SeaWorld Orlando Shakes Up How It Manages Its Parks

As the Central Florida tourism sector shifts into the fall travel season, visitors heading to SeaWorld , Aquatica , and Discovery Cove will experience operations managed by a newly unified leadership team. United Parks and Resorts has aligned all three of its premier Orlando properties under a single park president to streamline customer service across the massive vacation hub.

Brad Gilmour, a 23-year company veteran, assumed the expanded leadership role in August. Having started his career at Discovery Cove in 2003, he served as park president for both the boutique resort and Aquatica Orlando since 2023. Gilmour now takes over the flagship SeaWorld Orlando property from outgoing leader Jon Peterson, bringing extensive operational expertise to families planning multi-park itineraries this autumn.

Kyle Miller, co-chief operating officer of United Parks and Resorts, emphasized the strategic focus on customer satisfaction that drove the structural shift.

"Brad has consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership that puts our guests and our ambassadors first," Miller said. "His deep operational knowledge, combined with his proven track record across our Orlando parks, makes him exactly the right leader to guide our parks into their next chapter."

Multi-Park Planning and Guest Experiences

Consolidating management under a single local tourism veteran may bring greater consistency to day-to-day guest experiences for travelers purchasing bundled ticket packages.

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Gilmour, a University of Central Florida graduate who serves on the boards of Visit Orlando and Special Olympics Florida , now oversees three distinct environments:

• SeaWorld Orlando:The marine life theme park combines thrill rides with global rescue operations that have assisted over 43,000 animals.

• Aquatica Orlando:The expansive outdoor water park features 50 slides, dedicated play zones, and 84,000 square feet of white sand beaches.

• Discovery Cove:The boutique day resort operates as an all-inclusive tropical retreat featuring coral reef swimming and complimentary dining.

Unifying these distinct properties allows the park operator to implement standardized hospitality protocols across disparate styles of theme park recreation. Whether vacationers choose high-speed coasters, water attractions, or relaxing beach lounges, the centralized leadership aims to ensure seamless transitions between the neighboring gates.

Ongoing Commitments to Conservation

The new management structure also maintains the organization's historic conservation commitments across its tourist footprint. Operating as an accredited zoological facility certified by American Humane Society, park leadership continues directing ticket proceeds toward scientific research and environmental protection through the SeaWorld Conservation Fund.

As families finalize their itineraries for upcoming holiday trips, this structural realignment highlights a renewed corporate focus on visitor amenities, hospitality standards, and animal welfare across three of Florida's most heavily visited leisure properties.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Sep 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Theme Parks section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.