Credit: SeaWorldSeaWorld Orlando is going through a rough patch right now, but the park is still investing in its security measures.
SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks & Resorts, recently confirmed that attendance across its parks slipped in 2025. The company reported 21.2 million guests for the year, a roughly 1.8% decline compared to the previous year.
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Financial results told a similar story. Revenue fell 3.6% to $1.7 billion, while net income dropped 26% to $168.4 million — a sharp decline that executives admitted did not meet expectations.
Competition in Central Florida is only intensifying. With major expansions from Disney and the debut of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, some travelers are shifting more of their vacation time — and budgets — toward rival parks.
SeaWorld has also faced a series of legal headaches in recent months. The U.S. Department of Justice recently sued the company over a policy banning certain wheeled walkers with seats, arguing the rule violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Another lawsuit has added to the pressure. Sesame Workshop — the nonprofit behind Sesame Street — filed a lawsuit accusing SeaWorld of withholding royalties and mishandling the brand, potentially threatening a partnership that has lasted decades.
Meanwhile, the broader reputation challenges surrounding SeaWorld have never fully disappeared. Animal welfare debates have followed the company for years, particularly after the 2013 documentary Blackfish reignited criticism of marine mammal captivity.
Still, SeaWorld Orlando continues pushing forward with new investments. The park has announced unexpected adjustments to Expedition Odyssey within its first year of operation, adding a new fire and ice concept that will feature new animals and environments, including volcanoes, as well as an original score.
Now, the resort appears to be updating something even more fundamental: its front-gate security.
SeaWorld Begins Testing New Security Technology
According to recent visitors, SeaWorld Orlando is currently testing a new high-tech bag scanning system at its security checkpoint.
SeaWorld is currently testing a new high tech bag scanner at their security checkpoint! I like this and its basically the same system that Universal uses. This is a much needed addition and im glad the equipment is being updated!
(Didn’t take a photo since its security releated)
SeaWorld is currently testing a new high tech bag scanner at their security checkpoint! I like this and its basically the same system that Universal uses. This is a much needed addition and im glad the equipment is being updated!
(Didn't take a photo since its security releated)
— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) April 10, 2026
The equipment is similar to the advanced scanners already used at Universal Orlando Resort. Instead of requiring guests to remove items from their bags, the system allows visitors to walk through while bags are scanned automatically.
For many guests, the change could dramatically speed up entry. Traditional bag checks often slow the process, particularly during busy mornings when thousands of visitors arrive at once.
Fans who have spotted the test equipment say the update is long overdue. SeaWorld’s current security setup has remained largely unchanged for years compared with some of its competitors.
Orlando. One is already up and operating. Lots of small improvements coming to the park recently. Enough small changes can make a large positive impact. Love to see it!
New security scanners to scan bags are being installed at @SeaWorld Orlando. One is already up and operating. Lots of small improvements coming to the park recently. Enough small changes can make a large positive impact. Love to see it! pic.twitter.com/Sl3UrRjm2a
— SaxOnTracks (@SaxOnTracks) April 9, 2026
Disney World introduced similar upgrades several years ago. The resort now uses Evolv-style scanners that allow guests to walk through security checkpoints without stopping, significantly reducing wait times at parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
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Universal Orlando Resort followed a comparable path. Its security checkpoints at CityWalk and the theme parks now rely on advanced scanners that screen guests quickly while still maintaining strict security standards.
SeaWorld’s new system suggests the park is trying to keep pace. Even during a challenging period for the company, upgrading guest entry may be one of the simplest ways to improve the overall experience.