Chaos at SeaWorld: Barricades Force Back Guests After Attraction Incident

A preview meant to build buzz around SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction instead raised fresh concerns among guests.

During an early look at Expedition Odyssey this week, a parkgoer was reportedly struck by part of the attraction’s entrance signage. Though SeaWorld has yet to confirm the incident, photos and firsthand accounts circulating on social media have drawn renewed criticism from fans already wary of the park’s declining standards.

It’s not the first time SeaWorld has found itself on the defensive. More than a decade after the release of Blackfish, the company is still working to recover from the reputational damage caused by the documentary, which exposed the lives of captive orcas and helped end the park’s breeding program. Since then, SeaWorld has faced growing scrutiny not just over animal welfare, but also over safety, cost, and guest experience.

In April, a viral image of an unrecognizable meal from SeaWorld San Diego sparked outrage, with employees reportedly unable to confirm whether the food in question was poultry or fish. The company has also faced backlash over new service fees, as well as a decision to ban guest reentry during peak periods.

A Rocky Rollout for SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey

Expedition Odyssey—slated to officially open May 9 after being delayed—is SeaWorld Orlando’s latest motion-based attraction, replacing the now-retired Wild Arctic ride. It promises an immersive journey that includes dynamic simulation, advanced visuals, and live Arctic animals such as beluga whales and walruses.

The park began previewing the attraction this week. According to guests who attended, the letter “O” from the word “Odyssey” detached from the sign above the entrance and fell, striking someone in the crowd.

“While waiting for Expedition Odyssey the letter O fell off and hit a lady,” wrote one guest on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Barricades were also moved back.” The same user added that the woman “was okay from the looks of it” but had visible bleeding.

While waiting for Expedition Odyssey the letter O feel off and hit a lady. Barricades were also moved back.

While waiting for Expedition Odyssey the letter O feel off and hit a lady. Barricades were also moved back. pic.twitter.com/LPiYUHMV8s

— The Florida Almanac (@adventure2595) May 1, 2025

Though SeaWorld – whose San Antonio theme park is set to close this week for a private event – has not commented publicly on the incident, photos posted online show the damaged sign with the letter missing. The park has since removed the remaining signage from the entrance, according to additional guest reports.

Mounting Frustration Over Quality and Costs

The incident has only added fuel to a broader conversation about quality at SeaWorld. “They’re foam board letters,” one user posted. “Very temporary and rushed.” Another added, “That’s a lawsuit. Hope she is okay but can’t help but laugh at how SeaWorld being cheap upfront will cost them more down the road.”

Some guests also reported operational issues during the same preview event. “The power has gone out several times in line,” one person wrote. “This is nothing short of a disaster so far.”

The response reflects a pattern of discontent among longtime fans of the park. “I remember when the park was actually doing very well with Broadway grade shows and quality rides,” another guest wrote. “Please bring that back because at this point it’s not even worth coming.”

I attempted to ride Expedition Odyssey today, and instead I saw the “O” from Odyssey fall on the guest next to me in line.

I attempted to ride Expedition Odyssey today, and instead I saw the “O” from Odyssey fall on the guest next to me in line. pic.twitter.com/tPePshP4mO

— Josh Rice (@JRiceDrums) May 2, 2025

Others expressed frustration over rising prices paired with what they perceive as declining standards. “Seems like that 5% surcharge and absurd food prices are really going towards quality work,” one person commented sarcastically.

Whether Expedition Odyssey can reverse the narrative remains to be seen. But as of this week, SeaWorld is once again dealing with headlines it didn’t plan for—at the precise moment it hoped to showcase progress.

Do you plan on checking out Expedition Odyssey at SeaWorld Orlando?