Hold on to your fins, we finally have news regarding your favourite flipper-ed friends over at SeaWorld Orlando. As you may know, the theme park is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, June 11th, 2020. However, the much-anticipated reopening feels a bit bittersweet, as it reveals a newly modified schedule that may take some real getting used to for avid fans.

For starters, all guests looking to gain access to SeaWorld’s three gates need a reservation. Even Passholders, who may be used to heading to the parks whenever they please, will be required to take that extra step.

“To meet physical distancing guidelines and ensure the health and safety of our guests, all visits to the park must be pre-scheduled using this system,” states the websites for SeaWorld Orlando, the Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove.

Despite the fact that the aquatic theme park will be reopening on a Thursday, it appears that June 9th, 2020 is the only Thursday that the park will be greeting guests.

If you can trust what can be found on the reservations feature held on their website, SeaWorld will be closed each Tuesday and Thursday for the remainder of the year. But that is not the only change in store. Reservation calendars also disclose other SeaWorld parks will be closed on select days.

Ex: Aquatica will be closed on Mondays and Wednesdays for the rest of 2020. Discovery Cove will be closed most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It will come as no surprise to learn that SeaWorld officials will require guests and employees to wear face masks, as well as take part in mandatory temperature checks before entering the parks. In addition, guests must also follow SeaWorld’s social distancing guidelines.

Safety protocols at SeaWorld Orlando include:
  • Face masks are required for employees and guests; the Park will provide them if they do not have one
  • Mandatory temperature screenings for employees and guests before being allowed in the park
  • Physical distancing throughout the park
  • Implement contactless payment systems
  • Hand sanitiser as you get on and off rides
  • Single riders line eliminated

Social distancing will also be in place at animal exhibits, as well as additional sanitizing on handrails. For Aquatica, rides and rafts will be cleaned thoroughly between each use. Extra sanitation will be in place throughout Discovery Cove, as well.

SeaWorld Orlando suffered an epic economic blow after the coronavirus pandemic drove the theme park officials to shut down in mid-March, leading the company to furlough 90% of its workers. Thus, delaying the premiere of the new family-friendly Ice Breaker roller coaster, previously scheduled to open this spring. While the company has yet to release a new reopening date for the ride, the website successfully builds anticipation by claiming that it is coming soon.