Last Updated July 2025
Disclosure - we were gifted tickets to SeaWorld for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.
During our two-week family holiday in Florida this April, we squeezed in a full day at SeaWorld Orlando. Although we were staying onsite at Walt Disney World and had already spent several fun filled days at Universal Orlando, we knew we couldn’t pass up the chance to revisit SeaWorld, especially after our last visit back in 2019.
SeaWorld has always been a firm favourite for us as a family. It's the perfect mix of thrilling coasters, marine life, and unique shows. This time around, we were especially excited to check out the latest attractions and see how the park had changed in the six years since our last visit.
SeaWorld Orlando - Better Than Ever in 2025
Our last visit to SeaWorld was in 2019, when Little J was still too small for most of the major rides. Fast-forward to 2025, and now that he's older (and taller!), it was finally time for him to experience the big rollercoasters for himself. He had been so excited about this visit and from the moment we entered the park, we had one goal - ride every coaster!!
We were pleasantly surprised to see how much the park had improved since our last visit and there were still parts being refurbed during our visit. We noticed that the signposting was clearer than our previous visit and the queuing areas seemed to be cleaner and brighter. SeaWorld has stepped up its game in recent years with the addition of some amazing new rides that truly compete with what’s on offer at Universal and even Busch Gardens.
Rollercoaster Highlights at SeaWorld Orlando
Manta - A Flying Sensation
Our day kicked off with Manta, one of SeaWorld’s most iconic coasters. This flying coaster is a must-do. You're strapped in face-down, giving the sensation of gliding through the air like a manta ray. It's smooth, fast, and filled with inversions that even had the boys screaming. Little J was a little speechless after his ride. He wasn't sure how he felt and as from someone who watched from the ground, the ride does look insane in places but he ticked it off his list but I don't think he would do it again.
Kraken - A Floorless Beast
Next up was Kraken, a floorless coaster that's intense, fast, and offers spectacular views over the park. The loops and corkscrews make Kraken one of the most thrilling rides in SeaWorld and a standout for older children and adults alike. It's very similar to Nemesis at Alton Towers however it's quite high which adds to the thrills.
Ice Breaker - A Family Favourite
Ice Breaker is one of the newer additions since our last visit, and it didn’t disappoint. It's the park’s first launch coaster, and it’s such a fun ride. It starts with a reverse launch and then catapults you forward over airtime hills and drops. The queue was relatively short which shocked me a little as it's such a great ride.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster - A Stand-Up Surprise
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is SeaWorld's latest innovation, a stand-up coaster that mimics the motion of surfing. You ride in a standing position, and the seats are designed to bounce slightly with the motion of the ride, giving the feeling that you’re riding a wave. The boys absolutely loved it. It’s fast, smooth, and something totally different from any ride we’ve ever been on. This was re-ride worthy and so they did it twice.
Penguin Trek - A Brand New Family Coaster
The Penguin Trek was a ride I was looking forward to the most, and it turned out to be the highlight of my entire day. It’s a family-friendly launch coaster that takes you on a journey through the icy world of Antarctica. What makes it special is the storytelling element, it really feels like you're on an expedition.
But the real magic happens after the ride. As you disembark, you’re led straight into an enclosure where you come face to face with real penguins! Watching them waddle, swim, and interact was a moment none of us will forget. They were absolutely hilarious, and we could have spent hours watching them. It was such a unique and heartwarming experience and I loved every minute.
What About Mako?
Sadly, Mako, one of the most popular hypercoasters at SeaWorld, was closed during our visit for maintenance. We were all a bit disappointed as little J was most excited to ride but gives us a great excuse to return on our next Florida adventure!
Animal Encounters & Experiences
While rollercoasters were definitely the main focus of our day, we also made time to explore some of the animal exhibits that make SeaWorld so unique. We visited the dolphin nursery, stopped by the manatee rehabilitation area, and those adorable penguins again.
For those wondering if SeaWorld still offers shows, yes, they do! However, we found ourselves so wrapped up in rides and animal encounters that we didn’t have time to catch one this visit. That said, they’re perfect for families who want to take a break from the thrill rides and learn a bit more about the amazing marine life SeaWorld helps protect.
A Quick Note on Sesame Street Land
While we didn’t spend any time in Sesame Street Land during this visit ( Little J has definitely moved on to bigger thrills these days!), it’s still very much a must-visit area for families with younger children. The land is bright, colourful and packed with kid-friendly rides, interactive play areas, and opportunities to meet beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more.
There are gentle rides such as Abby’s Flower Tower, Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl, and the family-friendly Super Grover’s Box Car Derby – a perfect starter coaster for little ones. You’ll also find interactive storytime shows, a splash zone, and even a recreation of 123 Sesame Street where kids can knock on doors and explore.
If you’re planning a visit with younger children or are curious to know more, we shared our experience of Sesame Street Land in our 2019 SeaWorld Orlando blog post, which you can read here for more details.
Food and Facilities
SeaWorld has made noticeable improvements when it comes to dining. There are now more quick-service and sit-down options across the park, and even some snack stands that serve delicious funnel cakes, pretzels, and frozen drinks (perfect for those warm Florida afternoons).
Clean restrooms, family rest areas, and refillable drink stations all contributed to a stress-free visit. We also made use of their lockers for storing our bags while we tackled the coasters, which was a handy touch.
FAQ: SeaWorld Orlando 2025
Q: What are the best rollercoasters at SeaWorld Orlando in 2025?
A: Manta, Kraken, Ice Breaker, and Pipeline are some of the most thrilling rides, with the new Penguin Trek offering a fun family-friendly experience.
Q: Is SeaWorld Orlando suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely. From Sesame Street Land to interactive animal exhibits and milder rides, there's plenty for younger visitors to enjoy.
Q: How long do you need at SeaWorld Orlando?
A: A full day is perfect to experience the major rides, shows, and animal encounters without feeling rushed.
Is SeaWorld Orlando Worth Visiting in 2025?
SeaWorld Orlando continues to evolve, and it’s clear the park is investing heavily in becoming a destination not just for animal lovers, but thrill-seekers too. With additions like Pipeline and Penguin Trek, and the classic coaster lineup of Manta, Kraken, and Ice Breaker, it easily holds its own against Universal and even Busch Gardens in terms of excitement.
What makes SeaWorld stand out is its unique blend of thrilling rides, interactive animal experiences, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bigger parks. You can easily see the whole park in one day without feeling rushed, which is ideal if you’re on a tight schedule like we were during our fortnight in Florida.
Our Thoughts
Our family day at SeaWorld Orlando in April was packed full of laughter, thrills, and memories we’ll cherish forever. From Little J conquering his first stand up coaster, to laughing at penguins post-ride on Penguin Trek, every moment was magical.
If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, make sure you pencil in a day at SeaWorld. Whether you're there for the rollercoasters, marine animals, or just a slightly slower-paced day between Disney and Universal, it's a stop well worth making.
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