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Business Profile

Tourist Attractions

SeaWorld San Diego

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Tourist Attractions.

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 254 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 60 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/22/2025

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    UnansweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I visited SeaWorld San Diego on 05/17. Place a food order via their mobile app, I didnt receive an email confirmation. When I went to restaurant **************, I was advised by employee that order was not received. I was charged the amount to my bank. I have been dealing with them since May and still have not received a refund
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/09/2025

    Type:Billing Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I was charged for auto-renewal of yearly passes without prior notice or authorization. The passes don't even appear for me to cancel them.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/15/2025

    Passes have been canceled and a refund would be issues. Please allow 21 to 30 business days to process. 
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/04/2025

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I purchased an annual pass.Seaworld continued to bill beyond the 1 year period. Per state law, they are supposed to notify the consumer about a renewal and provide the same method to cancel the renewing contract as was used to buy it (i.e. online through the app). I expect a refund of the month that was billed that we did not use."Businesses must obtain "express affirmative consent" from consumers before charging for an automatic renewal, a standard that is stricter than the previous "affirmative consent" requirement. This consent must be obtained in a manner that ensures the consumer's ability to give it freely, and businesses are prohibited from using contractual language that undermines this consent. Companies are required to maintain records verifying this consent for three years or one year after the contract ends, whichever is longer.For annual purchases, businesses must send consumers an annual reminder notice detailing the product or service, associated charges, and the cancellation procedure. This reminder must be sent through the same medium used for the original transaction or the consumer's usual interaction method. Additionally, if there are any changes to fees, businesses must notify consumers between seven and 30 days before the change takes effect, providing clear information on how to cancel.The law mandates that cancellation processes be accessible through the same medium used to activate the subscription, ensuring consumers can cancel easily and without unnecessary barriers or delays. For example, if a subscription was signed up for online, cancellation must also be possible online. The law specifically requires that if a business offers a discount or retention benefit to prevent cancellation, it must simultaneously display a prominently located, continuously available direct link or button labeled "click to cancel" or similar wording."

    Business Response

    Date: 08/15/2025

    passes have been canceled, and a refund will be issued. Please allow up to 21 to 30 business day for the refund to process. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/15/2025


    Better Business Bureau:

    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

    THANK YOU - shame on them - they need to follow the law - it's pretty clear and they are a big company.

    Regards,

    **** ******

     


  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/12/2025

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I ordered a season pass 3 weeks ago. First time I went to Seaworld, all the rides are closed “for maintenance” except a kiddy ride and another ride. Then I went to Sesame Place on a Friday, another one of their theme park with water attractions. I came to find out 3 of their 6 rides are closed. Tried Sesame Place again on weekend and those rides were still closed. Dug around the website, and they claim the rides are down for “routine maintenance”. Just went again today, still down after 3 weeks. Then I wanted to ask why my daughter in her dry swimsuit needs shorts/pants on to ride the dry rides when it’s a water park. I went to complain with the “customer service manager” and was told service area was closed and to come back. I said why would service be closed and told him to get me a manager who would be willing to help. Then he got another lady and she told me she’s the higher manager. And she tried to tell me it’s because they don’t allow wet clothings on “electric rides”. What electric ride? They didn’t send me away, because I’m a guy and I’m wearing shorts. I’m wet because of the wave pool. How am I allowed to ride? But not my daughter when she’s in swimsuit. Why mix wet and dry rides and expect people to change between the rides. And why is the site listing the water rides down for routine maintenance when the staff/manager at the park said they have been down since the previous year and don’t know when they’ll be opened up again. That’s not routine maintenance. The water slides are only open in summer months. Routine maintenance should be and could have been done during off time. This is obviously a lie to fool people into buy tickets and passes. It’s time and money. I drive 45 miles to take my kid there when I could have gone to much better park, just another 15 miles farther. I’m disappointed by the business conduct. And my kid is disappointed because of the closed rides and the hassles.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/25/2025

    Refund has been processed, please allow 21 to 30 business day for the refund to be reflected in your account. Passes are no longer active. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 07/25/2025

    I don’t understand how the refund is processed.  I’ve not been contacted.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/07/2025

    Type:Billing Issues
    Status:
    UnansweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Have had problems with my SeaWorld annual pass account for 2 years now charging my credit card on file for old, 2022 outdated passes that are still listed as "ON HOLD FOR PAYMENT" on my account. ********************** tries to charge me full price every year and... I have called each year to request SeaWorld remove these from my account then they charge me full price anyway. My credit card notifies me of this fraudulent charge, which then makes my credit card unusable because I say no, I didn't authorize these charges. 2nd year in a row this has happened! I was also charged for my new passes I bought using the 4th of July Buy 1 get 1 free sale, but they are not in my account. I called and spoke with someone today who was no help.I then asked for a manager - (Manager Name-**** V-**************** Manager-*******) who said "Sorry can't seem to remove those old passes and SeaWorld won't honor the July 4th sale that I clearly bought and have pending charges for. He said I would have to pay $120.00 more for the same passes because the website was not working and sending error messages. He then told me he would make a note to refund my credit card for the cheaper passes so that he could charge me ******* recap...after not honoring my multiple attempts to buy my passes during the July 4th sale for $120.00 less money, he also still did not remove the old ************************************ my account which will probably produce fraudulent full price charges to my credit card again next year. And the final insult after talking to the Supervisor today, I now have (6) annual gold passes instead of (3) on my account with HOLDS on them to be fraudulently charged full price on the next renewal date!! I really assumed SeaWorld would apologize for my inconvenience, remove the OLD...NO LONGER USED, ON HOLD PASSES and honor the July 4th sale price. Boy was I wrong! Customer BEWARE!! Worst **************** of any company I have ever dealt with. And that's saying a lot!!
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/24/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    On Friday June 20, 2025 I purchased two gift cards from the Sea World web site totaling $900.00 for a coworker to use toward annual passes for his family. When my coworker went to the park on Sunday with his family to purchase the passes and enter the park he was told he could not use the gift cards for park admission. I requested a refund from Sea World for the gift cards and they referred me to their 3rd party vendor. This Vendor has rejected my request for a refund. When i asked Sea World to assist with the refund they said there is nothing they can do as I purchased from a third party vendor. I did not, I purchased from Sea World and if they want to use a third party vendor for the transaction that is on them, not me, I bought from their website. I bought the gift cards from Sea World for use at Sea World and for them to refuse to accept the cards has to be false advertising since the card was advertised on the Sea World website.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/06/2025

    Hello, apologies for the confusion. You are able to use the gift cards to purchase tickets. We have also tried to contact you via phone and email but have fail to hear back. 
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/19/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Yes your agent got confused on my order I kept telling my one day handicap parking ticket so he said you want to park up front and I said yes so I guess only 65 dollar parking ticket when I get to the park I find out that there was plenty of hand to get parking it I got paid for which I feel I should get a refund on it being handicapped after all he just got confused or that was the only option I get for I didn't understand correctly

    Business Response

    Date: 06/26/2025

    We would process the refund for the parking, please allow 21 to 30 business days for the refund to be effective. 
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/12/2025

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Hello,I was charged for an automatic renewal of Seaworld annual pass for *********. I did not intend it to be renewed. I had called Seaworld at the time and I was told that I was being refunded for the amount and my passes were made immediately disabled. But I was never credited the refund. I had called Seaworld a few times last year regarding refund and I was always told that it will be credited back, but it was never completed. Nowadays when ever I try to call Seaworld help line the wait time is over 45mins. I request you to look at this as a serious concern and provide my refund immediately.Order number is *************** and Pass barcodes are A517 ***** ***** ***** and A767 ***** ***** *****.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/26/2025

    Passes have been refunded and are currently not active. Please allow 21 to 30 business days for the refund to be effective. 
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:05/28/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    UnansweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I cancelled the auto-renewal of a membership pass in August of 2024, and they charged me $15.75 nine times since then. They only now just allowed me to cancel the payments online (I had to do it on the phone previously, so I have no record of that), even though I was out of my contracted time to pay them in August of 2023, and called to cancel in August of 2024. I have requested my money to be refunded in full (all $141.75 of it) and have yet to get a response from them, and every time I call I get put on hold until it hangs up on its own. My contract with them was paid in full on August 18, 2023, so according to the terms and conditions, I should have been allowed to cancel it online, but it wouldnt let me, so I had to call. My pass number with them is listed below.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:05/27/2025

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    UnansweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I booked seaworld tickets for three people in march 2024. I travelled to ************************** but it was raining and flooding that day in sandiego and could not visit the park and stayed in hotel.The seaworld order number : *************** I was able to reach the park number. After a few attempts, they reissued any day tickets with the following numbers in jun 2024 with one year extension . I called them in may 2025 just to verify before planning a long weekend trip. The long weekend is over now but I still could not get help from them.However when I called them in early may 2025 at their customer service number **************. They said they could not find them in their new database and asked to send email to ******************************************** After multiple emails sent starting from may 16th, I got a response with a request to send the tickets again. I attached them in first mail as well. However I resent tickets . After mutiple queries, they verified and aksed me which dates to rebook the tickets. I replied with multiple days and also requested to issue new any day tickets if it is an option. I still did not get reply even after multiple replies to that mail.I am not sure what is going on, and whether I can visit the partk directly with those any day tickets with bar codes, or they need to reissue tickets with new the barcoces, or what is going on.

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