Aquatica in Crisis: TikTok Teens Prompt Full SeaWorld Park Closure

On what should have been a sunny, high-spirited day at one of Orlando’s top water parks, SeaWorld’s Aquatica instead found itself once again confronting chaos. The park abruptly shut its gates and evacuated all guests on June 12 following a teen-driven “takeover”—eerily echoing a similar incident that unfolded last June.

Though no violence was confirmed this time, the park’s early closure set off a wave of online chatter, disappointed visitors, and renewed concerns about crowd control.

Aquatica, which opened in 2008, is operated by United Parks & Resorts and is known for attractions like Reef Plunge, Taumata Racer, and Ihu’s Breakaway Falls.

But behind the slides and surf, Aquatica is increasingly gaining a reputation for something else: teenage mayhem.

Aquatica Crowd Control Reaches a Breaking Point

On June 12, large groups of teenagers reportedly showed up for a planned meetup, leading to capacity being reached far earlier than usual. “The park ended up shutting down early due to reaching capacity,” one parkgoer wrote online, “and kicked everyone out.”

Multiple TikTok users shared clips about the day’s events—some noting that they were turned away at the gate, while others shared updates from inside the park just before it closed.

“I guess the teen meetup takeovers from last year are back…” one X, formerly known as Twitter, post reads. Others said they rerouted to Universal’s Volcano Bay instead.

I guess the teen meetup takeovers from last year are back…

A bunch of teens showed up to Aquatica yesterday (6/12) to “takeover” the park and the park ended up shutting down early due to reaching capacity and kicked everyone out

SeaWorld handled this well! 🙌

I guess the teen meetup takeovers from last year are back…

A bunch of teens showed up to Aquatica yesterday (6/12) to "takeover" the park and the park ended up shutting down early due to reaching capacity and kicked everyone out

SeaWorld handled this well! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IZThrOwX3t

— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) June 13, 2025

While this year’s disruption was reportedly less violent than the June 2023 incident—when over 100 teens were involved in a fight that prompted a police response—the shutdown still marked a significant escalation. It has sparked debate over how SeaWorld handles unsanctioned gatherings and guest behavior more broadly.

A TikTok user praised SeaWorld’s swift response this time, posting: “SeaWorld handled this well!”

Incidents Spark Broader Concerns at SeaWorld

Aquatica’s recurring issues aren’t isolated. Over the past two years, SeaWorld Orlando has faced repeated guest behavior controversies, many involving teenagers.

In early 2024, TikTok user @tasnimalatout shared a viral video of teenagers harassing a performer known as “Tom the Mime.” After a girl deliberately bumped into him, the group crowded and mimicked him until he packed up and left. The video drew more than 15 million views and condemnation from users. “This kind of behavior is not nice and not funny,” the poster wrote.

Earlier this year, Winter Springs High School made headlines when its students were removed from SeaWorld Orlando for arriving intoxicated at their prom. “Unfortunately, we had several students who were involved in sneaking in small containers of alcohol and others who showed up to this event inebriated,” the school stated. “A few students have been transported to the hospital due to alcohol consumption.”

In 2022, a $100,000 lawsuit was filed against SeaWorld by four guests who said they were assaulted by teenagers while waiting in line. The suit alleged staff failed to intervene and that the harassment continued after the ride. The Orlando Sentinel reported that the guests were targeted twice and left with injuries.

Adults haven’t been immune to conflict either. In 2024, one guest filed a lawsuit claiming they were attacked by another guest during a dolphin show. The suit accused SeaWorld of failing to protect visitors, citing a “history of violent crimes” on or near the property. “[SeaWorld] knew… or should have known, that numerous crimes… had occurred,” the filing read.

How do you think theme parks should crack down on this kind of behavior?