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SeaWorld Orlando Launches Inaugural Food & Wine Festival

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/05 .. lando-launches-inaugural-food-wine-festival.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 8:35 GMT by Orlando Sentinel
      Locales: Florida, California, Texas, UNITED STATES

Orlando, FL - February 5th, 2026 - SeaWorld Orlando is poised to launch its inaugural SeaWorld Food & Wine Festival on February 9th, promising a month-long celebration of global cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and a steadfast commitment to marine life conservation. Running through March 9th, 2026, the festival aims to elevate the SeaWorld experience beyond thrilling rides and captivating animal encounters, establishing itself as a destination for foodies and ocean enthusiasts alike.

This isn't simply another food festival; it's a meticulously curated culinary journey designed to transport guests around the globe without leaving the heart of Central Florida. While many theme parks offer seasonal food events, SeaWorld's unique positioning allows them to weave a powerful narrative of ocean preservation into the very fabric of the festival experience. Organizers anticipate a significant draw not only from local residents but also from tourists seeking a distinctive and meaningful addition to their Orlando vacation.

A World on a Plate: Exploring the Festival's Culinary Landscape

The festival boasts a diverse array of food and beverage options, representing culinary traditions from across the continents. Attendees can expect to embark on a gastronomic adventure, starting with the bold and fragrant flavors of Asia. Authentic dishes like Korean bulgogi, Vietnamese pho, and Japanese ramen will be available, alongside a selection of Asian-inspired beverages. Moving westward, the festival will showcase the vibrant and spicy tastes of Latin America. Guests can indulge in traditional tacos, flavorful empanadas, and refreshing ceviche, paired with Latin American beers and cocktails.

Europe will be well-represented with classic dishes like Italian pasta, French pastries, Spanish paella, and German sausages. The festival's American culinary offerings will feature regional specialties from across the country, including Southern comfort food, New England seafood, and Southwestern barbeque. SeaWorld is emphasizing the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, with many dishes prepared on-site to ensure authenticity and flavor. Beyond the main tasting stations, smaller, pop-up kiosks will offer unique and innovative creations, catering to adventurous palates.

More Than a Meal: Entertainment and Education

SeaWorld recognizes that a successful festival requires more than just exceptional food. A robust schedule of live musical performances will provide a lively backdrop to the culinary exploration. Genres will range from Latin bands and jazz ensembles to contemporary pop and rock artists, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Crucially, the festival is integrating educational components focused on marine life conservation. Throughout the event, guests will have the opportunity to attend presentations by SeaWorld's animal care experts, learning about the challenges facing our oceans and the vital work being done to protect endangered species. These presentations will likely highlight SeaWorld's renowned rescue and rehabilitation efforts, showcasing stories of animals saved and returned to the wild. Interactive exhibits will further engage guests, allowing them to learn about ocean ecosystems and the importance of sustainable practices. The goal is to create a holistic experience that is both enjoyable and enlightening.

A Commitment to Conservation: Funds Flowing Towards Marine Life

What sets this festival apart is its dedication to giving back. A portion of the proceeds from every food and beverage item sold will be directly allocated to SeaWorld's animal rescue and conservation programs. These funds will support critical initiatives such as the rescue and rehabilitation of injured marine animals, research into marine ecosystems, and public education programs promoting ocean conservation. SeaWorld has a long-standing history of rescuing and rehabilitating animals, and this festival provides a powerful new avenue for supporting these efforts. Organizers hope to significantly increase funding for these crucial programs through the success of the festival.

Practical Information for Attendees

The SeaWorld Food & Wine Festival is included with regular SeaWorld Orlando park admission. Guests can enjoy the festival offerings while also experiencing all the park's attractions, including thrilling rides, captivating animal shows, and immersive exhibits. Sampling cards or a dedicated festival wristband may be available for purchase, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes and beverages. Detailed information about the festival, including a full menu and entertainment schedule, can be found on the SeaWorld Orlando website ([ https://seaworld.com/orlando/ ]). Festival attendees are encouraged to plan their visits in advance and make reservations where necessary.