SeaWorld Continues Push Away From Killer Whales, Unveils New Attraction Update

SeaWorld San Diego is gearing up for a major update to one of its most iconic attractions, marking a new chapter in the park’s evolving identity.

Like its sister parks, SeaWorld San Diego has weathered its share of controversies, much of which intensified following the documentary Blackfish (2013), a critique of killer whale captivity that reshaped public perception. The fallout led SeaWorld to pivot from shows centered on marine mammals to thrill rides.

Credit: SeaWorld

Regulatory changes have also reshaped the park. Following OSHA citations related to the tragic 2010 incident involving trainer Dawn Brancheau and the orca Tilikum, trainers are now prohibited from entering the water with killer whales. In 2016, SeaWorld took a bold step by ending its orca breeding program, solidifying this generation of orcas as the last to inhabit the parks.

To forge a path forward, SeaWorld—owned by United Parks & Resorts—has invested in new attractions across its locations, such as Penguin Trek and Catapult Falls in Orlando and San Antonio, both launched in 2024.

Credit: SeaWorld

Although San Diego hasn’t seen a new ride this year, it boasts popular attractions like Electric Eel, featuring the park’s highest inversion, and the ever-popular Journey to Atlantis, SeaWorld’s original thrill ride, celebrating two decades this year.

Journey to Atlantis Revamp

For the ride’s 20th anniversary, SeaWorld San Diego has announced a major overhaul of Journey to Atlantis, set for 2025. This unique blend of log flume and roller coaster will retain its classic feel while integrating new features for an enhanced, immersive experience.

“Next year, the ride will be reinvented,” the park revealed, “honoring the beloved original while elevating thrills and immersion.”

Credit: SeaWorld

Versions of Journey to Atlantis also operate in San Antonio and Orlando. The latter suffered minor cosmetic damage during Hurricane Milton in October, though the ride remained operational.

Jewels of the Sea Exhibit

The park’s plans extend beyond Atlantis with Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience, an exhibit now set to open in spring 2025.

Originally slated for 2024, this expansion will feature interactive galleries that delve into the mesmerizing world of jellyfish, boasting one of the country’s tallest jelly cylinders and hands-on elements for visitor engagement. The exhibit underscores SeaWorld’s growing commitment to marine education, shifting focus to deeper learning experiences.

Recent Controversies

SeaWorld San Diego’s controversies have continued this year. In July, a mother alleged that her daughter’s harness “malfunctioned” on the Electric Eel ride, though SeaWorld clarified that the “comfort collar” referenced is not a restraint device. Additionally, unresolved legal disputes linger over $12 million in pandemic-related rent owed to the City of San Diego, with the trial pushed to 2025.

Credit: SeaWorld

Local activists have also urged the park to pause its fireworks displays due to increased bird mortality rates. The San Diego Audubon Society claims numerous elegant terns were found dead near the park after a Fourth of July fireworks show, raising concerns about the effects of these displays on local wildlife.

What’s your favorite SeaWorld San Diego attraction?