Overview
- Sesame Workshop filed a March 2026 federal lawsuit alleging United Parks & Resorts breached their 2017 licensing deal and stopped paying royalties in September 2025.
- An earlier arbitration award of more than $11 million to Sesame Workshop was upheld by a judge in September 2024 and, according to Sesame Workshop, was not paid until October 2025.
- United Parks & Resorts says it will contest Sesame Workshop’s claims in court, as the case raises the possibility that Sesame-themed lands could require changes if the license collapses.
- A wrongful death lawsuit filed March 16, 2026 by Rachel Billinghurst alleges negligence by SeaWorld Orlando in the death of her husband, Antony Billinghurst, on or about August 31, 2024.
- PETA and the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida plan to protest The Beach Boys and John Stamos show on March 22 at the park, even as SeaWorld remains open with its Seven Seas Food Festival running through May 17.