SeaWorld Orlando
We’ve compiled the best of the best in SeaWorld Orlando - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Dolphin Lagoon (Dolphin Swim)
Discovery Cove | Zoo/AquariumThis is clearly the premier experience at Discovery Cove, but before you picture yourself frolicking alone with these playful creatures, remember that your "swim" is largely done alongside your fellow guests and is carefully supervised and restricted for the safety of both you and the dolphins. Despite the limitations, however, the attraction offers you the unique chance to touch, feed, play with, and even kiss a bottlenose dolphin, one of the most social and communicative marine animals. Before you can get into the lagoon, you'll attend a 15-minute orientation consisting of a film plus a few words from a dolphin trainer. Following the orientation, you and up to eight other guests will spend roughly 30 minutes interacting with one of a few dozen dolphins. Although you are only knee-deep in the water most of the time, it's surprisingly chilly, so you'll be grateful for the mandatory, Discovery Cove–provided wet suit. When in the water, trainers teach you hand signals used to communicate with the dolphins and with them you can instruct your dolphin to roll over so you can touch its belly or signal it to leap into the air. Near the end of the session you have a chance to swim out to deeper water, catch hold of the dolphin's fin, and have it pull you back to shore—and you even get a moment to pose for a picture with your newfound friend. Be prepared for the photo finish: after you leave the water and return to the orientation cabana, the skilled trainers quickly transform into a determined souvenir-photo sales team. For people with disabilities: Alert staffers to your hearing, vision, or mobility issues when you're making reservations, and they'll have someone there to offer special assistance—signing or having a modified wheelchair at the ready. Note that the pool here is "zero entry," so there are no steps to contend with. Be mindful of the appointment time on your badge. You don't want to miss the experience of a lifetime.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 45–60 mins. Crowds: N/A. Audience: Not Young Kids. Age requirement: 6 years and up; 6–12 must be accompanied by an adult. -
2. Dolphin Plunge
Aquatica | Amusement Park/Water ParkThanks to the presence of Commerson's dolphins in the broad bay near the base of this attraction, this has become Aquatica's signature experience. The beginning of the ride is similar to that of other slides within the park. You whiz swiftly through an enclosed tube for about 250 feet, a long stretch that immerses you in darkness before the tube suddenly turns crystal clear. This clear shot affords a fleeting glimpse at the water that surrounds you, which happens to be the very same pool where the dolphins (which look like mini-killer whales) swim. You have to look fast to see them, though, because a split second later you're making your splashdown at the end of the line. In fact the best view of the dolphins may be from the walkway outside the ride or through an underwater pane of acrylic glass at the grotto. Keep an eye on the line, and step up when it's light—likely very early or late.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 1 min. Crowds: Absolutely. Audience: Tweens and Up. Height minimum: 48 inches. Loose articles must be removed prior to riding. -
3. Kraken
Zoo/AquariumAs the park opens, many coaster lovers head straight for Kraken, and when you see its loops and dips you'll know why. Named after an angry sea monster, this wickedly fast coaster takes you underground three times, lifts you higher (up to 149 feet), drops you longer, and spirals you faster than you'd expect. Kraken also packs a serious punch thanks to its floorless seats (your legs dangle loosely), seven inversions, and moments of weightlessness. The line for it moves pretty quickly because of a high seating capacity. Note that bags aren't allowed past the turnstiles. It costs about 50¢ to leave them in a locker, but it's worth the investment. This is one cool coaster, though not for anyone with motion sickness or back, neck, or heart conditions. For people with disabilities: You must transfer from your wheelchair to the ride vehicle. Come as soon as the park opens—especially to snag front-row seats. Otherwise, use a Quick Queue pass (extra fee required) or come near closing or during a Blue Horizons show.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 6 mins. Crowds: Heavy. Audience: Not Small Kids. Height minimum: 54 inches. -
4. Manta
Zoo/AquariumWhile waiting in line for this incredible coaster, you're ushered past 10 aquariums containing more than 3,000 sea creatures, including 100 species of fish, graceful rays, sea dragons, and sea horses. This alone is fascinating, but this gentle encounter is followed by the sight of row after row of guests being locked down, strapped in, and firmly secured for... what's about to happen. You'll be suspended horizontally (face down!) beneath a 12-foot, stingray-shaped, roller-coaster car, which leaps out of the station, attaining speeds of up to 56 mph on a ½-mile race of loops as it spins around and above the aquarium. At times you are so close to the water that the coaster's wings skim the surface. There are four inversions and a drop of more than 10 stories. Halfway through, the ride slows down a bit and you may think it's over—but it's not. There are even more twists and spins ahead. Kids will love the aquarium entrance; daring older children and adults will love the thrill of the ride. Avoid this ride if you're pregnant, suffer from motion sickness, or have back, neck, or heart problems. For people with disabilities: You must transfer to the ride seat, properly use the ride restraint, and be able to grip a harness with one hand. Come first thing or late in the day, or use a Quick Queue pass (extra fee required).
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 6 mins. Crowds: You Bet! Audience: Not Small Kids. Height minimum: 54 inches. -
5. One Ocean (Shamu Stadium)
Zoo/AquariumWithin this stadium, SeaWorld's iconic mascot, Shamu, and other orcas star in a choreographed spectacle. For safety the trainers stay out of the water, which dilutes the thrills, but everything—not just the animals—still seems larger than life. A three-story whale-tail backdrop, enormous LED screens, a brilliant oceanic color palette, rhythmic music, and surround sound set the scene for the killer-whale performances. Celebrating how we and other creatures are all connected to the world we share, the show also incorporates fountains, an innovation inspired by regular interactions between whales and trainers, who have long used water hoses in play sessions. Perhaps you've heard tales of so-called soak zones? They exist. It takes only a wave of these creatures' massive flukes or a well-placed belly flop to throw gallons of water into the stands. Even in the upper reaches of the splash zones, you'll still get wet—fun at the time, but less so a few hours later if you didn't bring a change of clothes. If you've seen Believe, you may be disappointed; if not, this show may still be entertaining. For people with disabilities: If you're using a wheelchair, you and a companion can sit in a special area near the front-row soak zone, and others in your party can sit nearby. Assisted-listening devices are available. The show itself lasts about 25 minutes, but there's also a 20-minute preshow, so plan accordingly. For an extra fee, reserve a seat through Signature Show Seating.
Shamu Stadium, SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 25 mins. Crowds: Moderate to Heavy. Audience: All Ages. -
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6. Trainer for a Day
Discovery CoveGeneral admission to Discovery Cove includes meals, wet suit, and diving gear; this tour adds a gift bag, waterproof digital camera for the day, 30-minute dolphin swim, a private photo session with two dolphins, feeding fish in the Grand Reef, a meet-and-greet with tropical birds and small animals, and an almost exclusive (only eight guests in the entire lagoon) interaction that includes a "double-foot push" (two dolphins propel you across the lagoon by the soles of your feet). Ready for more? Shadow a trainer all day: head to the dolphin back area for a private tour and talk to trainers about how they teach and care for these amazing animals. Like other Discovery Cove admissions, this includes unlimited access to SeaWorld and Aquatica for 14 days. Call ahead to arrange a tour.
6000 Discovery Cove Way, SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USA407-351–3600Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $455 -
7. A'Lure, the Call of the Ocean (Nautilus Theater)
Zoo/AquariumSeaWorld never holds back when it comes to stage shows, and this one, similar in style and feel to Cirque du Soleil, is no exception. It is framed by the story of a fisherman who falls overboard into a new world beneath the waves. The colorful, costumed inhabitants of this underwater kingdom astound the fisherman with their amazing talents on the trampoline, rocket themselves through hoops, and leap onto towering poles and stick to them like chameleons. Acrobats march into the audience with festive Chinese dragons, find wonderful new uses for hula hoops, and perform impressive feats with hanging strips of silk. You might want to see this show twice—there's so much taking place you're likely to miss some wonderful moments. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs have reserved seating at the rear of the theater. Assisted-listening devices are available. Although the auditorium seats more than 1,000 and you won't feel packed in, arrive at least 15 minutes early for a wider choice of seats. Reserved seats can be arranged through Signature Show Seating.
Nautilus Theater, SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 20 mins. Crowds: Heavy. Audience: All Ages. -
8. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins
Amusement Park/Water ParkSeaWorld's four-acre "continent" centers around an attraction that's a fun-filled Arctic trek. After walking through a realistic ice floe, you leave the preshow and board a circular vehicle that glides, track-free, on a polar journey. Choose mild (no extra motion) or wild (a low-grade virtual-reality ride) as you follow the life of Puck the penguin as he travels through blizzards, past hungry sea lions, and through an ice cave. Eventually, you leave this virtual world and arrive in a massive real-life room where Puck's relations, a colony of approximately 250 always-entertaining Adélie, gentoo, king, and rock hopper penguins, are diving, waddling, and swimming like darts. Unlike the former attraction where the penguins lived behind Plexiglas, now you can step up to a low wall and watch them cavort in their private empire. All in all, this is a thoroughly entertaining educational experience. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer into the ride vehicle; a separate line is available if you'd prefer to bypass the ride and just visit the penguin exhibit.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 5 mins. Crowds: Moderate. Audience: All Ages. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall; between 42 and 48 inches accompanied by a supervising companion at least 14 years old. Guests under 42 inches may ride the less intense Mild Expedition. -
9. Beaches
Discovery Cove | Zoo/AquariumLined with swaying palms, tropical foliage, quaint thatched huts, and speckled with shady umbrellas, hammocks, lounges, and beach chairs, this is where you claim your own private spot in the sand. Since the park's biggest selling point is its limited guest capacity, the most seductive aspect is lying in the sun and leaving the real world behind. For the most privacy, head to the far west end of Discovery Cove, where the beach chairs are more plentiful and private cabanas (from $60) are available. For people with disabilities: Modified beach wheelchairs are available. With attendance limited to 1,000 guests, and plenty of sand to share, you should be fine. Just arrive early for the best spot.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Up to you. Crowds: Light. Audience: All Ages. -
10. Behind the Scenes Tour
On this 60-minute program at Shark Encounter and Avian Research, you'll have a chance to see how SeaWorld's animal experts care for rescued manatees and sea turtles. Where else can you touch a shark and play with a penguin?
7007 SeaWorld Dr., SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: From $20 -
11. Beluga Interaction Program
Amusement Park/Water ParkFor this program (starting from $119 and up, depending on season) you don a wet suit and assist a trainer in feeding Beluga whales, which average about 15 feet and 2,000 pounds. They're good-natured and well trained enough to respond to hand signals you learn from the trainer. FYI: The wet suits help protect guests from the frigid 55-degree water. Must be 10 or older; 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USA -
12. Big Surf Shores and Cutback Cove
Aquatica | Amusement Park/Water ParkThese two side-by-side lagoons (aka wave pools) are perhaps the centerpiece of the park. Although the names suggest waves that surfers would fear, the large pool has only modest swells, and the small pool may even be closed if crowds are light. Still, both edge the park's popular white-sand beach and both are exceedingly pleasant locations where you can laze the day away. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the park and need to keep an eye on the kids, the wave pools make great bases of operation. If you're establishing base camp here, arrive as early as possible and stake your claim on the beach.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Up to You. Crowds: Vary by Season. Audience: Tweens and Up. -
13. Blue Horizons (Dolphin Theater)
Zoo/AquariumThe story is a fairytale of sorts, starting with a young girl's fantasy of life in the sea, which is enough to lead off a high-energy, crowd-pleasing show that features high dives, dazzling dolphins, and astounding feats of “aquabatics.” Dolphins execute perfectly coordinated leaps, arcs, and splashes. Performers ski atop the backs of two dolphins while another performer in a feathery bird costume performs an aerial ballet. Divers repeatedly leap from two high towers as two acrobats portraying the story's villains perform impressive and repeated synchronized jumps on bungee cords. It's active, it's exciting, it's beautiful, and it's a show that blends everything SeaWorld does best above and below the water. For people with disabilities: Ask an attendant about seating for wheelchair users toward the front. Arrive 20 minutes before showtime for the best seats, or invest in Signature Show Seating.
Dolphin Theater, SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 20 mins. Crowds: Heavy. Audience: All Ages. -
14. Dolphin Cove
Key West at SeaWorld | Amusement Park/Water ParkDolphin Cove is a huge freeform pool where a few dozen Atlantic bottlenose dolphins skim around and nose up to the edge to be fed fish ($5 a tray) by generous guests. Once or twice a day, trainers will come out to host a scheduled feeding. Often a SeaWorld guide will offer a commentary about the dolphins' behaviors and remind everyone that the pool's residents enjoy having their sides rubbed and petted. Who doesn't? Be sure to walk to the far end of the lagoon where the walkway descends to a grotto to reveal an underwater view of the dolphins, providing an entirely new perspective that is both fascinating and entertaining—it's almost as if you're diving with the dolphins. For people with disabilities: This attraction is completely accessible to guests using wheelchairs. On your way to or from a show, come see the dolphins. If it's crowded, go shopping until the crowds disperse.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Up to You. Crowds: Light to Moderate. Audience: All Ages. -
15. Dolphin Nursery
Zoo/AquariumAlthough largely overshadowed by the more magnificent attractions, this large pool, which has been here since the park opened in 1973, continues to please guests by allowing them to watch dolphin moms and babies (with birth dates posted on signs) play and leap and splash. They say you can even observe the dolphin calves learning to communicate with their moms through clicks and vocalizations. Although you can't get close enough to pet or feed them, you can see them from just a few feet away. A host is usually on hand to answer questions. A popular answer? "No, you can't take one home." Hint: if you just have to touch a dolphin, head over to Dolphin Cove in the Key West section. For people with disabilities: Fully wheelchair accessible. Get ready to lift up small kids so they can see into the pool.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Up to you. Crowds: Light. Audience: All Ages. -
16. Dolphins Up Close
Amusement Park/Water ParkThey're amazing animals, of course, and on this hour-long tour you'll be able to participate in a training session, touch a dolphin, and use hand gestures to prompt behaviors. From $59 adults, $39 children.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USA -
17. Explorer's Aviary
Discovery Cove | Zoo/AquariumThere are several entrances to this 12,000-square-foot birdhouse—three of which access the aviary from beneath waterfalls falling beside the Wind-Away River (otherwise, you can walk in from the beach). However you arrive, you will enter a sanctuary populated with more than 250 small exotic birds, including darting hummingbirds, tiny finches, and honeycreepers. In the large-bird sanctuary, you get up close to perched toucans and wandering peacocks, red-legged seriema, and other colorful winged creatures that stand as tall as 4 feet. Look for attendants who have carts filled with complimentary fruit and feed that you can use to attract the birds. It's a beautiful experience—especially when a bird hops onto your shoulder to say hello. Get the camera ready. For people with disabilities: A pathway through the aviary accommodates wheelchairs. Come early in the morning when the birds are most active.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Up to you. Crowds: Light to Moderate. Audience: All Ages. -
18. Freshwater Oasis
Discovery Cove | Zoo/AquariumThe oasis has a tropical theme and its lush landscaping is akin to a rain forest. Part of the experience is wading through a crystal-clear spring to reach an island populated by some outrageously cute marmosets (which are contained on the island thanks to a convenient moat). Swim a little farther and come nose-to-nose with otters, which frolic behind a nearly invisible wall of acrylic. Beyond the menagerie and beneath a canopy of cooling vegetation, there are watery trails to explore. It truly is a seductive setting and effortlessly evokes that soothing Discovery Cove experience.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Up to You. Crowds: Moderate. Audiences: All Ages. -
19. HooRoo Run/Walhalla Wave
Aquatica | Amusement Park/Water ParkOne tower leads to these two attractions, each of which banks on the fact that, after climbing about 10 stories, you'd rather face your fears and slide back down than have to climb back down. At the top is a string of yellow rafts that can hold two adults and a child, though some passengers go solo. Walhalla is on your right, HooRoo on your left. After selecting a side, you and your fellow passengers slip into a raft and are pushed into the current by an attendant. Walhalla sends you circling around corners and banking to the edges of tight curves before sliding you into an enclosed tunnel. HooRoo keeps you out in the open, bouncing you down, down, down over a series of mogul-like slides. Either way you go, you'll want to go again and again and again.... Come early or late—or be patient.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32821, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: 30 secs. Crowds: Heavy. Audience: Tweens and Up. Height minimum: 42 inches; under 48 inches requires a life vest. -
20. Ihu's Breakaway Falls
Aquatica | Amusement Park/Water ParkNew in 2014, this is billed as Orlando’s “tallest, steepest, and only multi-drop tower.” What’s a multi-drop? Well, once you reach the top (80 feet up) there are four capsules to choose from, but no matter which one you select, you’ll step inside and, as at Wet ’n Wild’s Bomb Bay, you’ll cross your arms and legs before a countdown of “3, 2, 1…” signals it’s time for the floor to "break away"—and for you to plunge straight down and into a nearly vertical 40-foot drop reaching speeds of 24 feet per second before you’re pitched into a series of snaking, watery turns. Tips: At 420 feet, the orange tube is the longest.
SeaWorld, Florida, 32819, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Duration: Less than a minute. Crowds: Vary by Season. Audience: Tweens and Up.
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