Imagine this: you’ve just stepped off a breathtaking Arctic flying ride and are now entranced by vibrant drone lights dancing above a nighttime lagoon. If you’re planning your Orlando trip right now, SeaWorld and Universal are serving up new thrills that families—and especially kids—are going to adore.
Let’s dive into SeaWorld’s standout addition. On May 1, 2025, the park quietly launched Expedition Odyssey, a state‑of‑the‑art flying theater ride that reimagines Wild Arctic. You’ll feel the rush of arctic winds, soar over glaciers, plunge toward iceberg‑laden seas, and then meet real beluga whales and walruses—all in air‑conditioned comfort. Best of all: there’s a 39″ minimum height, so younger explorers can join in too.
Around that ride, you’ll spot SeaWorld’s bold Coral Rescue Center, a new conservation exhibit turned from the old Turtle Trek space. Here, guests get an inside look at rescuing coral reefs, watched over by marine biologists. It’s both educational and inspiring for curious kids and teens. Then slide over to Sea of Ice and hop on Penguin Trek—a launched family coaster blending indoor Antarctic scenes with an outdoor adventure and a peek into a real penguin habitat.
Evenings in SeaWorld are now spectacular, with a brand-new drone show·part of the Summer Spectacular lineup. Starting June 7, hundreds of drones sync with fireworks to create glowing sea creatures above the central lake—guaranteed “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone in your group. Plus, don’t miss HydroSurge, the lively nautical-themed circus show at Nautilus Theater for a cool indoor break from the heat .
Shifting gears to Universal’s Epic Universe, the park that opened May 22 is already shaking up family travel planning. Offering five immersive lands and more than 50 attractions, it’s the most ambitious theme park Orlando has seen in decades. Expect favorites like Stardust Racers, a high-speed dual-launched coaster in Celestial Park, reaching 62 mph across 5,000‑ft tracks. This coaster alone is already a hit.
Super Nintendo World stands out for kids and Nintendo fans: enter through a giant green pipe, board Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge with AR-enhanced racing, ride Yoshi’s Adventure, and tackle the thrilling Minecart Madness in the Donkey Kong Country section. Interactive themed shops and themed dining like Toadstool Cafe round out the experience.
Heads up: Epic Universe is beautiful and immersive—but reviewers note it has few indoor shaded zones. That can make summer afternoons and storms especially challenging. Except for four fully enclosed rides (like Battle at the Ministry), most attractions and queues are exposed—so plan ahead for Florida’s intense sun or quick rain.
Planning Tips for Families
SeaWorld best tips:
- Arrive early to ride Expedition Odyssey before the sun climbs too high. It’s indoors and loads steadily—perfect as a mid-morning cool-down.
- Spread your visit over multiple days to enjoy shows, rides, and live entertainment like the drone display and concerts from the Bands, Brew & BBQ series.
- Grab snacks or refreshments after the drone show under cooler evening skies.
Epic Universe smart choices:
- Try early park entry (often offered via on-site hotels) so you can enter through Super Nintendo World portal and hit Mario Kart before lines stretch to 3–4 hours.
- If midday storms hit, shift to indoor rides like Battle at the Ministry or shows—and have ponchos or waterproof covers on hand.
- Express Passes (especially via Universal resorts) can save hours in line—highly recommended for families.
Why You Should Consider Visiting Both Parks
If you’re crafting an Orlando itinerary now, mixing SeaWorld’s new animal-rich, educational attractions with Epic Universe’s cinematic storytelling and thrill rides gives you a well-rounded, unforgettable family vacation. One park offers wildlife and conservation with immersive tech; the other gives larger-than-life fantasy and IP-based excitement. Together, they’re Orlando magic.
Get your planning going now—July and August are busy but vibrant months, and early mornings, midday cooling breaks, and smart scheduling can turn your trip into a smooth, exhilarating memory for everyone.
