Every SeaWorld in the U.S. debuts new experiences this summer

“We have a jam-packed summer planned with all new and amazing experiences in every one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “We can’t wait to welcome guests to enjoy new and favorite rides, shows, and world-class animal presentations as they have fun, cool down, relax, and refuel.”

Let’s take a look at the lineup of new attractions and returning seasonal favorites as part of each park’s Summer Spectacular.

Surf Coaster and Fireworks at SeaWorld Orlando

Earlier this month, we showed you a sneak peek of Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. The ride officially opens May 27, 2023, at SeaWorld Orlando.

On Pipeline, guests stand up as they glide along 2,950 feet of track, emulating the movement of riding a surfboard along the ocean waves. There’s one key difference from real-life surfing: here, you “surf” at 60 m.p.h. We spoke with Jeff Hornick, vice president of attraction design and development at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, about Pipeline’s unique qualities.

“What’s really great about this attraction is the way the geometry of the ride and the cadence of the ride actually enhances the motion,” Hornick told us. He called Pipeline “a long time coming for us. We’ve been working for years with our partners and designers and engineers to really hone in on this surf coaster concept.”

In addition to hanging ten on Pipeline, guests at SeaWorld Orlando can enjoy the return of the “Ignite” fireworks spectacular, which perform select nights beginning May 27, 2023.

Arctic-Themed Straddle Coaster and New Kids Area at SeaWorld San Diego

Orlando is just the beginning. Across the country at SeaWorld San Diego, Arctic Rescue will be the west coast’s longest and fastest straddle coaster when it opens “soon.”

The family-friendly coaster has three launches and reaches 40 m.p.h. Afterward, guests can encounter beluga whales, walruses, and ringed seals at the Wild Arctic habitat.

Elsewhere in the park, the new Rescue Jr. area educates young guests with hands-on fun. Rescue Jr. includes three flat rides — Rescue Riders, Board Rescue Rafter, and Tidepool Twist. An adjacent play area features a splash pad, climbing structures, and an obstacle course.

All the while, kids learn about rescue animals from SeaWorld’s Rescue team members (and some of the rescued animals themselves!) Rescue Jr. opens May 27, 2023.

A new fireworks show, “FantaSEA of Dreams,” debuted earlier this year at SeaWorld San Diego and will continue all summer long. The show performs Fridays and Saturdays now through June 17, and nightly June 18 – Aug. 20, 2023.

The park’s summer calendar also includes a new stunt show, a parade, mermaid meet & greets, and concerts. Additionally, the first few weeks of the summer will welcome Polynesian fire dancers for performances through June 18, 2023.

New Flume Coaster and Blacklight Puppets at SeaWorld San Antonio

Over in the lone star state, SeaWorld San Antonio will open Catapult Falls, the world’s first launched flume coaster. On the ride, whose summertime opening date has not yet been announced, guests zoom down a 53-degree drop at 37 m.p.h.

The park’s Sea Star Theater will debut “ImaginOcean” on June 2, 2023. The show, which previously toured the U.S., features neon blacklight puppets performed by puppeteers hiding in plain sight amidst the stage’s darkness. “ImaginOcean” is directed by John Tartaglia, alumnus of “Sesame Street,“ “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” and Broadway’s “Avenue Q.”

SeaWorld San Antonio will also welcome back favorite productions. These include “Sesame Street Party Parade” on May 27, 2023, and “Hydropower: Xtreme FX,” a waterski spectacle featuring live music and lasers, on June 2, 2023.

SeaWorld Memorial Day Sale

SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio currently offer a Memorial Day sale of up to 50% off the price of tickets, Fun Cards, and annual passes. As part of the sale in San Antonio, guests who purchase a SeaWorld pass receive a free pass to Aquatica, the neighboring water park.