19 BEST SeaWorld Orlando Tips to Save You Time and Money!

Ready take a trip over to Florida’s marine-inspired park and need a few SeaWorld Orlando tips to get you started?

SeaWorld is a great Orlando theme park that is not only excellent for a family vacation, but perfect for a solo trip!

SeaWorld Orlando Lagoon. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

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What to expect at SeaWorld Orlando?

Located just off Interstate 4 and the Beachline Express, you’ll be welcomed by the easy going vibe of this aquatic park.

SeaWorld Orlando Resort Shark Encounter Exhibit. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.
Shark Encounter

SeaWorld will invite you in with its Caribbean, Polynesian, and even Arctic themes felt throughout the park.

Upon entering the theme park, you’ll be treated with colorful flamingos and even baby dolphins with their mothers.

SeaWorld Orlando Flamingo Paddleboats. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

This sets the tone for an amazing day ahead of you!

SeaWorld Orlando Dolphin Nursery. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

If you’re thinking about doing a theme park day at SeaWorld, then you’ll want to follow my best tips and tricks below.

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1. Get there early

Try to arrive 30-minutes prior to park opening. It’s the best way to maximize your day, especially if you’re trying to do it all in one day.

SeaWorld Orlando Infinity Falls. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

This year, everyone’s trying to get all the travel in that they haven’t been able to do in the past few years.

So, starting early is the only way to be able to see AND do all of the things you want at SeaWorld Orlando.

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2. Dress appropriately

If you’re not native to the state, then you may not know that Florida’s weather is mostly hot and humid except for the beautiful months of December, January, February, and March.

SeaWorld Orlando Resort Kraken Roller Coaster. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Remember to wear light-weight clothing during the summertime in Florida to stay cool!

3. Find quiet, shaded spots

The lush greenery area by the Dolphin Encounter or the area near Turtle Trek are two serene sitting places you’ll want to take a quick break at during your day.

This is one of my favorite SeaWorld Orlando tips!

4. Know the Best Time to Go to SeaWorld

Go during the weekdays if you want to make the most of your time at the park.

This SeaWorld Orlando tip is especially important for anyone who is not a fan of huge crowds.

SeaWorld Orlando Tips with Sesame Street Land Elmo and Abby Statues. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

To prevent frustration, I suggest avoiding holidays, the weekends, and the summer. This is the time that both locals and tourists flood the park.

5. Download Park App

Map out the day prior to your visit by downloading the SeaWorld app.

SeaWorld Orlando Opt in Lead Magnet Blog Banner

This is a great way to make a note of your must-do’s and is also a wonderful way to help you see and experience as much as you can if you’re only there for a short visit.

SeaWorld App. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.
SeaWorld App

Having the park app will allow you to view the map and get familiar with the layout of SeaWorld Orlando.

This SeaWorld Orlando tip is very important, because it will help guide you on:

  • Where to find ride wait times
  • What the current show times are
  • Park hours
  • Dining venue hours and offerings

Groupon offers great deals on SeaWorld tickets. You can also purchase your tickets directly from SeaWorld’s website prior to your visit.

SeaWorld Orlando Hours

SeaWorld park hours are usually from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, during the peak summer days the park may be open until 10:00 p.m.

Be Sure to Review the 2024 SeaWorld Orlando Map

2024 SeaWorld Orlando Map

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

6. Pass on Preferred Parking

Try to get to SeaWorld early and park in the regular parking section. The parking situation at SeaWorld isn’t terrible.

SeaWorld Orlando Parking Cost and Price and Hours. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Wherever you end up parking, the walk to the front gate shouldn’t be bad at all.

7. Save time and money and buy discounted SeaWorld tickets online

Undercover Tourist and Groupon offers great deals on SeaWorld tickets. You can also purchase your tickets directly from SeaWorld’s website prior to your visit.

SeaWorld Orlando Annual Passholder VIP Entrance. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Also think about becoming a SeaWorld Pass Member. Pass Members at SeaWorld Orlando enjoy some really cool benefits like:

  • Unlimited admission to SeaWorld for 12 months with no block out dates during the initial 12-month commitment and any renewal period
  • Free general parking
  • Exclusive monthly rewards like bringing a friend for FREE

8. Know What’s Included with Your Park Ticket

Before you head out to the park, you should know what’s included with your park ticket.

SeaWorld Orlando Lagoon overlooking Icebreaker. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Your SeaWorld Orlando ticket will include all rides, shows and exhibits, except for the Paddle Boats and the Arcade games.

All this means is that you don’t have to buy a ticket to attend any particular attraction; they’re all part of your admission.

How Much is a SeaWorld Orlando Ticket?

*All SeaWorld ticket, dining, tour, and merchandise pricing subject to change.

Save up to 42% on SeaWorld Orlando Resort Tickets!

9. Purchase the All-Day Dining Deal

For one low price, you can get a band that allows you to eat at participating restaurants all day.

SeaWorld Orlando All Day Dining Deal. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

The All-Day Dining Deal includes 1 entrée, 1 side or dessert, and 1 fountain drink, tea or water for each visit.

SeaWorld Orlando Altitude Burgers Front Area. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Basically, an all-you-can-eat day at the park. 

SeaWorld Orlando Voyager Smokehouse Texas STyle Brisket with Fries Mac and Cheese Water and Cheesecake. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

These are the current restaurants included in SeaWorld’s All-Day Dining Deal:

  • Voyager’s Smokehouse
  • Expedition Café
  • Captain Pete’s Island Eats
  • Seafire Grill
  • Altitude Burger
  • Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen
  • Lakeside Grill
  • Waterway Grill

10. Have a Plan to conquer your day at SeaWorld

You’ll want to plan. Trust me!

Kraken Roller Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando Tips and Tricks. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

This is my go-to SeaWorld itinerary when I want to do a full, out-of-this world solo theme park day! I also recommend this plan for any first-timers hitting up the park.

 SeaWorld Orlando Itinerary (Touring Plan for One Day)

This itinerary is perfect for your solo trip to SeaWorld.

11. Purchase Quick Queue

On a busy day, mostly in the summer, SeaWorld wait times can get long mainly due to the few thrilling rides to choose from when compared to the other theme parks in Orlando.

SeaWorld Orlando Icebreaker entrance. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

I recommend purchasing the Quick Queue Unlimited.

This add-on feature includes:

Reserved one time seats at the following shows and unlimited front-of-the-line access to the most popular rides listed below:

  • Mako™ – Minimum height 54″
  • Manta® – Minimum 54″
  • Kraken – Minimum 54″
  • Ice BreakerMinimum height 48″
  • Infinity Falls®
  • Journey to Atlantis® – Minimum 42″ (42″ – 48″ with a supervising companion)
  • Penguin Trek- Minimum 42″ (restrictions apply)
  • Pipeline: The Surf Coaster – Minimum height 54″ (restrictions apply)

Prices start at $14.99 per person and can go up depending on the crowd level.

SeaWorld Orlando Tips with Icebreaker and Stadium. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Hipster Power Tip: Use the Quick Queue calendar on SeaWorld’s Website to determine just how busy the park is expected to be. The prices are usually higher on days that SeaWorld expects a larger crowd. This is one my top SeaWorld Orlando tips for you!

12. Do a VIP Tour

Upgrade your day and do one of SeaWorld’s behind-the-scenes theme park tours. It allows you to get up close and personal with all the unique aquatic life in the park.

Shark Encounter at SeaWorld Orlando Tips and Tricks. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

SeaWorld Orlando has some of the most intriguing tours in Orlando. I have quite a few that I like and want to do on my SeaWorld bucket list.

Top SeaWorld Orlando VIP tours

  • Sharks Up-Close Tour: You will be able to touch a small shark and learn fact from fiction about the diversity of sharks.
  • Penguin Up-Close Tour: A walking tour about what it takes to care for penguins.
  • Dolphin Up-Close Tour: A tour where you will have the chance to interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
  • Ultimate Private VIP Tour: The Private VIP Tour provides your group with its own SeaWorld tour guide for up to 7 hours. It includes insider tips from an expert guide, front-of-line access and reserved seating to rides and shows.

13. Eat at Sharks Underwater Grill

Ever thought about dining with sharks? This is one of my top SeaWorld Orlando tips for adults!

SeaWorld Orlando The Bar Sharks Underwater Grill Menu. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

You can do it here and still walk out the restaurant in one piece.

The Sharks Underwater Grill serves delicious seafood, but I’m a bigger fan of sitting at the bar and enjoying the peacefulness of watching the sharks glide while I sip on my adult beverage.

14. Discover the Marine Life

Explore SeaWorld and learn about the many different animals in this park. There’s a wide variety of sea life all within the gates.

SeaWorld Orlando Pacific Point Preserve Seals. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Many of the animals are tough to see in your lifetime, so I love how SeaWorld makes sure they educate you on each animal residing in the park.

SeaWorld Orlando Pacific Point Sea Lions and Seals with Kraken Roller Coaster in the Background. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

They also have a strong commitment to conservation by providing financial and scientific support to organizations focused on:

  • Animal rescue and rehabilitation
  • Conservation education
  • Habitat protection
  • Species research

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated more than $14 million, supporting animal conservation projects on all seven continents across the globe, including coral reef restoration, preventing coastal erosion, habitat protection and simply keeping our oceans clean.

15. Arrive Early to the Shows

SeaWorld Orlando has some of the best theme park shows you’ll see in the city. They also have their show schedule down to a science.

SeaWorld Orlando Shamu Stadium One Ocean Show. Making it one of the best SeaWorld Orlando tips.

The shows starting from the front of the gate are usually scheduled shortly after each other from the front to back of the park.

I recommend starting with a show towards the latter part of the part to avoid the crowd.

Each show is a mix of animal training, high-energy performance, and education. You’ll want to get there early to secure your perfect spot!

16. Take Breaks and Explore

SeaWorld Orlando has so many nooks and crannies with opportunities to chat with team members.

SeaWorld Orlando Resort Dolphin Adventures Entrance. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

You’ll love just exploring what they have to offer and I guarantee you will leave there with some kind of new information you learned.

SeaWorld Orlando Tips and Tricks with Manta Stingray aquarium. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Hipster Power Tip: Take an AC break in places such as Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins exhibit, Wild Arctic walk-through, Manta Aquarium and the Shark Encounter.

17. Conquer the SeaWorld Water Rides

SeaWorld has two main water attractions for you to enjoy on your visit.

SeaWorld Orlando Tips with Journey to Atlantis Water Ride. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Journey to Atlantis

This exciting flume roller coaster hybrid allows you to travel through dark, watery passageways inside the sunken city before being thrown down a thrilling plunge into the waters below.

Infinity Falls

SeaWorld’s Infinity Falls will have you rushing through the rapids as you climb aboard your raft for a journey of discovery down a lost jungle river.

SeaWorld Orlando Infinity Falls Entrance to Water Ride. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

According to SeaWorld, you will plunge down the tallest drop of its kind into churning whitewater ending your adventure at Harmony Village.

SeaWorld Orlando Infinity Falls Water Ride. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Hipster Power Tip: Be prepared by bringing a change of clothes (maybe just a shirt), so that you’re not walking around in wet clothes.

18. Know What to Bring to SeaWorld Orlando

Do you know what’s in my SeaWorld bag?

Knowing what to pack is one of the top SeaWorld Orlando tips I can give you.

If it’s a short day, then I will have my iPhone, lip gloss, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, a couple of masks, and mints.

Tips for SeaWorld Orlando with Lighthouse Entrance. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

What to pack for SeaWorld Orlando?

Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!

Are back packs allowed in SeaWorld?

You can definitely bring your own backpack inside of SeaWorld.

Per SeaWorld, all bags, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the park.

SeaWorld Orlando Tips and Ticket area. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

What items are not allowed in SeaWorld?

The following items are not permitted to be brought into SeaWorld:

  • weapons
  • glass bottles
  • cans
  • any other type of sharp object
  • straws
  • large hard or soft coolers
  • any hazardous items or materials

Can you bring food to SeaWorld?

You can bring food inside SeaWorld Orlando if it meets the follow requirements:

Acceptable items:

  • Bottled water
  • Small snacks that do not require heating
  • Any food required for medical purposes and medically indicated nutritional supplements
  • Food required for special dietary needs
  • Baby food/baby formula

Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!

19. Know Where to Stay Near SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando

When planning your SeaWorld Orlando trip, you’ll need a resort that’s close to all the theme park action in Orlando.

SeaWorld Orlando Mako Skytower with Renaissance Hotel in the background (hotels near SeaWorld Orlando). Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld® is the perfect location if you want a resort right next to SeaWorld Orlando.

Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld Exterior
Photo Credit: Renaissance Orlando

It has top notch, oversized guest rooms.  Which is the only way to have a true Hipster vacation.

Watch the FULL Tour of Springhill Suites at SeaWorld Orlando here!

Encore Resort at Reunion

One of the top family resorts in Orlando, Encore is packed with fun things to do. It has a huge water park with a lagoon pool, water slides and a kids’ splash zone.

Waterpark at Encore Resort Review. One of the best vacation home rentals near Disney World (3)

It also offers 3 restaurants, sports courts, a fitness center and a villa delivery service for its restaurant food.

Encore Resort Review. One of the best vacation home rentals near Disney World.

Also, unlike many other resorts in Orlando, Encore runs a free shuttle service to and from the theme parks.

Pool area in 5 Bedroom villa at Encore

You can rent a luxury 5-bedroom vacation home with its own pool and game room from around $329 per night.

Read how to choose the best Orlando vacation home here!

Springhill Orlando at SeaWorld

This resort is a staple for anyone traveling to Orlando. You know what you’re going to get with a Springhill experience.

Springhill Suites Hotel Near SeaWorld Orlando Pool Area

Plus, this one is located in the heart of all the Orlando theme park fun.

Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld

The Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld is one of my favorite resorts to explore in Orlando and is close to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove.

Regal Oaks Resort

The CLC Regal Oaks is a beautiful resort a short distance away from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando.

CLC Regal Oaks resort near Orlando. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.

Each vacation townhouse has its own Jacuzzi tucked away in a spaciously, serene patio.

A great way to end a day at SeaWorld!

Exterior of CLC Regal Oaks town house hotel resort near Orlando. Keep reading to get the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.
Regal Oaks

There’s a clubhouse, a resort-style pool area, and a walking trail.

Regal Oaks does offer lots of activities similar to Disney Resort hotels, such as cake decorating, water aerobics, hidden quests, and more!

WATCH my full experience at CLC Regal Oaks here!

My Final Thoughts on Your Best SeaWorld Orlando Tips

Overall, SeaWorld is a spectacular theme park to visit on your next Orlando vacation.

I hope my favorite SeaWorld Orlando tips and tricks help you out on your next solo or family trip!

Large blue Manta roller coasters with passengers facing down. Full guide to the best SeaWorld Orlando tips, secrets and hacks.
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If you have any additional questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

If you enjoyed these SeaWorld Orlando tips, then you’ll love:

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

Are you planning an Orlando vacation soon? Read the Orlando Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

(Original Article Date: June 18, 2019/Updated February 6, 2024)

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