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SeaWorld Orlando

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SeaWorld Orlando is a marine-themed amusement park and animal-education attraction in Orlando, Florida, and the flagship park of the SeaWorld brand.

Last updated October 30, 2026

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Overview

SeaWorld Orlando is a marine-life-themed amusement park and entertainment destination in Orlando, Florida, and the flagship property of the SeaWorld chain of parks. The park combines animal exhibits and educational presentations — dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, sharks, rays and other marine species — with thrill rides, family attractions, live shows and seasonal events. It is one of the anchor attractions of the Orlando tourism market and sits near sister properties such as Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove. The SeaWorld concept originated with the first SeaWorld park in San Diego, California, in the 1960s, and the Orlando park opened in 1973 as the brand expanded across the United States. Over the following decades SeaWorld Orlando grew into a full-day destination, adding major roller coasters and water attractions alongside its marine-animal habitats, and it became a key driver of the group's attendance and revenue. The park is owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts, the publicly traded company formerly known as SeaWorld Entertainment, which also operates SeaWorld parks in San Diego and San Antonio along with Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place and other properties. SeaWorld Orlando's positioning blends family entertainment with marine conservation and education messaging, and the brand has faced sustained public debate over the keeping of large marine mammals in captivity, which shaped its show formats and communications in the 2010s. Today SeaWorld Orlando markets itself as a multi-day resort-style destination, with coasters, animal encounters, festivals and ticketing bundles tied to its sister parks in Central Florida.

History

SeaWorld Orlando traces its roots to the SeaWorld brand founded in San Diego, California, in the 1960s, where the concept of a marine-life park combining animal shows with entertainment attractions was established. The Orlando park opened in 1973, extending the brand into the fast-growing Central Florida tourism market alongside Walt Disney World and other attractions. In the 1970s and 1980s the Orlando park built its identity around marine-animal exhibits and shows, particularly those featuring killer whales and dolphins, and it became one of the region's best-known attractions. The SeaWorld parks were brought together with Busch Gardens under Anheuser-Busch, which owned the parks for decades and used them as a marketing platform for its beer brands before the parks were sold in 2009 to the Blackstone Group. Under Blackstone, the parks were consolidated into SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and the company went public in 2013 as SeaWorld Entertainment. SeaWorld Orlando continued to add major roller coasters and family attractions, evolving from a primarily animal-show park into a mixed ride-and-animal destination. The 2013 documentary Blackfish intensified public criticism of keeping killer whales in captivity, and the company subsequently announced changes to its orca shows and a shift toward more naturalistic presentations and conservation messaging. In 2024 the parent company rebranded from SeaWorld Entertainment to United Parks & Resorts, reflecting a portfolio that extends beyond the SeaWorld name to Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place and other parks. SeaWorld Orlando remains the group's flagship marine-life park and a core part of the Orlando attraction market.

  • SeaWorld brand established with the opening of the first SeaWorld park in San Diego, California.

  • SeaWorld Orlando opens in Florida.

  • Anheuser-Busch sells the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks to the Blackstone Group.

  • SeaWorld Entertainment becomes a publicly traded company.

  • Release of the documentary Blackfish intensifies scrutiny of captive killer whales and prompts changes to orca shows.

  • Parent company rebrands from SeaWorld Entertainment to United Parks & Resorts.

Products and positioning

Family marine-life theme park and Central Florida vacation destination, positioned around animal education, conservation messaging and thrill rides.

  • Marine animal exhibits and presentations

  • Roller coasters and thrill rides

  • Live shows and seasonal festivals

  • Animal encounters and tours

  • Multi-park tickets with Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove

Recent events

  • Reported

    SeaWorld Orlando announces Howl-O-Scream 2026 lineup[2]

    SeaWorld Orlando announced that its Howl-O-Scream Halloween event returns for a sixth year on select nights from September 11 through October 31, featuring five haunted houses, six scare zones, five themed bars, and two live shows, including the new haunted house "Everything Must Stay."

  • Reported

    SeaWorld Orlando wins two IAAPA Brass Ring Awards[3]

    SeaWorld Orlando won two IAAPA Brass Ring Awards for its “Orca Encounter” educational show and “Winter Wonderland on Ice” holiday show at Bayside Stadium.

  • Reported

    SeaWorld Orlando updates its mobile app[4]

    SeaWorld Orlando debuted a redesigned mobile app featuring interactive maps, showtimes, attraction wait times, events, dining options, and mobile entry and pass-scanning features.

  • Reported

    Coaster Coffee Company opens at SeaWorld Orlando[5]

    SeaWorld Orlando opened Coaster Coffee Company, a coffee shop serving pastries and Starbucks beverages, with exclusive branded merchandise and items featuring SeaWorld Orlando coasters.

  • Reported

    SeaWorld Orlando announces Cinco de Mayo festival programming[6]

    SeaWorld Orlando announced Cinco de Mayo-themed programming on select dates of its ongoing Seven Seas Food Festival, including live music, a DJ party, and themed menu items. The announced dates are April 30–May 2, May 5, and May 7–9.

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