SeaWorld Orlando Tips 2023 - An Insider's Guide to the Park

We’ve rounded up all the best tips you need to know when planning your SeaWorld Orlando visit. So whale you take a journey with us to the deep blue sea?

Around 200 acres of aquatic theme park fun awaits at SeaWorld Orlando.

If anyone knows how to plan a marine-themed good time, it’s SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in Orlando, Florida. You’ll be flying high and making waves on the mix of roller coasters and water rides throughout the park. 

Dolphins and penguins and whales, oh my! Mix and mingle among the wildlife found at the park after you come down from your adrenaline rush. Animal shows and presentations galore can be found throughout SeaWorld.

About SeaWorld Orlando

Take a walk (or swim) on the wild side with us to learn more about SeaWorld’s environmental conservation efforts. Aside from being one of the best theme parks in the Sunshine State, if not the world, did you know that behind the scenes of the park is a zoological team dedicated to animal care, training, conservation, and research?

Animal encounters and shows at SeaWorld are up-close-and-personal opportunities to learn more about some of your favorites in the animal kingdom and get emotionally involved in promoting their well-being. Buying a ticket to SeaWorld means supporting its efforts to help animals.

In addition to world-class standards for animal care and state-of-the-art animal habitats, the theme park’s efforts include animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Currently, 39,000 animals and counting have been saved by SeaWorld’s rescue teams, which are on hand 24/7 to help orphaned, ill, and injured creatures. The goal is to return the animals to the wild once their rehabilitation is complete.

Fun Fact: SeaWorld’s practical innovations include custom nursing bottles for orphaned whales, prosthetic beaks for injured birds, and an “animal wetsuit” to help injured manatees stay warm and afloat.

Related Post: Orlando on a Budget: How to Save BIG With a Go City Pass

SeaWorld also publishes research and aids other scientists in their research by providing access to animals and funding. Contributions to over 1,000 published studies mean SeaWorld is helping grow the global scientific community’s understanding of animals. In addition, the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has granted more than $9 million to wildlife research and conservation.

Why You Should Go to SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld offers so many things to do. It’s hard to know where to start! First, let’s talk about the rides. Swoop through high-speed twists and turns on roller coasters like:

• Mako
• Kraken
• Manta 

Catch some airtime on the brand-new roller coaster Ice Breaker! This coaster features a drop so thrilling it will give you chills. It’s a 93-feet tall spike with a 100-degree angle, making it the steepest drop in Florida.

We dare you not to get soaked on Infinity Falls or Journey to Atlantis! You’re sure to make a splash on the rapids and drops. 

Sesame Street Land is filled with kid-friendly thrills and all their favorite characters for the littles. A few of the fan-favorite attractions on this world-famous street brought to life are: 

• Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl
• Cookie Drop!
• Elmo’s Choo Choo Train
• Rubber Duckie Water Works
• Sunny Day Carousel 

Now, let’s talk about the animals. Opportunities to see some of your favorite underwater creatures make this theme park experience stand out from the rest. Ooh and ah at shows like Dolphin Adventures, Orca Encounter, or Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight.

Other exhibits house:

• Stingrays
• Beluga whales
• Walruses
• Sharks
• And more!

Photo Alert: Find your favorite animal and strike a pose! Which one will get the most likes? Our money’s on the dolphins.

SeaWorld Orlando Ticket Tips

Secure your SeaWorld Orlando tickets from Tripster for great rates. A plethora of packages that allow you to combine tickets with meal vouchers, hotel rooms, and other attractions give you the most bang for your buck.

Your tickets will get you into the entire park for an inclusive day of rides, shows, and exhibits.

Pro Tip: Once you book your tickets, you’ll get an email. Simply show the email upon your arrival at the park on your phone. Alternatively, you can print tickets out before coming to the park.

Combine your tickets with some of these great attractions for the best deal:

• Disney World
• Universal Orlando
• LEGOLAND Florida
• Busch Gardens
• Aquatica

When to Go

The park is open year-round, so there’s no bad time to swim on over to this paradise under the sea. SeaWorld generally opens around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and closes anywhere from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check the park calendar for exact times. 

Related Post: Check out our SeaWorld Events page

Pro Tip: The theme park hosts special events throughout the year, such as Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends, the Seven Seas Food Festival, and the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration.

SeaWorld Orlando Tips and Tricks

Peruse the Park Map

Don’t jump into the saltwater without a bit of strategy. Orient yourself with the handy park map, which can be found online before your visit!

Book an Animal Tour (or two… or three)

Have you always dreamed of petting a penguin or dolphin? Or, if you’re brave, touching a shark? SeaWorld Orlando offers animal tours so you can get up close and personal with all your favorite creatures!

Opt for the Quick Queue

You can say sea you later to long lines with the Quick Queue! This ticket add-on allows you to bypass all lines so you can skip to the aquatic fun faster.

photo credit: SeaWorld Orlando via Facebook

Lock It Up

To keep your belongings safe while you’re living it up on the rides, there are lockers available at Journey to Atlantis, Kraken, Manta, and Mako for a small rental fee. 

Don’t Get the Rainy Day Blues

Overcast skies got you down? No worries! If rain ruins your day at SeaWorld, you can pick up a re-admit ticket at Guest Services to return on a sunnier day.

Tips on What to Eat at SeaWorld Orlando

Roaming the theme park in the hot Florida sun all day is bound to work up your appetite! Luckily, there are 15 different dining and snacking options throughout SeaWorld. Here are some restaurant highlights:

• Seafire Grill is where to go if you’re craving hand-breaded or grilled chicken.
• Altitude Burgers offers pizza in addition to burgers.
• Voyager’s Smokehouse is said to offer the best Bar-B-Que in Orlando. 
• Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen is a great place to stop for a snack.
• Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor is serving up the best dessert.

When purchasing your tickets from Tripster, keep in mind that many tickets offer free meal vouchers with the ticket purchase.

Are you a foodie? The All-Day Dining option will get you the most delicious cuisine for your money! Then, take a tasting tour of the whole park at the best rate. 

Pro Tip: Outside food and drink, including picnic lunches, is not allowed. Plan to choose from the park’s great food options instead! Note that non-glass water bottles are permitted. 

Tips on Where to Go Around SeaWorld Orlando

While you’re in the Theme Park Capital of the World, there is no shortage of ways to fill up your trip itinerary. But, did you know purchasing tickets for more than one park could save you money?

Here are some of our top choices for other places to visit in Orlando:

• Discovery Cove is your one-stop shop for a day in paradise. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and come face-to-face with otters in this interactive, nature-themed park.
• Dive in at the Aquatica Orlando water park! Enjoy 43 water slides along with wave pools, rivers, lagoons, and 84,000 square feet of sandy beaches. 
• Four theme parks and two water parks featuring all your favorite characters await in the ever-enchanting Disney World.
• Interactive rides that bring your favorite movies and shows to life are the hallmark of Universal Orlando! In addition, 30-acre dining, shopping, and entertainment complex adds to the fun.
• LEGOLAND Florida is a 150-acre kids’ dreamland featuring over 50 rides so they can live it up all day long.
• If you’re an animal lover and adrenaline junkie, you’ll love Busch Gardens. This theme park delight combines thousands of animals and plenty of thrill rides.

Where to Stay

Once you’re waterlogged and ready for a break from the Florida heat, you’ll need a cool, air-conditioned place to crash. Tripster offers some of the best hotel deals around that also allow you to bundle your hotel room with your attraction tickets.

Here are some of our top Orlando hotel picks:

• WorldQuest Orlando
• Exploria Express
• Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club
• Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
• Liki Tiki Village
• Rosen Inn

Transportation and Parking at SeaWorld Orlando

Before you jump into the watery fun that awaits at SeaWorld Orlando, you’ll need to park your car on dry land. There are three categories of parking available:

• General: $30
• Preferred: $35
• VIP: $40

Pay for parking in advance to save time once you arrive!

Pro Tip: Shuttle buses are available from popular Orlando locations, such as the Orlando airport, downtown, and various hotels.

photo credit: SeaWorld Orlando via Facebook

Which SeaWorld Orlando Experience Are You Most Excited About?

SeaWorld Orlando is a dreamy destination for all the marine mania you could possibly want. Saltwater favorites like orcas, dolphins, and stingrays are waiting to say hello!

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Written By Michaela

Michaela is a journalist who views every story she writes as an adventure, leading her to explore new places and meet new people. She is based in the Midwest ...

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