Big Changes Coming to SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando theme parks have been making some BIG headlines in recent news.  First, Walt Disney World unveiled its new pricing scheme, which we wrote about in a recent blog. And now, SeaWorld Orlando changes are in the works for 2016-2017 in the hopes of mending the public’s perception of its theme parks.

SeaWorld Orlando Changes 2016

In 2013, the thought-provoking documentary Blackfish was released and created a heap of controversy for SeaWorld. In the film, SeaWorld was demonized for the treatment of orcas living in captivity at its parks.  Since the film’s release, park attendance and ticket sales dropped as consumers lost interest in the company. SeaWorld’s stock value plummeted to half, and company profits decreased by 84%.  Corporate partnerships like Southwest, Mattel, and Taco Bell severed ties with SeaWorld and distanced themselves from the hubbub.  Big-name concerts were canceled at the Florida park citing the backlash of Blackfish.  Animal rights activists regularly picketed outside of the parks’ gates to encourage animal awareness and pressure SeaWorld to change its business practices.  The outlook on SeaWorld’s future seemed grim. Read More→