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Credit: SeaWorldSeaWorld’s holiday season offerings are under scrutiny after guests expressed frustration over the park’s new “Merry Moments with Santa” experience, which charges $19.99 for a brief five-minute meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The experience, part of SeaWorld’s annual holiday festivities, has left many questioning whether such a holiday staple should come with a price tag.
Related: Disney World Has a Free Meet & Greet With NO Wait
“Merry Moments with Santa” — A Pricey Experience
The “Merry Moments with Santa” package offers families a chance to meet Santa, take a photo, and enjoy a short personal interaction. However, with the entire experience lasting only about five minutes, some guests are left feeling that the $19.99 price is steep for what is traditionally seen as a free or low-cost experience at other holiday events. Many believe that a meet-and-greet with Santa should be a complimentary experience, especially for families who have already paid for park admission.
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SeaWorld Orlando has put Santa behind a pay wall. It now costs $19.99 for children to meet the big man himself. Once traditionally a free offering during the Christmas event, SeaWorlds greed has now hit the most wonderful time of the year.
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SeaWorld Orlando has put Santa behind a pay wall. It now costs $19.99 for children to meet the big man himself. Once traditionally a free offering during the Christmas event, SeaWorlds greed has now hit the most wonderful time of the year. pic.twitter.com/nIT1x2sr5D
— SeaWorld Work Orders (@SWneedshelp) November 8, 2024
Public Response and Industry Trends
As the backlash grows, some parkgoers are calling for SeaWorld to reconsider the fee. Similar meet-and-greet experiences with Santa at other theme parks or holiday events are often complimentary or bundled with admission, fueling criticism that SeaWorld’s model adds an unnecessary expense during an already costly season.
The criticism also touches on a broader trend within the theme park industry, where extra fees for special experiences have become more common. Yet, for many families, Santa Claus remains a central and universally celebrated figure of the holiday season, leading to strong reactions when such experiences are monetized.
SeaWorld’s Holiday Offerings
In addition to the Santa meet-and-greet, SeaWorld’s holiday events include seasonal decorations, live entertainment, holiday-themed shows, and wintertime treats. The park has yet to respond to the recent backlash, and it remains to be seen if any adjustments will be made to the “Merry Moments with Santa” offering.
As the holiday season continues, SeaWorld faces the challenge of balancing memorable experiences with accessible pricing. For now, the park’s decision to charge for the Santa meet-and-greet has sparked a conversation about the commercialization of holiday traditions, leaving many to wonder if the spirit of giving might ultimately take a back seat to corporate strategy.