On Saturday, April 17, SeaWorld Orlando initiated a free theme park tickets program to European travelers stranded in the area due to the interruption of international air travel caused by the volcanic ash in Iceland. SeaWorld’s free-ticket offer is good through Wednesday, April 21, 2010 or until normal flight schedules resume. (Update: SeaWorld has extended the offer through Sunday, April 25.)
European tourists from the United Kingdom, Irish or Continental Europe are eligible for free one-day ticket to each of the following: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica water park in Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa. The free admission offer also has been extended to all airline crews affected by the travel delays.
On Monday, April 19, the Orlando Sentinel reported Walt Disney World will also offer free one-day park hoppers on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21. (Update: Walt Disney World has extended the offer through Friday, April 23.)
Central Florida Tourists Stranded by Icelandic Volcanic Ash
The mass grounding of inbound and outbound European flights took place out of concern that the Icelandic volcanic ash particles – a mixture of rock, glass, and sand – could damage aircraft engines. More than two dozen flights were canceled in Central Florida over the weekend.
Restrictions have started to ease as of Monday, April 19, including several out of Orlando International Airport. Lufthansa flights are expected to resume normal operation beginning April 20. The Orlando Sentinel reports that it may be several days and perhaps longer before air travel patterns stabilize and stranded passengers can return to their respective homes.
SeaWorld, Disney and Orlando CVB Aid Stranded European Tourists
In order to be eligible for SeaWorld’s offer, stranded tourists must visit a park’s front-gate Guest Services window. They should bring with them a valid return airline ticket or original airline itinerary and a photo ID. Members of flight crews must present their official airline ID to qualify. One ticket will be offered at each park for each return flight ticket or airline ID presented. Children under age 3 are free.
Further information on SeaWorld’s free admission program for stranded European tourists is available by calling 888-800-5447.
Reaction to SeaWorld’s offer has been overwhelmingly positive from stranded travelers and local tourism agencies, and often critical of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Orlando for not following suit. The Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has also issued a statement asking for other area hotels, restaurants and attractions to provide relief to stranded tourists.
Update (April 19): Walt Disney World will offer free one-day park hoppers on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and Disney will waive its $14-per-day parking charge to the theme parks. The complimentary passes are also good for admission to Disney’s two water parks. Stranded travelers who wish to take advantage of Disney's offer will need to show a canceled plane ticket or expired boarding pass and a valid photo ID.
Update (April 21): Universal Orlando will offer guests a one-day/two-park pass with proof of a delayed flight. On-site hotel guests are also eligible to extend their stay at a 50% discount off regular room rates with proof of a delayed flight. Guests who booked a vacation package through Universal's travel company and have had their travel plans impacted will not be charged cancellation fees.
Update (April 22): SeaWorld and Universal Studios have extended their free pass offers through Sunday, April 25. Walt Disney World has extended it free pass offer through Friday, April 23.
Travelers stranded in Central Florida may wish to consult the articles Orlando Discount Cards and Coupons and Discounts for Florida Theme Parks and Attractions for suggestions on saving money on hotels, dining, and entertainment.
Debra Peterson - A freelance writer and scholar, Debra Peterson specializes in Disney Studies, with particular interests in Walt Disney World and ...
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