Admission

SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fall under the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment umbrella, and you can save by buying combo tickets. Regular one-day tickets to SeaWorld cost $95 (adults) and $90 (children ages 3–9), excluding tax, but if you order in advance over the phone or online, you’ll save as much as $20 per ticket—which just may be the best money-saving option you’ll find. Combo-park admission prices, which include 14 days at each park, are as follows:

SeaWorld/Aquatica Online $89

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Tampa Online $99

SeaWorld/Aquatica/Busch Gardens Tampa Online $109

Flex Ticket (14 days at SeaWorld/Aquatica/Busch Gardens Tampa) $345/$325

Aquatica Online $37 (at the gate $56).

Reserve Discovery Cove visits well in advance—attendance is limited to about 1,000 a day. Tickets (with a dolphin swim) start at about $229 (off-season, in January and February) but are generally around $289. Forgo the dolphin swim and save approximately $80. This park has what’s called dynamic pricing (meaning prices change by season, and also at other times without notice). Admission is less expensive the earlier you book (so call well in advance) and includes access to all beach and snorkeling areas and the free-flight aviary; meals and snacks; use of a mask, snorkel, swim vest, towel, locker, and sunscreen; parking; and a pass for 14 days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Upgrade to an "ultimate" pass (about $20), which includes admission (and free transportation) to Busch Gardens Tampa.

Quick Queue Unlimited Passes. SeaWorld's Quick Queue passes ($19–$35 per person, depending on season) get you to the front of the line at major attractions and shows for one admission each. The higher-price unlimited pass is good for unlimited admissions. Neither Discovery Cove nor Aquatica has such a pass.

All-Day Dining Deal. Available at select SeaWorld restaurants (Voyager’s Smokehouse, Seaport Pizza, Terrace Garden Buffet, The Spice Mill, Seafire Inn, and Mango Joe’s), adults will pay about $30 and kids from $15 to chow down on an entrée, side dish, drink, and dessert for each meal. Skip it if you plan on having just one meal in the park.