Credit: SeaWorldThis year, SeaWorld Orlando added an official Disney property to its holiday celebrations. Here’s what we know about the collaboration, and whether it signals more crossover between the competing Central Florida theme parks in the future.
Disney at SeaWorld Orlando
The holiday season is in full swing, and like every Central Florida vacation destination, SeaWorld Orlando has decked the halls with Christmas trees and other festive decorations. The 2025 SeaWorld Christmas Celebration includes the Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale nighttime spectacular, the O Wondrous Night nativity show, Winter Wonderland On Ice, Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show, the Sea of Trees, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, and several themed animal experiences.
Theme park guests can also enjoy meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Sesame Street characters in their holiday best.
As part of the holiday festivities, SeaWorld Orlando built a retro-themed Christmas tree trail to bring some seasonal nostalgia to guests. One of the trees in the holiday walkthrough experience includes a Luke Skywalker action figure, inspired by Star Wars. As @AttractionsMagazine pointed out on X (formerly Twitter), this is an unexpected tribute to a property owned by one of SeaWorld Orlando’s biggest competitors, Disney:
Disney at SeaWorld 😮
A Luke Skywalker action figure is part of a Christmas tree on SeaWorld Orlando’s retro-themed tree trail.
United Parks CEO Marc Swanson says the company can “do better” at marketing its parks: https://buff.ly/fdT3CoR
Disney at SeaWorld 😮
A Luke Skywalker action figure is part of a Christmas tree on SeaWorld Orlando's retro-themed tree trail.
United Parks CEO Marc Swanson says the company can "do better" at marketing its parks: https://t.co/7ybStluQAw pic.twitter.com/Qz48dLfFEK
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) December 11, 2025
Is This An Official Collaboration with Walt Disney World Resort?
No, this prop Star Wars action figure isn’t part of an official collaboration between SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort. The decoration is simply part of a tribute to the 1980s, as evidenced by a nearby cardboard cutout of a vintage video gaming system.
Disney and SeaWorld have never collaborated on theme park attractions or projects. However, the companies have worked together as part of their individual conservation and wildlife protection efforts.
What is your favorite part of visiting theme parks during the holiday season? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!