Our Tips For Having the Best Day Ever at SeaWorld Orlando!

In addition to Walt Disney World and Universal, Orlando is also home to another major themed destination: SeaWorld Orlando!

Did you know that SeaWorld Orlando actually has THREE parks? SeaWorld, Aquatica (an epic water park), and Discovery Cove (an all-inclusive tropical themed day resort). You can have a great time at all three, but today we’re focusing simply on Seaworld Orlando. If you’re planning to include a visit to SeaWorld on your Orlando vacation, we want to be sure you have the BEST DAY EVER! And to that end, we’re sharing all of our BEST TIPS for making that happen.

We’ll do this by presenting the different rides, shows, and experiences around the park, and then we’ll be sharing in each section some things that members of the AllEars team believe will help you have a great visit to SeaWorld! Just look for the red text that says “ALLEARS Wants You to Know!”

SeaWorld Orlando — The Basics

Single Day tickets for SeaWorld Orlando start at $134.99 per individual ages 3 and older. However, when you peruse the SeaWorld Orlando website, you might find discount ticket options available for purchase in advance! We recently saw tickets starting as low as $66.00.)

Additional options you may want to include in your budget are Quick Queue, All-Day Dining, and select Animal Encounters.

Quick Queue is similar to Disney World’s Genie+ or Universal’s Express Pass (app-based tools available for extra purchase which allow guests to bypass the Standby Lines for various attractions).

Quick Queue has three differently priced tiers:

Quick Queue starting at $14.99 per person – This is the most affordable Quick Queue add-on option. It’s valid for unlimited front-of-the-line access for six participating attractions for one day. (This does not include the Pipeline attraction.)

Quick Queue starting at $19.99 per person: If you are interested in reserved seating at shows, you might consider this ticket add-on. It’s valid for unlimited front-of-the-line access for six participating attractions for one day. It’s also valid for one-time reserved seating at the most popular shows.

Quick Queue starting at $29.99 per person: If riding Pipeline, the newest roller coaster, with no wait is on your list, this is the only Quick Queue ticket that will allow you to skip the line once. It also includes the six other attractions and reserved seating the previous options have.

SeaWorld Orlando — Rides & Attractions

Major Thrills

Pipeline: the Surf Coaster — Ready to launch 110 feet up at 60 mph then “ride the waves” from there? Pipeline, the Surf Coaster is the first of its kind, and is the 7th (!!) roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando! (Height Requirement: 54 inches)

Ice Breaker — Ride elements including four airtime filled launches (going both backwards AND forwards) come together “culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida – a 93 feet tall spike with 100 degree angle.” WOW… (Height Requirement: 48 inches)

Mako — Mako is “a hyper coaster” boasting bragging rights from reaching speeds up to 73 miles per hour and heights up to 200 feet. Mako is Orlando’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. (Height Requirement: 54 inches)

Kraken — Kraken is “Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster” whereby riders are seated on a pedestal above the track, and it’s inspired by “tales that struck terror in sailors for centuries…” (Height Requirement: 54 inches)

Manta — SeaWorld invites you to “Fly like a manta ray” on a ride that STARTS with a head-first, face-down inverted nosedive! (Height Requirement: 54 inches)

Infinity Falls — Consider yourself warned… “SOAKED” is how SeaWorld designates the Splash Level on this thrilling water ride! (Height Requirement: 42 inches)

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “Infinity Falls doesn’t have a lift hill, it has an elevator! I watch the elevator from the splash bridge and it’s a sight to be seen for sure!”

Journey to Atlantis — A flume ride meets a roller coaster where riders also explore the sunken city before taking the BIG DROP.  Prepare to get wet, and quite possible soaked (especially if you’re seated in the front). (Height Requirement: 42 inches)

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “Journey to Atlantis is like Splash Mountain meets Navi River Journey, and you will be shocked by how impressive the effects are, how thrilling the ride is, and how wet you’ll be after. Do not ignore the warnings to put your belongings in a locker* before riding this, but also, don’t you dare go to SeaWorld Orlando and miss it!”

*ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “The ride lockers do cost to use!” Our teammate shared that the fee is typically around $2.00 for 2 hours. The SeaWorld website states that ride lockers are available for rent at Journey to Atlantis, Kraken, Manta, Ice Breaker, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster.

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “SeaWorld Orlando is 100 acres smaller than EPCOT but has seven amazing roller coasters packed in there. They call themselves the coaster capital of Orlando, and I don’t think they are wrong. If you are a coaster enthusiast, you should spend a day in this park on your next Orlando vacation, you will be in heaven.”

If you have kids that aren’t tall enough or some folks in your group that aren’t brave enough for some of these intense thrills, there is still plenty of fun to be had with the animal attractions around the park and the tamer rides in Sesame Street Land.

Sesame Street Land and Kid-and-Family Friendly Attractions

Yep, as you’ve seen, SeaWorld is certainly PACKED with thrills. But Sesame Street Land presents both kid-friendly attractions and an atmosphere that really is fun for the whole family.

Get ready for a wonderful trip down nostalgia lane… umm, well, make that a wonderful trip down SESAME STREET!

Abby’s Flower Power — This ride lifts guests high enough for a “fairy’s eye view!” (Height Requirement: 42 inches to ride OR accompanied by a supervising companion)

Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl — Get ready for a spin in your very own nest! (Height Requirement: 42 inches to ride OR accompanied by a supervising companion at a minimum of 36 inches)

Cookie Drop — It’s bouncing time as you move up and down on the Cookie Drop! (Height Requirement: 42 inches to ride OR accompanied by a supervising companion)

Elmo’s Choo Choo Train — The name says it all! (Height Requirement: 36 inches to ride OR accompanied by a supervising companion)

Rosita’s Harmony Hills — This interactive play area allows the kiddos to make some music of their own.  (Height Requirement: None)

Rubber Duckie Water Works — Make a SPLASH in this water play area. (Height Requirement: None)

Slimey’s Slider — Slimey is Oscar the Grouch’s pet worm, and you’ll swivel just like him through Oscar’s own compost collection! (Height Requirement: 42 inches to ride OR accompanied by a supervising companion)

Sunny Day Carousel — Enjoy a ride on a classic Merry-Go-Round. (SeaWorld shares the following: “Guests under 42 inches tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion (at least 14 years old) standing next to the rider on the inside of the Carousel to ride. One supervising companion (at least 14 years old) per child under 42 inches. Hand-held infants are only permitted to ride on the bench seats.”)

Super Grover’s Box Car Derby — This is a family-friendly coaster. (SeaWorld shares the following: “Guests must be at least 38 inches tall to ride. Guests between 38 inches tall and 41 inches tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion.”

Sesame Street Land visitors can also catch the Sesame Street Party Parade and go to a Meet & Greet with Elmo & Cookie Monster!

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “Even if you’re just there with your older kiddos to ride the massive rides, pay Sesame Street a visit. It’s so cute and well themed.” 

More Family-Friendly Rides for a Nominal Fee

Sky Tower — This capsule ride presents views of Orlando from 400 feet in the air! (Height Requirement: None, but be aware that a ride on the Sky Tower requires a nominal fee.)

Flamingo Paddle Boats — Classic paddle boats in the shape of pink flamingoes offer a fun and relaxing experience. (Be aware that this family-friendly ride is  $6 per person for a 20 minute ride.)

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “These are two experiences that cost more that I don’t think you should skip.”

SeaWorld Orlando — Animal Experiences

Of course, I imagine you’ll be expecting to check out the animals at SeaWorld!  We’ll note on the list below any of the experiences that require an extra fee for the experience itself or for a feeding upgrade, and you can spot them where you see the words “price” or “fee” in bold text below.

Alligator Habitat — American alligators can be seen here.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins — Guests can see FIVE species of penguins in this experience! Penguins, naturally, like to keep cool (you’ll see their snowy and icy environments), and you may very well experience a chill in this habitat. SeaWorld recommends that guests have long sleeves at the ready as needed.

Dine with Orcas — In this unique experience, guests “Dine next to our killer whales and watch the specialized care they receive daily in their home.” Guests also get an up-close look into the relationships between the animal care specialists and whales after eating. Prices start at $31.00 for adults, and $22.00 for children ages 3 to 9.

Dolphin Cove — See dolphins play above water and from an underwater viewing area!

Dolphin Nursery — Here you’ll see mother dolphins and their baby calves.

Flamingo Cove — You can see up to 100 pink flamingos here!

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “If you’re there early in the morning, you might get a chance to see the staff taking the flamingos for a morning walkabout — I kind of think of it as the equivalent of stumbling on a Frontierland Hoedown [in Magic Kingdom].”

Jewel of the Sea Aquarium — “Discover the living jewels of the sea” at the park’s aquarium. You’ll not only see beautiful fish and aquatic life in the exhibits; when you look down, you will see them all swimming below your feet, too!

Manatee Rehabilitation Area — Guests can see some of the work behind the scenes at this working rescue and rehabilitation facility for manatees.

Manta Aquarium — SeaWorld shares that this “unique 360-degree pop-up aquarium puts young visitors right in the center of the undersea activity.”

Orca Underwater Viewing — Get an up close view of some of the park’s whales!

Pacific Point Preserve — California sea lions and harbor seals are the stars here! (Feeding opportunities are available for a fee!)

Pelican Preserve — Several rescued pelicans call this preserve home.

SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center — This center “provides sanctuary to hundreds of living coral colonies, including threatened species.”

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “You can actually experience a ‘WDW attraction’ in SeaWorld Orlando, in the form of a collaboration between Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando to re-grow coral.”

SeaWorld Rescue Center — See firsthand how SeaWorld cares for sick and injured animals.

Shark Encounter —  Underwater walk-through viewing tunnels let you get a truly unique and up-close view of the sharks.

Stingray Lagoon — Kiddos can pet a gentle stingray! (Feeding opportunities are available for a fee!)

Wild Arctic —  Belugas, walruses, and harbor seals can be seen in this “frozen wonderland.”

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: Wild Arctic has a simulator ride at the beginning, very similar to Star Tours at Hollywood Studios. You can opt to bypass the simulator part and head straight to the well-themed polar research station where you’ll see arctic animals.

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “At SeaWorld, you can feed the rays and sea lions, so bring a little extra cash (but don’t feed the local birds!)” You’ll find feeding opportunities designated in the list above.

SeaWorld Orlando — Shows & Presentations

Orca Encounter — “The ocean’s most powerful predator” — killer whales — are the stars of this exciting show! SeaWorld shares that “Orca Encounter will leave you with a deeper understanding of these magnificent animals and will inspire you to care even more profoundly for the wonders of our natural world.”

Dolphin Adventures — See bottlenose dolphins at play in a big way — and learn what helps them survive and thrive — at Dolphin Adventures!

Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight — Have a laugh while you learn about California sea lions and Asian small-clawed otters during this charming show.

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  If you’re hoping to score a good seat for any of the SeaWorld shows, it’s best to plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show begins (or allow 45 minutes on busy days). You can also avoid crowds by going to the earlier or later shows, as the most crowded shows are mid-day. But be aware that most shows have a splash zone in the first few rows! If you don’t want to get wet, sit higher up in the stadium.

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “There are also seasonal song-and-dance shows offered at SeaWorld. These shows are usually worth watching — the talent is often top notch.”

SeaWorld Orlando Dining

Hoping to grab a bite or a sip?

Here are some of your options at SeaWorld:

Restaurants

• Altitude Burgers
• Expedition Cafe
• Seafire Grill
• Voyager’s Smokehouse
• Lakeside Grill
• Panini Shore Cafe
• Waterway Grill
• Sharks Underwater Grill & Bar* (This is the one not to miss, make reservations in advance.)

Quick Bites

• Captain Pete’s Island Hot Dogs
• Coaster Coffee Company
• Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor
• Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen

Bars

• Flamecraft Bar
• Glacier Bar
• The Sand Bar
• Waterway Bar

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “They have food festivals like EPCOT.” Be sure to check out the SeaWorld Orlando website before you visit to see if there might be more bites from a Festival for which you might want to budget some money… and stomach room. 😉

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: “All day dining is the way to go AND you can upgrade it to including the refillable souvenir mug for like $6 more.” Guests can eat and drink all day with the All-Day Dining Deal as frequently as once every 90 minutes! Inclusions per meal are an entree, a side or dessert, and a beverage (soft drink or iced tea) per meal. Pricing options can be found on the SeaWorld Orlando website.

ALLEARS Wants You to Know: ” You can’t miss Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen!!!”

A Few More Good Things to Know About SeaWorld Orlando

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “Their rainy day guarantee is amazing but you do have to be in the park at guest services to request it. You can’t leave because of inclement weather and email in.” SeaWorld Orlando offers “Weather-or-Not Assurance,” a program which covers “weather events such as rain, lightning, extreme heat, wind, snow, hail and more.” You can learn more on the SeaWorld Orlando website by searching for their Inclement Weather Policy.

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “SeaWorld goes all out on holidays. I was there on Cinco de Mayo, and their Mexico area had a mariachi band and stiltwalkers in costume.”

ALLEARS Wants You to Know:  “SeaWorld  is only about 2 miles from the entrance to Disney property on Apopka Vineland closest to Disney Springs.” 

We hope this helps you have the BEST DAY EVER at SeaWorld Orlando!

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

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