SeaWorld Hotel Orlando will be a new hotel, opening in SeaWorld Orlando (the United States, North America) in the future.
SeaWorld Orlando is planning its first on-site hotel, filing a Development Plan Review with Orange County for a 504-room hotel with the project name “Starboard.” The 15-floor hotel, positioned on nearly 30 acres near International Drive and Central Florida Parkway, includes amenities such as 747 parking spaces, a rooftop terrace bar, and 43,000 square feet of conference meeting space. Guests would access the theme park via an elevated boardwalk near the Nautilus theater. SeaWorld, aiming to compete with rivals like Disney World and Universal Orlando, has sought to develop hotels for its theme park properties, including those in San Diego and San Antonio. The approval process for the proposed hotel will extend into 2024, with no specified opening timeline.
SeaWorld’s interest in the hotel business dates back to 2015, with recent CEO statements indicating progress. The company plans to open its first hotel in 2025, followed by a second in 2026, working on design, planning, and site selection. Recent permit filings with Orange County suggest two potential locations for these hotels, codenamed Starboard and Canopy. SeaWorld is collaborating with Atkins, a global design firm, on the development of land behind SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove. The latter, an undeveloped parcel, may host a boutique resort for a 2025 opening, providing a unique on-site experience for visitors exploring SeaWorld Orlando’s three parks.