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Overview of SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility Program

by Leap on December 27, 2023 49

Disability Tips for the Park - Disability Access for SeaWorld Orlando Attractions

We've covered Disney and Universal's disability programs, and today we're covering SeaWorld! Like Universal, SeaWorld's disability policy has changed in recent years. If you're heading to any of the SeaWorld parks soon with a person who has a disability, you'll need to know as much as possible about the park's accessibility program to ensure a fun and stress-free time. These changes are great news for families with a child or adult with a disability. The latest additions are designed to better accommodate guests with developmental, sensory and cognitive disabilities, including autism.

This addition is great news for families traveling with a child or adult with autism or another disability that makes it difficult to tolerate lines and waiting areas. In some cases, the party will be granted what SeaWorld calls Special Access, meaning they can board the ride immediately, usually via a separate entrance. This is only offered on select rides and attractions and can help your group enjoy the park. On busier days, you might be placed in a virtual queue, so you can visit the ride entrance and get a return time – then enjoy the ride without delay.

In order to participate in the Special Access Program, guests must enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program (RAP), which matches the individual abilities of each guest to the requirements of each ride. This program is designed to allow guests to fully participate and enjoy the parks while keeping in mind the safety requirements of the parks' rides and attractions. It was developed based on the requirements of the manufacturer and by evaluating the physical and mental attributes required to safely ride each ride and participate in the parks' other attractions. Let's hop right into the overview!

SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility - Lighthouse

Overview of SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility Program

We've collected everything you need to know about using and enjoying SeaWorld's RAP program for guests with disabilities. Traveling with a child or teen with Autism? SeaWorld has programming just for you! Learn about SeaWorld Orlando's Certified Autism Center here.

Where do I enroll in the Ride Accessibility Program?

Once you arrive at SeaWorld, go straight to Guest Services. If you're in Orlando, Guest Services will be found on your left in the row of buildings shortly after you enter. While in San Diego, Guest Services will be on your right, and if you're in San Antonio, you'll find it right before you enter the park.

How do I get the RAP?

While at Guest Services, you'll discuss your disability and accommodation needs. SeaWorld is fully ADA compliant and very disability friendly; you will not need to provide a doctor's note or details about you or your loved one's condition. You do need to let them know what accommodations you need (avoiding lines, using a stroller as a wheelchair and other needs). If you meet the RAP requirements, you'll be able to utilize Special Access. Special Access is only available for certain rides, and is not available for shows, special events, parades, meet and greet priority access, gift shop check-out or restaurant lines.

For more information, view SeaWorld Orlando's Accessibility Guide for an extensive overview of the services and facilities offered at the park. If you have any specific questions ahead of your visit, you can email Guest Correspondence at [email protected] or call 407-545-5550.

SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility - Pipeline

How Does SeaWorld Orlando's Ride Accessibility Program Work?

When you enroll in SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility Program at the Guest Service counter, you'll receive a list of the rides and attractions and the requirements for riding and enjoying them. Once you have enrolled in RAP, you'll be able to utilize the Special Access program.

What do I do once I've received my RAP sheet?

Once you've been given RAP, go to the first attraction you'd like to experience. For smaller attractions, proceed to the ride exit/entrance and inform a team member that you wish to ride. You may be asked to wait one to two ride cycles prior to boarding. For larger attractions (i.e. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin exhibit, Ice Breaker, Infinity Falls, Manta, Mako, Kraken, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, Infinity Falls and Journey to Atlantis), proceed to the ride entrance and request a boarding time from the entrance ambassador. If the attraction is not staffed, proceed to the RAP location listed on your form to request a boarding time. The time provided on your RAP sheet will be based on the current estimated wait time.

SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility - Manta

Only the guests listed on your RAP sheet (the guest utilizing RAP and a maximum of five additional guests) will be able to board the ride. Also note that the guest with the disability must ride in order for their party to use RAP.

If you have to return at a designated time, you can go experience other attractions, grab a snack, rest, etc., then return at the time and show the pass to the employee.

Can I have more than one return time at once?

No, you can only hold one return time at once.

How long do I have before I need to return to the ride? 

Once the clock hits your return time, you'll need to return to the ride within a half hour.

What if the park is extremely busy?

If you happen to be at the park when it's extremely busy and wait times are more than 15 minutes, then we recommend looking into the Quick Queue Unlimited pass at SeaWorld. With the pass, you can hop onto some rides while you wait for your return time.

Hopefully this overview of SeaWorld's Ride Accessibility Program gave you some useful information! If you have any questions at all, please let us know in the comments below!

Related: Overview of Disney's Disability Access Services Card

Related: Full List of Disability Access for Disney World Attractions

Keep hopping!

Keep hopping, Leap!
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Jan 20, 2024 at 5:35 p.m. Ken Osborne Says...

While most of the park seems fairly accessible, the dolphin show and otter show are terrible. A Manuel wheel chair is very difficult to get up the ramps.

Reply
Dec 6, 2023 at 5:10 p.m. Taylor Says...

Hello my daughter has a broken leg and wants to ride all the ride she is 12 y-o and I was wondering if she is able to skip the lines at seaworld San Diego

Reply
Dec 6, 2023 at 11:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Taylor!

The Ride Accessibility Program is generally given out on a case-by-case basis, and you would need to visit Guest Relations inside the park to discuss accommodation needs and eligibility. For SeaWorld San Diego, you should fill out this questionnaire and bring it with you. The Accessibility Guide also mentions that guests with casts, braces or walking boots may be restricted from certain rides as outlined in the Ride Information section of the Accessibility Guide.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jul 6, 2022 at 9:14 a.m. Steph judd-ingram Says...

Wonder if anyone can help.

We travel to Orlando on 21st August 22 and we're doing all the Disney parks. We've been twice before in 2017 and 2019, but last year my 9 year old daughter was diagnosed type 1 diabetic. Does she qualify for the disability pass ? We won't know how the heat will affect her and my concern is that if we wait in the lines for rides and she suddenly has a hypo, we've got to leave the ride queue to treat her and obviously lose our place and start all over again. Hopefully this won't happen to often but was wondering if there was any kind of pass she can use.

Thanks in advance

Reply
Jul 6, 2022 at 12:27 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steph!

Disney does have a Disability Access Service (DAS) that is available on a case-by-case basis. Hop over to our full Disney World DAS guide for more details! We cover the basics of how the service works and how you can register (in advance or in person). Ultimately, it's up to Disney's discretion on whether she qualifies, but you would just similarly explain your needs for accommodations to Guest Services (documentation is not required).

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jul 3, 2022 at 12:30 a.m. Jessica Says...

We went to SeaWorld San Antonio on July 2,2022. My son has autism and my husband is a permanently and totally disabled veteran. We were blown away by how amazing the accessibility pass worked. The workers at each ride were friendly and ensured we got in the ride either right away or the very next one. We’ve been to other places that offer similar pass, but we will always be grateful for our amazing time at SeaWorld. My son was able to ride several rides and had a great time.

Reply
Jul 5, 2022 at 9:26 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jessica!

We're so glad to hear that you had a frogtastic time at SeaWorld San Antonio! Thank you for sharing your experience with us frogs :)

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Aug 29, 2023 at 7:09 p.m. Autumn Stanton Says...

We are going to Orlando in October and our daughter has autism. I have her school forms that show her disability do you advise I bring those as reference for the amusement parks?

Reply
Aug 29, 2023 at 3:40 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Autumn!

It's not a necessity for SeaWorld or Disney World. But if you're headed to Universal Orlando Resort, you will need to register for the IBCCES Accessibility Card at least 48 hours in advance. For more info, hop over to our main Disney World and Universal Orlando accessibility guides.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
May 10, 2022 at 1:38 a.m. Cami Says...

This is very helpful, thank you. Regarding holding multiple return times, do you mean that we can go to each ride and get a return time first, then later go and redeem the return times all together (assuming of course that we are within 1 hour of each return window)

Reply
Jun 5, 2022 at 8:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cami!

Sorry for the delayed response — we needed to look into this as it's been a while since we've updated our post. Currently, the policy states that you can only have one return time at once, and you'll need to return to the ride within a half hour of your return time. We've updated our guide accordingly; thanks for putting it on our radar!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 3, 2022 at 3:57 p.m. Judee jones Says...

I broke both hips last year so can walk for a bit but then need to stop and sit for a few. Bringing my husband,2 daughter's,2 grandkids. Need to make sure I can stop and sit often. In SeaWorld San Antonio,texas.asking for some guidance

Reply
Mar 4, 2022 at 9:12 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Judee!

Since SeaWorld assigns the Special Access card for its Ride Accessibility Program on a case-by-case basis, we'd suggest hopping by Guest Relations once you arrive to discuss your options.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 22, 2021 at 12:38 a.m. Howard Says...

What if the child is blind ?

Reply
Jun 22, 2021 at 4 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Howard!

Since SeaWorld assigns the Special Access card for its Ride Accessibility Program on a case-by-case basis, we'd suggest hopping by Guest Relations once you arrive to discuss your options. You may also email [email protected] or call (407) 545-5550 in advance for more general accessibility questions.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 7, 2021 at 6:44 p.m. Shelley Says...

Are there places to charge my mobility scooter if needed?

Reply
Jun 8, 2021 at 3:41 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shelley,

We don't have direct experience with charging a mobility scooter at SeaWorld, but we'd suggest reaching out with accessibility questions to Guest Services by emailing [email protected] or calling (407) 545-5550. Also, perhaps others in the Frog Pond can share their experiences too!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 18, 2021 at 5:02 p.m. Taivon Says...

If I have RAP And I’m With My Party Of 6 Do We All Enter Or The Only One With Disability ?

Reply
Jan 19, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Taivon!

The RAP holder and up to five guests can all hop in line together - so your whole party can use the line with you :)

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 4, 2020 at 4:41 p.m. Steven Praston Says...

My husband is a disabled veteran who uses a mobility scooter. We will be traveling to Sea World in a 23 ft. motor home with handicapped license plates. May we park it close to the entrance while we visit the park?

Reply
Jun 14, 2020 at 6:49 p.m. carmen Says...

Can I purchase handicap parking in advance for sea world and aquatica

Reply
Feb 28, 2020 at 12:58 a.m. Brenda Says...

My daughter and I are going to sea world. She is in a wheechair, she has cerebral palsy, which she has no movement whatsoever. What type of pass should I purchase? thank you!

Reply
Mar 6, 2020 at 7:20 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brenda!

SeaWorld is wheelchair friendly and can accommodate your mobility needs, but we also recommend using the Rider Accessibility Program, which includes carefully thought out details for each attraction for guests with disabilities. This can give you some insight on what to expect and let you know what accommodations are available; you can enroll in this program for free the day of your trip at Guest Services.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 20, 2020 at 11:58 p.m. Cherilyn Evangelista Says...

My son is autistic and cannot tolerate waiting in lines, would he qualify for the disability pass if we brig his diagnosis

Reply
Feb 21, 2020 at 8:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cherilyn!

SeaWorld assigns RAP on a case-by-case basis, so be sure to hop by Guest Services when you enter the park to see what options best meet your tadpole's needs!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 12, 2020 at 9:16 p.m. Matt and Bob Says...

My son and I are staying near the entrance of Orlando SeaWorld. We do not have a car. We will be walking to Seaworld and he is in a power wheelchair. We walked by the entrance across the street today and there are no sidewalks without ramps to get into the entrance is there another way in

Reply
Feb 18, 2020 at 7:25 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Matt and Bob!

There are several hotels within walking distance of Sea World; most are across the street on Sea Garden Drive. You can walk and there are paths to accommodate both walkers and ECVs/bicycles around the area. Since there are several hotels in the area, the best thing to do is to ask your preferred hotel which entrance to Seaworld Parking they suggest using or view Google Maps on the street level.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 19, 2020 at 7 p.m. Brenda King Says...

My daughter tore something in her left hip, she is very much in pain and we need to accommodate her with some way or means to make it more comfortable. We are presently waiting on her MRI results to help her but in the meantime we are here in Orlando from Michigan on Vacstion. What can we do to help make this s more pleasant experience for her

Reply
Jan 22, 2020 at 8:56 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brenda!

Oh no - we are so sorry to hear it! We don't have any direct advice, but wanted to be sure to share in case other members of the Frog Pond have any suggestions! Wishing her a speedy recovery.

Leap

Reply
Jan 17, 2020 at 1:10 p.m. Judy Nofziger Says...

I have a disability and a service dog. Will my service dog be allowed in the park?

Reply
Jan 22, 2020 at 2:57 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Judy!

Yes, your dog can hop along! Per SeaWorld, service animals must remain on a leash or harness and/or under the control of its handler at all times and be house broken.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 6, 2020 at 9:56 p.m. Martyn West Says...

Hi Leap!

We are hoping to come to San Diego from the UK this year, so your information is very useful. Do you know where the disabled parking is located, as I cannot make it out on GoogleMaps?

Thank you.

Reply
Jan 9, 2020 at 8:59 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Martyn!

Disabled parking is provided directly in front of the main entrance for guests with a legal parking permit. Most spaces for guests with disabilities are accessible to vans, too. Have a wonderful trip!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jul 28, 2019 at 9:04 a.m. Beth anders Says...

We did not have a positive experience at seaworld Orlando. My son recently broke his tibia. He has no weight bearing restricts on his left leg. He rented wheel chair at sea world he asked if there was anything else he needed. There was no mention of this m of this disability pass mention. He was able to go on infinite falls once but then attempted to ride the ride the a second time only to meet an employee who got right in his face an told him to prove he was disabled. This employee never mentioned the disability pass. Very disappointed in SeaWorld and their staff

Reply
Jul 30, 2019 at 8:54 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

That IS disappointing to hear, Beth! We are so sorry that you and your son had this experience!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 8:33 p.m. Mary Podschweit Says...

I have a brain injury and a service dog. My husband, Matt, and I would like to celebrate our 27 the anniversary on Thursday the 25th of July at SeaWorld SanDiego. Have a nice dinner at the park. I am slow.

Here's my questions.

Can I bring my service dog (life giver)

Second: is there a golf cart we can use while at the park.

Thanks for your time

MK

Reply
Jul 9, 2019 at 8:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mary!

While there aren't golf carts for rent, there are wheelchairs or ECVs (scooter). You can rent online ahead of time, and you may bring a service animal with you. Have a great time celebrating - hoppy anniversary!

Leap

Reply
Jun 27, 2019 at 4:31 p.m. JAmie Says...

just wanted to say thanks! this article was more helpful than Sea world phone customer service! 20 mins on the phone with no real answers.

Reply
Jun 27, 2019 at 12:04 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

We are so hoppy to help, Jamie!

Leap

Reply
Apr 8, 2019 at 9:11 p.m. Tee Says...

I have a lung disease and I’m on a portable oxygen do sea world have motorized scootered?

Reply
Apr 9, 2019 at 8:16 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tee!

They sure do! You can learn more here.

Leap

Reply
Mar 6, 2017 at 12:46 p.m. Judy Says...

We are an older couple. My husband is on a wheelchair. We would love to attend the park but need to know if there is wheelchair accessible exhibits won't be going on any rides so RAP passes are not needed.

Reply
Mar 6, 2017 at 7:22 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hello Judy,

The SeaWorld Orlando Accessibility Guide, put together by SeaWorld, has all the information you need on accessing shows and exhibits.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 7, 2016 at 6:55 p.m. michelle ibbetson Says...

My daughter 9 year old is a diabetic. Is there a refrigerator inside the park for me to store her insulin?

Reply
Jul 18, 2016 at 10:56 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Michelle,

Call ahead of time to be sure; there is a First Aid station and Guest Services that should help with accommodations.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 4, 2016 at 4:40 p.m. Dana Says...

Is Sea World still offering this accommodation? We have been hearing that they changed their policies in trace the years, and that now, a special aconidations pass costs 50% that of a regularly priced ticket.

Reply
Jul 14, 2016 at 9:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dana,

As far as we know, SeaWorld is still offering this accommodation. Take a look here!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 27, 2016 at 5:53 a.m. melissa Says...

i recently had surgery on my shoulder and will be in an imobalizing cast while we are at seaworld wil there be muvh for me to do? also my son is type 1 diabetic and has severe lows and highs, would this pass work for him? wil the rest of the family have to wit in line? making us all to get seperated?

thanks for a quick reply.

Reply
Mar 1, 2016 at 12:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Melissa,

There are plenty of animal exhibits and shows you’ll want to see! You can definitely try for the pass; the pass covers the whole family so everyone can stay together.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
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