It is wild to think about, but yes. SeaWorld Orlando is going toe-to-toe with Walt Disney World, offering a roller coaster for each ride that is offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As the self-proclaimed Coaster Capital of Orlando, SeaWorld hasn’t been afraid of adding roller coasters in the past years.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom park has been referred to as a half day park for years and years. While it is certainly one of the most beautiful parks on Earth, it does offer less attractions than most. Disney fought this stigma years ago, adding tons of nighttime offerings like Rivers of Light, nighttime safaris, Tree of Life Awakenings and the incredible nighttime views of Pandora – The World of Avatar.
But after a few years, half of these nighttime offerings are gone. Leaving a park that generally closes right around sunset. This isn’t leaving SeaWorld Orlando or the Universal Orlando Resort off the hook. These two competitor destinations also have early closing times in the off season.
How are SeaWorld Orlando and Disney’s Animal Kingdom alike?
SeaWorld Orlando and Disney’s Animal Kingdom do offer some of the same options for visitors. Both are accredited zoos, offering high care and attention for their animals. Both offer thrill rides. And both offer kids areas.
Both of these parks are located within 30 minutes of each and have ticket prices that are generally in the same price range. A SeaWorld Orlando annual pass is significantly cheaper, but that only includes a single park instead of Walt Disney World’s four.
Roller coaster and ride comparison
When it comes down to it, ride for ride quantity, SeaWorld Orlando wins. With seven roller coasters, and an eighth on the way, SeaWorld Orlando can certainly boast its roller coaster title. Disney’s Animal Kingdom only has one roller coaster, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Disney tore down the park’s other coaster, Primeval Whirl. Don’t take this as an attack on Disney or their park.
One of the things that makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom an amazing place is that it puts “park” in “theme park.” Walking trails, foliage covered animal exhibits and beautiful vistas fill the space. But, this is a comparison of rides, and in that sense, Disney loses. SeaWorld Orlando has as many roller coasters as Disney’s Animal Kingdom has rides (soon). The Disney park offers:
- Dinosaur
- TriceraTop Spin
- It’s Tough to be a Bug! (3D show)
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Navi River Journey
- Kali River Rapids
- Wildlife Express Train
SeaWorld Orlando offers roller coasters, from big to small:
- Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
- Mako
- Manta
- Kraken
- Ice Breaker
- Super Grover’s Box Car Derby
- Journey to Atlantis
- Penguin Trek (opening 2024)
By counting “It’s Tough to be a Bug!,” SeaWorld Orlando nearly ties Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the opening of their Penguin Trek. But as “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” is a 3D show and not a moving ride, in reality SeaWorld will tie Disney soon, just with coasters.
Rides at SeaWorld Orlando
In fact, when you compare total rides, SeaWorld Orlando surpasses Disney’s Animal Kingdom by seven. This means that SeaWorld nearly doubles the ride offerings for their park. Walt Disney Imagineers have announced Blue Sky ideas for expansions to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But for now, the numbers are eight to fifteen.
When comparing Disney’s Animal Kingdom to most other theme parks, there is a clause. While the Disney park may have less rides, it makes up for that in animal exhibits. In this case, SeaWorld can say the same thing. Both offer close-up looks with animals, as well as animal encounter experiences and zoo style exhibits.
What is next for these parks?
SeaWorld Orlando is currently finishing up Penguin Trek. This family friendly multi-launch roller coaster will take riders through an indoor immersive segment before launching outside into “Antartica.” We do not currently know the next steps for SeaWorld Orlando, but rumors suggest they could be building their first hotel.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Imagineers have revealed that they are thinking of Blue Sky ideas. But, nothing so far is confirmed. Rumors suggest Moana, Indiana Jones, Coco or Encanto properties could appear in the park. For now though, we have to wait on what Disney wants to reveal. Disney is currently working on an update on the “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” attraction. This 3D show will be converted to a Zootopia show offering.
If you want to learn more about SeaWorld Orlando’s Penguin Trek, read the article listed below. This coaster open soon as the eighth option for the park.
