SeaWorld Orlando explained

SeaWorld Orlando
Location:7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando
Location2:Florida, United States
Coordinates:28.4108°N -81.4625°W
Opening Date:[1]
Previous Names:Sea World of Florida
Theme:Conservation and the Ocean
Season:Year-round
Visitors: 4.454 million (2022)
Rides:17
Shows:5 with 6 seasonal
Coasters:8
Water Rides:2
Owner:United Parks & Resorts
Operator:United Parks & Resorts
Slogan:Coaster Capital of Orlando[2]
Status:operating

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]

History

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 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 dark ride.[13]

Park layout

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:

Attractions

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

NameOpenedDescriptionLocation
1Mako2016A seated, non-inverting hypercoaster built by B&M, named after the fastest species of shark in the oceans. Standing high and reaching up to, Mako is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the Orlando area.Sea of Mystery
2Kraken2000A floorless roller coaster (by B&M) themed after the legend of the Kraken sea monster, standing high and featuring several inversions.Sea of Legends
32009A 140feet flying roller coaster (by B&M) and aquarium exhibit featuring rays, sea dragons and more, Manta riders are secured into their seats before being rotated parallel to the ground into a "flying" position. Attains speeds up to with several inversions.Sea of Shallows
4Ice Breaker2022A 93feet tall, quadruple-launch, non-inverting family thrill rollercoaster (by Premier Rides) featuring the steepest drop (100° angle) of any roller coaster in Florida. The ride sees guests travel backwards up a slight incline before gradually building speed through several magnetic launch systems, and traveling over a "top-hat".Sea of Power
5Penguin Trek2024A B&M family-style launch coaster with dark ride elements, including twists and turns, with speeds of up to . Non-inverting. Similar to Arctic Rescue (by Intamin) at SeaWorld San Diego.Sea of Ice
62023A first-of-its-kind B&M "surf-coaster", based on the once-popular stand-up roller coasters, Pipeline stands tall and includes twists and turns at up to, and one inversion. Unlike typical stand-up coasters, Pipeline features hydraulic seating elements, giving riders the sensation of riding a wave.Sea of Power/Port of Entry
7Journey to Atlantis1998A water coaster/boat ride with dark ride elements, themed to the mythical lost city of Atlantis. The queue also features several fish and aquarium exhibits. Max height of drop: .Sea of Legends
8Infinity Falls2018A river rapids ride, featuring a vertical elevator lift and the world's tallest drop on a river rapids ride.Sea of Mystery
9Super 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 train)
Sesame Street Land
10Sky Tower1973 A 400feet tall rotating Gyro tower.Sea of Delight
11Sunny 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
12Elmo'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
13Big Bird's Twirl 'N' Whirl
(Formerly Swishy Fishies)
2019
(2006)
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
14Abby'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
15Cookie Drop!
(Formerly Flying Fiddler)
2019
(2007)
A drop tower ride for children themed to Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.[22]
(A drop tower ride themed to a giant fiddler crab)
Sesame Street Land
16Rubber Duckie Water Works2019A water play area themed to Ernie from Sesame Street.[23] Sesame Street Land
17Slimey's Slider
(Formerly Ocean Commotion)[24]
2019
(2007)
A Rock n' tug ride themed to Slimey the Worm from Sesame Street.[25] Sesame Street Land
18Rosita's Harmony Hills2019A play area themed to Rosita from Sesame Street.Sesame Street Land
19Flamingo Paddle Boats1978Boats themed to a flamingo that can travel all around the park's central lake. Additional fee is required.Sea of Mystery
Former Attractions:

Live entertainment and animal presentations

NameOpenedDescriptionLocation
62013A themed area featuring live penguin and alcid exhibits.Sea of Ice
11Wild Arctic1995An 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
12SeaWorld 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
17Shamu Stadium1984The 7000000USgal 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
18Dolphin Theater1973The 2000000USgal 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
19The Sea Lion and Otter Theater 1990Hosts "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
20Bayside Stadium 1983Formerly 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
21The Nautilus Theatre 1995This 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
22Seaport Theatre1998Formerly 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
23Seafire Grill2001A 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.
24Reflections 2006A 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.
25Wheel of Fortune Live!2008 A taping of Wheel of Fortune that had shows taped at the park during 2008.

Attendance

AttendanceWorldwide Rank Year
5,926,000[38] 7th 2008
5,800,000[39] 7th 2009
5,100,000[40] 9th 2010
5,202,000 9th 2011
5,358,000[41] 19th 2012
5,090,000 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

Aquatica Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando also has an adjacent waterpark, Aquatica Orlando, which opened in 2008,[51] [52] and is part of the greater chain of Aquatica water parks.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Seaworld–Page Info. Facebook. 2016-06-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20120820033715/http://www.facebook.com/SeaWorld/info. 2012-08-20.
  2. Web site: October 18, 2022 . Pipeline: The Surf Coaster - Launching 2023 . November 1, 2022 . SeaWorld Orlando . October 30, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221030064022/https://seaworld.com/orlando/roller-coasters/pipeline/ . live .
  3. Web site: AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report. TEA/AECOM. Dallas, Texas. October 20, 2023. June 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230628171310/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf. live.
  4. News: Niles . Robert . Theme park history: A short history of SeaWorld Orlando . April 2, 2019 . Theme Park Insider . August 1, 2013.
  5. Web site: Sea World Deep-Sixing Mission Ride. June 20, 1994 . Orlando Sentinel.
  6. Web site: No more free beer at Busch theme parks. Orlando Business Journal.
  7. News: Blackfish: when killer whales attack. The Telegraph. 25 April 2016 . en-GB. 2016-06-04.
  8. Web site: Autopsy report. Office of the Medical examiner, district nine, FL. February 9, 2014. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130817175119/http://www.autopsyfiles.org/reports/Other/brancheau%2C%20dawn_report.pdf. August 17, 2013.
  9. News: SeaWorld appeal of OSHA citations denied - CNN.com. Vivian . Kuo. CNN. 2016-06-04.
  10. Web site: SeaWorld won't appeal ruling pulling trainers from water at killer whale shows. USA TODAY. 2016-06-04. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160421202040/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/08/20/seaworld-trainers-orcas-osha/14345341/. 2016-04-21.
  11. News: Kleiman . Joe . "Sunny Days" ahead as Sesame Street opens at SeaWorld Orlando March 27 . April 2, 2019 . InPark Magazine . March 11, 2019.
  12. Web site: SeaWorld's 'Ice Breaker' coaster opened Feb. 18. 3 January 2022. WFLA. March 12, 2022. January 21, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220121175123/https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/seaworlds-ice-breaker-coaster-to-open-feb-18/. live.
  13. Web site: Penguin Trek - Coming in 2024. 28 September 2023 . SeaWorld.
  14. Web site: SeaWorld Park Map SeaWorld Orlando. Entertainment. SeaWorld Parks &. seaworldparks.com. 2016-06-04. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20151121025733/http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-orlando/park-info/seaworld-park-map/?m=1. 2015-11-21.
  15. Web site: Grand opening of Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando. orlandosentinel.com. March 6, 2019 . August 23, 2019.
  16. Web site: SeaWorld Florida . Screamscape . May 29, 2007 . October 8, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070529093744/http://www.screamscape.com/html/seaworld_florida.htm . May 29, 2007 .
  17. Web site: Grand opening of Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando. orlandosentinal.com. March 6, 2019 . en. 2019-08-23.
  18. Web site: Elmo's Choo Choo Train Attraction Sesame Street at SeaWorld. seaworld.com. en. 2019-08-23.
  19. Web site: Big Bird's Twirl 'N' Whirl Attraction Sesame Street at SeaWorld. seaworld.com. en. 2019-08-23.
  20. Web site: The New Sesame Street - Seaworld Orlando | Expedition Theme Park - YouTube . .
  21. Web site: Abby's Flower Tower Attraction Sesame Street at SeaWorld. seaworld.com. en. 2021-04-18. April 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210418113932/https://seaworld.com/orlando/sesame-street/attractions/abbys-flower-tower/. live.
  22. Web site: Cookie Monster's Cookie Drop Attraction Sesame Street at SeaWorld. seaworld.com. en. 2021-04-18. April 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210418113929/https://seaworld.com/orlando/sesame-street/attractions/cookie-drop/. live.
  23. Web site: Rubber Duckie Water Works Playground Attraction Sesame Street at SeaWorld. seaworld.com. en. 2021-04-18.
  24. Web site: Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando. chicnavigator.com. en. 2019-03-23. 2021-04-18.
  25. Web site: Slimey's Slider Attraction Sesame Street at SeaWorld. seaworld.com. en. 2021-04-18. April 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210418113930/https://seaworld.com/orlando/sesame-street/attractions/slimeys-slider/. live.
  26. Strother, Susan G. (February 2, 1992). "Florida's Sea World Plans Bermuda Triangle Ride
  27. Web site: SeaWorld Hospitality Center closing – No more free beer. tampabay.com. 2009-01-05.
  28. "The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld Orlando Begins This Friday, November 12th..." Visit Tampa Bay. November 10, 2010.
  29. Web site: Photo Update: Sea Garden among other new things at SeaWorld - July 2010 . July 23, 2010 . July 20, 2023 . July 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230720041816/https://attractionsmagazine.com/photo-update-sea-garden-among-other-new-things-at-seaworld-july-2010/ . live .
  30. Web site: Sesame Street land is coming to SeaWorld Orlando. tampabay.com. en. 2018-05-03.
  31. Web site: SeaWorld: Kraken roller coaster ditches virtual reality headsets . September 18, 2018 . April 18, 2023 . April 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230418035843/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-seaworld-kraken-vr-20180917-story.html . live .
  32. Web site: SeaWorld removes Sesame Street playground weeks after new land opens - Theme Park Tribune, theme park news . April 23, 2019 .
  33. Web site: Rescue Center | Animal Experiences | SeaWorld Orlando .
  34. https://seaworld.com/orlando/animal-experiences/coral-rescue-center/
  35. News: Sea World Whale Capture Plans Attacked. Ocala Star-Banner. Associated Press. September 23, 1984.
  36. News: Garcia. Jason. False killer whale Jozu dies at SeaWorld Orlando. 25 March 2013. Orlando Sentinel. 5 June 2012. July 14, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714233139/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-06-05/news/os-seaworld-killer-whale-dies-jozu-20120604_1_seaworld-orlando-false-killer-whale-female-whale. live.
  37. News: Kirley. James. Too soon to tell if surviving pilot whales can be released. 25 March 2013. The Palm Beach Post. 16 September 2012. September 22, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130922115852/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/local/too-soon-tell-if-surviving-pilot-whales-can-be-rel/nSCYt/. dead.
  38. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2008 Global Attractions Report. Themed Entertainment Association. June 25, 2014. 2008. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20130302183514/http://www.org.id.tue.nl/ifip-tc14/documents/TEAreportThemeparks-2008.pdf. March 2, 2013.
  39. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2009 Global Attractions Report. Themed Entertainment Association. June 25, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20100602032710/http://www.themeit.com/etea/2009report.pdf. June 2, 2010. 2009.
  40. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report . . June 25, 2014 . 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151018203544/http://www.aecom.com/deployedfiles/Internet/Capabilities/Economics/_documents/Theme%20Index%202011.pdf . October 18, 2015 .
  41. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2013 Global Attractions Report . . June 6, 2014 . 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140606220440/http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf . June 6, 2014 .
  42. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2014 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report . . June 4, 2015 . 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150604105413/http://www.teaconnect.com/.../files/TEA_103_49736_150603.pdf . June 4, 2015 .
  43. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2015 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. Themed Entertainment Association. June 3, 2016. 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160618050155/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_160_611852_160525.pdf. June 18, 2016.
  44. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2016 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. Themed Entertainment Association. June 7, 2017. 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170602201150/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_235_103719_170601.pdf. June 2, 2017.
  45. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2017 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. Themed Entertainment Association. May 21, 2018. 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170602201150/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf. June 2, 2017.
  46. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2018 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. Themed Entertainment Association. May 30, 2019. 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190530000000/http://www.teaconnect.org/images/files/TEA_268_653730_180517.pdf. May 30, 2019. Alt URL
  47. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2019 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. December 28, 2020. November 5, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201105082032/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2019.pdf. live.
  48. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2020 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. December 17, 2022. September 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210923120013/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2020.pdf. live.
  49. Web site: TEA/AECOM 2021 Global Attractions Attendance Report Report. December 17, 2022. April 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230425021750/https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2021.pdf. live.
  50. Web site: Attendance at the Seaworld Florida theme park from 2009 to 2022. 17 November 2023. Statista. November 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231117155509/https://www.statista.com/statistics/236187/attendance-at-the-seaworld-florida-theme-park/. live.
  51. Web site: Happy Birthday, Aquatica! . 10 July 2023 . SeaWorld.
  52. Web site: Aquatica SeaWorld Orlando's Third Park To Open March 2008 . 10 July 2023 . Ultimate Rollercoaster . July 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230710150207/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/stories/20070305_01.shtml . live .