Each park has its own personality, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to relaxing lazy rivers, and from close-up animal encounters to inspiring conservation work. Whether you’re looking for thrills, wildlife, or a bit of both, here’s what makes each one special.
SeaWorld Orlando
Ride & Thrills
SeaWorld Orlando is home to some of Florida’s most jaw-dropping coasters. Mako holds the title for Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, hitting speeds of up to 73 mph. Ice Breaker boasts Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop at 100°, while Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is the world’s first-ever surf coaster; you'll stand on a surfboard-style ride vehicle that bounces like real waves!
If you want to make the most of your day, you can add Quick Queue to skip the regular lines on your favourite rides.
Animals & Conservation
SeaWorld is one of the world’s leading marine animal rescue organisations, having helped over 42,000 animals to date. The park also cares for dolphins, whales, and porpoises as part of its rescue and rehabilitation programme, and supports projects like coral reef restoration and habitat protection.
For a truly special upgrade, you can book behind-the-scenes tours to meet some of the incredible animals in their care. A portion of these experience fees goes towards the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, supporting global wildlife protection efforts.
Discovery Cove
Underwater Experiences
While Discovery Cove isn’t about roller coasters, it’s all about immersive experiences. Float down a tropical lazy river, swim through the vibrant Grand Reef, or simply relax on the sandy beaches. With entry limited each day, the park always feels peaceful.
Upgrade to SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour where you’ll wear a dive helmet and stroll along the reef floor, surrounded by tropical fish, rays, and even sharks (safely behind glass).
Animals & Encounters
Here, you can swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, or hand-feed colourful birds in the Explorer’s Aviary. From Cownose Rays to toucans, there’s no shortage of close-up wildlife encounters.
All meals, drinks, snorkels, wetsuits, and even sunscreen are included. And just like other park extras, SeaVenture and other premium experiences help fund conservation projects worldwide.
Pure bliss!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Rides & Thrills
Busch Gardens is where high-speed roller coasters meet exotic wildlife. Iron Gwazi is the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world, reaching 76 mph with a 91° drop. Other fan favourites include SheiKra and Tigris, guaranteed scream-makers!
To maximise your coaster count, Quick Queue passes are available, letting you skip the main lines.
Animals & Safaris
Busch Gardens is also one of the largest zoos in North America, home to nearly 3,000 animals across more than 300 species. Lions, rhinos, giraffes and sloths. You can see them all!
For the ultimate wildlife experience, add the Serengeti Safari to your visit. This upgrade takes you across a 65-acre plain in an open-air vehicle, where you can hand-feed giraffes and spot zebras, ostriches, and more. Just like other paid upgrades, Serengeti Safari supports the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.
Aquatica Orlando
Rides & Thrills
Aquatica is a vibrant water park with something for every water lover. Reef Plunge sends you zooming through crystal-clear slides surrounded by dolphins and tropical fish, while Riptide Race is Florida’s first-ever duelling waterslide, perfect for a bit of friendly competition.
Animals & Atmosphere
While Aquatica is more about slides than safaris, its marine life touches add a unique twist. You’ll find playful Commerson’s dolphins and tropical fish adding an aquatic backdrop to your day of splashing.
Quick Queue passes are also available here to make sure you spend less time in line and more time making a splash, and just like in the other parks, the revenue from certain upgrades goes directly to conservation efforts.
Fun Fact:
All SeaWorld Parks support animal rescue and conservation, but it’s the additional experiences, like Serengeti Safari, SeaVenture, Quick Queue, and behind-the-scenes tours, that directly contribute to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. So when you choose these extras, you’re not just upgrading your day, you’re helping wildlife around the world.
So… which one will you choose?
Why not visit them all with a multi-park ticket? And here’s something even more exciting, you could WIN a SeaWorld Parks Ticket + Add-On bundle! Enter here for your chance to make your next Florida adventure unforgettable.
