SeaWorld Orlando just announced the return of the park’s highly-anticipated Inside Look program. It’s an annual experience that brings guests behind-the-scenes to learn more about animal care at one of the world’s leading zoological organizations. Guests will be able to visit places and meet people who care for SeaWorld’s animals every day and see the conservation work led by the park’s animal care experts around the clock. The event runs during the weekends of January 10 & 11 and January 17 & 18. Inside Look experiences are included in regular park admission, but this event is extremely popular and highly attended, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to access this exclusive offering.
“Inside Look gives our guests a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes and see the extraordinary care and dedication that happens every day at SeaWorld Orlando,” said Jon Peterson, Park President at SeaWorld Orlando. “From animal rescue to daily care, these experiences highlight the world-class operations within our park and the passion of our teams who work tirelessly to protect animals, inspire conservation, and help safeguard vulnerable species for future generations.
What makes Inside Look especially unique is the level of access guests receive during the event. While select behind-the-scenes experiences are offered at SeaWorld Orlando throughout the year for purchase, Inside Look is the only time guests can hear directly from the animal care professionals, aquarists, and rescue team members who work hands-on with the animals every day. From daily care routines to rescue and rehabilitation efforts, these expert-led interactions offer a deeper, firsthand perspective on the dedication and expertise behind SeaWorld Orlando’s animal care and conservation work, all included with regular park admission.
“At SeaWorld Orlando, we are always looking for ways to inspire guests to be advocates for animal conservation,” said Keith Yip, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando. “Inside Look is a way to showcase the hard work our animal care specialists do behind the scenes and educate future generations about how they can help protect endangered species and marine habitats for years to come.”
There will be many incredible exclusive experiences returning to SeaWorld Orlando’s “Inside Look” program this year and a few exciting new ones, including:
NEW: Inside Antarctica (Penguin Habitat) —
Guests can go behind the scenes and step inside SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica habitat, home to six species of penguins, including emperor penguins. Led by animal care specialists, this experience offers a closer look at how the team cares for these cold-climate birds and maintains their specialized habitat year-round. SeaWorld Orlando is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where guests can get up-close to Space is limited, tickets must be reserved in person.
NEW: Inside Birds of Prey —
Guests can go behind the scenes at SeaWorld Orlando’s Mammal, Avian & Exotic Wildlife care area for a closer look at birds of prey in a dedicated space not typically open to the public. Led by knowledgeable animal care specialists, this experience features a variety of species including owls and a bald eagle. This experience offers guests the opportunity to observe a bird up close while learning about specialized care, training, and conservation efforts that support these remarkable animals.
Inside Marine Mammal Care (Dolphin Nursery) —
Guests can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how SeaWorld Orlando’s animal care team prepares specialized diets for dolphins, followed by an opportunity to meet a dolphin at the Dolphin Nursery. Led by expert animal care specialists, this experience highlights how learned animal behaviors support wellness checks and allow teams to conduct vital health examinations. Space is limited, tickets must be reserved in person.
Inside the SeaWorld Rescue Center —
Guests can visit the home base of the SeaWorld Rescue Team to meet and hear from the dedicated filtration experts, animal care personnel, lab technicians, and veterinarians who work 24/7 to deliver life-saving care to animals in need. Guests can learn more about SeaWorld’s Rescue Center that has the capacity to care for hundreds of animals. SeaWorld’s Rescue Teams have aided over 42,650 sick, injured, and orphaned animals, giving them a second chance at life.
Inside Coral Rescue —
Guests can go behind the scenes with SeaWorld Orlando’s coral biologists to learn about the vital work underway to protect and restore Florida’s Coral Reef. Often called the “rainforests of the ocean,” coral reefs are living colonies that play a critical role in supporting marine life and maintaining healthy ecosystems. During these expert-led talks, biologists share insights into the current state of Florida’s reefs and ongoing conservation efforts.
Inside Manta Aquarium —
Guests can take a rare topside look inside Manta Aquarium and learn how SeaWorld Orlando’s aquarists care for more than 3,000 marine animals across 10 unique aquariums. From vibrant corals and tropical fish to sleek sharks, this behind-the-scenes experience offers insight into the daily care and expertise required to maintain this awe-inspiring habitat.
Inside Shark Encounter —
Guests can enjoy a rare topside view inside Shark Encounter and discover what it takes to care for sharks and sawfish in SeaWorld Orlando’s 700,000-gallon habitat. This behind-the-scenes experience offers insight into daily animal care, including visits to the medical pool where annual physicals are conducted. Guests will also learn how the habitat is maintained, from the moving walkway used during cleaning to the specialized feeding practices that keep these animals thriving.
Presentations & Animal Care Specialist Talks
Get closer to the animals and the experts who care for them through engaging, behind-the-scenes presentations across the park. From trainer insights to diver stories, these talks offer a deeper look at daily care, training, and the strong relationships built between animals and their dedicated teams. Learn how expertise, trust, and passion come together in every presentation.
Family Fun & Games
Jump into the fun with interactive games, hands-on family activities, and a park-wide scavenger hunt that brings SeaWorld’s animal care stories to life. Cheer on teams during a high-energy trivia showdown, create and play in family activity zones, and test your knowledge as you explore Inside Look locations throughout the park. Learning, laughter, and friendly competition included.
Best Way to Experience the “Inside Look” Program
An Annual Pass offers one of the easiest ways for guests to experience SeaWorld Orlando’s Inside Look program while enjoying the flexibility to return throughout the year. Pass Members receive 12 months of visits and access to special benefits such as free parking, guest tickets, select VIP experiences, and savings on merchandise. Annual Passes are currently available at a discounted rate, offering savings of up to 35%, with some restrictions and blackout dates applying. Additional details and purchasing options are available at SeaWorldOrlando.com.
World Class Animal Care, Accredited and Regulated by Experts
SeaWorld Inside Look offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations. More than a thousand animal specialists maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and veterinary care for one the largest zoological collections in the world.
SeaWorld operates under the oversight of multiple federal and state agencies dedicated to animal welfare and conservation, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as state agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. SeaWorld is federally licensed by the USDA, a requirement to care for and exhibit exotic animals and marine mammals, and this license is renewed every three years with formal renewal and routine inspections that review animal habitats, veterinary care, husbandry practices, records, and overall welfare standards. USFWS and NMFS provide complementary oversight of marine mammals and other species at our parks and enforce key conservation laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
SeaWorld is also accredited by third party organizations including the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). Achieving and maintaining accreditation from these groups is a rigorous evaluation process in areas that extend beyond the scope of government regulatory agencies. For example, reviews of social settings, team training, habitat enrichment, medical facility, food and water preparation, water quality management and testing, guest interactions, education programs and more. SeaWorld has also earned the Humane Certified™ seal from American Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. Reviews and accreditations by these organizations represent the highest standards of care and welfare for specific species.
Dedicated to Marine Animal and Ecosystem Conservation
The commitment of SeaWorld extends beyond the animals in residence. The team has helped more than 42,650 animals, making it one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. SeaWorld also advances the science of marine animal health through the study of animals in its care, partnerships with leading academic institutions, and with SeaWorld Conservation Fund grants to organizations focused on marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. Since 2003, fund grants have been made to support 541 different marine-specific conservation projects on all seven continents.
WHAT: SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando are pleased to be offering their FREE Preschool Card. This card provides unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando through Dec. 31, 2026 to Florida preschool children ages 3 to 5. Registration for the SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card is now open for a limited time. Parents can also take advantage of limited time offers, including savings of up to 35% on annual passes, making it easier for families to visit and enjoy SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando together throughout the year.
This year’s Preschool Card launch aligns with a season full of family fun and exciting events beginning with a lineup of family-friendly experiences in January, including Inside Look, SeaWorld Orlando’s popular behind-the-scenes event,
which offers guests behind-the-scenes animal experiences and interactive learning opportunities and expert led experiences. January also brings, Just for Kids Weekend, a special event featuring kid-focused entertainment, hands-on activities and character appearances
Guests can also look forward to Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, filled with fun activities for little ones. SeaWorld Orlando is home to Sesame Street Land, an immersive, kid-sized neighborhood designed especially for younger guests, featuring interactive play elements, gentle rides, live character moments, and opportunities to learn through play alongside Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and friends.
Through early May, families can use their Preschool Card to experience the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando. This fan-favorite event invites guests to embark on a culinary adventure across the world, featuring over 200 delicious food and drink options, live entertainment, and vibrant cultural celebrations. New rotating menus are debuting this year, introducing fresh, limited time dishes each month to keep guests coming back for new flavors before they’re gone. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor unique flavors while enjoying all the thrills SeaWorld has to offer.
Exciting adventures are on the horizon including SeaQuest: Legend of the Deep, the all-new family indoor dark ride at SeaWorld Orlando. This brand-new attraction will blend multi-sensory storytelling, imaginative ride technology, and the awe-inspiring experiences of the deep sea into one unforgettable voyage. Building on the continued expansion of SeaWorld Orlando’s family-friendly attractions, including the park’s newer additions, Expedition Odyssey and Penguin Trek, both designed to introduce younger guests to immersive storytelling and adventure.
The excitement continues throughout the year with kid-friendly events, including Spooktacular during Halloween and Christmas Celebration during the holidays. There’s something for everyone all year round.
Meanwhile, Aquatica Orlando, recognized multiple times by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice as one of the nation’s best outdoor water parks, offers thrilling adventures for all ages, from the exciting Tassie’s Underwater Twist to the family-friendly Tamariki Twirl. Families can also look forward to Aloha to Summer, a seasonal celebration during Spring Break featuring tropical entertainment, festive atmosphere, and splash-filled fun.
Registration for the 2026 SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card ends on Feb. 3, 2026. The first visit must occur by March. 1, 2026. Once activated, the Preschool Card provides admission through Dec. 31, 2026, giving families a year to come back again and again.
For more information regarding the 2026 SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card, visit: https://seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/preschool-free-admission/ or https://aquatica.com/orlando/tickets/preschool-free-admission/
WHEN: The Free SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card is available right now.
WHERE:
SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
Aquatica Orlando
5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821
ABOUT: SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life-themed rides and attractions, special events, and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 42,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
Aquatica Orlando
A vibrant aquatic landscape, splashed with South Seas spirit and dotted with towering, colorful slides, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind water park, voted the #1 outdoor water park in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Poll, is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 50 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Aquatica isn’t all about dashing and splashing though. This lush, laid-back playground is perfect for going with the flow. Wade into lazy rivers and wave pools without waiting in line and watch cares float away. Or grab a cozy lounge chair on one of Orlando’s loveliest beaches and sip a refreshing cocktail. Two large play areas just for kids make Aquatica the perfect spot for family fun. Aquatica offers exclusive attractions that promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures.