A new attraction meant to usher in a fresh era for SeaWorld Orlando has instead reignited old complaints.
Expedition Odyssey, the park’s highly anticipated motion simulator featuring live Arctic animals, is set to open to the public on May 9 after a delay. But early previews have already gone awry. Guests have reported power outages and—most concerningly—a woman allegedly injured when a piece of the attraction’s entrance sign fell and struck her.
The incident, though unconfirmed by SeaWorld, has been widely shared on social media.
“While waiting for Expedition Odyssey the letter O fell off and hit a lady,” one attendee posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Barricades were also moved back.” The same account noted, “She was okay from the looks of it,” but said she was bleeding from the impact.
In circulated images, the sign above the ride’s entrance is visibly damaged, and the letter “O” from the word “Odyssey” is missing. SeaWorld has since removed the remaining signage, according to multiple guests on site. The company has not issued any public statement addressing the report.
While waiting for Expedition Odyssey the letter O feel off and hit a lady. Barricades were also moved back.
While waiting for Expedition Odyssey the letter O feel off and hit a lady. Barricades were also moved back. pic.twitter.com/LPiYUHMV8s
— The Florida Almanac (@adventure2595) May 1, 2025
SeaWorld Faces Widespread Criticism
SeaWorld has spent the last decade navigating public fallout from Blackfish, the 2013 documentary that exposed the handling of captive orcas. The backlash led to declining attendance, government scrutiny, and the eventual end of its orca breeding program. Though the park has since attempted to pivot—investing in new attractions and expanding educational animal encounters—criticism continues to follow.
In recent months, the focus has shifted to declining in-park quality. Guests have posted complaints about overpriced food, new service fees, and poor customer service. In April, an image of what was purported to be chicken at SeaWorld San Diego sparked viral debate after employees were reportedly unable to determine whether it was poultry or fish.
SeaWorld’s decision to prohibit reentry during last summer’s Fourth of July crowds also drew backlash, with many questioning the company’s approach to guest relations.
“That’s a Lawsuit” and Other Guest Reactions
The preview event for Expedition Odyssey appeared to capture the current state of discontent. What was intended to be a soft launch quickly spiraled into online condemnation.
“They're foam board letters,” one guest wrote after witnessing the signage collapse. “Very temporary and rushed.” Another added, “That’s a lawsuit. Hope she is okay but can’t help but laugh at how SeaWorld being cheap upfront will cost them more down the road.”
Further complicating the rollout were reported power issues during the preview. “The power has gone out several times in line,” wrote one guest. “This is nothing short of a disaster so far.”
I attempted to ride Expedition Odyssey today, and instead I saw the “O” from Odyssey fall on the guest next to me in line.
I attempted to ride Expedition Odyssey today, and instead I saw the “O” from Odyssey fall on the guest next to me in line. pic.twitter.com/tPePshP4mO
— Josh Rice (@JRiceDrums) May 2, 2025
SeaWorld has yet to respond to those complaints, but criticism over the attraction’s execution has only grown. “I remember when the park was actually doing very well with Broadway grade shows and quality rides,” one commenter wrote. “Please bring that back because at this point it’s not even worth coming.”
Some guests connected the issues directly to broader concerns about the park’s pricing model. “Seems like that 5% surcharge and absurd food prices are really going towards quality work,” one wrote.
Do you plan on checking out Expedition Odyssey when it officially opens?
