What to expect at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando was quickly added to our list of places to visit once we realized that we could spend more time than usual in the Central Florida area. I honestly could not recall if I’d visited this park at some point during my childhood trips to the area.
Since I couldn’t remember anything about the park, I decided to go in as if it was my first time. With that in mind, I was excited that this would be a brand-new experience for all of us to share as first timers to the park. I walked in with minimal expectations as I had only seen a handful of videos on the park but knew that I could expect three things. Roller coasters and I mean the big kind, Sesame Street Land, and aquatic wildlife.
Our SeaWorld Orlando Experience
We decided to head over to the park in the afternoon hoping to avoid the worst of the August in Orlando heat. Spoiler alert, there’s not much that you can do to avoid the August in Orlando heat. In fact, if I had considered things more carefully, I may have pitched the family on a trip to Aquatica Orlando instead.
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica Orlando is SeaWorlds’ sister water park and would have been the better move given the sweltering temperatures on this day. In case you find yourself having to make this same tradeoff, you should know that Aquatica’s hours vary depending on the season and, can open as early as 9:00am and close as late as 10:00pm.
Ticket prices to Aquatica Orlando vary widely depending on the season with many discounts available directly through their site. There’s even an option to get a three-park ticket (SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island).
As I was saying, instead of the refreshing water park we chose to walk around SeaWorld Orlando. Going into it we figured that while I little guy does like roller coasters that he probably would not be ready for the ones that we would find here. We were correct, the SeaWorld Orlando roller coasters at the time of our visit were still just too big for him and even if he wanted to ride them, he didn’t make the cut on the height requirements.
SeaWorld Orlando Rollercoasters
His dad rode on two of the three roller coasters that were open at the time. There’s a fifth roller coaster currently being built but more about that in a moment.
He started off on Manta®, which is reported to have you flying through the air as if you are a manta ray mimicking the spinning and gliding motion of this sea creature. It is billed as an extreme thrill ride with a height requirement here is 54”.
Next, he rode, Mako®, which is billed as the “tallest and fasted roller coaster in Orlando”. This one clocks in at 73mph and drops that are up to 200ft high. Extreme? Oh yes, it is and comes with a 54” height requirement.
He loved both roller coasters and used words like, exciting and exhilarating when I asked him how he liked them. In case you haven’t noticed by now, I’m not a roller coaster girl. I leave those my husband and our son. Spin me, go as fast as you’d like but please do not drop me.
Then there is Kraken®, which is billed as, “Orlando’s only floorless rollercoaster”. As the name implies it is themed after the mythical sea creature that is said to terrorize ships large and small out on the open sea. By the time we came around to this one he had had enough of roller coasters and didn’t give this one a try. Like the others, the height requirement here is 54”.
Ice Breaker™, was new at the time and we were there just before it opened. This one is billed as the “Florida’s steepest beyond vertical drop”. Since he didn’t try this one, I can’t report back on the thrill factor here but would imagine that it’s right in line with the others. The height requirement here is 54” as well.
Opening at some point this year will be Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. This roller coaster is supposed to launch you 110ft in the air and give you the feeling of surfing the waves. Like all the others, this one also has a 54” height requirement.
If you are a roller coaster fan, SeaWorld Orlando has got you covered. As you can tell from the descriptions and the height requirements these rides are not for the littles in your group.
Sesame Street Land
Instead, to appeal to the younger set you have Sesame Street Land. This area is full of interactive experiences, character interactions, shows and rides that are kid friendly.
Sesame Street Land Rides
There are seven rides in the land, Abby’s Flower Tower, Big Bird’s Twirl N’ Whirl, Cookie Drop, Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Slimey’s Slider, Sunny Day Carousel and, Super Grover’s Box Car Derby. You’ll find that the height requirements vary by ride but, you can expect a range of 36” – 42”.
Sesame Street Land Interactive Attractions
In addition to the rides in the Sesame Street Land, you have Rosita’s Harmony Hills where kids can play musical instruments and Rubber Duckie Water Works, the splash pad area. There’s also the Sesame Street Party Parade, an entertaining parade with floats that feature your favorite Sesame Street characters.
Our little guy really enjoyed this area, he rode most of the rides and loved the interactive play areas. We even got photos with two of the Sesame Street characters.
Take a look at the video below to see the Sesame Street Land area and all of the other sections of SeaWorld Orlando that we explored including the Aquarium and the show at Orca Stadium.
We really enjoyed the Aquarium and I have to say I’m not sure how to feel about the Orca show given some of the troubling history here. That said, we did visit the show and our little guy liked it. A little advice though, it goes without saying don’t sit in the splash zone if you decide to visit the show. Make no mistake, you will get wet!
Speaking of wet, there are other rides at SeaWorld Orlando, there are two water rides (Infinity Falls™ and, Journey to Atlantis®) it does look like you will get soaked on both of these rides. Then rounding out the rides are Sky Tower and the Flamingo Paddle Boats.
Before I share our final thoughts and tips, let’s talk about the practical information you’ll need to know before you go.
SeaWorld Orlando What to Know Before You Go
SeaWorld Orlando Hours
The hours here will vary by season but can open as early as 9:00am and stay open as late as 10:00pm. Be sure to check the hours online before you go.
SeaWorld Orlando Tickets
Like Aquatica, you should check the website as they offer several variations on ticket prices and discounts throughout the year.
Parking at SeaWorld Orlando
The rates below are in effect at the time of this writing. Be sure to take a look at the website before you visit to confirm the prices.
General Parking - $30.00, Preferred Parking $45.00 and, VIP Parking $60.00
Seasonal Activities and Events at SeaWorld Orlando
As with many theme parks in the Central Florida area, SeaWorld Orlando does offer seasonal events. Some are available to experience with your park ticket and others will require a special ticket to enter. Howl-O-Scream and SeaWorld Spooktacular are two of the more popular special ticket events. For a full list, check out their website.
What about the food at SeaWorld Orlando?
Since we visited the park in between lunch and dinner, we did not have a meal and can’t report back on any of the food offerings. Next time!
How long does it take to do everything at SeaWorld Orlando?
The answer to this one is tricky. While it’s not the largest park I’ve ever visited, there is still a decent amount of ground to cover. We arrived at the park just after 3:00pm and left around 7:00pm. In that time, we were able to visit the Aquarium, ride two roller coasters, spend time in Sesame Street Land, see the Orca show and visit the gift shop, all without feeling rushed.
We could have done the third roller coaster and spent more time in the other animal encounters, but the heat won that battle. If you have a mild day temperature wise, low crowds and start in the morning you should be able to cover this park in one day.
Have a look at the map and as with all theme parks, don’t forget to download the SeaWorld Orlando app to view showtimes to help plan your day.
So, is SeaWorld Orlando Worth the Trip?
We came into the SeaWorld Orlando experience with very little in the way of expectations. What we found after spending the afternoon at the park is pretty much in line with what I suspected.
In my opinion, this theme park is best for the big roller coaster fans among you. If your little ones have outgrown the Sesame Street phase of childhood, the only hook here for you will be the aquarium and related shows.
As an example, while our little guy did tell me that he enjoyed Sesame Street Land he said that there weren’t enough rides for him, and that he did expect more from SeaWorld Orlando. With this in mind, we’re only likely to return if he becomes a hard-core roller-coaster fan and wants to experience the high thrill coasters that SeaWorld Orlando offers.
While we did enjoy our afternoon here, I would not put SeaWorld Orlando back into our rotation for a few more years. On the other hand, I’d be interested to try out Aquatica or even Discovery Cove instead before returning to this park.
Until next time, Enjoy the journey!
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