Did you know that SeaWorld Orlando offers Florida resident children five and under FREE admission to their parks? I’m talkin’ about the Preschool Card and arguably one of the best park deals for little ones. Registration for 2024 is open now through February 19, so make sure to get in on it before it’s too late! Read on to learn all about this complementary pass and how you can get yours.
What is it?
The Preschool Card offers kids five and younger free admission to its SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando parks. It’s valid for the calendar year, and there aren’t any blackout dates or restrictions.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Aside from being a Florida resident, your child must be five years of age or younger on or before the date you redeem the Preschool Card for your first visit to the park.
How do I get one?
It’s sort of a two-step process. You must register for the Preschool Card before February 19 online by visiting this link. You’ll need to provide your child’s name and date of birth at checkout, then you’ll receive an emailed PDF, which is your child’s actual Preschool Card. You can print this out or just save to your cell – super easy. Then you must visit SeaWorld or Aquatica by February 29 to redeem and activate the card. It’ll stay valid through December 31, 2024.
What about parents and siblings older than five?
There are a few options for visitors who do not qualify for a Preschool Card. The Fun Card is an awesome alternative, as is one of the four Annual Pass options. The main difference between the two is that an Annual Pass offers free parking, guest passes and discounts on some in park purchases. You can also pay the day pass rate, but if you plan to visit two times or more then this is going to be your most expensive option.
Don’t forget to create your SeaWorld Account at the time of checkout so you can stay up to date on family friendly events and celebrations, including free live concerts, holiday and food festivities, and more!
Once you have your Preschool Card and Fun Card/Annual Pass squared away, you can pack the kids up and head to SeaWorld or Aquatica for the day! If you’re a SeaWorld newbie or are looking for an example of how to structure your day, read on for a sample itinerary.
Arrive: We like to get there right when the park is opening to get a head start on the lines and crowds – 10am Monday-Friday and 9am on weekends.
Check in: Have your park pass ready so that you can check in quickly and get started with your day. There’s a brief security check where they’ll take a peek in your bags for anything that you’re not supposed to have… like food or coolers. You can (and should) bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sesame Street Land: Sesame Street Land is great for young kids. We usually turn right and go straight there after check-in so they can do those favorite rides sans lines, and play in the splash pad if it’s warm enough. Sesame Street Land has its “neighborhood street party parade” two times per day in the afternoon, so be sure to check that out if you’re there later in the day.
Lunch: After Sesame Street Land, we usually head toward the Infinity Falls water raft ride. If it’s close to lunch, we grab a pretzel and slushie on the way (super healthy over here!) My 4yo isn’t quite tall enough for Infinity Falls yet, but my 6yo loves it and I like to get the water rides out of the way so we have time to dry off before getting back in the car.
Dolphins: We generally make our way back toward the entrance next to visit the dolphins and watch the stingrays. Be sure to also check out Dolphin Cove, which is one of the largest interactive dolphin pools in the world. Here is a good time to look at plus ups, like the Dolphin Encounter ($29/each) or the Dolphin Up Close Tour ($50/each.) Both provide an opportunity to touch a dolphin and learn more about their behaviors, training and care.
Penguins: If we’re still meltdown free at this point, we love going to see the penguins. There is a great experience called Antartica: Empire of the Penguin, where you can go behind the scenes and learn all about these adorable little animals from an animal care specialist ($65/each.)
Time to go: If we arrive at the start of the day, we’re usually exhausted by mid-afternoon and like to leave before the dinner time rush. It’s pretty slick getting out of the SeaWorld parking lot and onto the main highways, so just follow the signs and you’ll be good to go.
There really is so, so much to do and see at SeaWorld, and the above itinerary barely scratches the surface. Be sure to grab your Preschool Card before February 4, and tell us in the comments: what’s your favorite thing to do at SeaWorld?
Updated 1/3/2023, first published 1/13/2022
