Rumor SeaWorld Orlando Project Starboard: Onsite Resort Hotel?

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Zachary

Zachary

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Project Canopy over at Discovery Cove got a thread so we should probably have one for its rumored onsite resort sister project over at SeaWorld Orlando as well.

First reporting on this that I know of came from Behind the Thrills, here:
behindthethrills.com

Behind The Thrills | Two Hotels Planned for SeaWorld Orlando in 2025 and 2026? Behind The Thrills

behindthethrills.com behindthethrills.com

The site in question is a backstage lot in the back corner of SeaWorld Orlando's property behind Infinity Falls.

Right now, this definitely seems like the most likely first SEAS Orlando resort plot to me. It would directly overlook the park and, with a pretty simple bridge and security/ticketing addition, could have its own private entrance to SeaWorld Orlando. Looks just about perfect for a sizable theme park resort!
 
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I think they'd be crazy not to use the space next to Aquatica for a big hotel. Walking access direct to Aquatica with a "quiet pool" at a hotel with colorful Australian flair, with a ton of family suites? Basically all three parks would then have a "connected" hotel to pair with them. Makes sense to me.
 
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paintervision said:
I think they'd be crazy not to use the space next to Aquatica for a big hotel. Walking access direct to Aquatica with a "quiet pool" at a hotel with colorful Australian flair, with a ton of family suites? Basically all three parks would then have a "connected" hotel to pair with them. Makes sense to me.
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I totally agree, but I think it's smart starting smaller and getting comfortable running things Ann's assessing demand. The Starboard lot is still large. It's about as big as the area across the street that houses 4 hotels and 3 pools. You can start with a decent size resort hotel with a higher end pool area.
 
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I also think that the site next to Aquatica is far easier to use for Aquatica expansion than the Starboard site is for SeaWorld Orlando expansion. Given how popular Aquatica always seems to be when I'm there, I could honestly imagine a sizable park area expansion being justified and that plot behind the wave pool would be the place for it—either as physical room for park expansion or room to make up for parking lot area consumed by park expansion.
 
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Zachary said:
I also think that the site next to Aquatica is far easier to use for Aquatica expansion than the Starboard site is for SeaWorld Orlando expansion. Given how popular Aquatica always seems to be when I'm there, I could honestly imagine a sizable park area expansion being justified and that plot behind the wave pool would be the place for it—either as physical room for park expansion or room to make up for parking lot area consumed by park expansion.
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Off topic but Aquatica imo has the best lazy River I’ve been in outside of Disney.

But yea agree with the overall theme that DC makes the most sense. There’s already 9 hotels on streets bordering SWO property so it would have to be a special hotel.

IMO if they want just a standard hotel they just should buy the Renaissance hotel and rebrand with light theming, and build a tram way.
 
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Zachary said:
I also think that the site next to Aquatica is far easier to use for Aquatica expansion than the Starboard site is for SeaWorld Orlando expansion. Given how popular Aquatica always seems to be when I'm there, I could honestly imagine a sizable park area expansion being justified and that plot behind the wave pool would be the place for it—either as physical room for park expansion or room to make up for parking lot area consumed by park expansion.
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That's an excellent point as the park is already bursting and they have been resorting to replacing rides as opposed to new additions to keep things fresh.
 
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The SWO resort looks like it could be spectacular. Those pools and tropical landscape would almost flow into Infinity Falls and the north side will be incredibly close to Mako. The ability to walk to the park from there is awesome. Plus if there is convenient access to I Drive there it will be easy to hit several decent restaurant options. We've used all this hotels across I Drive from here many many times, and again in 2 weeks.

The Discovery Cove hotel is more intriguing and concerning. I'm worried about how much you may have to charge and ending up in a Galactic Starcruiser place. Also I don't want anything that impacts or take away from the current amazing tranquil atmosphere. I'm really interested in hearing the details of how this will work.

I really hope these hotels are successful as I'd love to see something like the SWO one at BGW, though perhaps a little smaller.
 
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Yeah, those SWO hotel plans looks incredibly good. I feel like they have checked every box I would have hoped for (rooftop dining, convention space, poolside restaurant, convenient garage parking, private park entrance, large pool area with a lazy river, rooms with bathrooms with a separate toilet room, etc) and it looks like they're doing it all with gorgeous, unique packaging. Super, super exciting stuff.

And yeah, Project Starboard is cool and I will probably stay there when the prices make sense against the similar Uni options but, the fact that this resort looks so solid makes me VERY excited about Project Canopy. That's a discussion for its thread though.
 
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i really really hope this is the Seaworld Rescue hotel
Each floor should themed to a special animal
Dolphin, Manatee ECT, with photos and information about the animals in the rooms. Maybe bring back Shamu TV and play old park shows and rescue footage on the TV’s?
 
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Do we think the hotel projects are dead? If I recall correctly the executives still mention the possibility of future hotels each earnings call, but all activity seems to have come to a grinding halt. There has been visible activity in the past 12-18 months of this backstage area being cleaned up, but nothing as of late (that I can notice from Mako's lift)
 
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Hospitality mentioned again as a part of developing 400 acres around SWO (although I also expect them to sell some off for condos, etc)

www.wftv.com

SeaWorld parent eyes 400 acres in Orlando for development

The company behind SeaWorld in recent years has announced plans for two hotels adjacent its theme parks — and there’s more development to come, with the potential to expand beyond hospitality.
www.wftv.com www.wftv.com
 
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I live around the corner from SeaWorld and I have no idea where they still have 400 acres of undeveloped property unless they mean the Florida Festival area and HR building parking lots which they use all the time.
 
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I think the majority is the massive empty plot of land to the west of the HR buildings that the company owns.
 
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