event: Now through October 31, 2021. Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed event and not included with your daytime ticket.
SeaWorld Spooktacular. This kid friendly Halloween event features trick or treating, costumed characters, dancers, performers, and more. Next event: Now through October 31, 2021. Spooktacular is included in your ticket price.
Sesame Street Kid’s Weekends & Elmo’s Birthday Celebration. These family friendly celebrations offer dance parties, special Sesame Street Character Meet & Greets, and more. Next event: November, 2021 and January, 2022. These special celebrations are included in your ticket price.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. This event offers Christmas decorations, shopping, shows, and more. Next event: November to December, 2021. The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is included in your ticket price.
Three Kings Celebration. This one day event celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men with Latin food and drink, music, and a processional. Next event: January, 2022. The Three Kings Celebration is included in your ticket price.
SeaWorld Inside Look. These events take guests behind the scenes to see how SeaWorld cares for animals. There are opportunities to see the fish storage coolers, behind the scenes at the Orca Encounter, the penguin habitat, the sea lion and seal care area, and more. Next event: January, 2022. SeaWorld Inside Look is included in your ticket price.
SeaWorld Mardi Gras. During Mardi Gras, guests can participate in street parties, listen to lively music, and sample Cajun style food and drink. Next event: February, 2022. Mardi Gras is included in your ticket price.
Seven Seas Food Festival. This food festival offers guests sample sized portions of many types of food and drinks. Next event: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in February to May, 2022. The Seven Seas Food Festival is included in your ticket price.
Cinco de Mayo & Viva la Musica. These Latin themed celebrations offers food and drink, music, and more. Next event: April and May, 2022. Both events are included in your ticket price.
Electric Ocean at SeaWorld. This summer long celebration features fireworks, dancers, performers, and more. Next event: May to September, 2022.
Private Tours & Experiences
SeaWorld Orlando offers a number of animal encounters and experiences.
Dolphin Encounter. A 15 minute program where you can learn about bottlenose dolphins and touch one.
Dolphins Up-Close. A 30 minute program where guests learn about training bottlenose dolphins and have a chance for more interaction than the Dolphin Encounter.
Penguin Encounter. This program introduces guests to SeaWorld Orlando’s warm weather penguins. Guests will get a chance to touch a penguin.
Penguin Up-Close. Instead of meeting warm weather penguins, this tour gives guests a chance to meet and touch a penguin at the Antartica exhibit.
Walrus Encounter. This 30 minute program gives guests a chance to interact with a walrus.
Beluga Whales Up-Close. This program allows guests to learn about training beluga whales. Guests will get a chance to feed a beluga whale.
Sea Lions Up-Close. This hour long program gives guests the chance to meet and feed sea lions, along with learning about their care.
Sharks Up-Close Tour. This program allows guests to see above the water at the Shark Encounter, feed several sharks, and touch a shark.
Killer Whale Up-Close Tour. This program allows guests to learn about killer whale training and get a photo opportunity with one of SeaWorld Orlando’s killer whales.
Sea World Rescue Tour. A 30 minute tour that gives guests an opportunity to see how SeaWorld cares for rescued animals, including manatees and sea turtles.
Family Adventure Tour. This tour is geared towards families with younger visitors. Guests get to spend time at the Dolphin Nursery, meet a penguin, and tour Sesame Street Land.
The Ultimate VIP Tour. This all day tour gives guests a dolphin encounter, a sea lion meet and greet, a penguin meet and greet, a killer whale photo opportunity, along with free parking, reserved show seating, a Photo Key, a Quick Queue, and more.
You can book a tour at SeaWorld Orlando at this link.
SeaWorld Orlando Tickets
SeaWorld offers discount tickets and promotions throughout the year. View tickets on their website. While shopping for tickets, watch for discounts on add ons like All Day Dining, multiple day tickets, front of line privileges using Quick Queue, and annual passes.
FAQ
Q: Can you swim with dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando?
A: No. You can visit Discovery Cove to swim with dolphins.
Q: How much is parking at SeaWorld Orlando?
A: General parking starts at $25 per car, with upgraded options available.
Q: How many SeaWorld Parks are there?
A: There are currently three SeaWorld parks: SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld San Antonio. SeaWorld Ohio closed in 2000.
Q: What is a SeaWorld fun card?
A: A popular promotion at SeaWorld are Fun Cards. You pay for one day and you can return all year. Learn more on SeaWorld’s website.
Q: What hotels are closest to SeaWorld Orlando?
A: The three closest hotels to SeaWorld Orlando are Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld.
Q: Can you bring food into SeaWorld Orlando?
A: SeaWorld Orlando’s food policy has recently been updated. Outside food and drinks, with the exception of a water bottle or refillable bottle, are no longer allowed. Exceptions are made for special dietary needs and baby food and formulas.
Q: What are the names of the killer whales at SeaWorld Orlando?
A: SeaWorld Orlando’s five resident killer whales are named Makaio, Trua, Katina, Nalani, and Malia.
4 Tips for Remember for Your SeaWorld Orlando Trip
- Plan a full day. SeaWorld Orlando has lots to do. You’ll need at least a full day to see and do everything.
- Wear comfortable shoes. SeaWorld Orlando is a large park with lots of walking.
- Stay in the know. Don’t forget to pick up a park map and a show schedule with you arrive at the park.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Bring an empty, refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated on hot days.
After you leave SeaWorld, be sure to check out the water slides and other water rides at SeaWorld’s water park, Aquatica. Or, plan a day at Discovery Cove – where you can swim with dolphins!