To get inside June 11, reservations needed

Similar to Walt Disney World, guests are going to need a reservation to get into SeaWorld’s three Orlando theme parks when they reopen June 11.

Passholders, who are used to the privilege of going to the parks on a whim, must take that extra step as well.

“To meet physical distancing guidelines and ensure the health and safety of our guests, all visits to the park must be prescheduled using this system,” the company said Thursday on the websites for SeaWorld Orlando, the Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove.

A spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

People can begin making their online reservations starting at 10 a.m. June 8, the website said.

SeaWorld has not detailed how much it will be limiting crowds when the Orlando parks open to the general public on June 11. Masks will be required for both visitors and employees, and the parks plan to enforce social distancing.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, another SeaWorldowned property, also opens to the public June 11 and will require reservations.

Fans of SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens are waiting on both parks to unveil their new roller coasters.

In Orlando, it’s the family-friend Ice Breaker coaster that’s coming near the Wild Arctic area. At Tampa, it’s the Iron Gwazi coaster that goes up to 76 mph and 206 feet high.

Both rides were scheduled to open this spring until the coronavirus pandemic shut down the parks. The company has not given a new reopening date for either ride, although the websites tease they are coming soon.