
SeaWorld Orlando’s roller coaster collection has surged in recent years, and now the park has introduced a brand-new upcharge event aimed at giving thrill-seekers even more time to enjoy these high-speed rides.
The direction of SeaWorld theme parks shifted gears after the release of the divisive documentary Blackfish (2013), which focused on the orca Tilikum – who was involved in three of the four deadly killer whale attacks on humans – and raised ethical concerns about the treatment of these creatures in marine theme parks.
As attendance numbers dipped, the company responded by investing in an array of thrill rides across its parks, with SeaWorld Orlando leading the charge and earning the title “The Coaster Capital of Orlando.”
Since 2022, SeaWorld Orlando has bolstered its lineup with three new roller coasters that have further solidified its reputation as a thrill-seeker’s paradise. It started with Ice Breaker, a multi-directional launch coaster that features a reverse launch up Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop, offering a heart-pounding experience for riders.
In 2023, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster made a splash as the world’s first “stand-up” coaster, where riders are positioned as though surfing, with the dynamic movement of the seat adding to the sensation of riding ocean waves. The excitement continued in 2024 with the launch of Penguin Trek, a family-friendly launch coaster that combines thrills with dark ride elements, offering a ride similar to Arctic Rescue at SeaWorld San Diego.
These new additions join SeaWorld’s already iconic lineup, which includes fan favorites like Manta, the high-speed Mako, Kraken, and the unique hybrid water coaster, Journey to Atlantis. However, the latter recently faced an unexpected closure in September, reportedly due to lower attendance.
SeaWorld Unveils Exclusive After-Hours Coaster Event
To capitalize on its robust roller coaster offerings, SeaWorld Orlando has announced a new upcharge event—Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition—designed to let visitors experience the thrill of nighttime coaster rides during the holiday season.
Running on select nights in November and December, the event promises exclusive after-hours access to the park’s most popular coasters, all set against the backdrop of SeaWorld’s festive Christmas lights and decorations.
The event will take place on November 8, 9, and 15 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., plus November 22, December 6, and 13 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Priced at $49.99 per person, the event allows guests to enter the park an hour early, providing three extra hours of access to all seven of SeaWorld’s coasters with shorter wait times. Attendees will also be treated to complimentary popcorn at select locations, while regular food and beverages will be available for purchase at several stands throughout the park.
Much like other after-hours events offered at major theme parks, such as Disney’s After Hours and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, the major appeal of Coasters After Dark is the significantly reduced wait times, allowing guests to pack in as many coaster rides as possible. However, the exclusive access comes at a premium, leaving fans to weigh whether the extra hours and limited crowds are worth the $50 price tag.
Would you be willing to spend $50 for a chance to ride SeaWorld’s coasters under the stars?