SeaWorld’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

Orlando’s SeaWorld park is always a pleasure to visit for its fresh, natural, sea-going style, but there is even more to enjoy this year as the 60th anniversary of the San Diego park means celebrations all round!

That’s right, the original California home of Shamu and Co opened its doors back in 1964 – nine years before Orlando joined the nautical parade – and all three US SeaWorld parks will turn on the celebratory style for the rest of the year.

It all kicked off on March 21, 60 years to the day since the San Diego Park established the highly successful template for a sea-based entertainment experience. And the extra fun and excitement will last all year.

SeaWorld has quietly become a major hit with coaster fans in recent years, putting their natural marine exhibits and habitats somewhat in the shade, but this new anniversary will – at least temporarily – help to redress the balance and put more focus on the original elements, especially in relation to the group’s excellent rescue and rehabilitation work.

Like any annual celebration, it is also an opportunity to roll out exclusive new merchandise, and the big Six-Oh will be marked by plenty of wallet-tempting items, including reusable water bottles, plush animals, snow globes, backpacks, notebooks, blankets, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, a custom Precious Moments collectible, and more.

Additionally, for the first time in recent years, guests will be able to see Shamu and Crew together again and take a commemorative photo with them. Kids of all ages will love meeting the quartet of cuddly costumed characters – namely, Shamu, Coral the Dolphin, Sydney the Shark, and Puck the Penguin!

For repeat visitors, commemorative in-park screens are now in place to share memorable moments in the parks from guests and ambassadors alike, and guests are invited to share their own images and videos of their favourite SeaWorld memories, using the hashtag #SeaWorld60, while a special gallery of historic photos and memorabilia from the park over the past 60 years will be in the Pass Member’s Lounge.

And there’s more

All the above is just the starting point for the additional festivities this year, as the parks promise there will be new elements added periodically to spice up the celebration, under the all-encompassing slogan of “So Much More to Sea!”

The SeaWorld parks now come under the umbrella of United Parks & Resorts, and chief executive officer Marc Swanson explained: “We are thrilled to celebrate 60 years of creating enriching, animal care experiences, exhilarating rides and all-around fun for everyone with our family – the exceptional guests, ambassadors and partners that have made SeaWorld the special place it is today.

“As we look to the next 60 years and beyond, we are excited about the future and the one-of-a-kind experiences that will continue to inspire the next generation of guests.”

Since opening for the first time in 1964, SeaWorld has provided meaningful experiences that aim to educate and inspire guests of all ages to care about marine life. The “So Much More to Sea” 60th anniversary campaign promises to continue to deliver on this commitment and provide guests with enriching experiences for years to come.

More thrills to come

We shouldn’t also forget the other big news for SeaWorld Orlando in 2024, which was already all set to add even more excitement. The park, officially designated as the Coaster Capital of Orlando with an impressive array of heart-pounding rides, is about to take guests’ breath away once again with its all-new attraction, Penguin Trek, which will be the eagerly awaited eighth coaster to join the park’s ever-expanding ride portfolio.

Due to open later this year and designed as the ultimate family launch coaster experience, Penguin Trek will feature a unique snowmobile styled ride car where, once aboard, riders will embark on an exhilarating journey through the breath taking vastness of Antarctica as they join a penguin research mission unlike any other.

Featuring two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns, this unforgettable coaster moves at speeds of up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track that traverses both indoors and outside. The big pay-off, though, will come with its unparalleled finale. As the coaster comes to a halt, guests will find themselves not in a simulated penguin colony, but in the heart of SeaWorld’s own penguin habitat.

This unique and immersive blend of coaster thrills and authentic animal interaction offers an opportunity for the whole family to connect with the enchanting world of these captivating penguins, making it a one-of-a-kind adventure that will forever remain etched in guests’ memories.

Plus, coming soon: Exciting new presentations and shows, craveable new food and beverage options and more exclusive, collectible merchandise.

Sound like fun? Just be sure to have your tickets sorted out in advance, Check out our ticket section on this link.

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