jedimaster1227

^In my opinion, it is 100% a better show, both based on Believe before it was trimmed and after. I did enjoy Believe, but it didn't resonate with me in the way that One Ocean does. There were no dull points in the show for me, even during the slow emotional songs. I was interested in every fountain motion, in every killer whale movement, in every bar of the soundtrack and in every change of the video. Everything about it kept me engaged in a way that no other SeaWorld show ever has. I'm sure there are others who after seeing it will disagree with me, but like with other shows I favor, something about this one just worked. No complaints on my part.

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the media day for SeaWorld Orlando's newest addition, 'One Ocean', a replacement for the previous Shamu show, Believe. Integrating new fountains, set design and whale movements, as well as reintroducing Tilikum into the spotlight, SeaWorld has truly created an amazing show that stands apart as my favorite Shamu show to date, and my favorite SeaWorld show since Cirque de la Mer (the Orlando version). Most people know that I'm not a show person, but something about this one captivated me. It features a beautiful set, a fantastic mix of video imagery and real life motions, as well as a moving soundtrack that will surely have me buying as soon as it is released. The care and detail behind this new show far exceeds anything I've seen offered entertainment-wise by SeaWorld Orlando, and I'm thrilled to say I'll be going back for more when I return. Based on what I was able to see and experience today (between the two shows I saw), SeaWorld Orlando has a real winner on their hands, and a crowd-pleaser at that. The lines for the show were insanely long with eager guests waiting to see Shamu's latest turn and I don't see those crowd's subsiding anytime soon. I expect a long and healthy run to come from 'One Ocean' and I look forward to seeing it again as soon as possible. Did I mention that the soundtrack is stuck in my head now? Video will be online soon, but in the meantime, please enjoy these photos from today's event! EDIT: Here are the highlights from the media-only segment of the day, including the performance by Spencer Lee, the Jack Hannah appearance and two interviews! [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=Sequence_01_1_mfaf[/coastertube] Here is the full Spencer Lee performance of One Song. [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=00002_jw3z[/coastertube] Here's the full show in video (minus the ads and the Here's to the Heroes spot). [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=oo_kz1t[/coastertube] So we're here today to see a brand new Shamu show... Sharky shark shark shark shark... (Hi Dave!) The former set pieces from Believe have been majorly redressed and expanded upon to create a wave bursting from the center of the stage. The video, fountains and motions of the killer whales flow amazingly with this design in perfect precision. The logo of the show... Jeff Johnson counts it. They also show a great video on SeaWorld's animal rehabilitation efforts. It is time for the trainers to come out publicly for the first time for One Ocean! It is time for a splash zone warning! Duly noted, thank you! As with the previous show, a brief salute to the armed forces in the audiences was done, as a part of the Here's to our Heroes program at the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Parks. Then the resort president came out to introduce the show, speaking about Earth Day, and also taking the time to introduce Jack Hanna who was also present. It's time to start! Taking a page from Believe's book, the story shows several individuals at the moment of their inspiration... Transitioning into who they become down the road... Notice the whale-tail necklace? Julie Scardina, Corporate Curator, Animal Training, told me that it was carried over from Believe into this show because it had taken on its own significance with guests and they wanted to maintain that connection, not for merchandise purposes, but for its ability to better spread the show (and SeaWorld's) message. This one shares a moment with Shamu... That translates into her becoming one of the trainers in the show... And the onscreen story seamlessly jumps into reality! Into the song, two of the trainers emerge on stage to lead to motion. These jumps never fail to impress! Beautiful. One of the enhancements made to the stadium for 'One Ocean' was the installation of 35 fountains that shoot water across the pool, also splashing guests in the front rows of the splash zone. Want to get wet? Sit here! With all of the new fountains in use, the stadium takes on a whole new character that gives the show even more energy. The trainers dance along the bottom of the stadium with the killer whales as water rushes over them and the guests. Mother and child float along together in a tender moment. The signature wave... *speechless* Motherly love... And I'm proud to announce that Tilikum is once again a star at Shamu Stadium! I forgot how big he really is... He also makes the best splash waves. Got em! Incoming! *jaw hits floor* All of a sudden, six hundred (yes, that is the official figure) choir members engulfed the stadium to join in the singing of the show's finale, "We're One." Jack Hanna stayed around after the show to meet guests. While waiting for our second viewing of the show, we notice this new feature. Similar to the Laugh Floor, you text in your name and it appears on screen. It works! At the end, guests can text in to help push along their SeaBuddie in a race to the finish. Think the midway game with the water gun, except that texts are your ammo instead. One photo with a trainer, for posterity. Happy to represent Theme Park Review once again! It looks so great! Here's the new mechanics of the fountains down in front. And this was the crowd waiting to get into the next showing... 2 hours after we left! It looks like we've got a hit on our hands! Congrats SeaWorld!

http://www.olc.co.jp/wpmu/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/04/20110420_03e.pdf

Thanks to the Gravity Group for sharing these with us! Panorama of Twister from the top of the lift hill. Can you figure out the path of this twisted track? Airtime! Bright red Timberliners are being lifted onto their new home track. Here's a view of Twister's lift hill as a car from the Wild Maus wisks by.

^They are actually quite fun if you ever get the chance to try one.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/rundisney-announces-newest-race-tinker-bell-half-marathon/

http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/04/19/nighttime-entertainment-boosts-disney-business/75417/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-orlando-thrill-park-zoning-20110419,0,3212546.story http://www.wesh.com/themeparks/27600053/detail.html?utm_source=manual&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=wesh+2+news This rendering shows an aerial view of the proposed Orlando Thrill Park off International Drive, with the Tangelo Park neighborhood to the lower left and Festival Bay Mall on the upper right. (Orlando Thrill Park)

Six Flags Great America has sent us a press releasing regarding Riptide Bay at Hurricane Harbor.

Well, it isn't as in our face as Nantimi (Intamin) was... 2037 vs. 7302 doesn't reveal anything, does it?

http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=606121

http://www.wfpl.org/2011/04/15/hart-revises-plans-for-kentucky-kingdom-still-hopes-for-2012-re-opening/

http://www.wftv.com/news/27577649/detail.html

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has sent us a press release regarding the testing of Cheetah Hunt starting tomorrow.

Disney has created an official Facebook group in to promote Star Tours The Adventures Continue in the coming months. http://www.facebook.com/StarTours Although not all of the photos posted are new, they are higher resolution than previously released, so I'll repost the duplicates. Disney is also doing a four-city Florida mall-tour to promote the new attraction. Coruscant Naboo Tatooine Hoth Kashyyyk

http://www.moreyspiers.com/media-relations.php

http://www.earlofsandwich.fr/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/beast-castle-behind-the-scenes-with-walt-disney-imagineers/

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/update-tokyo-disneyland-to-reopen-on-april-15/

Canobie Lake Park has sent us an update about the season's grand opening, as well as their new coaster, Untamed.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has sent us a press release about this year's Ramp Jam.

Holiday World has sent us a press release about their next TV coverage, this time on the Travel Channel's Burt the Conqueror.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/the-music-behind-the-little-mermaid-ariels-undersea-adventure/ [coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=disneyparks_745_k6a6[/coastertube] http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/look-for-new-film-images-in-the-art-of-animation-show-at-disney-california-adventure/