SeaWorld ordered to pay $1.5 million in San Diego ticket lawsuit

SeaWorld San Diego has reached a settlement of $1.5 million in a class action lawsuit related to unclear automatic pass renewals. The lawsuit, filed by two San Diego residents, Daniel Blanco and Christopher Lomeli, alleged that SeaWorld did not adequately inform customers about automatic renewal terms when purchasing annual passes. The plaintiffs claimed they received no reminders about the upcoming renewal date and faced challenges canceling their passes.

The settlement, which is pending final approval from a judge, covers individuals with a California home or billing address who bought annual passes to SeaWorld San Diego through the company’s website or mobile app after February 28, 2019. These individuals should have had their passes renew automatically after the initial 12-month period but before February 28, 2025. To be eligible, the class members must not have received a refund for the first auto-renewal charge.

SeaWorld has maintained its innocence and compliance with all laws but agreed to the settlement to resolve the matter and prevent further legal action. The lawsuit raised concerns from pass holders who were taken by surprise with renewal charges and questioned the clarity of SeaWorld’s automatic renewal terms. In California, businesses must provide clear disclosure and reminders for automatic renewal offers.

If the settlement is approved, eligible class members will receive compensation from the settlement fund without the need for a claim form. Payments will be made automatically to those who do not opt out. Class members who received a notice by mail can choose between an electronic payment or a paper check. A hearing for final settlement approval is set for August 15, 2025, in the San Diego Superior Court, with the deadline for exclusion or objections falling in late July.

Further information about the settlement, including eligibility criteria and payment options, can be found on SeaWorldAnnualPassSettlement.com. The lawsuit and subsequent settlement highlight the importance of clear communication and disclosure in automatic renewal processes to ensure transparency and prevent unexpected charges for customers.