Skip to content
Surf Wiki
Save to docs
geography/united-states

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

SeaWorld Orlando

Animal theme park in Orlando, Florida


Animal theme park in Orlando, Florida

FieldValue
nameSeaWorld Orlando
imageSeaWorld Orlando 001.jpg
captionThe Port of Entry lighthouse.
location7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando
location2Florida, United States
coordinates
opening_date
previous_namesSea World of Florida
themeConservation and the Ocean
seasonYear-round
area200 acre
visitors4.454 million (2022)
rides17
shows5 with 6 seasonal
coasters8
water_rides2
ownerUnited Parks & Resorts
operatorUnited Parks & Resorts
sloganCoaster Capital of Orlando
homepage
statusoperating
logoSeaWorld Orlando logo.svg

SeaWorld Orlando is an animal theme park located just outside Orlando, Florida. Although separately gated, it is often promoted with neighboring parks Discovery Cove and Aquatica as well as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, all of which are owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts. In 2022, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 4.45 million guests, ranking it the 10th most visited amusement park in the United States. SeaWorld Orlando is also featured in the 1983 film Jaws 3-D.

History

SeaWorld Orlando opened on December 15, 1973, as the third park of the SeaWorld chain and just two years after Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom. This made Central Florida a multi-park vacation destination. SeaWorld was sold in 1976 to Harcourt Brace Jovanovich then to Anheuser-Busch, owners of Busch Gardens, in 1989.

Busch was more experienced with theme parks and thus developed SeaWorld in a competitive and aggressive manner, moving the park from a show-based to a ride-based park. The park joined in the Disneyland-started simulator ride wave in 1992 with Mission: Bermuda Triangle (later rethemed into Wild Arctic). The nation's first combination roller coaster and flume ride, Journey to Atlantis, was installed in 1998. Kraken, a Bolliger & Mabillard floorless roller coaster, was added to the park in 2000. The flying coaster, Manta, came to the park in 2009 and won the Theme Park Insider Award as the best new attraction. After nearly three decades of operation, Busch Entertainment added two adjacent parks. Discovery Cove opened in 2000 followed by the Aquatica water park in 2008.

In 2008 AB InBev purchased Anheuser-Busch and sold off Busch's parks to private equity firm Blackstone Inc (the 50% owners of the neighboring Universal Orlando parks until July 2011). Due to this selloff, the Hospitality House and Beer School were closed, also the Clydesdales and their barn were removed from the park. Then 2013, Blackstone sold 37% of SEAS in an initial public offering.

On February 24, 2010, during a "Dine with Shamu" show, the orca Tilikum pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water and killed her. An autopsy confirmed that Brancheau died from blunt force trauma and drowning; injuries included her scalp being removed and her left arm being severed below the shoulder. In August 2010, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited SeaWorld of Florida LLC for three safety violations related to the incident. The total penalty was $75,000, and SeaWorld was mandated to install protective barriers between trainers and whales during shows.

In 2012, SeaWorld Orlando introduced the Turtle Trek exhibit, which featured a 360-degree, three-dimensional movie theater. In 2013, the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin pavilion introduced the country's first trackless dark ride system (which closed in 2020) alongside a renovated penguin exhibit. In 2016, Mako, as a hypercoaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in the "Sea of Power" area near the Shark Encounter. In 2019, the park revamped the "Sea of Fun" area into "Sesame Street Land", themed after the popular children's television series Sesame Street.

In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park had to temporarily shut down in line with other SeaWorld parks. It reopened three months later.

Ice Breaker opened as a launched steel coaster, manufactured by Premier Rides. Pipeline opened in 2023 as the world's first surf coaster, manufactured by B&M. It is a revival of the stand-up coaster (the most recent before this being Georgia Scorcher at Six Flags Over Georgia, in 1999), featuring better restraints and offering a more comfortable ride experience. Penguin Trek opened in 2024 as a new launched family roller coaster manufactured by B&M, replacing the former Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin dark ride.

In March 2025 SeaWorld Orlando was fined $16,550 by the United States Department of Labor after a killer whale injured an employee in September 2024.

Park layout

In summer 2014, as a part of the company's 50th anniversary, SeaWorld Orlando was separated into different areas, called "seas", each with a unique themed element. Starting at the lower center and continuing clockwise they are:

  • ** Port of Entry:** The main entrance of the park features a Florida-inspired theme with tropical landscaping and a large artificial freshwater marina with a Shamu-themed iconic lighthouse.
  • Sea of Shallows: This area showcases most of the shallow water sea animal exhibits at the park as well as the Dolphin Theater. In addition, the Manta rollercoaster travels through this section and the former Turtle Trek, A 360 degree dome film, which featured the story of a turtle. All of the Key West at SeaWorld area is inside of the Sea of Shallows. It is designed to mimic the appearance of the city of Key West, Florida with architecture and landscaping reminiscent of the area. Animal exhibits in this portion of the park include lesser devil rays, cownose rays, southern stingrays, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, greater flamingos, West Indian manatees, American alligators and brown pelicans. In addition to native species, invasive fish found in Florida such as the alligator gar, redtail catfish, and black pacu can also be seen. The stingray and dolphin habitats offer opportunities for guests to feed the animals.
  • Sea of Legends: Journey to Atlantis, a boat ride with roller coaster elements, bases its story from the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. Also found here is Kraken, a floorless roller coaster.
  • Sea of Ice: Sea of Ice, originally named Antarctica, is themed around the Antarctic continent. Penguin Trek, which replaced Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is the sole attraction in this area as a penguin exhibit.
  • Sea of Delight: Sea of Delight includes a sub-area named The Waterfront, which resembles a seaside Mediterranean village. The park's Sky Tower ride is also here, it was integrated into the theme of The Waterfront village when the area opened in 2003. The only land animal show at the park, Pets Ahoy, was located here inside of the Seaport Theater. Outside of the Waterfront is where the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium viewing area stands.
  • Sea of Mystery: The Sea of Mystery houses the Shark Encounter exhibit and the Shark's Underwater Grill, as well as the Nautilus Theater, which is currently used for seasonal shows and events. Mako, a Bolliger & Mabillard steel hypercoaster opened in the area on June 10, 2016, The current shark exhibit and the surrounding area has been renovated to become Shark Wreck Reef. As of 2018 this area also became home to the rapids ride Infinity Falls set in the sub area of sea of Infinity which is a rainforest area also featuring a food location, waterway grill.
  • Sea of Power: Sea of Power is host area of the SeaWorld's killer whale shows. The Shamu Stadium is located in the center with the Wild Arctic indoor pavilion next-door. Wild Arctic is an indoor animal exhibit hosting beluga whales, Pacific walrus, harbor seals and formerly polar bears. Shamu Stadium currently hosts "Orca Encounter" as its main show with "Shamu Celebration: Light up the Night" and "Shamu Christmas Miracles" showing seasonally.
  • Sesame Street Land: Formerly Shamu's Happy Harbor and Sea of Fun, Sesame Street Land is a children's area located adjacent to Shamu Stadium and features family activities including Super Grover's Box Car Derby (a junior rollercoaster) and a water play area. It is the only area within SeaWorld Orlando to be based on the educational television program, Sesame Street.

Attractions

SeaWorld Orlando has many live shows and attractions including rides and animal exhibits. Many of these attractions, such as Manta combine the two, with both animal exhibits and a ride.

Rides and attractions

#NameOpenedDescriptionLocation
1Mako2016A seated, non-inverting hypercoaster built by B&M, named after the fastest species of shark in the oceans. Standing 200 ft high and reaching up to 73 mph, Mako is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the Orlando area.Sea of Mystery
2Kraken2000A floorless roller coaster (by B&M) themed after the legend of the Kraken sea monster, standing 153 ft high and featuring several inversions.Sea of Legends
3Manta2009A 140 ft flying roller coaster (by B&M) and aquarium exhibit featuring rays, sea dragons and more, Manta riders are secured into their seats before being rotated parallel to the ground into a "flying" position. Attains speeds up to 56 mph with 4 inversions.Sea of Shallows
4Ice Breaker2022A 93 ft tall, quadruple-launch, non-inverting family thrill rollercoaster (by Premier Rides) featuring the steepest drop (100° angle) of any roller coaster in Florida. The ride sees guests travel backwards up a slight incline before gradually building speed through several magnetic launch systems, and traveling over a "top-hat".Sea of Power
5Penguin Trek2024A B&M family-style launch coaster with dark ride elements, including twists and turns, with speeds of up to 45 mph. Non-inverting. Similar to Arctic Rescue (by Intamin) at SeaWorld San Diego.Sea of Ice
6Pipeline: The Surf Coaster2023A first-of-its-kind B&M "surf-coaster", based on the once-popular stand-up roller coasters, Pipeline stands 110 ft tall and includes twists and turns at up to 60 mph, and one inversion. Unlike typical stand-up coasters, Pipeline features hydraulic seating elements, giving riders the sensation of riding a wave.Sea of Power/Port of Entry
7Journey to Atlantis1998A water coaster/boat ride with dark ride elements, themed to the mythical lost city of Atlantis. The queue also features several fish and aquarium exhibits. Max height of drop: 60 ft.Sea of Legends
8Infinity Falls2018A river rapids ride, featuring a vertical elevator lift and the world's tallest drop on a river rapids ride.Sea of Mystery
9Super Grover's Box Car Derby
(Formerly Shamu Express)url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-et-seaworld-sesame-street-opening-date-20190306-story.html#targetText=Sesame%20Street%20will%20open%20at,Open%2C%20Sesame%20Street!title=Grand opening of Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlandowebsite=orlandosentinel.comdate=March 6, 2019access-date=August 23, 2019archive-date=September 30, 2020archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930000642/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-et-seaworld-sesame-street-opening-date-20190306-story.html#targetText=Sesame%20Street%20will%20open%20at,Open%2C%20Sesame%20Street!url-status=live}}A Zierer family coaster themed to Super Grover from Sesame Street.
Sesame Street Land
10Sky Tower1973A 400 ft tall rotating Gyro tower.Sea of Delight
11Expedition Odyssey2025A Mack Rides Flying Theater using sounds, Heat and A/C, and smells to immerse riders in an arctic landscape, taking the place of the old Wild Arctic building.Sea of Power
12Sunny Day Carousel
(Formerly Sea Carousel)title=SeaWorld Floridawebsite=Screamscapeurl=http://www.screamscape.com/html/seaworld_florida.htmdate=May 29, 2007access-date=October 8, 2013url-status=deadarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529093744/http://www.screamscape.com/html/seaworld_florida.htmarchive-date=May 29, 2007 }}A carousel themed to Sesame Street with colorful Muppet versions of horses.
Sesame Street Land
13Elmo's Choo Choo Train
(Formerly Seven Seas Railway)2019
(2012)
A short train ride themed to Elmo from Sesame Street.Sesame Street Land
14Big Bird's Twirl 'N' Whirl
(Formerly Swishy Fishies)2019
(2006)A spinning ride themed to Big Bird from Sesame Street.
Sesame Street Land
15Abby's Flower Tower
(Formerly Jazzy Jellies)2019
(2006)A high tower ride themed to Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street.
Sesame Street Land
16Cookie Drop!
(Formerly Flying Fiddler)2019
(2007)A drop tower ride for children themed to Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.
Sesame Street Land
17Rubber Duckie Water Works2019A water play area themed to Ernie from Sesame Street.Sesame Street Land
18Slimey's Slider
(Formerly Ocean Commotion)2019
(2007)A Rock n' tug ride themed to Slimey the Worm from Sesame Street.Sesame Street Land
19Rosita's Harmony Hills2019A play area themed to Rosita from Sesame Street.Sesame Street Land
20Flamingo Paddle Boats1978Boats themed to a flamingo that can travel all around the park's central lake. Additional fee is required.Sea of Mystery

Future Attractions:

  • SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep (Opening in 2026)

Former Attractions:

  • Mission: Bermuda Triangle (1992–1995)
  • World of the Sea Aquarium/Tropical Reef (1973–2008)
  • Hospitality Center (1992-2009)
  • Clydesdale Hamlet (1992–2009)
  • Manatees: The Last Generation?/Manatee Rescue (1993–2011)
  • Penguin Encounter (1987–2012)
  • The Polar Express Experience (Wild Arctic Holiday Overlay) (2007–2015)
  • Animal Connections at SeaGarden (2010-2017)
  • Shamu's Happy Harbor (1992-2018)
  • Kraken Unleashed (Kraken Virtual Reality Retheme) (2017-2018)
  • Count-Around Playground (2019-2019)
  • Wild Arctic (Ride) (1995–2020)
  • Turtle Trek (2012–2020)
  • Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin (Ride) (2013–2020)

Live entertainment and animal presentations

#NameOpenedDescriptionLocation
6Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin2013A themed area featuring live penguin and alcid exhibits.Sea of Ice
11Wild Arctic1995An indoor series of exhibits featuring beluga whales, walruses, and harbor seals that is designed to resemble a research station in the Arctic Ocean.Sea of Power
12SeaWorld Rescue Center
(Formerly Turtle Trek)2022
An up-close look at how SeaWorld comes to the aid of sick, injured, and orphaned animals. Meet vulnerable manatees and turtles who are recovering and receiving state-of-the-art care, including the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. And hear from dedicated experts who help make it all possible.Sea of Shallows
17Shamu Stadium1984The 7000000 USgal home to the park's five killer whales opened in September 1984. The park's current production is Orca Encounter since late 2019, which used to house the former show One Ocean, the summer seasonal Shamu's Celebration: Light Up The Night and winter seasonal Shamu Christmas Miracles night shows. An educational presentation called Ocean Discovery was also presented on select dates.Sea of Power
18Dolphin Theater1973The 2000000 USgal original Shamu Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, currently hosts the Dolphin Adventures educational show. Dolphin Theater currently features dolphins, and formerly macaws, marabou storks, and Andean condors in Blue Horizons, a show that debuted on May 29, 2005 and lasted until March 31, 2017 to be replaced with Dolphin Days on April 1, 2017 and that also lasted to around late February 2021. False killer whales were once part of the Theater until the eventual death of the park's two specimens. Four rescued pilot whales were also housed here and seen occasionally during the preshow (about 15–20 mins before the show) or sometimes during the show itself until they were moved to Shamu Stadium on April 28, 2017 due to space, and on September 16, 2019 the 3 pilot whales were transferred to SeaWorld San Diego.Sea of Shallows
19The Sea Lion and Otter Theater1990Hosts "Clyde and Seamore", a pair of California sea lions in the presentation Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight. Asian small-clawed otters and walruses also partake in the show. This production was joined by the seasonal show Sea Lions Tonite.Sea of Delight
20Bayside Stadium1983Formerly hosted water skiing shows on the park's central lagoon. Today, the stage is used for SeaWorld's numerous music concert series and other special events as well as the official viewing area for the summer seasonal Electric Ocean fireworks and dance party as well as the Winter Wonderland On Ice ice skating show during the winter.Sea of Power
21The Nautilus Theatre1995This used to be home to an acrobatic show similar in style and presentation to the works of Cirque du Soleil called A'lure: The Call of The Ocean which closed in early 2015. This was also used for a bubble show named Pop in 2017 & 2018 during the summer, and was also home to a show called "O Wondrous Night" during the winter.Sea of Mystery
22Seaport Theatre1998Formerly featured animals that have been rescued from local animal shelters in Pets Ahoy which was cut in 2020 due to budget cuts affiliated with the loss of revenue due to COVID-19. This venue was also home to Abby's Treasure Hunt and many seasonal Sesame Street shows before Sesame Street land opened.Sea of Delight
23Seafire Grill2001A restaurant and a theatre in the style of a dinner theatre. This venue was home to the Makahiki Luau dancing show until its closure in September 2012.
24Reflections2006A seasonal firework show on the park's central lagoon, now Ignite since 2017, featuring fireworks, dancing fountains, and mist screens synchronized and inspired by the musical soundtracks of some of the park's shows and attractions. The show was formerly called Mistify. During the Holidays, there is a Holiday Reflections fireworks show.
25Wheel of Fortune Live!2008A taping of Wheel of Fortune that had shows taped at the park during 2008.
26Sesame Street Party Parade2019A clone of the existing parade at Sesame Place, featuring all the costumed characters seen in the land. Much like the original parade, there's an interactive show stop where guests are invited onto the parade route to dance with the characters. Halloween and Christmas overlays occur during their respective seasons.Sesame Street Land

Attendance

AttendanceWorldwide RankYear
5,926,0007th2008
5,800,0007th2009
5,100,0009th2010
5,202,0009th2011
5,358,00019th2012
5,090,00019th2013
4,683,00021st2014
4,777,00022nd2015
4,402,00025th2016
3,962,00026th2017
4,594,00026th2018
4,640,00026th2019
1,598,0002020
3,051,0002021
4,450,0002022

Aquatica Orlando

Main article: Aquatica (water parks){{!}}Aquatica Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando also has an adjacent waterpark, Aquatica Orlando, which opened in 2008, and is part of the greater chain of Aquatica water parks.

References

References

  1. "Seaworld–Page Info".
  2. (October 18, 2022). "Pipeline: The Surf Coaster - Launching 2023".
  3. "AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report". TEA/AECOM.
  4. Rooney, Ben. (2009-10-07). "Sea World, Busch Gardens unit sold for $2.7 billion".
  5. (June 20, 1994). "Sea World Deep-Sixing Mission Ride". Orlando Sentinel.
  6. Kelly-Brown, Kathy. (2021-07-01). "NBCUniversal Announces Completion of Universal Orlando Acquisition". Business Wire.
  7. (January 5, 2009). "No more free beer at Busch theme parks". Orlando Business Journal.
  8. Dezember, Ryan. (April 22, 2013). "The Many Ways Blackstone Made Money on SeaWorld's IPO". Wall Street Journal.
  9. (25 April 2016). "Blackfish: when killer whales attack".
  10. "Autopsy report". Office of the Medical examiner, district nine, FL.
  11. Kuo, Vivian. "SeaWorld appeal of OSHA citations denied".
  12. "SeaWorld won't appeal ruling pulling trainers from water at killer whale shows".
  13. (March 11, 2019). ""Sunny Days" ahead as Sesame Street opens at SeaWorld Orlando March 27". InPark Magazine.
  14. (3 January 2022). "SeaWorld's 'Ice Breaker' coaster opened Feb. 18". WFLA.
  15. Niles, Robert. (2023-05-11). "Catch a Wave on SeaWorld's Next-Gen Stand-Up Coaster".
  16. Stevenson, John. (2020-09-28). "Bolliger & Mabillard Files Patent for Stand-Up Coaster Restraint".
  17. "Adventure Begins July 7: SeaWorld Orlando Announces Grand Opening of Penguin Trek, the Most Anticipated Family Coaster of 2024".
  18. (2025-03-22). "SeaWorld faces OSHA fine after trainer injured by killer whale at Orlando park".
  19. "SeaWorld Park Map: SeaWorld Orlando".
  20. (March 6, 2019). "Grand opening of Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando".
  21. (May 29, 2007). "SeaWorld Florida".
  22. (March 6, 2019). "Grand opening of Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando".
  23. "Elmo's Choo Choo Train Attraction {{!}} Sesame Street at SeaWorld".
  24. "Big Bird's Twirl 'N' Whirl Attraction {{!}} Sesame Street at SeaWorld".
  25. (April 2, 2019). "The New Sesame Street - Seaworld Orlando | Expedition Theme Park - YouTube".
  26. "Abby's Flower Tower Attraction {{!}} Sesame Street at SeaWorld".
  27. "Cookie Monster's Cookie Drop Attraction {{!}} Sesame Street at SeaWorld".
  28. "Rubber Duckie Water Works Playground Attraction {{!}} Sesame Street at SeaWorld".
  29. (2019-03-23). "Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando". Chic Navigator.
  30. "Slimey's Slider Attraction {{!}} Sesame Street at SeaWorld".
  31. Strother, Susan G. (February 2, 1992). "Florida's Sea World Plans Bermuda Triangle Ride
  32. (2009-01-05). "SeaWorld Hospitality Center closing – No more free beer".
  33. "The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld Orlando Begins This Friday, November 12th..." Visit Tampa Bay. November 10, 2010.
  34. (July 23, 2010). "Photo Update: Sea Garden among other new things at SeaWorld - July 2010".
  35. (2018-05-03). "Sesame Street land is coming to SeaWorld Orlando".
  36. (September 18, 2018). "SeaWorld: Kraken roller coaster ditches virtual reality headsets".
  37. (April 23, 2019). "SeaWorld removes Sesame Street playground weeks after new land opens - Theme Park Tribune, theme park news".
  38. "Rescue Center | Animal Experiences | SeaWorld Orlando".
  39. "SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center".
  40. (September 23, 1984). "Sea World Whale Capture Plans Attacked". Ocala Star-Banner.
  41. Garcia, Jason. (5 June 2012). "False killer whale Jozu dies at SeaWorld Orlando". Orlando Sentinel.
  42. Kirley, James. (16 September 2012). "Too soon to tell if surviving pilot whales can be released". The Palm Beach Post.
  43. (2008). "TEA/AECOM 2008 Global Attractions Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  44. (2009). "TEA/AECOM 2009 Global Attractions Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  45. (2011). "TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  46. (2014). "TEA/AECOM 2013 Global Attractions Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  47. (2015). "TEA/AECOM 2014 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  48. (2016). "TEA/AECOM 2015 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  49. (2016). "TEA/AECOM 2016 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  50. (2017). "TEA/AECOM 2017 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  51. (June 26, 2015). "TEA/AECOM 2018 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report". [[Themed Entertainment Association]].
  52. "TEA/AECOM 2019 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report".
  53. "TEA/AECOM 2020 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report".
  54. "TEA/AECOM 2021 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report".
  55. "Attendance at the Seaworld Florida theme park from 2009 to 2022".
  56. "Happy Birthday, Aquatica!".
  57. "Aquatica SeaWorld Orlando's Third Park To Open March 2008".
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about SeaWorld Orlando — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report