SeaWorld_Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando
Animal theme park in Orlando, Florida
SeaWorld Orlando is an animal theme park located in Orlando, Florida. Although separately gated, it is often promoted with neighboring parks Discovery Cove and Aquatica as well as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, all of which are owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts. In 2022, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 4.45 million guests, ranking it the 10th most visited amusement park in the United States.[3]
| Previously known as Sea World of Florida | |
The Port of Entry lighthouse. | |
| Location | 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, Florida, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°24′39″N 81°27′45″W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | December 15, 1973; 50 years ago (1973-12-15)[1] |
| Owner | United Parks & Resorts |
| Operated by | United Parks & Resorts |
| Theme | Conservation and the Ocean |
| Slogan | Coaster Capital of Orlando[2] |
| Operating season | Year-round |
| Attendance |  4.454 million (2022) |
| Area | 200 acres (81 ha) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 17 |
| Roller coasters | 7 |
| Water rides | 2 |
| Shows | 5 with 6 seasonal |
| Website | seaworld |
SeaWorld Orlando opened on December 15, 1973, as the third park of the SeaWorld chain and just 2 years after Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom. This made Central Florida a multi-park vacation destination. SeaWorld was sold in 1976 to Harcourt Brace Jovanovich then to Anheuser-Busch, owners of Busch Gardens, in 1989.[4]
Busch was more experienced with theme parks and thus developed SeaWorld in a competitive and aggressive manner, moving the park from a show-based to a ride-based park. The park joined in the Disneyland-started simulator ride wave in 1992 with Mission: Bermuda Triangle (later rethemed into Wild Arctic).[5] The nation's first combination roller coaster and flume ride, Journey to Atlantis, was installed in 1998. In 2000, the Kraken, a Bolliger & Mabillard floorless roller coaster, was added to the park. The flying coaster, Manta, came to the park in 2009 and won the Theme Park Insider Award as the best new attraction.[4]
After nearly three decades of operation, Busch Entertainment added two adjacent parks. Discovery Cove opened in 2000 followed by the Aquatica water park in 2008. The 2008 purchase of Anheuser-Busch by Belgian brewer InBev led to the sale of Busch's parks to a private equity firm in 2009.[4] The sale also led to the closure of the park's Hospitality Center on February 1, 2009.[6]
On February 24, 2010, during a small show at "Dine with Shamu", one of the orca whales, Tilikum, pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water and ultimately killed her.[7] An autopsy determined that Brancheau's death was attributed to blunt force trauma and drowning; injuries included her scalp being removed and her left arm being severed below the shoulder.[8] In August 2010, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited SeaWorld of Florida LLC for three safety violations, following the death of an animal trainer in February. The total penalty was $75,000 and SeaWorld was initially required to keep a barrier between its trainers and the whales during shows.[9][10]
Its Turtle Trek exhibit opened in 2012 includes a 360-degree, 3D dome theater for a movie. In 2013, its Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin pavilion had the nation's first trackless dark ride system.[4]
In 2013, Antarctica, Empire of the Penguin (or Sea of Ice) section opened to replace the Penguin Encounter. It contains a trackless family ride (which closed in 2020), plus an improved penguin exhibit.
Mako, a B&M hypercoaster opened in 2016 in the Sea of Power near the Shark Encounter.
On March 27, 2019, the park reopened the Sea of Fun area as "Sesame Street Land", themed after Sesame Street.[11]
On June 1, 2019, a new roller coaster (later revealed as Ice Breaker) was announced through a teaser video released by SeaWorld Orlando. It opened on February 18, 2022.[12]
In mid-March 2020, in line with other SeaWorld parks, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the park had to temporarily shut down. The park reopened nearly three months later.
On May 27, 2023, the world's first surf coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Pipeline, opened at SeaWorld Orlando. It is a revival of the stand-up coaster, featuring better restraints and offering a more comfortable ride experience.
On September 28, 2023, a new launched family roller coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard named Penguin Trek was announced. It is set to open in 2024, and will replace the former Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin dark ride.[13]
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In summer 2014, as a part of the company's 50th anniversary, SeaWorld Orlando was separated into different areas, called "seas",[14] each with a unique themed element. Starting at the lower center and continuing clockwise they are:
- Port of Entry: The main entrance of the park features a Florida-inspired theme with tropical landscaping and a large artificial freshwater marina with a Shamu-themed iconic lighthouse.[14]
- Sea of Shallows: This area showcases most of the shallow water sea animal exhibits at the park as well as the Dolphin Theater. In addition, the Manta rollercoaster travels through this section and the former Turtle Trek, A 360 degree dome film, which featured the story of a turtle. All of the Key West at SeaWorld area is inside of the Sea of Shallows. It is designed to mimic the appearance of the city of Key West, Florida with architecture and landscaping reminiscent of the area. Animal exhibits in this portion of the park include lesser devil rays, cownose rays, southern stingrays, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, greater flamingos, West Indian manatees, American alligators and brown pelicans. The stingray and dolphin habitats offer opportunities for guests to feed the animals.[14]
- Sea of Legends: Journey to Atlantis, a boat ride with roller coaster elements, bases its story from the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. Also found here is Kraken, a floorless roller coaster.[14]
- Sea of Ice: Sea of Ice, originally named Antarctica, is themed around the Antarctic continent. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is the sole attraction in this area as a penguin exhibit.[14]
- Sea of Delight: Sea of Delight includes a sub-area named The Waterfront, which resembles a seaside Mediterranean village. The park's Sky Tower ride is also here, it was integrated into the theme of The Waterfront village when the area opened in 2003. The only land animal show at the park, Pets Ahoy, was located here inside of the Seaport Theater. Outside of the Waterfront is where the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium viewing area stands.[14]
- Sea of Mystery: The Sea of Mystery houses the Shark Encounter exhibit and the Shark's Underwater Grill, as well as the Nautilus Theater, which is currently used for seasonal shows and events. Mako, a Bolliger & Mabillard steel hypercoaster opened in the area on June 10, 2016,[14] The current shark exhibit and the surrounding area has been renovated to become Shark Wreck Reef. As of 2018 this area also became home to the rapids ride Infinity Falls set in the sub area of sea of Infinity which is a rainforest area also featuring a food location, waterway grill.
- Sea of Power: Sea of Power is host area of the SeaWorld's killer whale shows. The Shamu Stadium is located in the center with the Wild Arctic indoor pavilion next-door. Wild Arctic is an indoor animal exhibit hosting beluga whales, Pacific walrus, harbor seals and formerly polar bears. Shamu Stadium currently hosts "Orca Encounter" as its main show with "Shamu Celebration: Light up the Night" and "Shamu Christmas Miracles" showing seasonally.[14]
- Sesame Street Land: Formerly Shamu's Happy Harbor and Sea of Fun, Sesame Street Land is a children's area located adjacent to Shamu Stadium and features family activities including Super Grover's Box Car Derby (a junior rollercoaster) and a water play area.[14] It is the only area within SeaWorld Orlando to be based on the educational television program, Sesame Street.
SeaWorld Orlando has many live shows and attractions including rides and animal exhibits. Many of these attractions, such as Manta combine the two, with both animal exhibits and a ride.
Rides and attractions
| # | Name | Opened | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mako | 2016 | A hypercoaster named after the fastest species of shark in the oceans. Is currently the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the Orlando area. | Sea of Mystery |
| 2 | Kraken | 2000 | A floorless roller coaster themed after the legend of the Kraken sea monster. | Sea of Legends |
| 3 | Manta | 2009 | A flying roller coaster and aquarium exhibit featuring rays, sea dragons and other species. | Sea of Shallows |
| 4 | Ice Breaker | 2022 | A quadruple launch family thrill roller coaster featuring the steepest drop of any roller coaster in Florida. | Sea of Power |
| 5 | Penguin Trek | 2024 | A B&M launch coaster with dark ride elements including twists and turns at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. | Sea of Ice |
| 6 | Pipeline: The Surf Coaster | 2023 | A first-of-its-kind surf roller coaster that includes twists and turns of up to 60 miles per hour and a inversion. | Sea of Power/Port of Entry |
| 7 | Journey to Atlantis | 1998 | A water coaster with dark ride elements themed to the mythical Atlantis. | Sea of Legends |
| 8 | Infinity Falls | 2018 | A river rapids ride that features a vertical elevator lift and the world's tallest river rapids drop. | Sea of Mystery |
| 9 | Super Grover's Box Car Derby (Formerly Shamu Express) |
2019 (2006) [15] |
A Zierer family coaster themed to Super Grover from Sesame Street. (A Zierer family coaster themed to a Shamu the killer whale train) |
Sesame Street Land |
| 10 | Sky Tower | 1973 | 400-foot tall rotating Gyro tower. | Sea of Delight |
| 11 | Sunny Day Carousel (Formerly Sea Carousel) |
2021 (2007)[16] |
A carousel themed to Sesame Street with colorful Muppet versions of horses. (A carousel themed to sea creatures with caricatured marine mammals and fish) |
Sesame Street Land |
| 12 | Elmo's Choo Choo Train (Formerly Seven Seas Railway) |
2019 (2012) [17] |
A short train ride themed to Elmo from Sesame Street.[18]
(A short train ride themed to aquatic animals and sea creatures) |
Sesame Street Land |
| 13 | Big Bird's Twirl 'N' Whirl (Formerly Swishy Fishies) |
2019 (2006) [15] |
A spinning ride themed to Big Bird from Sesame Street.[19] (A spinning ride themed to a typhoon spinning around the sea) |
Sesame Street Land |
| 14 | Abby's Flower Tower (Formerly Jazzy Jellies)[20] |
2019 (2006) |
A high tower ride themed to Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street.[21] (A high tower ride themed to jellyfish) |
Sesame Street Land |
| 15 | Cookie Drop! (Formerly Flying Fiddler)[20] |
2019 (2007)[20] |
A drop tower ride themed to Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.[22] (A drop tower ride themed to a giant fiddler crab) |
Sesame Street Land |
| 16 | Rubber Duckie Water Works | 2019 | A water play area themed to Ernie from Sesame Street.[23] | Sesame Street Land |
| 17 | Slimey's Slider (Formerly Ocean Commotion)[24] |
2019 (2007)[15][20] |
A Rock n' tug ride themed to Slimey the Worm from Sesame Street.[25] | Sesame Street Land |
| 18 | Rosita's Harmony Hills | 2019 | A play area themed to Rosita from Sesame Street. | Sesame Street Land |
| 19 | Flamingo Paddle Boats | 1978 | Boats themed to a flamingo that can travel all around the park's central lake. Additional fee is required. | Sea of Mystery |
Former Attractions:
- Mission: Bermuda Triangle[26] (1992-1995)
- World of the Sea Aquarium/Tropical Reef (1973-2008)
- Hospitality Center[27] (1992-2009)
- Clydesdale Hamlet (1992-2009)
- Manatees: The Last Generation?/Manatee Rescue (1993-2011)
- Penguin Encounter (1987-2012)
- The Polar Express Experience[28] (Wild Arctic Holiday Overlay) (2007-2015)
- Animal Connections at SeaGarden[29] (2010-2017)
- Shamu's Happy Harbor[30] (1992-2018)
- Kraken Unleashed[31] (Kraken Virtual Reality Retheme) (2017-2018)
- Count-Around Playground[32] (2019-2019)
- Wild Arctic (Ride) (1995-2020)
- Turtle Trek (2012-2020)
- Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin (Ride) (2013-2020)
Live entertainment and animal presentations
| # | Name | Opened | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin | 2013 | A themed area featuring live penguin and alcid exhibits. | Sea of Ice |
| 11 | Wild Arctic | 1995 | An indoor series of exhibits featuring beluga whales, walruses, and harbor seals that is designed to resemble a research station in the Arctic Ocean. | Sea of Power |
| 12 | SeaWorld Rescue Center[33] (Formerly Turtle Trek) |
2022 (2012) |
An up-close look at how SeaWorld comes to the aid of sick, injured, and orphaned animals. Meet vulnerable manatees and turtles who are recovering and receiving state-of-the-art care, including the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. And hear from dedicated experts who help make it all possible.
(An outdoor/indoor exhibit featuring sea turtles, West Indian manatees, and American alligators. A former exhibit was a theater dome where a 3D animated film detailed the average journey of a sea turtle. The theater was a 360° dome with 3D content completely surrounded the audience. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3D glasses used for the film were removed, and the film played on a loop. In 2023 it was closed and was repurposed into the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center, the largest public-facing facility dedicated to coral conservation in the country.[34]) |
Sea of Shallows |
| 17 | Shamu Stadium | 1984 | The 7,000,000 US gallons (26,000,000 L) home to the park's five killer whales opened in September 1984.[35] The park's current production is Orca Encounter since late 2019, which used to house the former show One Ocean, the summer seasonal Shamu's Celebration: Light Up The Night and winter seasonal Shamu Christmas Miracles night shows. An educational presentation called Ocean Discovery was also presented on select dates. | Sea of Power |
| 18 | Dolphin Theater | 1973 | The 2,000,000 US gallons (7,600,000 L) original Shamu Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, currently hosts the Dolphin Adventures educational show. Dolphin Theater currently features dolphins, and formerly macaws and an Andean condor in Blue Horizons, a show that debuted on May 29, 2005 and lasted until March 31, 2017 to be replaced with Dolphin Days on April 1, 2017 and that also lasted to around late February 2021. False killer whales were once part of the Theater until the eventual death of the park's two specimens.[36] Four rescued pilot whales were also housed here and seen occasionally during the preshow (about 15-20 mins before the show) or sometimes during the show itself until they were moved to Shamu Stadium on April 28, 2017 due to space, and on September 16, 2019 the 3 pilot whales were transferred to SeaWorld San Diego.[37] | Sea of Shallows |
| 19 | The Sea Lion and Otter Theater | 1990 | Hosts "Clyde and Seamore", a pair of California sea lions in the presentation Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight. Asian small-clawed otters, and a Walrus also partake in the show. This production was joined by the seasonal show Sea Lions Tonite. | Sea of Delight |
| 20 | Bayside Stadium | 1983 | Formerly hosted water skiing shows on the park's central lagoon. Today, the stage is used for SeaWorld's numerous music concert series and other special events as well as the official viewing area for the summer seasonal Electric Ocean fireworks and dance party as well as the Winter Wonderland On Ice ice skating show during the winter. | Sea of Power |
| 21 | The Nautilus Theatre | 1995 | This used to be home to an acrobatic show similar in style and presentation to the works of Cirque du Soleil called A'lure: The Call of The Ocean which closed in early 2015. This was also used for a bubble show named Pop in 2017 & 2018 during the summer and was also home to a show called "O Wondrous Night" during the winter. | Sea of Mystery |
| 22 | Seaport Theatre | 1998 | Formerly featured animals that have been rescued from local animal shelters in Pets Ahoy which was cut in 2020 due to budget cuts affiliated with the loss of revenue due to COVID-19. This venue was also home to Abby's Treasure Hunt and many seasonal Sesame Street shows before Sesame Street land opened. | Sea of Delight |
| 23 | Seafire Grill | 2001 | A restaurant and a theatre in the style of a dinner theatre. This venue was home to the Makahiki Luau dancing show until its closure in September 2012. | |
| 24 | Reflections | 2006 | A seasonal firework show on the park's central lagoon now Ignite since 2017 featuring fireworks, dancing fountains, and mist screens synchronized and inspired by the musical soundtracks of some of the park's shows and attractions. The show was formerly called Mistify. During the Holidays, there is a Holiday Reflections fireworks show. | |
| 25 | Wheel of Fortune Live! | 2008 | A taping of Wheel of Fortune that had shows taped at the park during 2008. |
| Attendance | Worldwide Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 5,926,000[38] | 7th | 2008 |
| 5,800,000[39] | 7th | 2009 |
| 5,100,000[40] | 9th | 2010 |
| 5,202,000[40] | 9th | 2011 |
| 5,358,000[41] | 19th | 2012 |
| 5,090,000[41] | 19th | 2013 |
| 4,683,000[42] | 21st | 2014 |
| 4,777,000[43] | 22nd | 2015 |
| 4,402,000[44] | 25th | 2016 |
| 3,962,000[45] | 26th | 2017 |
| 4,594,000[46] | 26th | 2018 |
| 4,640,000[47] | 26th | 2019 |
| 1,598,000[48] | 2020 | |
| 3,051,000[49] | 2021 | |
| 4,450,000[50] | 2022 |
SeaWorld Orlando has a nearby sister park named Aquatica Orlando, which opened in 2008,[51][52] part of the greater chain of Aquatica water parks.
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