SeaWorld has changed its plans for its Orlando theme park, with next week’s planned opening canceled.
While SeaWorld hasn’t exactly had the smoothest operational history – thanks in no small part to the backlash over its use of captive orcas such as Tilikum, plus other marine mammals, for entertainment – the park remains a popular fixture on Orlando’s theme park scene.
In recent years, the park has started shifting its focus towards thrill attractions over animals, adding the likes of Ice Breaker, Penguin Trek, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster in the past five years alone. In 2023, SeaWorld also unveiled plans for a 504-room resort right next to its Orlando theme park. Not stopping there, the company later dropped proposals for another hotel at Discovery Cove, signaling its shift toward full-on resort-style experiences. However, these have both since been delayed.
This week, SeaWorld Orlando also delayed the opening of another brand-new attraction slated for the Central Florida theme park.
SeaWorld Cancels Next Week’s New Attraction Opening
SeaWorld Orlando has postponed the official opening of its new flying theater attraction, Expedition Odyssey. Originally slated to debut on May 1, the ride will now open to the public on May 9. However, annual passholders will still have early access, with previews commencing on the original date.
Expedition Odyssey, developed by Mack Rides, offers guests an immersive journey through Arctic wildlife habitats.
The attraction features a film that SeaWorld promotes as entirely live-action, devoid of any CGI elements. This approach sets it apart from similar experiences, such as Disney’s Soarin’. Upon exiting the ride, visitors will find themselves in SeaWorld’s Arctic exhibit area, where they can observe some of the species highlighted in the film, including beluga whales.
The delay also affects media coverage, as press previews have been rescheduled in line with the new opening date. Updates and reviews are anticipated following the revised schedule.
For more information and updates on SeaWorld Orlando’s attractions, guests are encouraged to visit the park’s official website.
More Updates on SeaWorld
While Expedition Odyssey may have been delayed, the good news is that select guests may be able to enjoy it for free once it opens.
Today, SeaWorld confirmed that it will offer complimentary single-day tickets to U.S. military veterans and up to three guests at its parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio from May 6. The offer runs through July 7, 2025, and coincides with Military Appreciation Month.
The park is also slated to kick off its Summer Spectacular celebration on May 27. This will see world-class DJs and performers entertain the park come sundown, while Ignite, a fireworks spectacular, will light up the skies every night.
Notably, SeaWorld has generated controversy over its use of fireworks over on the West Coast recently, with activists claiming that it is actively polluting the local environment.
Are you excited for Expedition Odyssey?
