What’s New at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment 

If it’s been a while since you dipped your toes into the world of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment - now known as United Parks & Resorts - it’s time to sit up and take notice. Across SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica, there has been a steady stream of updates that rival Orlando’s greatest theme park attractions. From Arctic expeditions to soaring coasters and new family thrills, the SeaWorld parks are quietly (and impressively) levelling up. 

Whether you’re an animal lover, a thrill-seeker, or just want to cool off between theme park marathons, there’s plenty to discover. Here’s what’s been making waves and why 2026 and 2027 might just be the perfect time to plan your next SeaWorld Resort Holiday. 

SeaWorld Orlando: Arctic Quests and Ocean Surges  

Once best known for its marine life shows, SeaWorld Orlando has been undergoing a thrill-fueled transformation in recent years. In 2026, it's fast becoming one of the most exciting theme parks in Florida.
 

Seven Seas Food Festival

SeaWorld Orlando’s popular food festival is back from 30th January to 17th May, serving more than 200 global-inspired cuisines. But 2026 brings a new twist, as Seven Seas Food Festival will introduce rotating menus, with limited-time dishes appearing throughout the event. Adding to the atmosphere is a lively concert lineup every Saturday, and select Fridays and Sundays. Well-known artists like The Fray, Uncle Kracker, Boyz II Men, Jesse McCartney, Soulja Boy, and Baby Bash set the mood to match every bite.
 

SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep

Debuting in 2026, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep promises to be something completely new for theme park fans. Described as the world’s first suspended submersible-style dark ride, you’ll board an underwater-inspired vehicle from an indoor track. From there, the journey glides through a series of marine ecosystems, where sea life looks so real due to cutting-edge technology. With such an intriguing concept, it’s already shaping up to be one of the park’s most anticipated new attractions.
 

Expedition Odyssey 

Buckle up for SeaWorld’s most ambitious ride yet. Expedition Odyssey, launched in spring 2025, is a family coaster like no other. Riders board sleek snowmobiles and race through icy caverns, frozen forests, and dazzling polar vistas, all while encountering cutting-edge visual effects. It’s immersive, exhilarating, and surprisingly educational, with a storyline rooted in Arctic conservation. This one’s a must-do, whether you’re five or fifty. 
 

Penguin Trek 

Still fresh and frosty, Penguin Trek takes guests on an enclosed family coaster through snowy terrain before ending in the park’s penguin habitat. It’s not just a ride, it’s a journey - blending thrills with a heart-warming look at some of SeaWorld’s coolest residents. Perfect for younger riders and animal enthusiasts with a love for flippers. 
 

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster 

This world-first coaster lets riders stand up and “surf” along its twisting track. With launch speeds of up to 60mph and a series of sweeping turns, it’s the adrenaline rush you didn’t know you needed. Open since mid-2023, it will still be a firm favourite in 2026 and beyond due to its innovative design.  



Between these headline attractions and regular seasonal events, SeaWorld Orlando has evolved into an all-around family park with something for everyone - and yes, the animals are still a big part of the picture. 
 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Big Drops and Bigger Roars 

If you like your theme parks with a side of wildlife, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the place to go. With rollercoasters that compete with the very best in Florida and wide-open animal habitats that make you feel like you’ve travelled halfway across the world, it’s a seriously underrated gem. 

Wild Oasis - Rainforest-Themed Discovery Play Zone

Open since summer 2025, Wild Oasis is a new play area built especially for curious explorers and energetic young adventurers. One of the main highlights is Canopy Climb, a climbing attraction with more than 200 feet of horizontal trails, where kids can scramble across elevated pathways 20 feet above the ground. Wild Oasis also includes Habitat Hideaway, a multi-species animal exhibit home to more than 200 animals - including capybaras, giant anteaters, and squirrel monkeys - as well as Enchanted Falls, an interactive splash area where families can cool off between activities.
 

Treetop Drop

Also located within Wild Oasis, Treetop Drop adds a quick thrill to the rainforest adventure. This 35-foot drop tower lifts riders above the jungle canopy before sending them into a sudden freefall back down. Set among jungle scenery, the ride comes alive with flashing lights, booming sound effects, and bursts of laser light that heighten the experience. 
 

Phoenix Rising 

Open since summer 2024, Phoenix Rising is a family-friendly suspended coaster that zips and glides over the park’s lush Pantopia area. With sweeping turns, moments of weightlessness, and a clever mythological theme, it offers just the right mix of thrills and accessibility. It’s smooth, fun, and surprisingly re-rideable - especially for coaster fans who want to bring their slightly less brave companions along. 
 

Classic Coasters, Still Iconic  

From Iron Gwazi, one of the world’s steepest and fastest hybrid coasters, to family favourites like Cobra’s Curse and Cheetah Hunt, Busch Gardens is still the king of unexpected thrills. Even better, these rides now sit alongside newer attractions, meaning there’s never been a better time to make the trek to Tampa. 
 

Animal Encounters 

The rides are impressive, but the Serengeti Safari, up-close animal experiences, and the immersive exhibits remain essential to the Busch Gardens experience. It’s this balance that makes it feel like more than just another rollercoaster park. 
 

Aquatica: Waterslides, Wildlife, and Sun-Soaked Fun 

When the Florida heat kicks in, Aquatica becomes the ultimate family cool-down zone. This water park continues to make a splash thanks to recent renovations and additions. 
 

Aloha to Summer

Returning to Aquatica Orlando, Aloha to Summer runs every Saturday and Sunday from 7th March to 3rd May, bringing tropical energy to the water park just as the weather begins to heat up.

Several new additions debut this year, including Aloha-themed trivia sessions held three times a day, a seasonal remix of Tassie’s Underwater Twist slide with updated music and projection effects, and rotating sand art installations created by local artists that appear throughout the event. But the classics remain, like the morning lei greeting served with a drink, Splashtastic Parade with interactive water elements, hula-hoop contests, and island-inspired games.
 

Reef Plunge 

Glide through a transparent tube that weaves through a habitat of playful dolphins and colourful fish. Reef Plunge adds a dose of wonder to the usual waterslide thrill remain a firm guest favourite in 2026. 
 

Tassie’s Twisters and Racing Slides 

While not brand new, these attractions have been refreshed in recent years, ensuring they continue to thrill. Whether you’re zooming down a racing slide or taking it slow in the lazy river, there’s something for every pace and age here. 

And let’s not forget Aquatica’s clever layout. It’s easy to navigate, filled with shaded areas and kid-friendly spaces, making it ideal for families looking for a break from the theme park hustle. 
 

Why Visit SeaWorld Parks in 2026 or 2027? 

Think all the excitement happened in 2025? Not quite. Now that the big new rides have had their moment in the spotlight, the queues are shorter, everything’s running smoothly, and the parks are hitting their stride. You’ll still get all the wow-factor, just without the frenzy of opening week. 

Plus, with easy multi-park tickets and family-friendly resort options, SeaWorld’s parks slot perfectly into a wider Orlando adventure. Whether you're trekking through the Arctic, twisting through a mythical jungle, or floating happily down a lazy river, there's more than enough here to keep every age entertained – and then some. 


Discover our SeaWorld Resort Holidays and start planning your next Florida family adventure.