SeaWorld Orlando stands as a flagship of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, offering more than just marine life encounters. This renowned theme park network includes a variety of destinations that cater to diverse interests, from thrilling rides to cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions.
For adventure enthusiasts, Busch Gardens provides a chance to explore exotic wildlife while enjoying heart-pounding roller coasters. Families with younger children can revel in the imaginative world of Sesame Street at Sesame Place parks. And when the temperatures rise, SeaWorld’s water parks offer the perfect aquatic retreat for cooling off and creating unforgettable memories.
At SeaWorld Orlando, visitors can look forward to a mix of exhilarating thrills, educational programs, and opportunities to connect with nature. Among the park’s must-see attractions is MAKO, a hypercoaster that delivers unmatched speed and airtime. Water lovers can brave Infinity Falls, home to the tallest river rapids drop on the planet, or take to the skies on Manta, a flying coaster that mimics the elegance of its namesake sea creature.
The park also showcases its dedication to wildlife conservation with initiatives like the SeaWorld Rescue Manatee Rehabilitation center, where injured manatees are nursed back to health. Guests can also witness the majestic power of killer whales during the Orca Encounter, blending awe-inspiring displays with insights into animal behavior.
Adding to the excitement, SeaWorld Orlando debuted its newest attraction this spring: Penguin Trek. This family-friendly launch coaster promises to transport guests to the icy terrain of Antarctica, reaching speeds of 43 mph across over 3,000 feet of track. Riders will end their snowy adventure in the park’s penguin habitat, seamlessly merging a thrilling ride with an up-close animal encounter.
Aquatica Faces Backlash Over Sudden Closure
SeaWorld Orlando’s adjacent water park, Aquatica, has recently drawn criticism following a sudden and unannounced closure. Guests arrived at the gates to find the park shut down, with signage attributing the closure to weather conditions. However, the park’s official app and website offered conflicting information, listing the park as fully operational.
This lack of communication left many visitors frustrated, with social media highlighting the issue. One guest, Ethan Hershaft, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share photos of the closed entrance alongside screenshots from the app, showcasing the gap in communication.
“Went to go to Aquatica to pick up last months free passholder ornament and to see if they had any leftover.
Despite the website saying the park is open…the park is closed.
This is very dangerous having to do a uturn and face an intersection with oncoming traffic and no lights”
Went to go to Aquatica to pick up last months free passholder ornament and to see if they had any leftover.
Despite the website saying the park is open…the park is closed.
This is very dangerous having to do a uturn and face an intersection with oncoming traffic and no lights pic.twitter.com/piggPKWcSa
— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) January 5, 2025
The closure coincided with a significant cold front sweeping across Central Florida, bringing severe weather and plummeting temperatures. Monday saw isolated storms, gusty winds, and tornado warnings, with temperatures dropping into the 30s by Tuesday morning. While the cold front forced multiple parks to adjust operations, including Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, Aquatica’s lack of timely updates left many guests in the dark.
Tips for Navigating Winter Weather at the Parks
For those planning a visit to SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica, it’s essential to stay informed about weather conditions and potential operational changes. While Aquatica lists hours until 5:00 p.m., discrepancies in app updates suggest verifying information directly with the park.
For water park enthusiasts, Disney’s Blizzard Beach remains open, though hours may vary as the cold weather continues. This weekend also marks Disney’s marathon event, with Saturday’s rain potentially affecting the half-marathon but clear skies predicted for Sunday’s marathon.
SeaWorld Orlando continues to be a leading destination for unforgettable experiences, but the unpredictable Florida weather serves as a reminder to plan ahead and stay flexible.
