Dine with Orcas Dining Experience at SeaWorld Orlando – Dine with Delightful and Cute “Killer” Creatures!
There are so many things to do at SeaWorld Orlando that its restaurant scene might not even be on your radar. But the Dine with Orcas Dining Experience is such a unique opportunity, and definitely one of those distinctive things you’ll only ever get the chance to do at SeaWorld!
We’ll review the Dine with Orcas at SeaWorld Orlando experience, what you can expect, and why you might want to add it to your SeaWorld Orlando travel itinerary to make the most of your trip. (Okay, let’s be honest, you’ll totally want to add it to your SeaWorld schedule! So, you might want to start shuffling things around…)
The Ethic Behind the Dine with Orcas Experience
SeaWorld helps support conservation and animal rescue efforts all around the world. They’ve rescued over 39,000 sea creatures to date and given many of them a better life within the walls of SeaWorld. They also conduct research on-site that helps advance the global scientific community’s understanding of orca whales – some of the most majestic animals in the entire world.
During the Dine with Orcas Dining Experience, you’ll get an up-close look at what SeaWorld is doing to improve the lives of ocean life all over the world. You’ll get a front-row seat to the specialized care the resident orcas receive every day in their home, learn more about what makes orca whales such dazzling animals, and learn awesome ways you and your family can help save the ocean through your everyday choices.
And SeaWorld’s conservation-minded philosophy extends to the menu you’ll be enjoying at this dining experience as well. The menu features organic, sustainable, seasonal, or locally grown ingredients where possible. Their goal is to minimize the food’s environmental impact on animals and their habitats. So you can feel good about what you’re eating while having a great time!
Dinner and a Show
Most families go to SeaWorld Orlando for the sea creatures and a day of aquatic adventures, not necessarily for the dining, and that’s a shame because SeaWorld is home to Orlando’s most immersive and memorable family dining experience!
This sit-down outdoor dining opportunity features a full menu and an amazing show. The orcas perform a choreographed, synchronized dance, do tricks for spectators, and interact with their trainers, all before the backdrop of gorgeous SeaWorld architecture. This is your chance to get heart-poundingly close to orca whales while you and your family enjoy a spectacular meal.
The Menu
Of course, every meal is ultimately all about the menu. Normally the Dine with Orcas experience is a buffet, but that’s been changed to accommodate Covid-19 concerns. Now, they’re applying the same spirit to table service dining. That means you can ask for more of whatever you want – don’t be shy! You can ask for a combination of multiple entrees, extra helpings, or adjustments to your meal if you want.
The Main Course
Every meal includes a house salad and a soft, buttery roll. Then you can choose between the delicious entrée options:
- Herb-roasted beef with rosemary au jus sauce
- Grilled chicken with sweet pineapple teriyaki sauce
- Pan-seared salmon with fresh summer corn salsa
- Creamy alfredo penne pasta with a side of roasted vegetables (the vegetarian option)
You’ll also have the option of including sides like roasted vegetables or herb-roasted potatoes with your meal.
Desserts
Rather than just choosing a single dessert, you’ll receive an assorted dessert tray delivered right to your table. Sample bites of cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, cannoli, and brownies to your heart’s content!
Drinks
In addition to water at your table, you’ll have free unlimited soft drinks. Craving something a little more special to help you unwind even more while you watch the orcas dance, dive, and swim? They also have chardonnay, merlot, sparkling wine, mimosas, and a selection of beers available to sample.
Personally, we’re partial to enjoying a cocktail in the sunshine by the water. This experience offers two: the Splash Zone (rum, pineapple juice, and blue curacao) and the Whale Tail Margarita (tequila, triple sec, and Grand Marnier). Yum!
Kids Menu
The main menu is accessible enough that most kiddos won’t have a hard time enjoying something off the main menu. But for picky eaters or younger kiddos, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be able to find something they’ll enjoy.
Kids can choose between a hot dog, chicken nuggets, or penne pasta (with their choice of creamy alfredo sauce or marinara). Sides of fresh fruit and macaroni and cheese are also available, so the little ones will leave fully satisfied and smiling. No cranky kiddos here!
The Main Event
Sure, the food is crucial at the Dine with Orcas Dining Experience. But the main draw is the orcas. You’ll get an up-close view into the relationship between the caring animal specialists and their killer whale companions. The specialists will teach you all about the unique traits of each individual animal you’ll meet.
They’ll also teach you about the small, yet impactful measures everybody can take to help save valuable ocean resources – including eating sustainable foods and helping preserve natural habitats.
Know Before You Go
Unlike most of your SeaWorld Orlando experiences, you can’t just show up spur of the moment to the Dine with Orcas Dining Experience – you need a reservation. Luckily, kids under 3 are free, but they do need to be included on your reservation to make sure there’s space to accommodate them. So, don’t forget to include those kiddos when you’re booking your table!
At $31 per adult and $22 per child, the meal is a bit of a splurge. But considering you’re also paying to see orca whales up close, that brings the price into perspective. From start to finish, the meal and show last about an hour and a half (according to TripAdvisor reviews), so it’s also slightly longer than your average meal out – meaning more entertainment time for your dollar.
The restaurant is also accommodating to food allergies; just let them know before you dine so they can guide your choices and help you assemble a meal that works for your palate and your dietary restrictions.
Changes Due to Covid-19
Some reviewers on TripAdvisor noted the service has changed due to Covid-19. Normally, orcas swim around the pool for hours so diners can watch them while they eat. Now, it appears the show has been modified to only include a choreographed performance. However, it’s still a cool experience because it still gives you an opportunity to see the killer whales up close and interact with the trainers. So that’s still a win in our book!
What’s your favorite thing to do at SeaWorld Orlando? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Photo: Unsplash
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