SeaWorld Orlando plan 2 On-Site Hotels, transitioning into true Theme Park Resort

Exciting times ahead for SeaWorld Orlando, as not only are they forging ahead with creating the most roller coaster intensive theme park in Orlando, the company have filed plans for two on-site hotels.

Every year millions of visitors come to Orlando to experience the best theme parks in the world, and there is always something new and exciting to experience, from the latest rides and attractions to new restaurants, entertainment, and more, and no more so than at SeaWorld Orlando who have big plans which will see the theme park transition into a true resort as it moves forward with plans to build two on-site hotels.

Currently SeaWorld Orlando consists of it's main theme park, together with Aquatica Water Park, and Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive day resort where you and your family can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed hundreds of exotic birds, and unwind on pristine beaches.

With the addition of two on-site hotels, SeaWorld Orlando will become a true theme park resort, putting it on the same level as Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, enabling SeaWorld to offer multi-day vacations, all without leaving the resort.

Plans have been filed for one hotel to be located next to SeaWorld, and the second to be located next to Discovery Cove.

So what are the hotel plans?

SeaWorld Orlando Hotel

SeaWorld Orlando filed an application to Orange County with plans to develop a 15-story, 504 room hotel adjacent to its main theme park, SeaWorld Orlando near the intersection of International Drive and Central Florida Parkway.

The nearly 30-acre project, dubbed "Starboard," would include direct access to the theme park close to the Nautilus Theater, and would include a restaurant, rooftop bar and terrace, ballroom, conference center, fitness center, together with multiple pools and lounging areas. The hotel would also include parking for over 700 cars.

Discovery Cove Hotel

An application has been submitted to Orange County to develop a six-story, 250-room hotel with direct access to Discovery Cove off Central Florida Parkway.

The nearly 50-acre project, dubbed "Canopy," would sit on land that is currently a car park for Discovery Cove. The hotel would include a guest walkway to Discovery Cove, and would include a "Treetops" restaurant, bar, gift shop, spa, reception area, meeting rooms, bungalows and other amenities.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment CEO Marc Swanson commented on bringing hotels to SeaWorld in the companies most recent earnings call.

"On the hotel front, we also continue to make progress on our plans. As we mentioned last quarter, we are refining our design, planning on our first hotels and we expect to begin opening in 2026. We identified two locations of the first two hotels and we'll be offering more details about these properties soon."

In addition to the hotels, this year SeaWorld Orlando will debut it's eighth rollercoaster, Penguin Trek, an immersive multi-lunch family coaster.

Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando is an unforgettable family launch coaster adventure where you will board your snowmobile and race along with your expedition team at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern.

This new indoor/outdoor family ride set to open in Spring 2024, and is the most immersive addition to the Coaster Capital of Orlando, and with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect journey for families to share.

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. Yet, what sets this experience apart as truly extraordinary is its unparalleled finale: as the coaster comes to a halt, guests find themselves not in a simulated penguin colony, but in the very heart of SeaWorld Orlando's own penguin habitat.

Over at Aquatica Orlando, Tassie's Underwater Twist will also debut in 2024, an all-new immersive waterslide will transform the guest ride experience into an awe-inspiring journey through Australia's Shark Bay seagrass meadow.

Manufactured by WhiteWater West Industries, the enhanced slide measures 129 feet in length and features a super-bowl element enjoyed by riders on a two-person innertube. As the rider reaches the unique bowl of the slide they’ll begin to circle around the basin and find themselves surrounded by lush seagrass meadows, schools of colorful fish, and even the occasional shark. To enhance the immersive experience, Tassie's Underwater Twist will feature a synchronized video display and a captivating orchestral score. The video projections will bring the underwater world to life, while the music will evoke a sense of wonder and excitement. In addition to being an exhilarating waterslide ride.

With so much planned for SeaWorld Orlando, you better hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

For more info on SeaWorld Orlando click here, and for the latest news from SeaWorld Orlando click here, and for the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here.

To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and follow us on our social accounts to find the best events: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Discover the best of Orlando with our daily updated news, featuring the Best Things To Do:

Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News.

For the latest events in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend.

For the very latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here.

Plus, check out our daily updated guides to Central Florida'sTheme Parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.