SeaWorld announced today a phased reopening (with capacity limitations) of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove on June 11, 2020.
The reopening of the parks will include enhanced health and safety protocols for cleaning and sanitizing, physical distancing, face-covering requirements, and temperature screening.
A new online reservation system will also help manage capacity so that guests can enjoy a safe and fun experience while maintaining physical distancing. The phased reopening plan was approved by the State of Florida.
“We thank Governor DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Demings, Orlando Mayor Dyer, and the members of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for their support of tourism in Central Florida as we prepare to reopen our Orlando parks to the public on June 11,” said Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Over the past two months, we have worked with state and local health officials, third party medical and epidemiology experts, and attraction industry leaders to enhance our strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. We are committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and animals in our care, and will continue to follow the guidance of health officials as conditions evolve.”
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove have launched new safety websites with detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when the parks reopen, including key operational changes.
Specific information by park can be found by visiting the following websites:
“We couldn’t be more excited to reopen our three Orlando parks – SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove,” said Kyle Miller, president of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Discovery Cove. “We know our guests are anxious to return, and we’re working hard to provide a safe environment so they can enjoy many more memorable experiences with us and their friends and family.”
To help manage the capacity to maintain physical distancing within the parks, all parks will require advance online reservations.
Guests will be asked to visit the reservation pages of park websites where reservations will be required to guarantee entry given anticipated demand.
Reservations for SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove will be available starting at 10:00AM ET on June 8, 2020.
For more information on the online reservation process, please visit:
We are really excited for SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove to once again welcome guests!!!
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Want to find out more information on the other parks?
Check out our other posts on the other theme park reopening announcements!
During the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force meeting on May 27th Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment unveiled their plan for reopening their parks in Orlando.
Let’s not waste any more time…on to the slides!!!!
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove’s Reopening Proposal
SeaWorld will be holding an Employee Appreciation night on June 10 and will be reopening to the general public on June 11th with new procedures and protocols to ensure guest and team member safety.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment are putting forth a comprehensive plan to enhance all aspects of park operations.
Before entering the park:
New signage and floor markings will be in place to communicate expectations and enhancements
Guest will be required to wear a face mask
Temperature screenings will be conducted prior to ticketing, and any guest with a temperature over 100.4 will not be admitted to the park
When entering the park, SeaWorld is implementing a number of new policies to increase safety by promoting physical distancing and sanitation.
Enhanced Cleaning protocols for arrival areas, attractions, restaurants, and retail shops
Increased space at turnstiles to accommodate physical distancing
Reduction of contact during ticketing by removing the fingerprint requirement to enter the turnstiles.
When it’s time to eat, you will notice a number of changes to restaurants and food offerings.
Increased access to touchless payment technology
Restaurants will have seating layouts modified to accommodate physical distancing
Tables and chairs will be sanitized regularly
Disposable paper menus will replace traditional menus
Buffets will be modified or closed
Additional prepackaged “Grab and Go” items will be made available
Additional enhancements will be made to retail shops to reduce guest interactions and increase safety.
New signage will be in place to designate entrance and exits to ensure a clear flow of traffic.
Queues will have floor markings for physical distancing
Restocking will be done after hours to reduce employee numbers in the shops when guests are present
Additional availability of touchless payment technology
Animal viewing areas and interactions will still be available but will be working with limited capacity or limited hours.
Animal viewing areas will remain open with limited capacity
Selected tours and interactions will be restricted to one party at a time
Only tours that can accommodate physical distancing will operate
SeaWorld’s water parks, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, will reopen to guests along with their other parks.
Increased cleaning and sanitation standards, limited guest capacity, and physical distancing measures are being put in place to ensure CDC recommendations for safety are fulfilled.
We will be updating you once the proposal has been approved and more details are announced.
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Check out our other posts on the other theme park reopening announcements!
The Week in Review: July 30 – August 3, 2012: Fashion, Celebrities, SUP, & Giveaways!!!
It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened July 30th to August 3rd!!!
Let’s Go!
On Monday, Christa Dunbar helped us take a peek at the new Artist Collection for Target! I am going to go broke buying these awesome shirts!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLcUg-Id6GU
Also, I took a look at all of the activities you can find at Discovery Cove! This boutique park has a lot more to offer than just swimming with Dolphins!!!
The Dolphin Interaction at Discovery Cove!
We all have a new passion at On the Go, and that is supporting the Orlando City Soccer Club! Check out Aurora’s soccer adventures as she talks about the sport, culture, and fun of being a OCSC Fan!
Cheering For the home town boys!!!
For Wordless Wednesday, I took at a look at one of my favorite Hidden Mickeys at the Magic Kingdom! Arrrr!!!
Pirates of the Caribbean Hidden Mickey in the Gold!
Shalon put together an awesome video highlighting our experience at the Orlando City Soccer Club game against Stoke City!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo62GCoeHTE
CELEBRITY SIGHTING!!! Betsy shares her day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios complete with a Tom Cruise sighting at Toy Story Midway Mania!!!!!
Tom Cruise on Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
LEGOLAND Florida announced their Brick-Or-Treat Halloween Event that will take place later this fall! It looks like it’s going to be a really family-friendly way to celebrate with your favorite ghosts and goblins!
Celebrate Halloween this fall with Brick-Or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida
This Friday all of us sat down to share our favorite ways to Beat the Heat in the Parks just in time for the dog days of summer in our latest Roundtable discussion!
And we rounded out our week, with Megan looking back at the first in our Florida Adventures Series with our Paddleboarding, SUP, experience with East Coast Paddle in New Smyrna Beach, Florida!
Shelley and Megan Paddleboarding in New Smyrna Beach, FL!
Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive adventure set in a paradise of rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, a resort-style pool complete with waterfalls and white-sand beaches in which guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, rays, and tropical fish, interact with exotic animals, and hand-feed exotic birds.
Reservations are required, and daily attendance is limited to approximately 1,000 guests, ensuring no overcrowding. Guests are greeted at a luxurious reception center and proceed down a nature walk for their day of discovery.
The all-inclusive adventure of a day at Discovery Cove includes a continental breakfast and freshly-prepared lunch, snacks and beverages, including wine and beer throughout the day. Each guest is also provided his/her own swim vest or wetsuit, towel, and swim gear, including a snorkel, mask, fins and eco-friendly sunscreen. Private lockers and dressing areas feature Crabtree & Evelyn bath products.
The park’s animals include Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Southern and cownose rays, thousands of brilliantly colored tropical fish and sharks, and more than 250 exotic birds in a free-flight aviary.
The Discovery Cove Dolphin Interaction is one that the whole family will enjoy!
Dolphin Lagoon
Thehighlight of a visit to Discovery Cove is the opportunity to swim with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin during a 30-minute interactive adventure. Accompanied by a trainer, groups of six to eight guests wade into shallow water and become acquainted with their dolphin through hugs, kisses and rubdowns. Then, taking the adventure one step further, guests interact with their dolphin in deeper water for an exciting dorsal fin tow ride back to shore. Guests must be at least 6 years old for the dolphin swim experience.
Freshwater Oasis
The Freshwater Oasis is an all-new attraction featuring wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets. Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, guests can relax and explore. They’ll wade, wonder, swim and float in the water-filled trails and discover marmosets and playful Asian otters. No matter where guests turn, they’ll find endless discoveries.
The Grand Reef
This imersive experience features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures, from white sandy beaches and hammocks swaying in the breeze, to snorkeling among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.
The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove is a beautiful and amazing experience! We had a blast swimming among the fish and rays!
SeaVenture
Part of the Grand Reef, SeaVenture is an underwater walking tour where guests, wearing dive helmets, find up-close encounters with sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays.
Wind-Away River
This waterway meanders through the park, encountering beaches, palm-covered walkways and rocky lagoons. Guests swimming through theWind-AwayRivertravel through different environments: a sunny island beach, a dense tropical forest and an underwater cave. Swimmers going under a waterfall will emerge inside the immense free-flight aviary. Flotation devices are provided as the river varies in depth.
Explorer’s Aviary
This free-flight aviary is home to more than 250 exotic birds. Guests can hand-feed hundreds of tiny birds and interact with birds as tall as four feet. Guests enter the aviary’s lush, tropical environment by way of the park’s beaches or drifting under the refreshing waterfalls in the Wind-Away River.
Inside the Aviary at Discovery Cove you get the chance to get up close to some beautiful birds.
Serenity Bay Beaches and Pools
Sugar-white beaches are lined with swaying palms, tropical foliage and quaint thatched huts. Guests can claim their own spot among the tall shady umbrellas, lazy hammocks, sunning lounges and beach chairs. Buckets and sand toys are sprinkled along the beach for kids to enjoy. (All amenities are included with admission.
Conservation Cabana
Guests at Discovery Cove enjoy a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the lives of endangered and exotic animals through personal interaction and experiences that are as enriching as they are fun. At Conservation Cabana, visitors can dig into the animal world by touching replica bones, reading from resource books, and searching on computer terminals about the animals they will spend the day with and the park’s conservation partners. Educators are stationed at the Cabana to answer questions, provide animal information and showcase feathered and furry friends throughout the day.
Fantastic Fare
Included with admission, guests at Discovery Cove enjoy unlimited access to a fantastic selection of food and drink all day long. A full, hot breakfast is served at Laguna Grill until 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. From familiar fare to chef specials, all dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and incorporate healthy elements, with daily seafood selections, salad options, and vegetarian dishes available.
Snack Stations
Snack stations throughout the park provide all-day service, and offer everything from yogurt and soft pretzels to fruit smoothies and gourmet coffees. Ice-cold beverages, including bottled water, juices, sodas, wine and beer are also offered all day.
If you are looking to take your experience at Discovery Cove to the next level, there are several extras that you can add to your day at Discovery Cove!
Trainer for a Day
For a truly extraordinary experience, up to 24 guests a day can spend additional time with dolphins with three personal interactions, plus behind-the-scenes time with Discovery Cove’s trainers to learn more about the animals that call the park home.
The Trainer for a Day package includes all features of the standard Discovery Cove package plus the behind-the-scenes activities starting at $398 plus tax, depending on the season. Guests between the ages of 6 and 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The Trainer for a day experience at Discovery Cove is a great way to have an experience you will never forget!
Special Occasions
Discovery Cove has created a number of unique Special Occasion packages that include the delightfully unexpected assistance of a bottlenose dolphin. Discovery Cove dolphins have assisted in countless watery wedding proposals, launched love notes, and been a splash at the best of birthday celebrations. For each Special Occasion package, a bottlenose dolphin delivers a personalized message on a keepsake buoy, putting a fantastic end to the already memorable dolphin experience. In addition to the special dolphin delivery, each package features an array of other impressive touches. Call for details.
Private Cabanas
Tucked away behind lush foliage, private cabanas (available for an extra fee) overlook the secluded Dolphin Lagoon. All come complete with table and chairs, chaise lounges, towels, fresh flowers and a refrigerator.
If you are wanted to add a touch of luxury to your trip to Discovery Cove, a private cabana is a great option.
Discovery Cove is located on Central Florida Parkway, at the Intersection of Interstate 4 and FL 528 (the Beachline Expressway), 10 minutes south of downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
For an all-inclusive experience like no other, admission to Discovery Cove includes:
Reserved dolphin-swim interaction
Unlimited access to The Grand Reef, free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay and Wind-Away River
Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch plus snacks throughout the day
Beverages throughout the day, including select alcoholic drinks
All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towel, locker, sunscreen and other amenities
All day self-parking
A complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry to park
A pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando before, during or after Discovery Cove visit.
Admission prices throughout 2012:
Seasonal rates for Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim Day Resort package start at $229 (Day Resort package, and for guests age 3-5, rates start at $129) *Prices vary seasonally.
Discovery Cove is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Guest check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
Due to the exclusive, limited-attendance nature of Discovery Cove, advance reservations are required. Reservations and information are available by visiting DiscoveryCove.com or by calling toll-free at 1-877-434-7268.
Discovery Cove is offering the ultimate vacation for Orlando visitors with the introduction of a new, all-inclusive package: A day at Discovery Cove now includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark.
These three parks — Discovery Cove, SeaWorld and Aquatica — are now known collectively as SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, the only place in the world that features unique adventures that connect families with animals, the sea and each other. It’s the one destination in Orlando where animals are the highlight and includes preferred hotel stays and exclusive benefits.
“This new offer is incredible for guests because it allows them to explore Discovery Cove for the day and also enjoy SeaWorld and Aquatica during their Orlando vacation, so they can experience the amazing animal connections that all of our parks deliver in their own way.” said Toni Caracciolo, Marketing Vice President for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts. “It also solidifies the Discovery Cove reservation as a true, all-inclusive package,” she added.
At Discovery Cove, guests can enjoy a perfect day swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays and tropical fish, hand-feeding exotic birds, and relaxing on pristine beaches … and that’s just the beginning.
Opening later this summer at Discovery Cove is Freshwater Oasis, where guests can wade, relax and come face-to-face with new animals — playful otters and curious marmosets. Plus, with unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days, guests have the ultimate flexibility to live the 3D 360 journey at TurtleTrek, SeaWorld’s newest attraction, and then cool off at Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that immerses them in the playfulness of the sea.
Starting at $229, Dolphin Swim Day Resort Packages at Discovery Cove now include:
Reserved dolphin experience
Unlimited access to signature experiences including: The Grand Reef, free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, Wind-Away River and coming soon Freshwater Oasis
Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch plus snacks throughout the day
Beverages all day long, including sodas, water and alcoholic drinks
All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towels, locker, sunscreen and other first-class amenities
All day self-parking at Discovery Cove
A complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry to park
A pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando before, during or after Discovery Cove visit.
Guests that have already booked Discovery Cove reservations on or after May 22 and who have selected SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica with their reservation will automatically have access to both parks during their vacation. For reservations and to learn more, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 1-877-434-7268.
Earlier this morning SeaWorld Orlando had a HUGE announcement about new attractions and experiences coming to both SeaWorld and Discovery Cove in 2012 and 2013, and I cannot tell you how excited I am about them!!!
These new attractions represent the biggest attraction expansions in the history of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the parks’ parent company.
Terry Prather, president of the company’s Orlando parks, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, said, “With TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando and Freshwater Oasis at Discovery Cove, travelers will have all new reasons to visit Orlando. What we’re creating will take you places you’ve never been before, places only SeaWorld can take you.”
While creating TurtleTrek (opening at SeaWorld Orlando in spring 2012), designers stayed true to SeaWorld’s unique blend of nose-to-nose animal encounters and state-of-the art entertainment.
Guests first visit two massive naturalistic habitats, one filled with hundreds of freshwater fish and gentle manatees, the other home to more than 1,500 saltwater fish and more than a dozen sea turtles. Many of the manatees and sea turtles were rescued by the park’s animal team. Since SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue programs began, the team has cared for and returned to the wild nearly 240 manatees and more than 1,200 sea turtles.
Moving on from the habitat, guests enter a domed theater, and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.
Coming to life is a first-of-its-kind 3-D/360-degree dome theater film that is completely immersive. The dome allows a hyper-realistic 3-D movie to be shown all around guests and even above them – not just in front them or on only one screen. It’s this unique and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic and astounding journey that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, SeaWorld guests are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.
TurtleTrek is as inspirational as it is astounding. There’s a call-to-action at the end of the experience: SeaWorld calls on guests to join them in conserving the world we share. “Do a little, do a lot, but join us and do something to help the world and its animals,” said Brian Morrow, the attraction’s chief designer. “TurtleTrek is about the everyday heroes who can make a difference in nature.”
Opening at Discovery Cove in spring 2012 is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring swimming and wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.
Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical vibe. Guests can relax at the In-Water Relaxation Station and explore in the unique water ways and water-filled trails to discover marmosets and playful Asian otters. No matter where they turn, they’ll find endless discoveries.
Admission to the Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove, a limited-admission, all-inclusive tropical resort where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, snorkel among thousands of colorful fish and rays and relax on pristine beaches.
Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin
Also announced was SeaWorld Orlando’s biggest-ever attraction expansion, Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, opening spring 2013.
Through the years, SeaWorld Orlando has taken guests to far-flung corners of the globe, immersing them in the character and feel of exotic places and introducing them to unique worlds of adventure.
At the park’s “Wild Arctic” guests ride a simulated jet copter to the frozen north, into a habitat of polar bears, beluga whales and huge walruses. “Key West at SeaWorld” sets guests down in the funky ambience of the Florida Keys, with dolphins, stingrays and colorful birds. The rocky northern California coast is found at “Pacific Point Preserve,” with dozens of seals and sea lions. The park’s other attractions take guests into the worlds of sharks, sea turtles and manatees, or let guests soar like a ray on the Manta roller coaster or ride the back of a mythical beast, the Kraken.
But no journey is bigger — or as incredible — as the one to come in 2013. It’s a voyage to the bottom-of-the-world, to the coldest and windiest continent, to a place of ice more than 9,000- feet thick. It’s a journey to Antarctica and to the empire of the penguin.
Guests will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and awesome encounters found in this frozen place, embarking on a one-of-a-kind ride and an incredible family adventure.
They’ll experience the mystery and wonder of life on the ice through the eyes of a penguin, sensing the beauty and drama of their sometimes-dangerous habitat. Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin combines closer-then-ever animal connections with state-of-the-art interactive ride technologies for adventures that are different each time.
It’s an all-family experience that could only come from SeaWorld and can only be found at SeaWorld Orlando. And, it’s safe to say Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world.
A year-and-a-half from opening at SeaWorld Orlando, details are few. For now, SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica will stay as mysterious as its namesake continent. “Only SeaWorld and its parks can take you on these journeys or bring these experiences to you,” said Prather. “We’re excited about what the future holds for our parks and our fans.”Follow us for more updates:
Continuing on our week of firsts, I take a look at Discovery Cove’s Grand Reef opening this June.
Opening in June 2011, The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove in Orlando features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures, from white sandy beaches, to snorkeling among thousands of tropical fish and rays in canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.
Discovery Cove is the boutique of boutique parks in Orlando. It is an all day resort-like experience that only allows in 1,000 guests a day to participate in up close encounters with birds, rays, and of course dolphins.
A view of a group during the Dolphin Experience in the Dolphin Lagoon.
It is hard to imagine, but The Grand Reef is really going to be cherry on top of what is already a really amazing place!!!
Construction on the Grand Reef is moving non-stop and around the clock!
The Grand Reef will be 2.5 acres with sandy beaches and almost a million gallons of salt water that will be home to approximately 10,000 animals representing 125 different species of fish), rays, and sharks. Another unique and exclusive part of the Grand Cove will be the removable coral which will be repositioned to create new experiences every visit.
A close of up of the removable coral that will be inside of The Grand Reef.
Thousands of colorful fish will dart and school through crystal clear waters creating a rainbow under the sea. The fish include angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses and tangs, and larger hogfish and filefish that will eat almost 150 pounds of food a day!!!
Spotted eagle rays, who are usually found in Caribbean and Pacific waters, will take their place among the dozens of rays who will call the reef home.
There are three showcase moments when you will come face to face with a few guys that belong behind glass! The first moment happens when you can get a new perspective on the venomous and invasive lionfish. Then you will come face to face with a not so pretty or friendly group of eels who will make their home with grouper and triggerfish. And finally you will get an exciting view, both in and out of the grand reef, of Zebra/Australian leopard, nurse, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks.
Some say it's like walking on the moon - but surrounded by fish. SCUBA certification is not required.
SeaVenture will be the crown jewel experience of the Grand Reef! This innovative experience is an underwater walking tour where guests, wearing dive helmets, will be able to walk the reef as an inhabitant. After climbing down a latter, guest will set foot on the reef floor where they will come face-to-face with sharks through a full, 8 foot talk, 21 foot long panoramic window. Along the way, guest will be able to really explore the reef, its showcases, and be able to touch starfish & sea urchins along the way. The adventure will end with schools of fish feeding around the divers with the massive open reef as a backdrop. This hour long program will be for groups of up to six people per excursion, and cost $59 per participant.
The dive helmet looks heavy, but it has been designed to be extremely light under the water.
The Grand Reef will also offer eight new cabanas for rent as the water’s edge to add a touch of luxury to an already amazing day!!!
I personally CANNOT WAIT to experience the reef and the SeaVenture!!! It is truly going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see what it is like to live under the sea!!!Follow us for more updates:
