VMX Behind the Scenes Tours

Arranged exclusively for VMX attendees, Behind the Scenes Tours give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with unfamiliar, non-domesticated species in their natural habitat and provide a glimpse into the inner workings of veterinary care and husbandry at these world-renowned facilities.

SeaWorld® Orlando

DATES: January 18, 19, and 20, 2027
TIME: 7:15 AM – 12:15 PM
WHO CAN ATTEND: Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurse/Technicians, Practice Managers, and Support Staff
COST: $250/person 

Join the SeaWorld Orlando Zoological Team in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour alongside a Staff Veterinarian. During this experience, you meet several Animal Care Specialists from teams who work alongside animal ambassadors such as Dolphins, Beluga Whales, Penguins, Seals and Sea Lions and more! SeaWorld is proud to be a part of over 42,000 rescued animal stories and is excited to share its conservation efforts and how they care for the animals who call SeaWorld Orlando, home. 

Buses depart from Orange County Convention Center - South Concourse at 7:30 AM and return at 12:15 PM. Meet at the shuttle pick-up/drop-off area 15 minutes before departure. Registrants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Orange County Convention Center on the day of the tour.

Location: Bus Drop-off/Pick-up Area, OCCC-South

Already registered? Log in to the Attendee Service Center to make changes or add to your registration.

Manatee Encounter & Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

DATES: January 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2027
TIME: 4:45 AM – 5:00 PM
WHO CAN ATTEND: All attendees
COST: $350/person

Swim all morning with the “gentle giants” of Florida in a once-in-a-lifetime manatee encounter, enjoy a bayside lunch on beautiful Kings Bay at a favorite local restaurant and take a leisurely walk in the afternoon at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. You may encounter endangered and declining species such as the whooping crane and wood stork, red wolf, and Florida Panther, as well as the more abundant wildlife; birds of prey, shorebirds and wading birds, black bear, and alligators. The tour includes wetsuits, snorkels, masks, transportation, lunch, and instruction. Children ages 9-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under age 9 are not permitted on this tour.

Buses depart from Orange County Convention Center – South Concourse at 5:00 AM and return at 5:00 PM. Meet at the shuttle pick-up/drop-off area 15 minutes prior to departure. Registrants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Orange County Convention Center on the day of the tour.

Location: Bus Drop-off/Pick-up Area, OCCC-South

NEW Central Florida Zoo

DATES: January 19, 2027 • 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM • $150
TIME: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WHO CAN ATTEND: Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurse/Technicians, Practice Managers and Support Staff
COST: $150/person

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour focused on wildlife conservation and emergency response, featuring a Zoolab tour, a custom animal encounter, and the inspiring 2026 rescue and rehabilitation journey of our resident sloths. Buses depart from the Orange County Convention Center South Concourse at 8:30 AM, so please arrive at the shuttle pick-up area by 8:15 AM to ensure an on-time departure. We expect to return by 5:00 PM. Lunch is on your own, with a variety of dining options available at the on-site restaurant, Graze.

Buses depart from Orange County Convention Center – South Concourse at 5:00 AM and return at 5:00 PM. Meet at the shuttle pick-up/drop-off area 15 minutes prior to departure. Registrants are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the Orange County Convention Center on the day of the tour.

Location: Bus Drop-off/Pick-up Area, OCCC-South