History of SeaWorld Orlando in Timeline

SeaWorld Orlando is an animal theme park in Orlando, Florida, owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts. It is often promoted alongside Discovery Cove, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. In 2022, it hosted approximately 4.45 million guests, 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, establishing Central Florida as a multi-park vacation destination alongside Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom.

1976: SeaWorld Sold

In 1976, SeaWorld was sold to Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

1989: Anheuser-Busch Buys SeaWorld

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

1992: Mission: Bermuda Triangle Opens

In 1992, SeaWorld Orlando joined the simulator ride trend by opening Mission: Bermuda Triangle, which was later rethemed into Wild Arctic.

1998: Journey to Atlantis Installed

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

1999: Georgia Scorcher Highlight

In 1999, Georgia Scorcher at Six Flags Over Georgia was the most recent stand-up coaster before Pipeline.

2000: Kraken Roller Coaster Added

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

2008: AB InBev Purchases Anheuser-Busch and Sells Parks

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

2008: Aquatica Water Park Opens

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

2009: Manta Wins Theme Park Insider Award

In 2009, Manta, a flying coaster, was recognized with the Theme Park Insider Award for the best new attraction.

February 24, 2010: Trainer Death at SeaWorld

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

August 2010: OSHA Cites SeaWorld for Safety Violations

In August 2010, following the death of a trainer in February, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited SeaWorld of Florida LLC for three safety violations, issuing a total penalty of $75,000 and requiring a barrier between trainers and whales during shows.

July 2011: Blackstone's Ownership of Universal Orlando Parks

Until July 2011, Blackstone Inc. were the 50% owners of the neighboring Universal Orlando parks.

2012: Turtle Trek Exhibit Opens

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

2012: Year Indicated

The year 2012 is indicated.

2013: Blackstone Sells SEAS Stake

In 2013, Blackstone sold 37% of SEAS (SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.) in an initial public offering.

2013: Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin Pavilion Opens

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

2014: SeaWorld Orlando Divided into Themed "Seas"

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

2016: Mako Hypercoaster Opens

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

2019: Sesame Street Land Reopens

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

March 2020: Temporary Shutdown Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In mid-March 2020, SeaWorld Orlando temporarily shut down due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in line with other SeaWorld parks. The park reopened nearly three months later.

2020: Closure of the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin dark ride

In 2020, the trackless dark ride system in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin was closed.

2022: SeaWorld Orlando Guest Count

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

2023: Pipeline Opens as World's First Surf Coaster

In 2023, Pipeline opened at SeaWorld Orlando as the world's first surf coaster, manufactured by B&M. It is a revival of the stand-up coaster.

2023: SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center Conversion

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

September 2024: Killer Whale Injures Employee

In September 2024, an employee was injured by a killer whale, leading to a fine for SeaWorld Orlando.

2024: Penguin Trek Opens as Family Roller Coaster

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

March 2025: SeaWorld Orlando Fined After Employee Injury

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.