Few theme parks in the United States have faced the level of public scrutiny SeaWorld has endured over the past decade. Once known for its theatrical marine life shows, the park has spent years repositioning itself in the aftermath of a reputational crisis—and is now quietly expanding one of its goodwill initiatives.
This May, SeaWorld will increase access to one of its longest-running programs, offering thousands of guests free entry to its parks at the start of the summer season.
Starting May 6, SeaWorld will provide complimentary single-day tickets to U.S. military veterans and up to three guests at its parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio. The offer runs through July 7, 2025, and coincides with Military Appreciation Month.
Waves of Honor: SeaWorld’s Longstanding Military Initiative
“We are proud to honor active-duty military, veterans and their families with a complimentary visit to one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts. “We are incredibly grateful to all members of our military for their commitment and dedication to serving our country. The Waves of Honor program extends a small token of our appreciation to those who are serving or who have served. We look forward to welcoming military service members, veterans and their families for a fun-filled day in one of our parks.”
To participate, veterans must register online at WavesofHonor.com by May 11. Once approved, they’ll receive a free ticket for themselves and up to three dependents. All visits must take place by July 6, and a valid military ID is required at the gate. The initiative builds on SeaWorld’s broader Waves of Honor program, which allows active-duty military personnel to receive free admission at any time of year.
SeaWorld reports that over 10 million people have accessed free tickets through the program since it launched—making it one of the longest-running military appreciation efforts in the U.S. theme park industry.
A Complicated Legacy, and a Busy Summer Ahead
The offer arrives at a time when SeaWorld continues to balance legacy perceptions with its evolving identity. Following the 2013 release of the documentary Blackfish, which spotlighted the life and captivity of the orca Tilikum, SeaWorld’s animal entertainment practices came under intense public and media scrutiny. Attendance dropped, and the park began phasing out traditional orca shows and expanding its focus on thrill rides.
Despite these changes, controversy has persisted. SeaWorld San Diego recently drew criticism for food quality, after a photo of a chicken dish went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter. Guests compared the meal to hummus and raised broader concerns about dining standards and maintenance across the park.
In recent years, the San Diego location has also dealt with temporary restaurant closures following failed health inspections and questions over unpaid rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, SeaWorld remains a major player in the American theme park industry. In Orlando, the park will host Viva La Música, a Latin cultural celebration, on select dates in May. Its Summer Spectacular kicks off May 23, bringing with it fireworks, new live shows, and the return of its Bands, Brew & BBQ concert series in July.
San Diego and San Antonio will both launch their own versions of the summer festival before the end of May, rounding out a season that is expected to draw large crowds.
By expanding access through its Waves of Honor program, SeaWorld appears to be doubling down on community engagement. Whether that’s enough to shift the narrative remains to be seen—but for many families, a free day at the park offers something simpler: a break from reality, with roller coasters, sea lions, and maybe a few fireworks at the end of the night.
