As the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando draws in fun-seeking families like moths to a flame. Disney’s smorgasbord of parks (EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) are often considered the best Orlando theme parks, but with reputation comes hordes of tourists — plus, it’d be a sin to overlook some of the other local crowd favorites.
Case in point: SeaWorld. Combining big-smiles entertainment with eye-opening education, and some of the more adorable sea critters you’ll find outside on this side of the country, SeaWorld sells itself as one of the top things to do in Orlando. Not only does it play host to friendly dolphins, killer whales and sea lions (to name a few), but you can also dial up the adrenaline on one of the roller coasters, watch fascinating wildlife presentations, or simply cool off in what, let’s be honest, is also one of the best Orlando water parks.
Finding the best deals for SeaWorld Orlando tickets can be tricky business. The official website offers multiple ticket options for one and two-day visits, as well as multi-park visits; however, you will usually find cheaper tickets on online travel agencies – especially if you plan to visit multiple parks in the area. With that in mind, let’s put on our penny-pinching hats are explore how to save up to 35% on SeaWorld Orlando tickets.
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How much do SeaWorld tickets cost?
You’ve got a handful of options to choose from when it comes to SeaWorld Orlando tickets. Prices range anywhere from US$95 to US$230, depending on how many days and how many parks you want included.
SeaWorld Single-Day tickets
Single-day tickets are available for ages 3+ and grant access to SeaWorld Orlando’s attractions, shows, and rides. At the gate, prices are US$135 plus tax. Online, a 30% discount is applied, making them US$95 each.
Alternatively, you can buy the Single-Day Ticket + All-Day Dining Deal for US$125.
When you purchase your single-day ticket online, you’ll need to lock in the date of your visit as well.
You are also welcome to purchase add-one, such as the All-Day Dining Deal for $49.99 (best bought as a package), the Dolphin Encounter for US$30, the SeaWorld Quick Queue pass for US$15, the Beluga Encounter for US$60, or the One Day PhotoKey Access Pass (which includes professional photos) for US$70, to name a few.
You can also buy an add-on that includes Reserved Seating at shows, a Quick Queue® Unlimited pass, and a 1-Time Pipeline ride for $40+. The price varies depending on the day.
Note that ticket prices mentioned do not include taxes and fees of roughly 15%.
SeaWorld Any Day tickets
The benefit of the Any Day ticket is that it allows you to visit SeaWorld Orlando at your discretion, without worrying about specific dates.
Online prices are US$135 or US$178 for an all-day dining upgrade, not including taxes and fees of around 15%.
SeaWorld Two Park tickets
As an official partner to Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Adventure Island, SeaWorld offers special two-park tickets that allow admission to SeaWorld and your choice of the aforementioned attractions parks within 14 days.
SeaWorld Three Park tickets
Similar to the two-park ticket, SeaWorld offers a three-park ticket that lets you into any three of the above-mentioned parks within 14 days (one of which being SeaWorld, of course).
This type of ticket costs US$145 plus taxes and fees and presents exceptional value for money if you plan on visiting them separately anyway.
SeaWorld Four Parks tickets
Equating to just US$57.50 per park, the SeaWorld four parks ticket provides access to all four parks within 14 days.
This ticket costs US$230 plus taxes and fees, making it the best value for money if you plan on visiting all four of these fantastic parks.
Who is eligible for discounts?
Active duty military is granted one free admission per year, plus free entry for as many as three direct dependents (kids and/or spouse).
Former military (veterans) are granted 50% off regular admission prices, plus 50% discounted entry for as many as five guests (friends and family) if obtained online at wavesofhonor.com.
For everyone else, the best way to secure discounted tickets for SeaWorld Orlando is to get the Fun Card. A US$135 for SeaWorld (or US$220 for Aquatica + SeaWorld), this pass gives you unlimited admission until the end of the year. This means that the more you visit, the more money you save.
SeaWorld routinely runs exciting promotions, such as “buy one get one 50% off”, or “free kids ticket with the purchase of an adult pass”. These offers are always changing, so it’s best to keep your eyes peeled on the website to see what the latest promotions are.
Can you visit SeaWorld for free?
Yes, children until 2 years old get free admission to SeaWorld when accompanied by a paid adult.
Also, although it’s not listed as a “free” option, SeaWorld offers several Annual Passes starting from just US$162. Compared to buying individual tickets, an annual pass effectively translates to the 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. visits being free.
Should you book SeaWorld tickets in advance?
Yes, you should definitely purchase SeaWorld tickets online before arriving at the park. The main benefit is that you can save up to 30% off regular ticket prices.
Plus, it’s convenient! Instead of waiting in line to buy your tickets, you can simply show up at the gate with your reservation printed out (or digitally) and go straight through. This way, you will save time and be able to maximize your time at the beloved park.’
Furthermore, fun add-ons like the Dolphin Encounter or the Dine with Orcas experience are only available to a certain amount of visitors per day, so if you want to guarantee your spot – and get a discounted rate – make sure to book in advance.
How do you find the cheapest SeaWorld ticket deals?
While you can find cheap tickets at SeaWorld’s website, a great way to save money is by comparing different ticket options on third-party websites. These sites are specialized in offering discounts and deals on tickets for amusement parks all over the world.
The reason why third-party websites have cheaper SeaWorld ticket prices is that they can purchase large blocks of tickets from the parks and then offer them at a discounted rate. So if you’re looking for the best deal, make sure to check out TourScanner’s list of options before heading to the SeaWorld website.
Can you cancel or modify your SeaWorld tickets?
If booked through the official SeaWorld website, single-day SeaWorld tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. An Any Day ticket is not refundable either, but you can visit on any day you see fit.
Some online tickets purchased through third-party sites, however, may be refundable and/or transferable depending on the provider. Make sure to check specific conditions when booking through these websites.
If you happen to visit on a rainy day, thanks to SeaWorld’s Sunny Day Guarantee, you can come back another day within a calendar year free of charge – just head to the Guest Services booth on the way out. Plus, it rarely rains in Orlando, so you can always plan your visit during the most beautiful, sunny days.
Are SeaWorld tickets included in any attraction passes?
Unfortunately, SeaWorld Orlando is not included in city passes like the Go Orlando Pass or The Orlando Sightseeing Pass.
These passes do, however, provide significant discounted entry to over 40 other parks, museums and tourist attractions in Orlando – so may certainly be worth considering if you plan on seeing as much of what Orlando has to offer as possible.
If you’re hunting for an “attraction pass” that includes SeaWorld, your best option is to buy one of SeaWorld’s multi-park packages, the 2, 3 or 4-park ticket. These tickets provide admission to all of SeaWorld’s sister parks: Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Discovery Cove, usually within a 14-day window.
They can be purchased directly from the SeaWorld website, or from third-party vendors such as TourScanner.
What will you see at SeaWorld?
A longstanding tourist favorite, SeaWorld Orlando is home to dozens of attractions for the entire family. With roller coasters, rides, interactive experiences, meet and greets with some of Mother Nautre’s most spectacular sea creatures, and so much more, everyone will find something they love here.
Let’s dive into some of the highlights:
Rides & Roller Coasters
While the animal shows are always the first thing to come to mind, SeaWorld Orlando has some seriously thrilling rides too. Buckle up, because here are some of the highlights:
Manta: Reaching top speeds of 56 miles per hour, this manta ray-shaped coaster hits a whopping 3.7 g-force, with tons of twists, turns and water splashes throughout the hair-raising ride.
Mako: Named after one of the ocean’s fastest sharks, Make is the park’s longest coaster, zipping riders around the track at 73 miles per hour. And, reaching up to 200 feet high, it is one of the tallest roller coasters in Orlando.
Journey to Atlantis: Part roller coaster, part log flume, this hybrid ride is fantastic fun for all. With a mix of high-speed turns and surprises water elements, all themed around the famed Sunken City you never know what to expect!
Kraken: A floorless coaster that hits 65 miles per hour and runs for over 2 minutes, Kraken is still one of the most thrilling rides in all of Orlando. With high drops, over-water sections, and a theme focussed around the eponymous mythical creature, it’s a must-do for thrill seekers visiting SeaWorld!
Infinity Falls: A raft ride full of spins, bumpy waters, and drops, plus some bonus interactive elements. Hop in a raft and take the plunge over the world’s tallest river rapids drop. Lasting around 5 minutes, Infinity Falls is the perfect way to cool off during a hot Florida day.
Ice breaker: A new addition to SeaWorld’s lineup, having only opened in 2022, Ice Breaker is a multi-launch roller coaster that takes riders up a 93-foot spike (that sits on a 100-degree angle) before hurtling them back down at 52 miles per hour. It’s short and snappy but it’s not for the faint of heart!
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin: A leisurely ride that’s built around slow-moving bumper car-like vehicles, this experience takes you through a recreated Antarctic setting, featuring all kinds of sounds, lights, narrations, and decorations designed to transport you to the icy kingdom. After following a penguin named Puck for the ride, you’ll finish the experience with a chance to get up close and personal with actual penguins.
Presentations & Activities
Orca Encounter: Some of nature’s gentle giants, orcas, make their home at SeaWorld Orlando. At the Orca Encounter, you’ll get to learn all about them, and even enjoy a 30-minute educational presentation that peels back the curtain on their hunting techniques, their playful personalities, and their ability to leap in and out of the water (warning: if you sit in the first few rows, watch out for a splash!). It’s an amazing opportunity to learn more about these majestic creatures up close and personal
Dolphin Adventures: An outdoor, family-friendly, high educational show with just a little bit of splashing, the Dolphin Adventures presentation features a talented team of bottlenose dolphins (and their loving trainers) who show off their skills to the audience. It’s an exciting and educational way to learn more about these amazing creatures, as they jump through hoops and dance around the pool. You can expect to learn all about the role they play in our planet’s marine ecosystem, as well as some of the threats they face in the wild.
Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight®: Taking place in the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium, this highly entertaining 25-minute presentation (a revamp of the old Sea Lion High show) dives into the characteristics, skills, and behaviors of both California sea lions and Asian small-clawed otters. Besides getting to see the creatures waving, sliding, and doing curious double-takes, you’ll also learn about conservation efforts to save these species, and witness some of their playful behaviors up close. Just be warned – if you sit in the first couple rows, you’ll probably get wet!
Shark Encounter: If you’re feeling brave enough, take part in SeaWorld’s signature underwater attraction – found over at the Sea of Mystery, near the back of the park. Essentially, it is a walking tour through an acrylic tunnel where you can see all kinds of sinister sharks, as well as rays and other sea creatures up close as they swim around the 700,000-gallon aquarium. Seeing some of Earth’s oldest creatures gliding above you is not an experience you’ll forget anytime soon.
The Flamingo Paddle Boats: A great activity for relaxing after a couple fast-paced roller coasters, the Flamingo Paddle Boats let you take to the waters around SeaWorld in your very own vessel. Cruise around the lake and take in the sights at your own pace – it’s a great way to end your day at SeaWorld Orlando! (note: It does come at an additional cost of $6 for 20 minutes).
Sesame Street Party Parade: Arguably the most exciting daytime entertainment in the park, the Sesame Street Party Parade is an absolute must-see. This colorful, carnival-style parade includes all your favorite Sesame Street characters – Elmo, Big Bird, Grover and more – with lively music, choreographed dancing, character meet and greets, and buckets of fun for the whole family.
Animal Experiences
Dolphin Nursery: Get up close and personal with some of SeaWorld’s resident bottlenose dolphins as they are cared for in the nursery. You can even get hands-on with some of them as trainers demonstrate how they train and care for these amazing animals. To be able to see how newborns year to jump, play and communicate with their moms provides an incredible insight into dolphin life.
Wild Arctic: Not technically a ride (although formerly a motion simulator), more an experiential walkthrough zone, Wild Arctic takes you on an icy Arctic expedition complete with walruses, seals, and enormous beluga whales. It’s educational and entertaining in equal measure and is considered one of the best experiences for kids visiting SeaWorld Orlando.
Penguin Encounter®: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the cold-weather penguins waddling around their habitat. You’ll learn all about the different types of penguin species (5 of which live here at SeaWorld) and get to go closer to the animals than most visitors. This kind of experience does, however, cost a little extra.
Behind-the-scenes VIP encounters: There are several experiences you can upgrade to, including the Dolphin Up-Close Tour, Killer Whale Up-Close Tour, Belluga Encounter and Walrus Encounter, and Sharks Up-Close Tour – as well as the Ultimate VIP Tour which gives behind-the-scenes access to most areas in the park. While all of these do cost extra, the chance to mingle with a host of wild animals in their natural environment is, according to most visitors, well worth it.
Sesame Street Land
A guaranteed delight for young visitors, Sesame Street Land brings the loveable characters to life with delightful rides, meet-and-greet experiences, and plenty of interactive play elements around every corner.
Here, you can watch the daily Sesame Street Party Parade, during which Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the gang dance their way through the park. There are also heaps of whimsical rides that the little ones will love – Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl, Abby’s Flower Tower, Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Super Grover’s Box Car Derby (a kid-friendly roller coaster) and the Rubber Duckie Water Works (perfect for those sizzling summer days), to name a few.
As the final cherry on top, kids can experience a range of interactive play elements here at Sesame Street Land too – ring Bert and Ernie’s Doorbell and hear a handful of comical responses, press the Sesame Street Apartment Intercom for a hilarious conversation with Grover and Abby Cadabby, or build your own digital monster at the Create-A-Monster zone – there’s plenty to keep the kiddos entertained for hours!
Exclusive SeaWorld Orlando tours
Any day at SeaWorld Orlando is sure to be filled with fun and excitement—but why not take it up a notch? With exclusive tours like the Walrus Encounter, Dolphins Up-Close Tour, and SeaWorld Rescue Experience, you can get even closer to all the action than ever before.
The Ultimate VIP Tour includes an eye-opening walk around the park, where you can discover fascinating backstories about SeaWorld’s animal residents (and even get to feed some of them)! You’ll also get front-of-line access to rides, VIP seating at the incredible shows, and plenty of food and drink throughout the day.
Educational Programs
Sure, SeaWorld is entertaining – but it’s also highly educational, with a bounty of different programs designed to take visitors on a knowledge-packed journey through the world’s oceans.
There are day trips, youth programs, and field trips designed for school-aged kids, as well as sleepover sessions for anyone wanting to experience the wonders of SeaWorld on another level.
When is the best time to visit SeaWorld? How to avoid the crowds?
Orlando becomes chock-full during the school holidays as well as the summertime, and SeaWorld, being one of the premier theme parks in the city, is no exception. With that in mind, it’s best to avoid visiting in July and August if possible.
However, some of the most popular times to visit are around holidays when special events like Halloween Spooktacular or Christmas Celebrations take place – so, sometimes, it’s worth it despite the crowds.
In general, the weekends are usually busier than during the week, so avoid Saturday and Sunday – use these days to hit up some of the lesser-known things to do in Orlando instead.
What are the SeaWorld opening hours?
SeaWorld Orlando is open all year round, rain, hail or shine (although, if it is raining, you’re entitled to another day of free entry),
The hours vary slightly depending on the season, but the park generally opens at 9 AM and closes between 8 PM and 9 PM.
It’s best to double-check the official website before visiting, in case there are any special events happening when you’re in town.
Travel tips
- For the best bang for your buck, purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass, which includes unlimited visits throughout the year!
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; temperatures are generally warm in Orlando, but with a slew of water rides and animal shows, there’s a decent chance you’ll get wet!
- Since there’s a good chance you’ll only be at SeaWorld once, be sure to check out the park’s signature experiences like the Shark Encounter, Dolphin Up-Close Tour, and Rescue Experience — this way, you’ll be treated to an up-close look at some of the most beloved sea creatures, a great way to make the most of your visit.
- Bring a reusable water bottle (and sunscreen, for that matter) so you don’t have to pay for bottles in the park. There are plenty of water bubblers around to make it easy for you.
- Take advantage of the Quick Queue option, which lets you skip long lines on select rides (a non-negotiable during peak season).
- If you plan on visiting any of SeaWorld’s sister parks like Aquatica, Busch Gardens or Adventure Island, consider buying a multi-park ticket for a discounted price.