Visit SeaWorld
#9 of 100 things to do in Orlando
Orlando, Florida is home to a marine life theme park that combines thrilling rides, up-close animal encounters, and unforgettable entertainment: SeaWorld Orlando. As the “Coaster Capital of Orlando,” SeaWorld offers a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping attractions like Mako and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster alongside inspiring animal presentations featuring orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, an animal lover, or a family looking for a perfect day out, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Key Details at a Glance:
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Location: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
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Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by date; 10 PM Saturdays in summer)
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Signature Attractions: Mako, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, Ice Breaker, Orca Encounter
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Annual Events: Seven Seas Food Festival, Electric Ocean, Halloween Spooktacular, Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Celebration
A Park for Every Age and Interest
SeaWorld Orlando is more than just a marine park—it is an accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences to educate and inspire guests to care about marine life. The park offers a perfect mix of high-energy coasters, gentle family rides, immersive animal habitats, and world-class entertainment.
🎢 Thrill Rides: The Coaster Capital of Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando has earned its reputation as the coaster capital with a lineup of world-class thrill rides.
| Ride | Type | Height Requirement | Thrill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mako | Hypercoaster | 54 inches | Extreme |
| Pipeline: The Surf Coaster | Stand-up Launch Coaster | 54–78 inches | Extreme |
| Ice Breaker | Multi-Launch Coaster | 48 inches | High |
| Manta | Flying Coaster | 54 inches | Extreme |
| Kraken | Floorless Coaster | 54 inches | Extreme |
| Journey to Atlantis | Hybrid Water Coaster | 42 inches | Moderate |
| Infinity Falls | River Rapids | 42 inches | Moderate |
Mako is Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster, reaching speeds of up to 73 mph with drops from 200 feet. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is a first-of-its-kind stand-up coaster that delivers the rush of riding a wave, with speeds up to 60 mph. Ice Breaker features backwards and forwards launches, including Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop.
🐋 Animal Encounters: Connecting with Marine Life
SeaWorld’s animal presentations and habitats offer powerful connections with the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
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Orca Encounter: Witness the power and grace of killer whales in this educational and inspiring presentation.
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Dolphin Adventures: Watch playful bottlenose dolphins leap and twirl in this 20-minute educational show at Dolphin Stadium.
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Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight: Enjoy laughs and personality as SeaWorld’s beloved sea lions take center stage.
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Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin: Bundle up and watch waddling penguins in a chilled habitat.
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Stingray Lagoon: Touch smooth, gentle stingrays in this interactive experience.
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Shark Encounter: Walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and tropical fish.
👧 Family Fun: Sesame Street Land & Kid-Friendly Attractions
SeaWorld Orlando is exceptionally family-friendly, with dedicated areas for younger children.
Sesame Street Land is a favorite for nursery-age children, featuring:
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Elmo’s Choo Choo Train: An interactive train ride
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Rubber Duckie Water Works: A splash pad for warm days
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Sunny Day Carousel: A classic carousel
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Interactive Play Areas: Including the Two-Headed Monster Pipe Telephone and Elmo’s Window
Penguin Trek is an all-new family coaster that takes guests on an icy research mission through Antarctica, culminating in a real-life penguin habitat.
Other Family Favorites:
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Sky Tower: A 400-foot observation tower with panoramic views (a great way for adults to unwind)
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Paddle Boats: A relaxing way to explore the park’s waterways
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Wild Arctic: A simulator ride and animal habitat
Seasonal Events: Something New Every Season
SeaWorld Orlando hosts a year-round calendar of spectacular events included with park admission.
Spring: Seven Seas Food Festival (January 30 – May 17, 2026)
Set sail on the ultimate culinary and concert adventure with over 200 globally inspired food and beverage offerings across 29 festival huts, plus live concerts every weekend featuring over 30 headliners. New for 2026: a secret menu at Sharks Underwater Grill and exclusive wine pairing dinners offered one Saturday each month.
Summer: Electric Ocean (June 12 – September 7, 2026)
As the sun sets, SeaWorld transforms into an electrifying nighttime wonderland.
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Three Nighttime Animal Experiences: Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night, Sea Lions Tonite, and Dolphins: Touch the Sky
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Hydro Surge: A pulse-pounding cirque spectacular in the air-conditioned Nautilus Theater
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Club SeaGlow: A family-friendly DJ dance party at Bayside Stadium
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All-New Drone Spectacle: Hundreds of synchronized drones forming glowing sea creatures
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Ignite: The signature fireworks finale, a 360-degree celebration over the central lake
Limited-Time: Baby Shark Summer Celebration (through September 7, 2026) features an interactive live show at Seaport Theater, meet-and-greets with Pinkfong and Baby Shark, and themed treats.
Fall: Halloween Spooktacular (August 29 – November 1, 2026)
Family-friendly Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, character encounters, and festive decorations.
Fall: Howl-O-Scream (September 11 – October 31, 2026)
For mature audiences, this separately ticketed nighttime event features five terrifying haunted houses—including the all-new “I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Catch”—six immersive scare zones, themed bars, and thrilling coasters in the dark. Named one of the top theme park Halloween events by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice.
Winter: Christmas Celebration (November 6, 2026 – January 4, 2027)
A spectacular holiday event with festive shows, decorations, and special entertainment.
Tickets & Annual Passes
Ticket Options (2026 Pricing)
| Ticket Type | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Ticket (Adult) | from ~$92 | Park admission |
| 1-Day + All-Day Dining | from ~$131 | Park admission + 1 entrée, 1 side/dessert, 1 drink |
| Unlimited FL Parks (14 days) | from ~$231 | SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Adventure Island Tampa |
Children under 3 enter free. Children ages 3–9 qualify for child pricing.
Annual Pass
A SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass offers the best value for repeat visitors, with benefits including unlimited visits, FREE parking, FREE guest tickets, special event access, and exclusive savings. Some restrictions and blockout dates apply.
2026 Seasonal Events Included with Admission:
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Oceans of Fun (January) – family celebration with rotating micro-events
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Seven Seas Food Festival (January–May) – rotating global food huts and concerts
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Military Appreciation Month (May)
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World Oceans Day Celebration (June 8)
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Electric Ocean (summer) – with all-new drone show
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Bands, Brew & BBQ (summer)
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Halloween Spooktacular (fall) – reimagined for 2026
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Christmas Celebration (winter) – with new Expedition Odyssey Plaza enhancements
Dining at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every craving.
| Restaurant | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Voyager’s Smokehouse | BBQ | Ribs, brisket, pulled pork |
| Altitude Burgers | Burgers | Custom burgers and sides |
| Sharks Underwater Grill | Signature Dining | Seafood with aquarium views; secret menu available during Seven Seas Festival |
| Seafire Grill | Quick-Service | Burgers, chicken, salads |
| Mango Joe’s | Quick-Service | Tacos, burritos, nachos |
| Captain Pete’s Island Eats | Quick-Service | Island-inspired dishes |
Food Policy: No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed, with the exception of bottled water or refillable water bottles. Exceptions may be made for guests with special dietary needs.
Planning Your Visit: Tips & Guidelines
Best Times to Visit
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Weekdays: Generally less crowded than weekends
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Off-Peak Seasons: January–February and September–early November
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Early Arrival: Arrive at park opening to experience popular rides with shorter waits
What to Bring
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Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking several miles
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Sunscreen & Hat: Much of the park is outdoors
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Rain Gear: Florida afternoon showers are common
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Water Bottle: Stay hydrated; refill stations available
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Portable Charger: Keep your phone charged for the SeaWorld app
SeaWorld App
Download the official SeaWorld app for real-time wait times, park maps, show schedules, and mobile food ordering.
Height Requirements
Height requirements are posted at each attraction. Your child can be measured at the height check station at Guest Services, just inside the park entrance. All guests, including those using wheelchairs, must meet height requirements.
Accessibility
SeaWorld Orlando is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all guests.
Wheelchair Access
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The park is wheelchair accessible
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All gift shops are wheelchair accessible
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Package pickup assistance is available at all gift shops
Service Animals
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Service animals are welcome (dogs and miniature horses only)
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Must remain on a leash or harness and under handler control
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Permitted on select attractions including Sky Tower, Paddle Boats, and Sunny Day Carousel
Hearing Disabilities
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Complimentary Qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters available upon request (email [email protected] or call 407-545-5550 at least 14 days in advance)
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Scripts available for select presentations at Guest Services
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ASL Saturdays: One Saturday a month features certified ASL interpreters at select presentations
Autism and Sensory Needs
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Sesame Street Land is a Certified Autism Center™ through IBCCES, with specially trained Ambassadors
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A Quiet Room is available inside the Childcare Facility in Sesame Street Land (first-come, first-served)
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Less stimulating areas include the space between Dolphin Cove and the SeaWorld Rescue Center
Ride Accessibility
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Guests with casts, braces, or prosthetic devices may be restricted from certain rides
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Test seats are located at the entrance of Ice Breaker, Manta, Mako, and Kraken
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Ride escorts may be required due to mechanical problems, weather, or power interruption
Food Allergies
Contact [email protected] prior to your visit to request accommodations.
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Cove | Adjacent | Dolphin swims, all-inclusive day resort |
| Aquatica Orlando | Adjacent | Water park fun |
| Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | ~1 hour | Thrill rides, animals (free shuttle available) |
| Walt Disney World Resort | ~10 miles | Disney theme parks |
| Universal Orlando Resort | ~8 miles | Harry Potter, thrill rides |
| ICON Park | ~8 miles | The Wheel, dining, entertainment |
Stay Connected
Follow SeaWorld Orlando for the latest news, special offers, and event updates.
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Official Website: https://seaworld.com/orlando/
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Instagram: @seaworldorlando
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Facebook: SeaWorld Orlando
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X (Twitter): @SeaWorld
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YouTube: SeaWorld
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!