SeaWorld 60th anniversary begins at all three U.S. parks March 21
All three SeaWorld parks in the U.S. will commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary this year, starting with a kickoff celebration March 21-24, 2024.
SeaWorld San Diego opened on March 21, 1964, in California. Exactly 60 years later, the park — along with its counterparts in Orlando, Fla. and San Antonio, Texas — will roll out anniversary festivities under the slogan “So Much More to Sea.”
Celebrate SeaWorld’s 60th Birthday
On the weekend of March 21-24, 2024, all three parks will begin their operating day at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony hosted by executives and featuring free cupcakes for guests.
On those dates, guests will also be able to meet Shamu and other rare walk-around characters, and learn about SeaWorld history throughout pop-up exhibits at the following locations:
- SeaWorld San Diego: Explorers Hub
- SeaWorld Orlando: Pass Member Lounge
- SeaWorld San Antonio: Chill Bar
In addtion, anniversary food and merchandise will be offered, including a new Precious Moments figure, titled “Sea a World of Wonder,” which will be available for purchase at all three parks.
At SeaWorld San Diego, sculptor Hiko Maeda will greet fans and sign figurines.
Enriching Experiences, Exhilarating Rides
Last month, the company formerly known as SeaWorld Entertainment — the portfolio of which also includes Busch Gardens and Sesame Place parks — became United Parks & Resorts. SeaWorld’s 60th-anniversary events do not extend to any of its sister brands.
“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,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts.
New Attractions at SeaWorld Parks
The SeaWorld 60th anniversary celebration continues beyond its kickoff weekend as each park has either opened, or will open, at least one new attraction in 2024.
“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,” Swanson said.
The Catapult Falls launched flume coaster opened earlier this month at SeaWorld San Antonio, the Penguin Trek family coaster will open later this spring at SeaWorld Orlando, and the Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience aquarium and “Shamu and Crew – Together Again” stage show will debut sometime in 2024 at SeaWorld San Diego (exact date TBD).
All three parks will also welcome an anniversary parade this summer.
Get a sneak peek at some of these additions on our Attractions Magazine YouTube channel:
$60 SeaWorld Tickets for 60th Anniversary
To celebrate the big 6-0, guests can currently purchase $60 single-day admission tickets to SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld Orlando, and SeaWorld San Antonio. At the San Antonio park, the offer includes all-day dining.
Do we know how long they are going to be celebrating the 60th?