If you are planning a visit to Orlando this summer, please be aware that certain theme parks have a re-entry ban in place and are enforcing this policy.

Orlando, Florida is synonymous with theme parks. This vibrant Central Florida city has become a global destination for families and thrill-seekers, offering a diverse selection of world-class theme parks for all ages and interests. Millions flock to Orlando each year to experience the magic and excitement of these parks.

Orlando's tourism industry thrives on the appeal of its theme parks. In 2023, the city welcomed an estimated 75 million visitors, a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. This influx of tourists represents a significant economic boost for the region, with theme parks playing a central role in attracting visitors and generating revenue.

While exact numbers may vary slightly depending on the source, here is a breakdown of the most popular theme parks in Orlando and their estimated annual visitor numbers:

Walt Disney World Resort, the undisputed king of Orlando's theme parks, is a massive complex that includes four different theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Together, these parks welcome an estimated 58 million visitors annually.

Walt Disney World Resort offers a truly immersive experience, transporting guests to a world of fairy tales, beloved characters, international cultures and thrilling adventures. Magic Kingdom, the ultimate Disney park, is geared toward families with young children, while Epcot offers a more global and educational experience. Disney's Hollywood Studios is a haven for movie buffs and adrenaline junkies, and Disney's Animal Kingdom allows visitors to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Universal Orlando Resort is made up of two main theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. These parks attract approximately 34 million visitors annually and offer an exciting mix of rides, shows and attractions based on popular movies, TV shows and video games. Soon, that number will skyrocket when Epic Universe comes into play in 2025.

Aimed at an adventurous crowd, Universal Orlando Resort brings the excitement of Hollywood to life. Universal Studios Florida features thrilling rides inspired by blockbuster movies, while Universal's Islands of Adventure delves into the world of superheroes, comic book characters and mythical creatures.

Of the two giants, SeaWorld Orlando focuses on protecting and educating marine life, offering visitors the opportunity to see a variety of marine animals, including orcas, dolphins, and manatees. SeaWorld Orlando welcomes an estimated 11 million visitors each year. SeaWorld Orlando offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. Although the park has been criticized for its treatment of animals, it continues to be a popular destination for families who want to learn about marine life and enjoy shows featuring these fascinating creatures.

Orlando's theme park landscape goes beyond the titans mentioned above. Here are some other notable theme parks:

• LEGOLAND Florida Resort: This park is a wonderland for LEGO fans with rides, shows and attractions built entirely from LEGO bricks.
• Icon Park: This entertainment complex offers numerous attractions, including the world's tallest swing carousel, the Orlando Eye Ferris wheel, and a SEA LIFE aquarium.
• Aquatica Orlando: This SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment water park offers a refreshing escape from the Florida heat with water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools.

Orlando's theme parks appeal to a diverse audience and offer something for everyone. Whether you're a diehard Disney fan, a thrill-seeker craving adrenaline-pumping rides, or a family looking for educational entertainment, Orlando has a theme park waiting to be explored. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic!

Recently, all theme parks have implemented policies that guests must abide by. Fun Spot in Orlando, for example, is implementing a mandatory supervision requirement, which Universal Orlando Resort is implementing during the Halloween season with Halloween Horror Nights. Walt Disney World has many policies that guests must abide by, for example, Annual Passholders still have to deal with the pandemic-related park pass reservation system.

However, none of these parks has introduced a ban on entry. SeaWorld Orlando, on the other hand, has.

On the SeaWorld website, we can see that guests can usually re-enter the park: “SeaWorld Orlando allows guests to re-enter the park with a proper hand stamp and valid admission ticket. Before guests leave SeaWorld Orlando, they must be hand stamped. When guests return to the SeaWorld Orlando park, they must enter through the SeaWorld entrance with a proper hand stamp and valid SeaWorld admission ticket or they will not be permitted re-entry.”

However, sometimes this can change.

In the SeaWorld Orlando Annual Passholders Facebook group, guest Jason S. shared a photo of a sign at SeaWorld that read “NO REENTRY.” Jason noted that you shouldn't leave the park until you're officially done for the day, which likely means the park has reached capacity.

SeaWorld officials confirmed that this also applies to guests with annual passes.

It's unclear how long the re-entry ban will remain in place, but with the Fourth of July right around the corner and crowds flocking to Orlando, it's likely that it could remain in place until after the holiday is over.

SeaWorld has been under a lot of scrutiny lately. Recently, Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park, was put on lockdown and all guests were barred from the park as a police investigation was launched after a massive brawl broke out that apparently involved hundreds of guests.

After years of negative press about the documentary Blackfish and the recent tragic death of 13-year-old Anna Beaumont of Cardiff, who was found unconscious in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando on May 28, this new report of the brawl comes at a particularly inopportune time for the theme park.

A new attraction will also premiere at SeaWorld.

Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando, the park's first family roller coaster, officially opens July 7. Embark on a snowmobile-style expedition through a frosty Antarctic landscape, reaching speeds of 45 mph on a 3,020-foot track. But the real surprise awaits at the end—you'll be immersed in SeaWorld's real penguin habitat! This scary (and thrilling) adventure combines roller coaster thrills with a real animal encounter.

What do you think about SeaWorld's no-reentry policy?