In the years since Blackfish upended public perception of SeaWorld, the marine park chain has worked to reshape its identity—from controversial animal shows to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Yet despite ongoing criticism, SeaWorld remains a popular destination, especially among families and theme park fans.
Now, just ahead of its busy summer season, SeaWorld is quietly expanding a long-running initiative that could bring even more guests through the gates—without asking them to pay for a ticket.
Starting May 6, 2025, SeaWorld will offer free admission to U.S. military veterans and up to three guests. The offer, valid through July 7, is part of SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor program, which the company says has welcomed more than 10 million guests since its inception.
SeaWorld Expands Waves of Honor Access
“We are proud to honor active-duty military, veterans and their families with a complimentary visit to one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts.
“We are incredibly grateful to all members of our military for their commitment and dedication to serving our country. The Waves of Honor program extends a small token of our appreciation to those who are serving or who have served. We look forward to welcoming military service members, veterans and their families for a fun-filled day in one of our parks.”
The offer is available at SeaWorld locations in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio. Eligible U.S. veterans and retirees can claim their complimentary single-day tickets by registering at WavesofHonor.com by May 11. All tickets must be used by July 6, and visitors will need to present a valid military ID to gain admission.
SeaWorld’s year-round program already grants active-duty military members and up to three guests free one-day admission annually. The expanded promotion for veterans coincides with Military Appreciation Month and is expected to bring in a wave of new and returning visitors at a time when the parks are rolling out major seasonal offerings.
Spotlight on Summer Events at SeaWorld
Guests visiting SeaWorld Orlando during the promotional period will be able to catch Viva La Música, a Latin culture festival held over two weekends in May. The event features live music, themed merchandise, and limited-time food options. Shortly afterward, the park will launch its Summer Spectacular event on May 23, which includes nighttime fireworks, animal presentations, and a live concert series beginning July 5.
SeaWorld’s other parks are also preparing for summer. In San Diego, the Summer Spectacular begins May 24, while San Antonio’s version launches May 31. All three parks are expected to see a sharp uptick in attendance over the coming months.
Recent Complaints About SeaWorld
Even with renewed focus on seasonal programming, SeaWorld San Diego has drawn criticism over its dining options. A photo of undercooked-looking chicken posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, recently went viral—prompting fresh complaints about declining food quality. Some users pointed to broader issues at the park, including past health violations and ongoing concerns about upkeep since SeaWorld’s departure from Anheuser-Busch ownership.
During the pandemic, SeaWorld San Diego also faced scrutiny for failing to pay rent on its city-leased land. And in 2024, several of the park’s restaurants were temporarily shuttered following poor health inspection results.
Despite these issues, the parks continue to attract millions of visitors each year. Whether drawn by roller coasters, fireworks, orcas, or discounted entry, guests are still coming—and SeaWorld is more than ready to meet them at the gates.
Do you plan on visiting SeaWorld this summer?
