Keeping Cool at SeaWorld Orlando
July 19, 2022
Things are heating up at SeaWorld Orlando—literally! Summertime means hot temperatures, and there's plenty of sun to go around in the Sunshine State. But SeaWorld offers a bunch of different ways to beat the heat, including indoor, air-conditioned experiences to help cool you off. Keep reading to learn more about some of our top indoor animal experiences.
Wild Arctic
Tucked away in the corner of the park near Ice Breaker, Wild Arctic is arguably the most immersive and impressive animal exhibit SeaWorld has to offer. The story begins right when you enter the “Welcome to Base Station Wild Arctic” area. There, you’ll observe a variety of Arctic animals, including beluga whales, harbor seals, and walruses. SeaWorld Orlando is one of only three zoological parks in the United States to house walruses, so don’t miss your chance to see them!
Also, be sure to look around the animal habitats. You’ll feel like you really are at base camp, with a 50-foot-long real ice wall, a turned-over ship preserved in the Arctic ice, and interactive areas to help you learn more about this frigid region of the world. It’s all waiting for you now!
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
Equally as cool as Wild Arctic, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will really immerse you into the habitat of penguins. The experience begins when you join penguin chick Puck on his journey to find shelter from the arctic storm and meander through ice caverns before entering the habitat. If you look closely, you might even find a penguin or two carved into the ice of the caverns. Be sure to wear a jacket in the penguin habitat because it’s a frigid 32 degrees!
Visiting during the summer is one sure way to beat the blistering Florida heat. Chances are you’ll also encounter these waddling animals in the dark. (That’s because it’s winter in Antarctica at this time of the year.) When leaving, don’t forget to check out the underwater viewing area. There, you’ll see for yourself just how fast these amazing birds can swim!
Dolphin Underwater Viewing at Dolphin Cove
If you love dolphins, then visiting the underwater viewing area at Dolphin Cove is a must. One of the original animal viewing areas at SeaWorld Orlando, this covered, air-conditioned spot gives you 180-degree views of these intelligent, fast-swimming mammals. You’ll see dolphins glide past you and interact with each other. These loveable sea creatures are inherently curious animals and love exploring this part of Dolphin Cove to get a glimpse of you watching them. Don’t miss this highlight of the Key West area of the park.
Manta Aquarium
You probably rode the rushing roller coaster, but did you see the aquarium? Manta has one of the most immersive queues at SeaWorld Orlando because of its massive aquarium right in the middle of the line! It sure helps with the wait. But if you’ve only ever viewed the aquarium this way, you’re missing out on the bigger viewing area in the Manta Aquarium walkthrough. There, you’re surrounded by 360 degrees of vibrant underwater life, immersing you in the wondrous waters of the manta ray. Make your way through the intricate rock work—you might even see a few animals carved there—to discover seahorses, giant starfish, and (of course) the creatures the ride is named after.
Jewel of the Sea Aquarium
The idea of linking an aquarium to an attraction began with Manta’s predecessor! The Jewel of the Sea Aquarium is located right next to the exit of Journey to Atlantis. This small but tranquil aquarium will leave you speechless with its vibrant gemstone colors and views of baby sharks, jellyfish, rays and tropical fish.
Shark Encounter
Long before humans, there were sharks! You won’t believe what you’ll see in this amazing exhibit that gets you up close to these apex predators. Walk through a sea tunnel full of lionfish, giant cleaner shrimp, and more. Then enter one of the world’s largest underwater viewing tunnels, where you’re surrounded you by these captivating creatures. The moving walkway takes you through the 120-foot-long tunnel straight through a 700,000-gallon shark tank. Throughout the exhibit, you’ll learn fun facts about sharks that will leave you with a better understanding of these misunderstood creatures!
Manatee Rehabilitation Area
The beloved sea cow is on full display at SeaWorld Orlando! The endangered Florida manatee has had a long relationship with the park, with SeaWorld wildlife experts often rescuing and caring for these gentle giants. In the rehabilitation area, you’ll see manatees ranging from just a few months old to over 40 years of age. Loss of habitat and food and boat collisions are among the reasons manatees need protecting. The SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team has been an integral part of rehabilitating manatees and releasing them back into the wild for decades. Be sure to stop by and learn more about the park’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
As you can see, SeaWorld Orlando has much more to offer than thrilling coasters and fun-filled attractions. And especially in these hot summer months, exploring one of our many indoor animal areas is the perfect way to take a break. Not only will you be able to cool off, but you’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, you’ll learn more about our underwater world and the creatures that call it home. For more information about what’s happening around the park, visit the SeaWorld Orlando blog.
Wild Arctic
Tucked away in the corner of the park near Ice Breaker, Wild Arctic is arguably the most immersive and impressive animal exhibit SeaWorld has to offer. The story begins right when you enter the “Welcome to Base Station Wild Arctic” area. There, you’ll observe a variety of Arctic animals, including beluga whales, harbor seals, and walruses. SeaWorld Orlando is one of only three zoological parks in the United States to house walruses, so don’t miss your chance to see them!
Also, be sure to look around the animal habitats. You’ll feel like you really are at base camp, with a 50-foot-long real ice wall, a turned-over ship preserved in the Arctic ice, and interactive areas to help you learn more about this frigid region of the world. It’s all waiting for you now!
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin
Equally as cool as Wild Arctic, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will really immerse you into the habitat of penguins. The experience begins when you join penguin chick Puck on his journey to find shelter from the arctic storm and meander through ice caverns before entering the habitat. If you look closely, you might even find a penguin or two carved into the ice of the caverns. Be sure to wear a jacket in the penguin habitat because it’s a frigid 32 degrees!
Visiting during the summer is one sure way to beat the blistering Florida heat. Chances are you’ll also encounter these waddling animals in the dark. (That’s because it’s winter in Antarctica at this time of the year.) When leaving, don’t forget to check out the underwater viewing area. There, you’ll see for yourself just how fast these amazing birds can swim!
Dolphin Underwater Viewing at Dolphin Cove
If you love dolphins, then visiting the underwater viewing area at Dolphin Cove is a must. One of the original animal viewing areas at SeaWorld Orlando, this covered, air-conditioned spot gives you 180-degree views of these intelligent, fast-swimming mammals. You’ll see dolphins glide past you and interact with each other. These loveable sea creatures are inherently curious animals and love exploring this part of Dolphin Cove to get a glimpse of you watching them. Don’t miss this highlight of the Key West area of the park.
Manta Aquarium
You probably rode the rushing roller coaster, but did you see the aquarium? Manta has one of the most immersive queues at SeaWorld Orlando because of its massive aquarium right in the middle of the line! It sure helps with the wait. But if you’ve only ever viewed the aquarium this way, you’re missing out on the bigger viewing area in the Manta Aquarium walkthrough. There, you’re surrounded by 360 degrees of vibrant underwater life, immersing you in the wondrous waters of the manta ray. Make your way through the intricate rock work—you might even see a few animals carved there—to discover seahorses, giant starfish, and (of course) the creatures the ride is named after.
Jewel of the Sea Aquarium
The idea of linking an aquarium to an attraction began with Manta’s predecessor! The Jewel of the Sea Aquarium is located right next to the exit of Journey to Atlantis. This small but tranquil aquarium will leave you speechless with its vibrant gemstone colors and views of baby sharks, jellyfish, rays and tropical fish.
Shark Encounter
Long before humans, there were sharks! You won’t believe what you’ll see in this amazing exhibit that gets you up close to these apex predators. Walk through a sea tunnel full of lionfish, giant cleaner shrimp, and more. Then enter one of the world’s largest underwater viewing tunnels, where you’re surrounded you by these captivating creatures. The moving walkway takes you through the 120-foot-long tunnel straight through a 700,000-gallon shark tank. Throughout the exhibit, you’ll learn fun facts about sharks that will leave you with a better understanding of these misunderstood creatures!
Manatee Rehabilitation Area
The beloved sea cow is on full display at SeaWorld Orlando! The endangered Florida manatee has had a long relationship with the park, with SeaWorld wildlife experts often rescuing and caring for these gentle giants. In the rehabilitation area, you’ll see manatees ranging from just a few months old to over 40 years of age. Loss of habitat and food and boat collisions are among the reasons manatees need protecting. The SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team has been an integral part of rehabilitating manatees and releasing them back into the wild for decades. Be sure to stop by and learn more about the park’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
As you can see, SeaWorld Orlando has much more to offer than thrilling coasters and fun-filled attractions. And especially in these hot summer months, exploring one of our many indoor animal areas is the perfect way to take a break. Not only will you be able to cool off, but you’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, you’ll learn more about our underwater world and the creatures that call it home. For more information about what’s happening around the park, visit the SeaWorld Orlando blog.