History of SeaWorld Orlando in Timeline

SeaWorld Orlando is an animal theme park situated in Orlando, Florida, owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts. It is often promoted alongside its neighboring parks Discovery Cove and Aquatica, as well as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. In 2022, the park welcomed approximately 4.45 million visitors, making it the 10th most visited amusement park in the United States.

December 15, 1973: SeaWorld Orlando Opening

On December 15, 1973, SeaWorld Orlando opened as the third park in the SeaWorld chain, just two years after Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom, establishing Central Florida as a multi-park vacation destination.

1976: SeaWorld Sold

In 1976, SeaWorld was sold to Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

1989: Acquisition by Anheuser-Busch

In 1989, SeaWorld was acquired by Anheuser-Busch, the owners of Busch Gardens.

1992: Mission: Bermuda Triangle

In 1992, SeaWorld Orlando joined the simulator ride trend with the introduction of Mission: Bermuda Triangle, which was later re-themed into Wild Arctic.

1998: Journey to Atlantis Installation

In 1998, Journey to Atlantis, the nation's first combination roller coaster and flume ride, was installed at SeaWorld Orlando.

2000: Kraken Roller Coaster Addition

In 2000, the Kraken, a Bolliger & Mabillard floorless roller coaster, was added to SeaWorld Orlando.

2008: AB InBev Purchase and Selloff

In 2008, AB InBev purchased Anheuser-Busch and subsequently sold off Busch's parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, to the private equity firm Blackstone Inc.

2008: Aquatica Water Park Opening

In 2008, Busch Entertainment added the Aquatica water park, an adjacent park to SeaWorld Orlando.

2009: Manta Flying Coaster

In 2009, the flying coaster Manta was introduced at the park, later winning the Theme Park Insider Award as the best new attraction.

February 24, 2010: Trainer Death

On February 24, 2010, during a show at "Dine with Shamu", the orca whale Tilikum killed trainer Dawn Brancheau. The autopsy attributed Brancheau's death to blunt force trauma and drowning, with severe injuries.

August 2010: OSHA Citation

In August 2010, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited SeaWorld of Florida LLC for three safety violations following the February death of a trainer. The total penalty was $75,000, and SeaWorld was initially required to keep a barrier between trainers and whales during shows.

July 2011: Blackstone Ownership Ends

In July 2011, Blackstone Inc relinquished their 50% ownership of the neighboring Universal Orlando parks.

2012: Turtle Trek Exhibit Opening

In 2012, the Turtle Trek exhibit opened, featuring a 360-degree, 3D dome theater for a movie experience.

2013: Blackstone IPO

In 2013, Blackstone sold 37% of SEAS in an initial public offering.

2013: Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin Pavilion Opening

In 2013, the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin pavilion opened, featuring the nation's first trackless dark ride system and an improved penguin exhibit.

2014: Park Restructuring

In summer 2014, as part of the company's 50th anniversary, SeaWorld Orlando was separated into different areas, called "seas", each with a unique themed element.

2016: Mako Hypercoaster Opening

In 2016, Mako, a hypercoaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in the "Sea of Power" area near the Shark Encounter.

2019: Sesame Street Land Reopening

In 2019, SeaWorld Orlando reopened the "Sea of Fun" area as "Sesame Street Land", themed after Sesame Street.

March 2020: Temporary Shutdown Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In mid-March 2020, SeaWorld Orlando temporarily shut down as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The park reopened nearly three months later.

2020: Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin Dark Ride Closed

In 2020, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin dark ride closed.

2022: Visitor Count

In 2022, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 4.45 million guests, making it the 10th most visited amusement park in the United States.

2023: SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center Repurposing

In 2023 the former exhibit was repurposed into the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center, the largest public-facing facility dedicated to coral conservation in the country.

2023: Pipeline Opening

In 2023, Pipeline opened as the world's first surf coaster, manufactured by B&M. It is a revival of the stand-up coaster, featuring better restraints and offering a more comfortable ride experience.

September 2024: Killer Whale Injury

In September 2024, an employee was injured by a killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando.

2024: Penguin Trek Opening

In 2024, Penguin Trek opened as a new launched family roller coaster manufactured by B&M, replacing the former Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin dark ride.

March 2025: Fine by United States Department of Labor

In March 2025, SeaWorld Orlando was fined $16,550 by the United States Department of Labor after a killer whale injured an employee in September 2024.