Several restaurants at SeaWorld San Diego were forced to temporarily shut down after an inspection by health officials uncovered unsafe conditions, including reported vermin infestation.
First reported in a Reddit post, at least four eateries at SeaWorld San Diego amusement park were forced to close over prime weekend times due to issues uncovered during a routine health inspection. According to San Diego County food facility inspection records, the affected locations included the Dine with Orcas experience, Explorer’s Café and Beer Bar, a pre-packaged retail market, and the Chicken Snack Shack, formerly known as Big Bird Bistro. Another establishment, the Cotton Candy Factory, was also listed as closed in the county’s inspection records, though this closure was self-imposed. Despite these closures, all of the impacted restaurants have since reopened.
"My daughter was there yesterday," wrote Reddit user TNTmom4. "She said the dinning in the WHOLE park WAS A HOT MESS. She said most of the resturants or food stands were closed. The 'special summer offering' food stands were out of food by noon. Her and friends bought the dinner with Shamu. NOTHING that was on the menus actually was there. After paying $110 ( they double charged her. Which is in on going hot mess in its self) the ONLY thing offered to eat was the children’s menu or a fish dish. THEY all paid full adult prices for chicken nuggets, fries , Mac and cheese. She also witness people with the food passes being told at food booths to pay full price then go to guest services for refunds."
The closures were mandated by officials from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health on Friday, July 26, due to noted vermin infestations at each site. Specific details regarding the nature of the infestations were not disclosed in the public inspection reports.
In addition to the aforementioned closures, Shipwreck Reef Café was cited for a minor vermin violation, along with other issues, resulting in a "B" health rating during an inspection conducted on Thursday. A follow-up inspection confirmed that the issues had been resolved, and the café's rating was subsequently restored to an "A" grade.
The unexpected closures caused frustration among park visitors, particularly those who had purchased SeaWorld’s $60 All Day Dining deal. This package allows guests to dine at participating park restaurants once every 90 minutes, receiving an entrée and a drink with each visit. Of the five dining options listed on SeaWorld’s website for the All Day Dining pass, two were closed by health officials over the weekend, leading to longer lines and wait times at the remaining open restaurants.
The closures were mandated by officials from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health on Friday, July 26, due to noted vermin infestations at each site. Specific details regarding the nature of the infestations were not disclosed in the public inspection reports.
In addition to the aforementioned closures, Shipwreck Reef Café was cited for a minor vermin violation, along with other issues, resulting in a "B" health rating during an inspection conducted on Thursday. A follow-up inspection confirmed that the issues had been resolved, and the café's rating was subsequently restored to an "A" grade.
The unexpected closures caused frustration among park visitors, particularly those who had purchased SeaWorld’s $60 All Day Dining deal. This package allows guests to dine at participating park restaurants once every 90 minutes, receiving an entrée and a drink with each visit. Of the five dining options listed on SeaWorld’s website for the All Day Dining pass, two were closed by health officials over the weekend, leading to longer lines and wait times at the remaining open restaurants.
SeaWorld San Diego is currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit with the City of San Diego over approximately $12 million in back rent and fees. The majority of alleged debts were incurred while SeaWorld was forced to be closed during the pandemic. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement then the lawsuit is scheduled to move to trial in mid-2025.
SeaWorld San Diego is located at 500 Sea World Drive in Mission Bay Park. For more information, visit seaworld.com/san-diego.
SeaWorld San Diego is located at 500 Sea World Drive in Mission Bay Park. For more information, visit seaworld.com/san-diego.
