As a Florida resident for over a decade, I’ve missed out on one of the most iconic attractions. But that all changed when I had an unforgettable day on my first visit to SeaWorld Orlando. My family and I discovered far more than just a marine park – an immersive world of wonder, education, and thrills that left us wondering why we hadn’t visited sooner.
I’ve also visited SeaWorld in San Antonio, which you can read about here.
From Splash to Sky: SeaWorld’s Diverse Attractions
When you think of SeaWorld, you might immediately conjure images of leaping dolphins and playful sea lions. While these incredible marine mammals are a cornerstone of the park’s appeal, our visit revealed a treasure trove of experiences far beyond our expectations.
Marine Life Marvels
As we stepped into the park, the first thing that struck us was the sheer diversity of marine life. SeaWorld isn’t just a place to watch shows – it’s a living, breathing aquarium that brings you face-to-face with creatures from every corner of the world’s oceans.
Music, Games, and Dancing Options
I found SeaWorld’s daily live entertainment around the park to be top-quality and original. My favorite were the breakdancers, who had the crowd on their toes, cheering for them and dancing.
The DJ did a great job of getting everyone’s attention while the dancers captivated and kept it going.
Even if you don’t ride the rides, just strolling around the beautiful property adorned with vibrant displays, colorful characters, and gorgeous flowers is a sight to behold. And if you have difficulty walking, you can always rent an ECV electric scooter with a sunshade to help you get around.
You’ll also find an excellent supply of games to play and prizes to compete for around the park. Allow some extra money for this offering and for taking home some logo merchandise and great souvenirs from one of the many gift shops.
Family Fun Rides
Sky Tower is a famous family-friendly ride at the theme park, created in 1974. Guests step into a round glass elevator that rides to the top of 400 feet for epic views of the park.
Sky Tower runs continually for all ages unless weather issues (namely high winds) occur.
Come and Play: Sesame Street Fun
SeaWorld is the parent company to two other Florida parks: Discovery Cove, where you will honestly think you are in the Caribbean, not Central Florida, and Busch Gardens, in Tampa.
Busch Gardens and SeaWorld boast a Sesame Street Land, a dream come true for fans of the beloved show. As you stroll down the charming streets resembling the TV set, you might even bump into some characters, making it an interactive and memorable experience.
Keep your camera handy, as you never know what you might encounter.
Rides include Abby’s Flower Tower, Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Big Bird’s Twirl ‘N’ Whirl, Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, and more. Fun Fact: SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land has been designated a Certified Autism Center.
Dolphin Cove: A Memorable Encounter
Our first stop at animal adventures was Dolphin Cove, where we found ourselves mesmerized by the graceful movements of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The trainers’ evident bond with these intelligent creatures was heartwarming.
We couldn’t help but laugh as the dolphins showed off their acrobatic skills with impressive leaps, turns, and sometimes drenching splashes.
The trainers shared fascinating facts about dolphin behavior and conservation efforts. It was one of my first times ever touching a dolphin.
Pacific Point Preserve: Sea Lion Central
Next, I headed to Pacific Point Preserve, home to a boisterous colony of California sea lions and harbor seals. The sheer number of animals was impressive (probably 100 or more), but what caught our attention was their sweet personalities, some even diva-like.
Guests can purchase chum buckets and toss the fish down to feed the sea of sea lions. The aggressive white birds may try to take the fish from you, but the sea lions beg so sweetly that you can’t resist.
Picture me, the one wearing a glove to touch the chum; gross.
Sea Lion and Otter Show
A must at SeaWorld Orlando is the Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight show. What a hoot! We met two sea lions, an old man, so to speak, and a newbie who was learning the ropes.
Watching the sea lions perform various tricks, including high-fiving the guests and smiling, will surely warm your heart. There are also photo opportunities.
Penguin Encounter: A Cool Experience
We sought refuge from the Florida heat and entered the refreshingly chilly Penguin Encounter. Seeing different penguin species waddling about and diving into the water was utterly charming.
We learned about these birds’ challenges in the wild and SeaWorld’s efforts to support penguin conservation.
For more things to do in Orlando, check out this post.
Thrills and Spills: SeaWorld’s Unexpected Excitement
When we thought we had SeaWorld figured out, we turned a corner and found ourselves face-to-face with some awe-inspiring thrill rides. This surprise added extra excitement to our day.
Penguin Trek: An Icy Adventure
The newest addition to SeaWorld’s lineup, Penguin Trek, quickly became a family favorite. This indoor/outdoor coaster, which opened in July 2024, combines the thrill of a high-speed ride with an immersive wildlife experience.
As we climbed aboard, the anticipation was palpable. The ride started with a bang, launching us into a twisting, turning adventure that had us laughing and screaming in equal measure.
But the real magic happened at the end – we found ourselves gliding into a natural penguin habitat, surrounded by these charismatic birds. It was an unexpected and delightful way to blend entertainment with education.
Mako: Riding the Apex Predator
For those seeking an even bigger adrenaline rush, Mako delivers in spades. This hypercoaster lives up to its namesake (one of the fastest sharks) with speeds up to 73 mph.
Ice Breaker: A Chilly Thrill
Not to be outdone, Ice Breaker offered a unique experience with its multi-directional launch system. The ride’s 93-foot tall reverse spike, featuring a 100-degree angle, had even our bravest family members gripping their seats.
It’s a testament to SeaWorld’s commitment to providing diverse experiences for visitors of all ages and thrill levels.
Beyond Entertainment: SeaWorld’s Conservation Efforts
While the rides and shows were undoubtedly entertaining, what truly impressed us was SeaWorld’s dedication to marine life conservation and education.
Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Hope for Marine Life
As I mentioned, SeaWorld is, first and foremost, a marine zoological park. That means they save, rehabilitate, and train animals, studying them to advance marine life education and ensure their future existence.
We took a behind-the-scenes tour of SeaWorld’s rescue and rehabilitation center, witnessing firsthand the park’s efforts to save and care for injured marine animals. Seeing the dedication of the staff as they nursed sick manatees and sea turtles back to health was heartwarming and eye-opening.
This experience drove home the importance of marine conservation and our role in protecting our oceans. It transformed our visit from mere entertainment to a meaningful learning experience.
Feeding Frenzy
A few food finds at SeaWorld Orlando are Voyager’s Smokehouse, Expedition Cafe, Lakeside Grill, and Altitude Burgers. Seafire Grill is awesome for sitting outdoors and people-watching while you are dining.
You can pick up tasty snacks from Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen or Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor and craft beer from Waterway Grill. SeaWorld offers allergen information and special menus as needed.
Seasonal Spectacles: Year-Round Fun at SeaWorld
As we planned our visit, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that SeaWorld offers a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, each adding its own unique flavor to the park experience.
Summer Celebrations
SeaWorld’s summer events offer a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and marine life for those visiting in the warmer months. Viva La Musica in June brings Latin rhythms and flavors to the park, while the new Bands, Brew & BBQ event in July and August is a feast for both the ears and the taste buds.
Spooky Season and Holiday Cheer
For families who love a touch of Halloween magic, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular (August 31 – November 3) offers kid-friendly frights and treats in a safe and secure environment.
Meanwhile, the adults-oriented Howl-O-Scream (September 6 – November 2) provides more intense thrills after dark, with strict safety measures in place.
As the year winds down, the Christmas Celebration (November 8 – January 2) transforms the park into a winter wonderland with festive shows and holiday-themed attractions.
If you visit the theme park in 2024, you’ll be helping them celebrate 60 wonderful years of bringing joy to families through fun, conservation, and education.
FAQ
SeaWorld Orlando tickets range from $89.99 to $125.99 for adults (based on date and season) and sometimes include FREE all-day dining. The park’s website has current rates and special offers, such as discounts for teachers and the military.
Parking is a breeze at the park and costs around $30. You can also upgrade your experiences with tickets for the Ultimate VIP Tour, Penguin/Beluga/Walrus/Dolphin Encounters, various sea-life close-ups, the SeaWorld Rescue Tour, and the Family Adventure Tour.
A Day Well Spent: Reflecting on Our SeaWorld Adventure
SeaWorld Orlando surprised me at every turn, offering much more than I ever anticipated. From awe-inspiring marine life encounters to the beauty of the park and exceptional thrill rides, SeaWorld proved to be a destination that truly offers something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.
You’ll feel included and catered to at SeaWorld.
I was a guest of IPW conference for this visit to SeaWorld Orlando. As usual, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.