Parking at SeaWorld usually costs between $30 and $45, depending on the type of parking you choose. General parking is the most affordable option at around $30 per vehicle. If you want to park closer to the entrance, preferred parking costs about $40, and up-close parking can go up to $45 or more.
You can buy your parking pass online ahead of time or pay at the gate when you arrive. Buying online is often faster and can sometimes save you a few dollars, especially during busy seasons.
If you’re a SeaWorld annual pass holder, parking may be discounted or even included with your membership, depending on your pass level. It’s worth checking your pass benefits before your visit.
To save even more, consider carpooling with friends or family. Some nearby hotels also offer free shuttles to SeaWorld, which can help you skip parking fees entirely.
So, before you head out, plan which parking option fits your budget and convenience best. It’ll make your day at SeaWorld smoother and help you avoid last-minute surprises at the gate.
How Much Does SeaWorld Parking Cost
Parking at SeaWorld isn’t free, but it’s pretty simple once you know what to expect. Prices depend on which park you visit and what kind of spot you want. For most people, general parking is the cheapest choice. At SeaWorld Orlando, it’s about $30 per car. In San Diego, it’s a little less at $25. If you’re going to SeaWorld San Antonio, it’s around $36.
If you’d rather park closer to the entrance, you can pay extra for up-close or VIP parking. Those spots can range from $28 to $55, depending on the park and the day. Busy weekends or holidays might cost a bit more.
Most people choose general parking because it’s the best balance between cost and convenience. You’ll still have to walk a little, but trams sometimes run to help you get to the entrance faster. If you plan to visit often, consider buying a SeaWorld Annual Pass, which sometimes includes free or discounted parking.
So, in short, expect to spend around $25 to $36 for regular parking and more if you want the premium spots. Checking SeaWorld’s official website before your trip is always the smartest move since prices can change.
Are There Ways to Save Money on SeaWorld Parking
Yes, there are a few smart tricks to save money on parking at SeaWorld. The first and easiest way is to buy your parking pass online before your visit. SeaWorld sometimes offers small discounts if you prepay through their website instead of paying at the gate.
If you plan to go more than once a year, think about getting an Annual Pass. Most passes include free parking or at least a big discount. For example, if general parking costs around $30 per visit, and you go three times in a year, that’s already $90. Many annual passes start close to that amount and cover parking for the whole year, so it’s worth it.
Another option is carpooling with friends or family. Instead of paying for two or three cars, pile into one and split the cost. Some nearby hotels even offer free shuttle rides to the park for guests, which saves both parking fees and gas money.
Lastly, check websites like Groupon or SeaWorld’s promotions page. They sometimes bundle parking with tickets or offer combo deals. Small savings like $5 or $10 off may not sound like much, but it adds up, especially if you’re visiting with a group.
Different Types of SeaWorld Parking Options
SeaWorld offers several parking options, depending on how close you want to be to the entrance and how much you’re willing to spend. The most common one is General Parking, which is the cheapest. It’s perfect if you don’t mind walking a few extra minutes to the gate. Prices usually range between $25 and $36, depending on which park you visit.
Then there’s Up-Close Parking, which costs a bit more but gets you a spot near the main entrance. It’s great if you have small kids, strollers, or just want to save time at the end of a long day. These spots usually cost around $28 to $45.
Finally, there’s VIP or Preferred Parking, the premium choice. This is the most expensive option, but it’s right next to the entrance and sometimes comes with a shaded or covered spot. Prices can go up to $55, especially at SeaWorld San Antonio.
If you visit often or hate searching for parking, the VIP spots can feel worth it. But for most families, General Parking works just fine, especially if you arrive early before the crowds show up.
Tips for Getting the Best Parking Spot at SeaWorld
If you want the best parking spot at SeaWorld, timing is everything. Try to arrive early, ideally about 30–45 minutes before the park opens. That’s when the lots are mostly empty, so you can snag a closer spot even if you only pay for general parking. Plus, early mornings are cooler and less crowded, which makes getting through the gates smoother.
If you can’t get there early, another trick is to visit on weekdays instead of weekends. Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest, especially during holidays or school breaks. On quieter days, even general parking gets you a spot pretty close to the entrance.
For families with kids or lots of bags, drop everyone off near the front first, then park the car. SeaWorld allows drop-offs, which saves everyone from walking across the lot in the heat. Just make sure to agree on a meeting spot so no one gets lost.
Lastly, remember where you parked! SeaWorld’s lots are huge, and it’s easy to forget your row number after a long day. Snap a quick photo of the parking sign on your phone, and it’ll save you a ton of stress when you’re tired and ready to head home.
Is SeaWorld Parking Free for Pass Holders
Yes, if you have a SeaWorld Annual Pass, parking might already be included depending on which pass level you choose. SeaWorld offers different pass tiers, and the benefits vary between them. The higher levels usually include free general parking, and sometimes even discounted or free preferred parking.
For example, at SeaWorld Orlando, the Silver Pass includes free general parking, while the Gold and Platinum passes include free preferred parking. That means you can park right near the front gate without paying extra each visit. If you visit the park several times a year, the savings can add up fast.
Even if your pass doesn’t include parking, you often get discounts of around 50% when you scan your pass at the gate. So it’s always smart to check your pass benefits before you visit. You can find all the details in your SeaWorld app or on their official website.
If you’re planning multiple trips, maybe to SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Busch Gardens, it’s worth comparing the different pass levels. The one with free parking might cost a little more upfront but pays for itself after just a few visits.
Can You Leave and Re-Enter the SeaWorld Parking Lot
Yes, you can usually leave and come back to the SeaWorld parking lot on the same day, but there’s a small catch. You’ll need to keep your parking receipt or digital parking pass handy. When you return later, just show it to the parking attendant, and they’ll let you back in without charging again.
This can be super helpful if you want to grab lunch off-site or take a mid-day break before coming back for the evening shows or fireworks. SeaWorld allows re-entry for both the park and the parking lot, as long as you keep your hand stamp or ticket and your parking proof.
One thing to note is that while your re-entry is valid, you might not get the exact same parking spot when you come back. The lot fills up fast, so expect to park farther away if you leave during peak hours.
If you’re planning a full-day visit, though, it’s usually easier to pack snacks and water instead of leaving the park. Re-entering can take extra time, especially when traffic builds up around the entrances. But it’s good to know you have the option if you really need it.
Is There Free or Discounted Parking Near SeaWorld
If you’re trying to save a few extra bucks, you’ll be happy to know that there are a few ways to find free or cheaper parking near SeaWorld, depending on where you go. Some nearby hotels and resorts offer free shuttle services for guests, which means you can skip the SeaWorld parking fee altogether. These shuttles usually run every 30 minutes to an hour, so check the schedule before planning your day.
You can also look for public parking lots or shopping centers nearby, but this one’s tricky. Most of those areas don’t allow theme park parking, and towing is a real risk if you leave your car there all day. Always check posted signs before you park.
Another smart move is to book your trip using bundled ticket packages. Some travel sites include free or discounted parking when you buy multi-day passes or combined SeaWorld + Aquatica tickets. It’s not always listed upfront, so it’s worth reading the fine print.
If you’re visiting Orlando, a few hotels on International Drive, like Holiday Inn Express or DoubleTree by Hilton, sometimes include shuttle rides in your stay. In San Diego, Mission Bay hotels do the same. It’s not exactly free parking, but it can save you that $25–$35 daily fee.
In short, while SeaWorld’s on-site parking isn’t free, you can avoid the fee with a little planning. Staying nearby, using a shuttle, or finding a package deal can easily save you the cost of another park snack or souvenir.
Is Handicap Parking Available at SeaWorld
Yes, SeaWorld has handicap-accessible parking at all its parks, and it’s usually located in the front rows closest to the entrance. These spots are clearly marked and easy to find once you enter the lot. To park there, you’ll need to display a valid disabled parking permit or placard on your vehicle.
If you’re using general parking, the attendants will direct you to the designated accessible area after they see your permit. The cost is the same as regular parking unless your pass or membership includes free parking. In some cases, SeaWorld staff can also help with mobility assistance or shuttle service from your car to the entrance.
For guests who use wheelchairs or scooters, SeaWorld parks are designed to be fully ADA compliant, with accessible walkways, restrooms, and seating at shows. If you need extra help, you can visit Guest Services right after entering the park. They can provide maps showing the most convenient routes and attractions that accommodate guests with mobility challenges.
If you want to make things even easier, you can pre-purchase preferred or VIP parking online. That ensures you get a spot as close as possible to the gate, perfect if you’re traveling with someone who needs shorter walking distances.
Overall, SeaWorld makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the park. Just remember to bring your handicap placard, and let the parking attendants know when you arrive so they can guide you to the best possible spot.
Can You Park an RV or Oversized Vehicle at SeaWorld
Yes, SeaWorld allows RV and oversized vehicle parking, but it costs more than standard car parking. These larger spots are designed for RVs, buses, and vehicles with trailers, so you’ll find them in a separate section of the parking lot, usually toward the back or side where there’s extra space for turning and backing up.
At SeaWorld Orlando, RV parking typically costs around $40 to $50 per day, depending on the season. SeaWorld San Diego charges about $35 to $45, and San Antonio can be slightly higher, up to $55. The prices can change during holidays or special events, so it’s smart to check the official SeaWorld website before your visit.
Most parks don’t allow overnight parking, even for RVs. SeaWorld closes the parking lots after the park hours end, and vehicles left overnight may be towed. If you’re traveling in an RV and want to stay nearby, there are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds within a short drive of each SeaWorld location. For example, Orlando has Twelve Oaks RV Resort and Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, while San Diego’s Mission Bay RV Resort is just minutes away.
If you’re driving a large SUV or pickup truck with a trailer, make sure to let the attendant know at the gate. They’ll direct you to the right section so you have enough room to park safely. And if you’re towing something that isn’t necessary for the day, it’s often easier to unhitch and leave it at your hotel or campground to save space (and sometimes money).
So yes, you can bring your RV or oversized vehicle to SeaWorld, just be ready to pay a little extra and plan ahead for where you’ll park after the park closes.
What Time Does SeaWorld Parking Open and Close
SeaWorld parking lots usually open about an hour before the park itself, giving visitors time to park, go through security, and enter right when the gates open. For example, if SeaWorld Orlando opens at 9:00 AM, the parking lot typically opens around 8:00 AM. This is the best time to arrive if you want a close spot, especially on weekends or during busy seasons like spring break and summer.
Parking lots generally close an hour after the park closes, so there’s no rush to get back to your car right away after the fireworks or evening shows. However, SeaWorld doesn’t allow overnight parking, so all cars need to leave the lot before it closes for the night. If your car is still there after closing, it could be towed or locked in until the next morning.
During special events like Christmas Celebration or Howl-O-Scream, parking hours may be extended to match the later park schedule. These events can run until 10:00 PM or later, and the lots stay open accordingly. SeaWorld usually updates parking hours on its website and app, so it’s a good idea to double-check before your visit.
If you’re arriving later in the day, don’t worry, there’s almost always space available, though you might have to park a bit farther out. To make things easier, SeaWorld often has trams or shuttles running between the parking areas and the entrance, so you don’t have to walk the whole distance.
In short, aim to arrive early if you want a convenient spot and a stress-free start to your day. And if you’re staying for the evening shows, just be sure to head out before the lot closes for the night.