SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

[jedimaster1227 80]

http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/SeaWorld-Orlando-Announces-Multi-Year-Marketing-Agreement-With-Miami-Dolphins-/f8726745-2d4a-4334-8440-74f25a90e748

 

SeaWorld Orlando and the Miami Dolphins have announced a multi-year marketing agreement. “SeaWorld, Where the Dolphins Play!” is the tagline for the integrated campaign involving a season-long sweepstakes and special deals for Florida residents.

 

The face of the campaign is former linebacker Jason Taylor, who will be inducted into the Miami Dolphin Honor Roll on October 14. Vignettes will feature him and his family enjoying SeaWorld as part of the following elements:

 

SeaWorld Football Family of the Year is a sweepstakes that kicked off on September 21 and will continue through December 31. Fans can register at Dolphins.com/SeaWorld to win a grand prize three-day, two-night SeaWorld and Aquatica weekend getaway plus four tickets to all 2013 regular season Miami Dolphins home games.

 

The Game Day Advantage offers Florida resident deals at SeaWorld for Miami Dolphins fans and will be featured in radio, digital and TV throughout key Florida markets as well as in-stadium.

 

“Aligning with the Miami Dolphins is a natural fit. We both share the same commitment to family and tradition and are great places to make lifetime memories,” said Vice President of Marketing Toni Caracciolo. “We’re thrilled to have Jason Taylor involved because he’s devoted to family, a world-class athlete and loved by so many fans”.

 

"SeaWorld and their associated parks are premiere destinations for all ages from South Florida, across the country and internationally. We have the same vision to provide exciting moments for our visitors in a unique environment, while always giving back to the community," said Jim Rushton, Chief Revenue Officer, Miami Dolphins / Sun Life Stadium. "We are honored to call them a partner as we both continue to grow our respective businesses."

 

"From the exciting rides to swimming with the Dolphins, and everything in between, SeaWorld is simply an amazing destination for family entertainment," said Jason Taylor. "My wife, kids and I had a great time on our most recent visit and we can't wait to go back!"

 

SeaWorld Orlando immerses guests in the sea’s mysteries through up-close animal discoveries, amazing attractions, thrilling rides and unforgettable performances. Whether riding Manta, getting drenched by Shamu, or feeding seals and sea lions, vacation adventures become lifelong memories at SeaWorld. All new is TurtleTrek, a unique blend of up-close animal encounters with manatees and turtles and state-of-the art entertainment with the world’s first 3D/360 dome theater film.

 

Coming to SeaWorld Orlando in spring 2013 is Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, the biggest and most expansive attraction in SeaWorld’s history. This epic exploration of a mysterious world blends animal encounters with an exhilarating ride for a one-of-a-kind experience the whole family will enjoy. Be transported to an icy world you’ve never seen before. Experience the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating first-of-its kind family ride. Then, step out and explore their colony in an expanse that envelops you in cool extremes: bringing you above and below their icy world.

[Hilltopper39 15]

Interesting, kind of a strange partnership but I could see it working.

[disneyfan1313 0]

^Agreed - I am a Dolphins fan and somewhat confused by the NFL / Theme Park tie in outside of the name. I guess it is just another inroad to the S. Florida market which is really the main Florida market for Orlando parks.

[Jew 35]

Why do I feel like this is the plot line for a new Ace Ventura movie?

[jedimaster1227 80]

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/SeaWorld-Orlando-goes-gluten-free-with-new-menu/-/1637132/16932678/-/x8ir0k/-/index.html

 

Sea World is catering to people with food allergies at their parks.

 

The parent company for the parks, which owns Busch Gardens Tampa and a total of 10 parks across the country, announced Wednesday that they are introducing a line of allergy-friendly "dining initiatives."

 

These initiatives include increased safety by having guests with allergy specific needs working one and one with food preparation staff from start to finish to make sure it is allergen-free.

 

"Chef Cards" will be handed out in advance so that guests can write down their specific allergies, and then handed to a chef before the preparation of a meal.

 

The parks are also adding more menu options like gluten-free pizza and allergy-friendly Shamu shaped chocolate bars.

 

"We serve millions of guests each year and are committed to provide each a great experience. For families with allergen concerns, we understand how challenging it can be to safely dine out, especially while on vacation," said Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in a release.

[cfc 35]

I noticed that Busch Gardens Williamsburg is offering prepackaged "allergy friendly" snacks at Grogan's Grill, Cafe Lulu, German Candy, Festhaus Kaffee, and Roman Frieze, as well.

[jedimaster1227 80]

Edited October 24, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[ThatFloridaDude 0]

Im So excited. I'll be getting Sea World and Busch Gardens Annual PAsses in January!!

[SharkTums 135]

How did this not get more responses?!!? We have a ride vehicle for the penguin ride! Very cool. Except it's giving me flashbacks to all of the terrible dark rides at Ferrari World!!!!

[cfc 35]

I'm nervous about the name "Empire of the Penguin." I mean, we had "Empire of the Ants," and look at how well that turned out!

 

Ants and humans living together! Aghh!

 

But, seriously, I'm looking forward to checking out Sea World's new attraction--the old penguin exhibit was looking pretty long in the tooth.

Edited November 5, 2012 by cfc

[ThatFloridaDude 0]

When can we see a full picture of the Antartica Ride cars?

[jedimaster1227 80]

^While there is no set date for the release of any new photos or video of the new vehicles, it can be expected that we'll see a new Webisode within the next month or so, which promises to shed a little more light on the cars.

[jray21 0]

Can't wait to see the exhibit finished! Penguins are always a good thing, except when you can smell them . I'm really interested to see how it will all turn out.

[jedimaster1227 80]

[cfc 35]

^It was nice to see the little teaser about programming the ride vehicles--and to see the Busch parks in general stretching themselves a bit (as they already have with Verbolten, DarKastle, and Cheetah Hunt).

[Jew 35]

Oceaneering is sure keeping themselves busy between this and Transformers!

[jcrouse 0]

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Media Day

 

Saturday night, Jacqi and I took the kids out to experience SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. 

Jacqi and I have long been Sea World Annual Passholders, but we'd never ventured out to for their Holiday event. SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is included with park admission and runs every weekend through the end of the year and weekdays during the Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. 

 

While the park is decked out with lights and decorations in just about every nook and cranny, the centerpiece display is the "Sea of Trees" - a collection of over 100 lit trees that surround the lake. Three times a night, the trees come alive as their lights dance to holiday music. I got a opportunity to talk with Vice President of Entertainment, Michael Fletcher - and he explained that the show uses over 5 tons of lights and requires over 9 miles of electrical and fiber cables. The show is in its third year and has become the signature element of their celebration.

 

We were then whisked off to a showing of "O Wondrous Night" - their telling of "the greatest story never told" The show was a unique version of the Christmas story as told by some of the animals that witnessed the birth of Christ. Musically the show was amazing - 16 performers all mic'ed and singing. And while some of the puppet work and story lines weren't exactly my cup of tea, the nativity finale was fantastic. Live animals were everywhere - each entrance more impressive than the previous and probably the grandest nativity I'd ever seen. 

 

Finally, our preview concluded with Winter Wonderland on Ice, a holiday themed ice skating show - and Holiday Reflections, a fireworks and fountains show. Both took place at the Bayside Theater. Both shows were very good. The ice skating show felt more like an old holiday TV special, which was fun and the Reflections show was a nice finale for the evening. Reflections felt a bit short and most of the pyro was lower level bursts - but if all fit very well.

 

We didn't get to see Polar Express, Santa and his elves, the holiday Clyde & Seymour show or the Xmas Shamu show (unfortunately a lot of these things were happening at the same time and we had to pick and chose which things to take in). But there was also plenty of seasonal food and merchandise all over the place - and we seemed to run into small holiday musical groups providing atmosphere entertainment around every corner. 

 

Overall the park was beautiful and the entire event was a lot of fun. Its great to see Sea World continue to grow their seasonal offerings without resorting to a hard ticket/upcharge type of event. I'm eager to go back and check out all of the things we missed.

Sea World is all set for their Holiday Event.

We're in the right place. Here is our media badge.

Here is the event map. Looks pretty Christmassy.

Jacqi and the girls in front of Sea World's Christmas tree.

Holiday decorations are everywhere - even the light posts.

The park was beautiful with decorations and lights all over the place.

More holiday decorations.

Sea World themed nutcrackers, anyone?

Holiday musicians - these groups seemed like they were everywhere.

These elves were playing around too.

Entertainment vice president, Michael Fletcher introduces the Sea of Trees show to the Media.

Sarah has some company during the show.

The Sea of Trees - this picture does not do the show justice. There are over 100 trees that appear to be floating on the lake - all with animated lights that move to holiday music.

After the show, Michael took a moment to pose for a photo with me.

Edited November 19, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[jcrouse 0]

More photos from the Sea World Xmas Event.

Kraken is a walk on ? Yes, please.

O Wondrous Night - these are the Herald Angels and they're going to sing about the birth of Christ and the animals that were there in the manger.

The finale of this show was incredible. There were animals and flying birds everywhere. Highly recommended.

Ice Skating!

And Fireworks!

There were lights and beautifully lit paths everywhere. The park was very sparkly at night.

Santa Shamu!

Happy Holidays from Sea World!

[Someotherguyuser 0]

^Looks like you all had a swell time. Thanks for sharing! I just love that sunset in the background of one of your photos.

 

As for the video that was posted a few posts ago, the motion of the vehicle was far different than what I imagined it to be. I never realized the motion would so closely resemble Transformers. Then again, I had never known until now that Oceaneering helped provide the ride tech for Transformers.

[Jakizle 9]

Thanks for the photos! The event is really solid. I would put it over SFFT's HIP which is also a great event.

 

You guys have to go back and see Shamu Christmas Miracles though! It is easily my favorite show at any theme park.

[cfc 35]

I like how they're using the lake for the Christmas tree light show--the SeaWorld nutcrackers are a nice touch, too.

[nay 0]

You guys have to go back and see Shamu Christmas Miracles though! It is easily my favorite show at any theme park.

 

Agreed.

 

The also have some new photo areas this year. In addition to the snow globe by the waterfront that was introduced last year, they added another one by Shamu stadium. And I believe there are meet and greets with animals by the O Wondrous Night theatre.

 

My only disappointment was that they no longer offer the booth where you chose what type of bread you wanted and added a variety of spreads and toppings. But the smores cobbler is still there!

[jray21 0]

Awesome report. It's nice to see the different Christmas celebrations at the park. I rarely get to see them, so it's nice to see the reports.

[Hilltopper39 15]

The SeaWorld Christmas event is easily one of the best in park Christmas Events I've ever been to, they really do a great job with it. The best part is that Kraken and Manta tend to be complete walk-ons all night during the shows!

[jedimaster1227 80]

Last week TPR was at IAAPA (if you haven't already, check out our huge coverage of the overall convention) to check out the latest happenings in the amusement park industry. Among those latest advancements was a special announcement from SeaWorld in regards to Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, their upcoming attraction for 2013 that will take riders into the realm of the penguin in a ride experience that combines several world's-first elements into one super attraction!

 

Be sure to watch the video below to see the announcement as well as to hear our interview with Brian Morrow, Creative Director of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment parks (you'll recognize him from our coverage of Manta and TurtleTrek as well), and to see some adorable penguins soaking up the spotlight at IAAPA!

 

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=Antarctica_Car_Reveal_q9vn[/coastertube]

 

And here is the official press release to go along with the announcement event, including some exciting new details on the ride system and the experience to come!

 

At the world’s largest theme park convention – the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Expo 2012 - SeaWorld Orlando execs revealed the vehicle that will take guests on a first-of-its-kind ride to the frozen south in the park’s 2013 attraction and all-new realm, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

 

“There’s nothing else like this in the world,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment creative director. “Next year, this is the vehicle that will take families on an epic adventure and allow them to experience and interact with the thrills, wonders and dangers of Antarctica, all through the eyes of a very special penguin.”

 

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin combines a state-of-the-art family adventure ride and closer-than-ever encounters with hundreds of penguins – kings, gentoos, Adelies and rockhoppers – to create Orlando’s must-see 2013 new attraction. Immersing guests in a colony of penguins means Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world.

 

Designers revealed a bit more about the vehicles’ unique role in the attraction.

 

The cars themselves are technological marvels. Each car is a mobile simulator, with movements that allow the riders to become one with the storyline as they follow and mimic a young penguin’s adventures. The combination of experiences – mobile, moving simulators and a completely trackless ride – are theme park firsts. Guests will choose one of two levels of adventure. Designers say each level has multiple variations for a feeling of unpredictability, just like the continent of Antarctica.

 

“When our little hero penguin learns to waddle and slide, we’ll feel what it’s like as the car moves and reacts to the storyline. When he takes his first swim or barely escapes danger, our guests will feel as if they’re right there with him,” Morrow said.

 

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is the biggest expansion in company history. Park execs consider the attraction an all-new “realm,” rather than a single attraction. Antarctica’s scope includes the ride, penguin colony, gift shop and restaurant.

 

It’s an all-family experience that could only come from SeaWorld and can only be found at SeaWorld Orlando. “We’ve taken our guests and fans on astounding journeys,” said Terry Prather, SeaWorld Orlando’s president. “But no one has ever experienced what we’re bringing to Orlando in 2013. The first-of-its-kind ride, the cold, the wind, the thrills and danger of Antarctica and walking among penguins in a massive habitat is something only SeaWorld could do.”

 

More details can be found at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

 

And if you haven't seen it already, here is some video of the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin ride vehicle in motion!

 

 

Today we're here for some kind of unveiling...

Hosted at the Oceaneering booth, it was clear we'd be seeing the ride vehicle in person! Oceaneering also make the ride vehicle for Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Curse of DarKastle attraction.

Park President Terry Prather started off the event by reminding us that SeaWorld Orlando is committed to making new waves in the industry, and Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is that new wave!

Brian Morrow was on hand to share new details about the ride...

And here is the ride vehicle!

Totally trackless, this ride is also an EMV with full motion control (similar to DarKastle and Spiderman) which will allow for a ride experience that can feel extremely real.

Wonder how you'll get it?

Wonder no more!

 

Note: The bottom step is there for evacuation purposes. During normal operation load and unload procedures will have guests entering and exit at level with the seats, not the step.

Brian was happy to give us a closer look at this awesome new vehicle!

How about going up?

Looks pretty great!

Okay, this is really awesome!

A behind the scenes look at the making of our interview with Brian Morrow! Check it out for inside info about the ride, including Brian's favorite detail you can find inside!

Special thanks to Brian Morrow for taking the time to share with us and to give us a special interview inside of the Antarctica ride vehicle!

Drooling yet?

Jake made a new friend on the show floor!

We also got the chance to interview Mike Boos, VP of Zoological Operations for SeaWorld Orlando (you might recognize him from our coverage of Cheetah Hunt)!

It wouldn't be an Antarctica event without a look at the stars of the attraction!

Who doesn't love penguins?

And to close, here's a look at the ride vehicles as they'll be used in the ride when it debuts later next year!

 

Special thanks to SeaWorld Orlando, Terry Prather, Brian Morrow and Mike Boos for hosting us at this special event!

Edited November 26, 2012 by jedimaster1227