Is SeaWorld All-Day Dining Worth It?
Spending a day at SeaWorld can lead to high food and beverage expenses, particularly for families. To help mitigate these costs, SeaWorld offers an all-day dining upgrade at its Orlando and San Diego locations. But is this upgrade truly worth the cost? Let’s dive into the details.
What is Orlando and San Diego SeaWorld All-Day Dining?
SeaWorld’s all-day dining upgrade is an additional purchase, separate from park admission, that allows you to enjoy meals from park opening until closing. After purchasing the pass, you’ll receive a scannable wristband, granting you access to meals at participating restaurants across the park.
Adult meals include:
- One entree platter
- One side or dessert
- One soft beverage or iced tea
Children’s meals (for ages 3-9) include:
- A kids’ meal every 90 minutes
What is the Cost of All-Day Dining at SeaWorld?
The price for SeaWorld’s all-day dining varies by age group:
- Adults (ages 10 and older): $49.99 per person
- Children (ages 3-9): $24.99 per person
These rates are consistent across both the Orlando and San Diego locations. SeaWorld annual pass holders may also be eligible for discounts.
You can purchase the dining pass online before your visit or at the park on the day of your visit.
Eligible Restaurants
SeaWorld offers a wide range of dining options for all-day dining pass holders, though participating locations may change without notice. Below are some of the current options:
SeaWorld San Diego:
- Explorer’s Cafe
- Calypso Bay Smokehouse
- Hibisco Modern Mexican
- Manta Pizza
- The Chicken Snack Shack
- Shipwreck Reef Cafe
SeaWorld Orlando:
- Voyager’s Smokehouse
- Expedition Cafe
- Captain Pete’s Island Hot Dogs
- Seafire Grill
- Lakeside Grill
- Altitude Burger
- Panini Shore Cafe
- Waterway Grill
Pros and Cons of the SeaWorld All-Day Dining Upgrade
Pros
- Easily Pays for Itself
If you plan to dine more than once during your visit, the all-day dining pass can save you money, especially considering the high cost of meals at theme parks. - Variety of Cuisines
SeaWorld’s dining options include diverse cuisines such as barbecue, burgers, Mexican food, and pizza, allowing you to sample different foods at a single price. - Convenience
With your all-day dining wristband, there’s no need to pull out your wallet at every restaurant—just scan and go.
Cons
- Long Checkout Lines
Participating restaurants often have designated lines for all-day dining pass holders, which can become long and tedious, particularly during peak times. - Restricted Beverages
Alcohol and bottled water are not included in the plan, limiting beverage options to soda, iced tea, and other soft drinks. - No Meal Sharing Allowed
Guests aged 3 and up are prohibited from sharing meals, so everyone in your party will need their own pass if they want to eat. - Exclusions for Special Dining Experiences
The pass does not cover special experiences like Dine with Orcas or Breakfast with Orcas.
Is All-Day Dining at SeaWorld Worth It?
Deciding whether the all-day dining pass is worth it depends on your eating habits and how much food your group is likely to consume. From a financial standpoint, it’s relatively easy to break even.
For example, at Calypso Bay Smokehouse, a tri-tip entree with mac and cheese costs around $20.99 without a drink. If you eat two full meals during the day, you’ll likely cover the cost of the all-day dining pass. Plus, the convenience of being able to grab more food or drinks throughout the day can add value, especially for those who want to stay hydrated or snack frequently.
However, for guests who eat smaller portions, or for children who may not finish their meals, the all-day dining pass may not offer the same value.
Conclusion
SeaWorld’s all-day dining upgrade can be a cost-effective option for visitors planning to spend the entire day at the park and eat multiple meals. However, the decision ultimately depends on how much food you and your party are likely to consume. Weigh the pros and cons to determine if the pass aligns with your dining preferences and budget.