SeaWorld Orlando is taking a new direction with several parcels of land near its theme parks, signaling a shift away from previously proposed hotel projects and toward residential development.

Recent filings with Orange County outline a request that would allow for up to 670 multifamily residential units along Sea Harbor Drive, directly across from SeaWorld’s main parking entrance. The proposed project, referred to as SeaWorld Vacation Village, would replace earlier plans for two park-adjacent hotels that were withdrawn in 2025.

The original hotel concepts included a 504-room full-service property at the corner of International Drive and Central Florida Parkway, as well as a 250-room resort-style development near Discovery Cove. Both projects were paused indefinitely.

Winter Park-based Epoch Residential is listed as the developer for the multifamily proposal, with planning handled by Kimley-Horn and architectural design by FK Architecture. The site includes land owned by SeaWorld as well as adjacent parcels near the Renaissance Orlando Resort and Sea Harbor Office Center.

The International Drive corridor remains one of Orlando’s most active multifamily submarkets, leading the region in new apartment construction and leasing absorption. Just north of SeaWorld, another 250-unit apartment development has also been proposed along Westwood Boulevard.

SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks & Resorts, owns over 2,000 acres nationwide, including significant park-adjacent property in Orlando. Company leadership has indicated they are carefully evaluating long-term development opportunities across hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors.

This shift toward multifamily housing reflects the continued evolution of the I-Drive district, where residential, tourism, and mixed-use development increasingly intersect.

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