SeaWorld is the roller coaster capital of Orlando. Rides such as Mako and Kraken offer high-speed excitement to thrill seekers. But what if you’re not into roller coasters? Does that mean you’ll be bored at SeaWorld?
Absolutely not! SeaWorld offers plenty of activities for non-coaster fans. During my visit earlier this year, I skipped the coasters and still had fun. Here are 8 things to do at SeaWorld that aren’t coasters.
1. Check out the animal experiences.
SeaWorld offers a variety of fascinating animal experiences, from petting stingrays to watching dolphins. Many of the animal experiences also include Keeper Talks, where you can learn about the animals from their caregivers.
In terms of entertainment, Pacific Point Preserve is arguably the highlight of the park. On my recent visit, the animals were full of personality. There was a grumpy sea lion honking at the crowd and an adorable seal who kept waving at people. (The keeper told me one of them did it once and was rewarded with a bunch of fish, so now they all do it.)
If it’s raining or you’re feeling overheated, head over to the Manatee Rehabilitation Area. This aquarium has an air-conditioned viewing gallery with long benches perfect for relaxing. Or try the Shark Encounter, which has one of the world’s largest underwater viewing tunnels.
With all this and more, SeaWorld’s animal attractions can keep you busy for hours.
2. Catch a show.
SeaWorld’s animal shows are educational, entertaining, and don’t include any sudden drops. The most well-known show is the Orca Encounter, featuring the majestic killer whales. Flippers, Facts and Fun is a humorous but educational show focused on sea lions. Dolphin Adventures highlights the intelligence and playful nature of bottlenose dolphins.
TIP: The animal shows are among the most popular things to do at SeaWorld. Arrive 15-30 minutes early to get a great seat.
You can also catch Rescue Tails at the Seaport Theater. During this presentation, caregivers share stories of animal rescues and discuss the park’s conservation efforts. You might just find yourself inspired.
3. Book a behind-the-scenes tour.
If you want to learn even more about the animals, SeaWorld offers various tours that you can book for an additional fee. These tours give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the animals are cared for.
You can meet a penguin, feed a stingray, train a dolphin, and more. There’s even a Trainer for a Day experience where you can help take care of the animals yourself. If you’re looking for unique things to do at SeaWorld, the park has a tour for everyone who loves marine life.
4. Enjoy the seasonal events.
SeaWorld hosts special seasonal events throughout the year. From exclusive food to exciting shows, there’s always something going on.
Here are some of the special events you can enjoy:
- In the summer, experience the annual Summer Spectacular. This event includes nightly fireworks and a cirque-style show.
- In the fall, attend their kid-friendly Spooktacular event during the day. Or you can buy a separate ticket for their Howl-O-Scream event at night.
- During the holidays, immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at their Christmas Celebration.
- In the spring, enjoy global treats and live concerts at the Seven Seas Food Festival.
Most special events are included with regular park admission. Check out the SeaWorld events page before you go to see what’s happening.
5. Watch the roller coasters.
SeaWorld’s coasters are truly impressive feats of engineering. Even if you’re not a fan of riding them, you can still have a blast watching the riders zooming by. Many of the coasters run near or above the park walkways, giving you a front-row seat to the action.
You might even witness some unintentional entertainment. During my visit, someone’s phone had slipped out of their pocket on a coaster and ended up in the safety net below. It was pretty funny to hear other park guests commenting on it.
TIP for your coaster-loving friends and family: Don’t let this happen to you. Store your phone in the lockers at the ride entrance.
6. Ride the water rides.
If your health allows, check out Journey to Atlantis and Infinity Falls for some milder thrills. These water rides are two of the more popular things to do at SeaWorld when the day gets hot. Just prepare to get wet.
Journey to Atlantis is a log flume ride that takes you through a peaceful Greek village. It does have a big drop and turns into a mild coaster halfway through, but it’s much less intense than Manta or Mako.
Infinity Falls is a whitewater rapids ride that’ll leave you soaking wet. If you don’t feel like waiting for the Florida sun to dry you off, you can pay to use one of the family-sized dryers outside the ride.
TIP: Do these rides earlier in the day, because the lines get long as temperatures rise.
7. Visit Sesame Street Land.
Even if you don’t have kids, Sesame Street Land is worth a visit for the attention to detail. The buildings make you feel like you stepped into the show, and there are several family-friendly rides.
On select dates, you can watch the Sesame Street Party Parade, featuring beloved characters from the show. This land brings all the nostalgia feels.
8. See the park from the water (or the sky).
SeaWorld has two relaxing attractions that each cost a small fee but provide a unique park experience.
If you don’t mind a little exercise, you can rent a flamingo-shaped paddle boat and cruise around the lake for 20 minutes. The boats provide an escape from the crowds and a different view of the park.
Another thing to do at SeaWorld is the Sky Tower, which has been around since the park opened in 1974. This air-conditioned capsule takes you hundreds of feet up for an aerial view of Orlando. The capsule rotates, allowing you to take in the entire park and beyond.
Conclusion: 8 Things to Do at SeaWorld That Aren’t Coasters
While the park is known for its thrilling coasters, there are many other things to do at SeaWorld. You can still have a great time exploring everything else that SeaWorld has to offer, whether it’s visiting the animals, enjoying the special events, or taking in a show.