Special Events and Experiences at Seaworld Orlando

Electric Ocean

Summer is peak time at SeaWorld® Orlando, and after spending a warm day enjoying dizzying roller coasters, spectacular live animal shows, and engaging exhibits, you can end your visit with a splash. Electric Ocean is the number one nighttime event in the Orlando summer calendar. It is a jam-packed night with a dazzling array of spectacular live events that set the night aglow.

The event kicks off at 5:30 pm at the Dolphin Theatre with the Touch the Sky, an exciting display of animal acrobatics with dancing dolphins and soaring macaws. With an energetic original soundtrack to get you ready for the night ahead, Touch the Sky is the perfect start to an unforgettable summer evening.

Next at 6:30 pm are the comic stylings of everyone’s favorite comedy duo, Clyde and Seamore the Sea Lions who are back with their show, Sea Lions Tonight, a fun-filled splash-fest where the two zany sea lions try to see all the parks attractions in only 20 minutes. Have a giggle as they parody some of your favorite SeaWorld® animal shows and perform some all-new tricks alongside the SeaWorld® mime.

The evening continues from 8 pm at Club Sea Glow, a family-friendly dance party with incredible DJ’s and light displays that transform the club into an underwater wonderland. Then, head over to Shamu Stadium for the return of the fan-favorite live show, Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night which begins at 8:30 pm. This high-energy show features all-original music and colorful backdrops highlighting the powerful Orca whales.

Ignite is the Grand finale to this epic event. This firework spectacular lights up the sky with the colors of the ocean while synchronized fountains provided a captivating sensory experience like no other. For the best seat in the house, head over to the Bayside Stadium where you can be entranced by the underwater beauty.

Craft Beer Festival

This popular event is a feast for the senses and returns this yeahttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/us/seaworld-breeding-killer-whales.htmlr featuring over 100 premium local and international craft beers on tap for you to enjoy. You can purchase a sample pack to try a few of your favorite varieties or relax and unwind with a cold one at one of the 18 brew locations around the park.

And, while beer may be the star of the show at this event, there are also some amazing new menu items to pair with your beer. Some of the culinary highlights from last year’s event included candied bacon, bison sliders and BBQ brisket mac and cheese.

SeaWorld® Halloween Spooktacular

SeaWorld® Orlando is dedicated to providing educational entertainment to families, so they have created an amazing Halloween event that is more treat and less trick. This family-friendly event runs from September through to the end of October and is an all-day event geared towards children of all ages.

Dress up in your favorite costumes and take the little ones trick-or-treating through the park with many allergy-free options available in addition to more traditional candy. All candy stations are clearly labeled with what is available. You can even purchase a SeaWorld trick-or-treating bag to keep your candy safe while you explore.

Head on over to see the gang Sesame Street at the Seaport Theatre with live theatrical performances with Elmo, Abby and Count von Count singing along to your favorite tunes. You can also start your Halloween with breakfast with your Sesame Street friends at Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast or enjoy a Halloween party within a party at Penelope’s Garden Party with DJ’s, crafts and bubble magic.

Don’t forget the many photo opportunities with some of the crazy characters around the park from princesses to mermaids to jellyfish.

Praise Wave

Returning this year is Praise Wave, one of the premier Christian music festivals in the state that celebrates Christian fellowship with incredible live performances from some of the biggest names in Christian music. Guests can spend days riding some of the most thrilling roller coasters in Orlando, including Mako, the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in the state and getting up close and personal with the beautiful sea creatures at the exhibits, including the incredible dark ride, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin which combines a ride and exhibit into one amazing attraction.

Then, head over to the Nautilus Theatre where the concert kicks off with some of your favorite Christian musical acts and sets the night on fire with dazzling light displays for a truly special SeaWorld® event.

SeaWorld® Christmas Celebration

All seasonal events at SeaWorld® Orlando add an extra special touch to your visit, but the SeaWorld® Christmas Celebration transforms the park into a Winter Water-land that perfectly celebrates the season.

There are so many incredible festive events that take place during the celebration but one of the biggest highlights is Shamu’s Christmas Miracle. This night show is inspired by the original Shamu show and showcases stunning synchronized killer whale performances for a show that tells a story of love and friendship and the everyday miracles around you.

Clyde and Seamore the Sea Lions are also celebrating Christmas in a classic comedic fashion. Watch them as they try and find the perfect gift and wait impatiently for Santa to arrive. With an appearance by an elf, a walrus and a pair of cheeky otters, this show is full of hilarious tricks to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Another spectacular show to enjoy is the Winter Wonderland on Ice show at Bayside Stadium. This Christmas extravaganza features incredible ice skaters performing to some of your favorite classic Christmas tunes. A be sure to catch the inspiring live Nativity show, O Wondrous Night, with life-sized puppets, real animals and a beautiful soundtrack of carols for you to sing along with.

Don’t forget to check out the dazzling Sea of Trees display while you explore the park with over 100 trees lit up to look like they are floating on water and festive soundtrack, and be sure to visit Santa, Rudolph and all the other Christmas characters around the park for a photo.

New Year’s Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve SeaWorld® style with ocean-inspired light and firework displays and a captivating musical performance that will transport you to a world full of under-the-sea beauty. The New Year’s Eve celebration runs alongside the parks other holiday festivities and is one of the busiest days of the year, so you may want to consider purchasing reserved seating, so you don’t miss out on a second of the magic.

Three Kings Celebration

Kick-off the New Year with one of SeaWorld® Orlando’s newest events: Three Kings Day. As celebrated by the Latin community the world over, the Three Kings Celebration at SeaWorld® Orlando honors the three biblical wise men and the festival of the Epiphany.

Families are encouraged to join in with the festivities which can be enjoyed all through the first week of January. Some events include The Three Wise Kings Processional where you can follow in the footsteps of the Three Wise Men as they journey to Bethlehem and learn about some of the important Three Kings Day traditions. The processional features live animals and runs multiple times throughout the day.

The festivities continue at Sharks Underwater Grill where you can enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican holiday feast or try some of the special Latin-inspired holiday treats prepared in honor of the day including empanadas, quesitos, and frozen sangria. There are also many holiday-themed activities around the park for you to explore.

SeaWorld® Seven Seas Food Festival

In previous years, SeaWorld® Orlando hosted two major food festivals, Bands, Brew and BBQ and Viva La Musica. This year saw the park condense all the best parts of these two festivals into one amazing food-focused event: SeaWorld® Seven Seas Food Festival.

Returning in May 2020, the Seven Seas Food Festival showcases over 180 different international options to try as well as some of the finest international and local craft beer on tap. Some of the culinary highlights include the coastal cuisines of Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the Mediterranean.

Try street food delicacies at the culinary markets or give in to your sweet tooth and savor one of the many sweet treats available. Don’t forget to grab a Food & Beverage Sampler card so you can try a little of everything. For families, there are also plenty of kid’s food options available at the All-American market for the less adventurous foodies in the family.

The festival also features a diverse range of live musical performances at Bayside Stadium with Latin, Christian, rock and country bands to keep you grooving all day long. You can reserve seats and take your food and drink in with you, so you don’t miss a second of the music.

SeaWorld® Inside Look

Unlike other theme parks, SeaWorld® Orlando is a working research and marine park, and one of the biggest highlights of the year is always SeaWorld’s Inside Look which offers guests the opportunity to interact with SeaWorld’s amazing vets and animal experts who demonstrate the daily care of the animals. You will also have access to areas of the park usually off-limits to guests. This is an unforgettable opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with some of your favorite marine animals at SeaWorld®.

Jack Hanna Weekend

Though not on the official schedule, Jack Hanna, world-renowned conservationist, author and animal expert, hosts his annual Jack Hanna Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando as part of the Inside Look event. Hanna will be sharing some of his amazing stories and hosting his Wild Animal show as well as having a meet-and-greet with fans.

Tickets and Packages

One of the great things about seasonal events at SeaWorld® Orlando is that nearly all of them are included in the price of your entry ticket. You can purchase tickets to reserve seats at shows on during these events, and sampling passes at food and drink festivals also incur a small fee.

At aRes Travel, we have SeaWorld® Orlando discount tickets available to suit your travel budget. You have the option of buying a single-day ticket or to upgrade to a single day with all-day dining so you can enjoy the amazing food options available at the park.

For longer visits, we have Choose Your Own Adventure packages that offer visits to multiple parks including SeaWorld® Orlando.

Tips for Attending Seasonal Events

During seasonal events, crowds are bigger, and queues are longer, so it is recommended that you carefully plan your day to make the most of the park and the event.

• Arrive early, especially if visiting with young children, to avoid crowds and head to your favorite rides and exhibits first to get the best viewing position. This is also good advice to follow if you plan on seeing any live shows. Arriving 15 – 20 before show time ensure that you find the best view of the fun.
• Find a map to help navigate the multiple paths around the park. Having a map available, and even consulting it prior to your visit means no time is wasted trying to find your way around the park. Maps can be downloaded online and printed, or you can access the park with the SeaWorld ® mobile app.
• Be aware that if you sit in the Soak Zone at the live shows you will get wet. Bring a change of clothes and stow away any valuables that may get water damaged.

Final Thoughts

SeaWorld® Orlando is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family. Seasonal events hosted at the park are unforgettable experiences and add to the magic of your visit. Best of all nearly all events are included in the price of your ticket. If you are planning a trip to Orlando, be sure to organize your stay around one of these amazing experiences.

For special offers, amazing savings on packages and hotels, and some of the lowest prices on travel call 1 (800) 434-7894 (international callers use +1 (619) 546-5622) to speak with an aRes Travel planning expert seven days a week, or book online now.