Does Seaworld close due to capacity??

[WeCantWait]

We have dinner reservations at Seaworld for July 4th, do you think we need to be there all day or do you think we can just go later in the afternoon for dinner? Do they get crowded like Disney and have to close? Thanks

 

[drag n' fly]

Yes they do close due to capacity

 

[Janet Hill]

I have a prepaid dinner reservation for the fireworks at Busch Williamsburg. I was told that if I had my confirmation with me they would let me in even if the park was closed due to capacity. I sure hope this is true as we will not be able to get there early.

You may want to call and ask, a lot of the policies are the same at all the Busch parks.

 

[jennytablina]

Not sure personally I'm afraid but we're going the same time next week. My familys off for Seaworld too (while me and DBF hit Epcot) and hoping they can just turn up around the afternoon without too much worry

I personally cant see Seaworld filling up as quick as Disney will (and maybe Universal). Considering half the parks activities are shows I would think that gives them a better way to deal with capacity to a degree. I imagine it could fill up in the evening if you leave it too late though. People will be mostly going that day for the evening festivities and fireworks.

I suggest going early or mid afternoon. You stand a higher chance of getting in. Also Seaworld has a special July the 4th Picnic which is quite a reasonable price (if you want a reason to go earlier at least) Though I think you have to book in advance online for that

 

[dolphingirl47]

We were at Seaworld at July 4th 2005 and it was nowhere near capacity even so Universal and Disney were.

dolphingirl47

 

[WeCantWait]

Thank you all for the replies. We do have a prepaid dinner reservation, I will call them today just to make sure.

 

[karibritt01]

I have a prepaid dinner reservation for the fireworks at Busch Williamsburg. I was told that if I had my confirmation with me they would let me in even if the park was closed due to capacity.

I personally would not count on that. Park capacity is set by the fire marshalls, and can not be exceeded for any reason. If they were at capacity, and then let in everyone with prepaid reservations, they would be risking huge fines and being shut down for fire code violations. I would go several hours before time for your ressie in case you have to stand in line to get in.

 

[WeCantWait]

I personally would not count on that. Park capacity is set by the fire marshalls, and can not be exceeded for any reason. If they were at capacity, and then let in everyone with prepaid reservations, they would be risking huge fines and being shut down for fire code violations. I would go several hours before time for your ressie in case you have to stand in line to get in.

Hmmmm, I did call and was told if I get to the park 1 hour before my dinner reservation I would be fine, that would leave us 30 minutes to get in the park and 30 minutes to check in. Do you think the line to get in would take several hours? I have never been in the summer, we usually go in October and there are no lines to get in.

 

[karibritt01]

I haven't been to Sea World in years... so I was just basing how most businesses operate when at capacity. 3 people out = 3 people in. Its possible they close when near capacity to general public, but leave a little wiggle room for special circumstances. WDW does this by closing to the public, but still letting in resort guests for a while. But once they hit that max occupancy #... that is it until someone leaves. I really can't say how Sea World in particular works, just that I would allow extra time if possible just to avoid a hassle.

I just happened to think that they may be counting on X number of people leaving by late afternoon to go to 4th festivities elsewhere, so that may be why they can assure you that you will get in.

 

[Jason71]

Generally when the park closes--which is still rare--they have squad cars parked at the entrance to the driveway preventing cars from even entering. Not sure what good reservations would do in that case.

 

[kellymonaghan]

I've never seen SeaWorld closed due to capacity, although as several folks here have noted, I'm sure it happens -- rarely.

Aquatica, on the other hand, has been filling up early a lot! I saw electronic signs posted outside the SeaWorld entrance the other day and I've been overhearing hotel concierges warning people with package deals to arrive by 8:30 to make sure they get in (since the package tix aren't refundable if they get turned away)!