You’ve purchased your pricey theme park tickets (at a discount through Park Savers, we hope), packed your bags, traveled across the state or country and are finally ready for an oceanful of fun at SeaWorld Orlando. There’s just one teensy (make that Shamu-sized) problem. The park is packed, it’s sweltering outside, the ride wait times are out of control, and you’re currently stuck sweating in line and watching your valuable vacation time slip away like sand flowing through your fingers.
In the immortal words of one of the 2010s’ most memeable characters, “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” Luckily, thanks to the SeaWorld Orlando Quick Queue pass, you don’t have to wait it out and waste tons of time in long lines all day long. However, like most things at theme parks these days, those line-skipping privileges are going to cost you.
So, should you splash out and splurge on SeaWorld Quick Queue on your next visit to Central Florida? Join us as we dive into everything you need to know about SeaWorld Orlando’s Quick Queue pass, including what it is, how it works, which rides are included, how much it costs and where to buy it. Most importantly, we’ll also tackle the question that, if you’re reading this, is almost certainly at the top of your mind: ” Is Quick Queue at SeaWorld worth it?” Keep reading to find out!
Quick Queue, the Most Convenient Way to Upgrade Your Day at SeaWorld Orlando
Time is precious when you’re on vacation, especially when you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on theme park tickets for your family. And chances are that the last thing you want to do after making such a big investment is to feel like you’re squandering that time just standing around doing nothing. I mean, sure, you’re technically moving (at a glacial pace) toward what will certainly be a whale of a time on one of SeaWorld Orlando’s most popular rides. But gosh, it really can feel like it takes forever just to get there.
That’s where the SeaWorld Orlando Quick Queue pass comes in.
What Is SeaWorld Orlando’s Quick Queue?
Just like the Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort or the Lightning Lanes (previously known as FastPass) at Walt Disney World, Quick Queue passes at SeaWorld Orlando allow you to skip the lines, to an extent, at some of the park’s most popular rides for an additional cost. Sadly, that doesn’t mean that you’ll jump immediately to the front of the line and avoid those long SeaWorld wait times altogether at all attractions across the theme park. Rather, you’ll enjoy access to a separate, shorter queue area in select rides where the wait times tend to be much shorter than what you would typically find in the regular standby line.
Access to this time-saving perk varies depending on which Quick Queue pass you choose, with options ranging from unlimited Quick Queue line entries for the day to Quick Queue line access for an entire year. Some options even include one-time reserved seating for SeaWorld Orlando’s most popular shows, while another comes with front-of-the-line access for one time to the park’s newest roller coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. (Just like Pipeline took the place of Ice Breaker before it, you can expect Penguin Trek to become the premiere Quick Queue attraction once it opens in 2024.) Naturally, pricing varies for each of these Quick Queue ticket options, which we’ll get to in a bit.
Attractions Included
As we already explained, Quick Queue passes give priority access to some of the most popular rides in SeaWorld Orlando. However, keep in mind that this isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card and height and safety restrictions apply. In other words, young riders will still need to meet the required ride height to go on. (Check out our complete SeaWorld Orlando height requirements guide.) Quick Queue line access is offered across all options for each of the following rides:
- Ice Breaker
- Infinity Falls
- Journey to Atlantis
- Kraken
- Mako
- Manta
As we mentioned earlier, a couple of Quick Queue ticket options also come with reserved seating for several of the park’s signature shows—which, let’s be honest, are one of the main reasons to visit SeaWorld Orlando in the first place. Sure, as theme park enthusiasts, we love screaming our heads off on a heart-pounding roller coaster as much as any thrill seeker. However, we’re animal lovers, too, and that means that we’re also suckers for a splash-tastic extravaganza starring SeaWorld’s aquatic menagerie. If you feel the same way, then a Quick Queue ticket with reserved seating included is for you. SeaWorld Orlando shows with reserved seats include:
- Bayside Stadium
- Dolphin Stadium
- Nautilus Theater
- Orca Encounter
- Sea Lion & Otter Stadium
- Seaport Theater
Sadly, reserved seats aren’t offered for the Christmas shows or New Year’s Eve fireworks at the theme park.
SeaWorld Quick Queue Pass Options
Quick Queue Unlimited
Pass includes:
- Unlimited priority access to the participating rides above for one day
Reserved Seating & Quick Queue Unlimited
Pass includes:
- Unlimited priority access to the participating rides above for one day
- Saved seats one time each at the participating shows above for one day
Reserved Seating & Quick Queue Unlimited Plus One-Time Ride Access to Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
Pass includes:
- Unlimited priority access to the participating rides above for one day
- Saved seats one time each at the participating shows above for one day
- Front-of-the-line access for one ride on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
Year-Round Quick Queue
Pass includes:
- Unlimited access for the year to the Quick Queue line for the participating rides above
How Much Does the Quick Queue Pass Cost?
We know what you’re thinking: “Exactly how much is Quick Queue at SeaWorld Orlando?” The short answer is that it depends. Similar to general park admission, pricing is dynamic for SeaWorld Quick Queue, meaning that a pass costs the most during the busiest time of the week or year, like on the weekends and over peak periods such as spring break, summer and the holiday season. On the other hand, they tend to be cheaper on weekdays and in the off-season. The only exception to this is the Year-Round Quick Queue pass, which has a flat fee of $299 per person.
You’ll also want to remember that Quick Queue is not included with general park admission. In other words, you will need to purchase Quick Queue passes in addition to regular SeaWorld Orlando theme park tickets if you want to enjoy priority access to some of the park’s most popular attractions. Current price ranges for each Quick Queue option are (prices are subject to change):
- Quick Queue Unlimited – $14.99 to $79.99
- Reserved Show Seating & Quick Queue Unlimited – $19.99 to $99.99
- Reserved Show Seating & Quick Queue Unlimited Plus One-Time Ride Access to Pipeline – $29.99 to $129.99
- Year-Round Quick Queue – $299
Where Do You Buy a SeaWorld Quick Queue Pass?
In general, the quickest and most convenient way to purchase Quick Queue is through either the SeaWorld Orlando website or the app. Buying your Quick Queue pass ahead of time means that you can go straight to the front of the line for the first ride on your list as soon as you enter the park, saving you some precious minutes in the process. After making your purchase on the website, an e-ticket will be sent to your email address after your payment has been confirmed. (Don’t be worried if it hasn’t hit your inbox after an hour, as sometimes it can take up to four hours to receive it.) If you buy Quick Queue through the SeaWorld app, you will receive a mobile barcode instead.
Alternatively, if you forget to do it ahead of time or you want to wait to decide if it’s worth it until you get to the park, you can also purchase Quick Queue Unlimited passes directly from Guest Services or in-park kiosks, in which case you’ll get a physical Quick Queue ticket instead. Some attractions even allow you to buy a single Quick Queue from a kiosk nearby (these are often located by the locker rentals). As these are considerably less expensive than Quick Queue Unlimited, they can be a cost-effective way to access the Quick Queue line for only one or two of your favorite rides.
How Does SeaWorld Quick Queue Work?
Once you get in the park, using your SeaWorld Orlando Quick Queue pass is incredibly simple. All you need to do is:
- Enter the Quick Queue line – This can either be located directly next to the regular attraction entrance or just a short walk away.
- Show your Quick Queue pass to the ride attendant so they can scan it – Depending on how you purchased it, this will be a physical ticket, e-ticket or mobile barcode.
- Continue through the Quick Queue line until you reach the loading area – Specific Quick Queue rows are utilized for some rides like Kraken, meaning that front-row seats (if you’re into that kind of thing) may not be available.
- Sit back and enjoy the ride – And give yourself a pat on the back for the countless hours you just got back for your vacation.
Is Quick Queue at Other SeaWorld Parks in Florida?
Actually, yes! SeaWorld Orlando isn’t the only park in the area with Quick Queue. You can also outsmart those long wait times and save yourself some sanity by upgrading your visit with Quick Queue at other SeaWorld Parks in Central Florida, too, including rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and many water park attractions at both Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island Tampa Bay.
Aquatica Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando’s water park, Aquatica, offers two Quick Queue options, Unlimited and Unlimited Plus, with priority access to several water slides included:
- Ihu’s Breakaway Falls
- Kare Kare Curl
- Omaka Rocka
- Ray Rush (one-time priority boarding with Unlimited Plus only)
- Reef Plunge
- Riptide Race
- Tassie’s Twisters
- Taumata Racer
- Walhalla Wave (one-time priority boarding with Unlimited Plus only)
- Whanau Way
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Located just a couple hours from SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers four Quick Queue options, including basic, Junior, Unlimited, Unlimited + Iron Gwazi & Serengeti Flyer One-Time Ride and Year-Round. Basic Quick Queue comes with one-time priority boarding for select attractions, while Year-Round and each of the Unlimited options feature unlimited front-of-the-line access (with a couple of exceptions). Rides included with Quick Queue at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are:
- Cheetah Hunt
- Cobra’s Curse
- Congo River Rapids
- Falcon’s Fury
- Iron Gwazi (one-time priority access with Unlimited Plus only, unlimited priority boarding with Year-Round)
- Kumba
- Montu
- Scorpion
- Serengeti Flyer (one-time priority access with Unlimited Plus only)
- SheiKra
- Stanley Falls Flume
- Tigris
Quick Queue Junior at Busch Gardens provides front-of-the-line boarding one time each for the following attractions:
- Air Grover
- Cobra’s Curse
- Congo River Rapids
- Scorpion
- Stanley Falls Flume
Adventure Island Tampa Bay
Located just down the street from Busch Gardens, Adventure Island Tampa Bay also has four Quick Queue options, including basic, Unlimited, Unlimited + Wahoo! Remix & Rapids Racer and All-Season. Similar to Busch Gardens, the basic Quick Queue only offers one-time front-of-the-line access to the participating attractions, while the Unlimited and All-Season options allow you to go on select rides as many times as you’d like (with a couple of exceptions). Water slides included with Quick Queue at Adventure Island are:
- Aruba Tuba
- Calypso Coaster
- Colossal Curl
- Rapids Racer (one-time priority access with Unlimited Plus only, unlimited priority boarding with All-Season)
- Riptide
- Solar Vortex
- Wahoo! Remix (one-time priority access with Unlimited Plus only, unlimited priority boarding with All-Season)
Is Quick Queue at SeaWorld Orlando Worth It?
So, what’s the verdict? Is Quick Queue worth it at SeaWorld Orlando? It really depends on a few different factors, like what you’re hoping to accomplish while you’re in the park, how much time you have to spend, how busy it is and, of course, your travel budget. Can it get expensive? Absolutely, especially if you’re visiting on one of the busy days—which, uncoincidentally, is the time when you’re going to want it most.
On the bright side, if you do decide to splurge, Quick Queue wait times tend to be significantly shorter than those in the regular standby lines, which isn’t always the case with Disney Genie+ and the Lightning Lanes over at Walt Disney World (a huge point of complaint guests have with the service). So, at least you know that you’ll be getting your money’s worth. Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when deciding if SeaWorld Quick Queue is right for you.
When to Get It
There’s nothing worse than feeling like your vacation is slowly slipping away when dealing with the crazy SeaWorld wait times that can happen during the busy season, especially during the sticky summer months. The wait time for the water rides, in particular, can get really out of control when it’s hot outside, stretching to over an hour.
So, if you are heading to the park over a weekend, the summer months, spring break or the holidays, then Quick Queue can be a great investment if you can afford it. Yes, it can really put a dent in your wallet, particularly if you’re traveling as a family. However, while you won’t save any cash (that’s what our discounted SeaWorld tickets are for), you will save countless hours that you would have spent standing in long lines.
Bear in mind that SeaWorld wait times tend to be the longest for the following rides:
- Ice Breaker
- Infinity Falls
- Kraken
- Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
When to Skip It
There are a few occasions when you might want to give Quick Queue at SeaWorld Orlando a pass. First, if you’re lucky enough to avoid those busy days we mentioned, then it probably isn’t necessary. Additionally, if you happen to be visiting when there is inclement weather, then we also wouldn’t recommend it. Not only will rides usually have a shorter wait time, but you also run the risk of certain attractions shutting down temporarily, meaning that you would be out of your money because there are no refunds on Quick Queue passes.
Lastly, if it’s just not in the budget, then feel free to skip it. Does it suck waiting in line for a long time? Of course! It’s probably our biggest unspoken pet peeve when visiting parks. However, unlike a certain other Orlando theme park that we know and love (*cough* Disney World *cough*), you will rarely see a two-hour wait time or more at SeaWorld. So, as long as you get there when the park opens and are strategic about your day, you should be able to see and do quite a bit without spending any more than necessary.
Have you ever been to SeaWorld Orlando? Do you think Quick Queue is worth it? Let us know in the comments below! Then, find out how you can make the cost a little more bearable with our discount SeaWorld tickets.
The post Quick Queue Pass at SeaWorld Orlando: What to Know appeared first on Park Savers.