Sea World-Orlando

Over the years, SeaWorld has changed, mostly for the good. It started as a small park centered around endangered sea life and rescue efforts. They had a few areas where you could interact with dolphins and stingrays as well as their featured presentations. There was the Orca show, the Dolphin show and the Penguin show. It was a one-day park in Orlando that people took their small children to once.
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That has all changed.

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They have kept what made them who they were and added so much more. From some of the fastest and highest roller coasters in the world to festivals and concerts throughout the year, SeaWorld has evolved into a park that appeals to far more than just families with small children. They have kept their core while adding attractions that make people want to come back again and again.

Rescue Operations, Animal Exhibits and Shows
​Animal rescue and rehabilitation is at the core of what SeaWorld is and does. Much of the sea life that comes in is vulnerable, sick or orphaned. They have a rescue center on property, the Coral Reef Research Facility. Most of the rescues are eventually put back into their original habitat once they have recovered.
You can go in and see how the animals are being cared for and learn how small things in everyday life can help save thousands of animals from needing rescue in the first place.
But SeaWorld is not just about conservation anymore. They have found ways to combine education, entertainment and animal encounters into experiences families really remember.
You can even dine with Orcas and enjoy a family meal while getting an up-close look at these incredible animals.
Other highlights include:

• Dolphin Cove - where a playful group of bottlenose dolphins swim and interact with guests, and you can actually go up and pet them.
• Stingray Lagoon - where you can touch and feed stingrays.
• Pelican Preserve - home to pelicans that have been rehabilitated but cannot be returned to their natural habitat.
• Flamingo Cove
• Alligator Habitat
• Expedition Odyssey Animal Habitat
• Manatee Rehabilitation Area
• Manta Aquarium
• Orca Viewing
• Shark Encounter

There are also 3 shows that are not to be missed and are included with your admission:

• Dolphin Adventure – watch a group of bottlenose dolphins show off their amazing abilities.
• Orca Encounter – an educational presentation featuring one of the ocean’s most impressive animals.
• Flippers Sea Lion Experience – watch as the sea lions entertain guests with their playful personalities.

All of these presentations also offer reserved seating for an additional charge.
Coasters & Rides
SeaWorld has introduced many new rides and roller coasters to their suite of offerings that have made this park a must-do for families with children of all ages.
The newest of those is Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice which opened on May 25, 2026. It is described as a family-friendly thrill ride with a height requirement of 39 inches. It takes guests on an expedition from an Arctic research outpost onto a prototype drone craft where they encounter beluga whales and walruses.
Later in 2026, SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep premieres, where guests embark on a submersible adventure exploring undersea worlds.
Coasters

• Penguin Trek – Cross the vastness of Antarctica and discover a real penguin habitat. Guests must be 42” to ride.
• Mako – Known as Orlando’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. Guests must be 54” to ride.
• Ice Breaker – Features 4 airtime-filled launches both backwards and forwards, along with the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida. Guests must be 48” to ride.
• Journey to Atlantis – Water roller coaster. Guests must be 42” to ride.
• Kraken – Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster. Guests must be 54” to ride.
• Pipeline: The Surf Coaster – Launches riders 110 feet high at speeds up to 60 mph. Guests must be 54” to ride.
• Manta – Spin, glide and skim like a giant ray. Guests must be 54” to ride.
• Infinity Falls – White water rafting adventure. Guests must be 42” to ride.

Kid Friendly Attractions
Sesame Street Land allows families to walk down Sesame Street, meet its residents and enjoy several kid-friendly attractions including:

• Abby’s Flower Tower
• Cookie Drop
• Elmo’s Choo Choo Train
• Rosita’s Harmony Hills
• Rubber Duckie Water Works
• Slimey’s Slider
• Sunny Day Carousel
• Super Grover’s Box Car Derby

For the whole family, don’t miss some of the classic favorites including the iconic Sky Tower, which stands 400 feet high, and the Flamingo Paddle Boats. Additional fees may apply for these attractions.
Food
The food at SeaWorld is plentiful, but they have not focused heavily on sit-down dining. There is only one full-service restaurant in the entire park, Sharks Underwater Grill and Bar,  and same-day reservations open at 11 am.
Quick service restaurants are really the way to go with choices like:

• Altitude Burgers
• Captain Pete’s Island Hot Dogs
• Chick-fil-A
• Coaster Coffee Company
• Dockside Pizza
• Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor
• Expedition Café
• Flamecraft Bar
• Glacier Bar
• Lakeside Grill
• Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen
• Panini Shore Café
• Rita’s Italian Ice
• Seafire Grill
• Sesame Street Land Food Trucks
• South Pole Sips
• Sweet Sailin’ Candy Shop
• The Sand Bar
• Voyager’s Smokehouse
• Waterway Bar
• Waterway Grill

In most cases, you are going to want to buy the All-Day Dining Deal. This allows you to eat and drink throughout the day as often as once every 90 minutes for $59.99. One quick service meal can almost cost that much on its own, so it is usually well worth it.
They also offer happy hour daily:

• 12 pm – 2 pm at Waterway Grill Bar
• 2 pm – 4 pm at Glacier Bar
• 4 pm – 6 pm at Flamecraft Bar

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Festivals and Events
SeaWorld has also expanded their festivals and seasonal events, giving guests even more reasons to visit throughout the year.

• Electric Ocean – 06/12/2026-09/07/2026
  Stay late all summer and immerse yourself in lights and music with dancing, fireworks and a drone show.
• ASL Saturdays – First Saturday of every month
  Enjoy a welcoming environment for guests who are hearing impaired with special presentations and accommodations.
• Pass Member & Military Veteran Picnic – 05/30/2026-05/31/2026
  Special picnic event with classic barbeque and sweet treats.
• Fourth of July Celebration – 07/04/2026
  Patriotic fireworks display.
• Red, White & BBQ – Weekends from 07/04/2026-08/23/2026
  BBQ flavors from around the country.
• Halloween Spooktacular – 08/29/2026-11/01/2026
  Family-friendly daytime event with trick-or-treating and silly Halloween characters.
• Howl-O-Scream – 09/18/2026-10/31/2026
  Separately ticketed Halloween event.
• Howl-O-Sprint 5K – 09/18/2026
• Christmas Celebration – 11/06/2026-01/03/2027
  Features holiday food, live entertainment and seasonal shows.
• Food and Wine Festival – Already completed for 2026, but features cuisines from around the world along with tasting packages available for purchase.

​Final Thoughts
SeaWorld is usually open from 9 am until sundown during the week and until 10 or 11 pm on weekends. There is now more than ever for families to do here, making it easy to spend one or even two full days at the park.
They also offer day passes, annual passes and VIP tours.
If you are thinking about visiting SeaWorld Orlando or adding it to your next Orlando vacation, check out Tink’s Magical Vacations for updated information and help planning your trip.

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