Big Changes Coming to SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando theme parks have been making some BIG headlines in recent news.  First, Walt Disney World unveiled its new pricing scheme, which we wrote about in a recent blog. And now, Seaworld Orlando changes are in the works for 2016-2017 in the hopes of mending the public’s perception of its theme parks.

In 2013, the thought-provoking documentary Blackfish was released and created a heap of controversy for SeaWorld. In the film, SeaWorld was demonized for the treatment of orcas living in captivity at its parks.  Since the film’s release, park attendance and ticket sales dropped as consumers lost interest in the company. SeaWorld’s stock value plummeted to half, and company profits decreased by 84%.  Corporate partnerships like Southwest, Mattel, and Taco Bell severed ties with SeaWorld and distanced themselves from the hubbub.  Big name concerts were cancelled at the Florida park citing the backlash of Blackfish.  Animal rights activists regularly picketed outside of the parks’ gates to encourage animal awareness and pressure SeaWorld to change its business practices.  The outlook on SeaWorld’s future seemed grim.

It appeared that if SeaWorld didn’t do something soon, it would be unable to sustain long term profitability. After unsuccessful marketing campaigns and years of struggling with criticism of their operations, SeaWorld recently announced some BIG changes in the hopes of turning things around.  So what are these changes coming to SeaWorld Orlando, and how will they impact your visit to SeaWorld in the near future?  Let’s take a look at some of the actual SeaWorld Orlando changes:

End Captive Breeding of Orcas

SeaWorld has partnered with the Human Society of the United States and ended their killer whale breeding program.  The SeaWorld family (ranging in age from 1-51) that you see now at any of the parks will be the final generation of orcas.  They will remain on display and in SeaWorld’s care for the rest of their lives as the company heads towards a future that will no longer include its signature trademark.

The End of Theatrics

Wave good-bye to the acrobatic whale shows that originally made SeaWorld so popular.  Starting next year at the San Diego location, the theatrical shows will end.  These same shows will be phased out in Orlando in 2019.  It appears that there has been a major shift in how people feel about using live animals for entertainment.  SeaWorld is part of an emerging list of industries to end these practices.

Instead, a more organic experience with the orcas will replace the theatrics.  The pools will be expanded and redesigned to showcase a more ‘natural’ world.  Orcas will no longer interact directly with the audience.  The company’s focus has evolved into marine conservation, rescue operations and education.

But is a shift to educational programs amongst a vast land of thrill rides/entertainment really viable?  SeaWorld’s CEO seems to think so.  It’s all about incorporating education into interactive thrilling experiences.  Take for example the tallest, fastest roller coaster, Mako, set to debut at SeaWorld Orlando this May.  Guests will not only experience the thrill of this ride but also learn while waiting in line about sharks whose fins are being chopped off in the millions for shark-fin soup.  Patrons will exit the ride and be able to purchase items that support anti-shark finning and other animal causes.  You can expect to see these types of educational yet interactive experiences in the coming years.

No Ticket Price Hikes Expected in 2016

Due to diminished customer turnout, SeaWorld has not been in a position to compete with its competitors in terms of pricing.  The ticket price at the gate is currently $99 and will likely at stay at that price for at least the first half of 2016.  In an effort to draw more crowds, SeaWorld is currently (at the time of this blog post) running a promotion. If you purchase tickets in advance on their website, you can save $20 on the regular ticket price or a 2 day pass for $99.  That said, with the recent news of SeaWorld’s positive improvements and the much anticipated coaster Mako, we’re not sure how long this limited offer will last.  So if you know when you’ll be visiting, it may be worth it to take a look now.

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