One of the biggest challenges faced by those of us in the business community is continuing to keep current customers coming back again and again, while also bringing in new customers.  At United Parks and Resorts Inc.’s parks in Orlando, SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, we continually innovate and add new rides and attractions, new presentations and shows and special pass promotions.

Some of the newest additions to our Orlando parks in 2024 include:

SeaWorld Celebrates 60th Anniversary: This summer, in celebration of SeaWorld’s 60th Anniversary, guests of all ages enjoyed an ALL-NEW interactive parade featuring the park’s ocean crew and fan-favorite SeaWorld characters, Shamu and Crew, embarking on an exciting adventure full of endless discovery. Plus, we introduced a NEW Cirque-Style Show, Xceleration, NEW Shamu and Crew Better Together Breakfast, NEW Sea Lion Presentation – Flippers, Facts and Fun: The Sea Lion Experience, NEW Rescue Tails and NEW Limited-edition 60th Anniversary Food & Beverage, Merchandise and Collectibles.

Penguin Trek: Penguin Trek at SeaWorld redefines the family coaster experience with its innovative design and exhilarating adventure. Riders board unique snowmobile-styled ride cars, embarking on a thrilling expedition through the vast and icy wilderness of Antarctica. With two powerful launches and speeds reaching up to 43 mph, the 3,020-foot track winds through both indoor and outdoor environments, presenting a series of twists, turns and breathtaking moments. But the true highlight awaits at the end of the journey: upon disembarking the ride, guests will find themselves immersed in the chilly confines of the extraordinary and unique penguin habitat. This finale not only thrills but also educates, underscoring SeaWorld’s commitment to animal care and conservation.

Tassie’s Underwater Twist: Tassie’s Underwater Twist at Aquatica is the world’s most immersive waterslide, transporting guests all the way to Australia’s Shark Bay, where they will glide through a vibrant underwater world set in luscious sea grass meadows and brimming with marine life. Guests will encounter incredible species such as manta rays, humpback whales, colorful schools of fish, a variety of plant life, sea turtles and even the occasional shark, all of which call the Shark Bay region home. All while twisting, turning, and swirling through a unique super-bowl element.

Howl-O-Scream Orlando: SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream, which received USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Theme Park Halloween Event in 2023, is back with new horrors. This year’s spine-tingling special ticket event features four brand new houses, three unseen scare zones and two new immersive bars alongside four heart-stopping coasters. Plus, this year the bravest runners, walkers, and anything in between are invited to embark on a one-of-a-kind nighttime terror 5K experience through the park – Howl-O-Sprint on Friday the 13th (September 13, 2024). This isn’t a typical 5K—it’s an immersive, heart-pounding course through the supernatural, promising thrills, chills, and a finish line participants won’t forget. The 5K begins at the stroke of midnight, setting the stage for a spine-chilling adventure.

AquaGlow: AquaGlow is a brand-new family-friendly nighttime swim party experience that transforms Aquatica into a dazzling neon paradise.  Under the starlit sky, guests are immersed in an ocean of vibrant colors and pulsating rhythms. From the mesmerizing NEW Electric Tides laser show dancing over the iconic wave pool to an illuminated lazy river where even the tubes light up, every moment is an Instagram-worthy spectacle.

Flamingo Point Habitat: The all-new Flamingo Point Habitat is a vibrant, spacious and immersive environment nestled within lush landscapes at Discovery Cove, providing a serene setting for guests to observe the graceful creatures up close throughout the day while learning from the park’s expert aviculturists.   Guests can also upgrade their day with Flamingo Mingle, an exclusive opportunity to meet the flamboyance up-close. Five percent (5%) of the proceeds from this upgraded experience supports Audubon Florida, helping to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats.

All these new experiences and offerings are designed to encourage repeat visitation as well as attract new guests who may not be familiar with all our parks have to offer. Whether a new guest or someone who has visited us before, a visit to our parks also helps benefit our focus on animal conservation and rescue efforts. SeaWorld’s legacy of animal rescue spans more than 50 years. In that time, SeaWorld’s Rescue Teams have come to the aid of more than 41,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals in need, giving them a second chance at life. None of this would be possible without the continued support of our partner agencies, park guests, Pass Members and dedicated team members, as well as the people across the globe taking action to protect these amazing animals and their habitats. Our teams are on call 24/7/365, partnering with multiple government agencies to rescue and help animals in need of our care.

As a community trustee, SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove are proud to be part of the community supporting the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate the partnerships we have with other businesses in our area whose support not only helps make our daily operations possible, but also supports usus in our commitment to create exciting and immersive experiences that inspire guests of all ages to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.