ORLANDO, Fla. – The parent company behind SeaWorld and Busch Gardens is getting rid of its iconic name.
SeaWorld Entertainment announced Tuesday that it was changing its name to United Parks and Resorts. The change is effective Feb. 12.
Recommended Videos
The theme park names are not changing. SeaWorld has four parks under that name in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2023. Those parks will keep the name.
SeaWorld Entertainment also runs other theme parks: Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Discovery Cove, Aquatica and Adventure Island.
A company spokesperson told News 6 that the new name better describes its offerings.
“Our new corporate name – United Parks and Resorts Inc. - unites the Company’s world-class portfolio of seven brands across 13 parks in the United States and Abu Dhabi. The word ‘united’ means ‘to join together for a common purpose,’ which is an excellent expression of who we are as a company. Our new name better reflects that we have been, and will continue to be, a diverse collection of park brands and experiences.”
In addition to the company name change, the stock ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange will change from SEAS to PRKS, with trading to begin on Feb. 13. The company’s website domains will also change on Feb. 13 to UnitedParks.com, from seaworldentertainment.com.
SeaWorld has been working to change perceptions of its theme parks while also increasing attendance and revenue.
That has included increasing attractions and experiences at its parks. This year the company is touting new attractions and upgrades across its portfolio of parks, including the Penguin Trek roller coaster coming to SeaWorld Orlando and the Phoenix Rising roller coaster coming to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Aquatica is also expected to get a new water slide. All of these attractions are expected to open in the spring.
The company has also requested permits for two on-property hotels at Seaworld and Discovery Cove.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: