With educational exhibits, entertaining shows and, for thrill-seekers, some of the best roller coasters in Orlando, Florida, SeaWorld offers something for everyone.
Over the course of its 50-plus year history, SeaWorld’s animal experts have helped more than 29,000 ill, injured, orphaned and/or abandoned animals in need.
The resort area includes three separate and inspiring theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, the waterpark Aquatica and Discovery Cove.
The mission of each distinctive park is to provide thrilling entertainment experiences while educating families about the oceanic world with animal encounters and in-depth tours.
With rides, shows, waterparks and interactive experiences, there’s something to delight kids at every age.
SeaWorld Orlando looks to bring the aquatic world alive through exciting shows, jaw-dropping rides and educational animal encounters kids will love. The SeaWorld theme parks are some of the most beautifully landscaped and visually spectacular parks anywhere. In addition to its theme park, SeaWorld operates one of the most successful animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the country.
The first of SeaWorld’s theme parks in Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando provides an exciting mix of rides, shows and animal experiences. There are three signature roller coasters at SeaWorld Orlando including Mako, the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in Orlando; Manta, where riders glide underneath the wing of a ray; and Kraken Unleashed, a virtual reality ride that takes passengers on a harrowing deep sea mission aboard a roller coaster. Killer whales are still featured in the show One Ocean and animal-lovers can learn how SeaWorld cares for injured marine mammals at SeaWorld Rescue Manatee Rehabilitation.
Take Me to SeaWorld
Combining animal attractions with high-speed waterslides, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark places guests in the water environments of the animals. Children will screa with glee at Dolphin Plunge, which sends sliders through transparent tubes through a tank containing numerous black-and-white Commerson’s Dolphins. For a gentler experience, Loggerhead Lane is a lazy river where families can gaze at fish through a tropical tank. Sandy beaches lining the shore of a massive wave pool also beckon you to take a dip and cool off. All-in-all Aquatica features 42 slides, lazy rivers, and pools including the stomach-churning Ihu’s Breakaway Falls – the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando. When you need a break from the water, kids of all ages will delight in the various animal presentations with trainers.
Take Me to Aquatica
This boutique, all-inclusive day resort lets guests have a truly immersive experience. Here you can swim with dolphins, snorkel among fish and rays, feed exotic birds in the aviary and view adorable otters and marmosets. Limited to a smaller number of guests than the larger SeaWorld Parks, Discovery Cove never gets crowded and is truly a tropical oasis getaway. Families can relax together and explore lagoons in a lush tropical setting. Admission includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and all beverages (including alcoholic) for the entire day, as well as unlimited 14-day admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica.
There is no official SeaWorld airport shuttle so families flying into Orlando International Airport should plan on renting a car or arrange a ride with Super Shuttle, GO! Airport Shuttle, Mears Transportation, or one of the other shuttle or ride-share options available. Families staying at one of the official SeaWorld hotel partners can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service to and from the theme parks.
Dave Parfitt is a reformed academic with a PhD in neuroscience, who began writing about his family travel adventures after surviving a trip to Walt Disney World with his two budding princesses, now ages 19 and 16. As owner and editor of Adventures By Daddy, Dave offers family travel advice and escapist fun from Dad’s point of view.
Discover more
