Category: SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is bringing back a popular offer that has Florida Moms jumping for joy…the SeaWorld Orlando Preschool Card!

Now through December 31, 2018, Florida kids ages five and younger can enjoy all the excitement of SeaWorld Orlando for free by registering for the SeaWorld Orlando Preschool Card.

SeaWorld offers an ocean of experiences that are perfect for pint-sized guests, from up-close animal encounters to breathtaking live shows. The Preschool Card also includes popular SeaWorld events such as the Seven Seas Food Festival, Electric Ocean, Halloween Spooktacular, and the fan-favorite Christmas Celebration.

What you should know about the SeaWorld Orlando Preschool Card:

• The 2018 Preschool Card ONLINE registration is exclusively for Florida residents,
• Registration is open from now until May 13, 2018,
• Advance registration must be completed ONLINE and cannot be done in person at the park, and
• This offer is only valid for children ages five or younger at the time of redemption at the park.

SeaWorld Orlando has fun celebrations for the entire family all year, but this spring preschoolers and their families can dive into Just For Kids, an event crafted especially with young guests in mind. From April 21 to May 13, families can spend their weekends dancing to the beat and learning together along with everybody’s favorite furry, finned and flippered friends during this special event.

Parents can add Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, to their child’s Preschool Card for only $59.99 to enjoy two parks all year. From Walkabout Waters to Kata’s Kookabura Cove, young guests can explore endlessly on interactive play structures, splash zones, and miniature slides designed just for them. With the upcoming opening of Ray Rush, a new family raft ride, the Preschool Card presents a great value for families with young children in 2018.

To learn more and to register for the Preschool Card, Florida residents can visit SeaWorldOrlando.com/PreschoolCard.

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SeaWorld Orlando is kicking off their all-new Three Kings Celebration  today where families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men with authentic festive cuisine and celebratory experiences held in honor of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures.

The new event, happening from now until January 6th, features guest favorites from SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration along with several new experiences centered around the Epiphany.

SeaWorld Orlando Three Kings Celebration events include:

•  Three Kings Processional- Welcome the Three Wise Men to a live nativity scene depicting the arrival of the Three Kings. A storyteller will share the tale of their journey and the traditions of the Three Kings holiday to park guests. The processional, featuring live animals, will take place several times throughout the day and offer a truly special photo opportunity for park guests.
• Special Holiday Feast at Sharks Underwater Grill- Guests can enjoy a traditional Latin holiday dish at SeaWorld’s premier full-service restaurant, Sharks Underwater Grill. The event-exclusive menu features roasted pork with onion mojo arroz con gandules, pasteles and fried tostones garnished with mayoquetchup. For dessert, the restaurant will feature a house-made flan drizzled with caramel.

• Festive Food and Drinks- Food connoisseurs can enjoy Latin-inspired dishes and drinks prepared exclusively for SeaWorld’s Three Kings Celebration. Menu items include miniature papas rellenas (fried stuffed potatoes), empanadas (cheese, chicken or beef), bacalaitos (codfish fritters) and authentic pinchos. Libations include frozen coquitos and frozen sangria.
•  Live Musical Entertainment- While new holiday flavors tempt guests’ taste buds; live musical street acts will have the family singing along to a variety of Latin holiday favorites.
• Rudolph’s Christmas Town – Guests can immerse themselves into the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s Christmas Town. As guests stroll past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale, they’ll have the opportunity to meet their favorite characters: Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius.

• O Wondrous Night – Experience a live nativity only SeaWorld can bring to life, complete with more than 30 carols, life-sized puppets, and animals in a spectacular Christmas favorite based on The Christmas Story. Told through the eyes of the animals that were there, O Wondrous Night is a touching, light-hearted, and glorious celebration with a host of angels, animals, and the true glory of Christmas. Guests can also enjoy a special sing-along before the show.
• Sea of Trees – Families will end their evening immersed in a sea of glistening holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. Dazzling images come to life on over 100 trees, including a giant glistening centerpiece that towers 70-feet above the water.

The best part of the SeaWorld Orlando Three Kings Celebration is that it is included with park admission and begins at 11 am daily, January 1 – 6, continuing through park close.

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Christian music fans can kick off their year in high gear with a day of fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando’s Praise Wave. The live concert event series takes place every Saturday from January 20 to February 10, 2018.

Guests can enjoy live musical performances by some of the hottest names in Christian music and celebrate in an atmosphere filled with Christian friendship, thrilling rides and inspiring animal attractions.

2018 Praise Wave musical performances include:

• Saturday, January 20 Steven Curtis Chapman: In a career that has spanned 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with 58 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five Grammys, an American Music Award, 48 No. 1 singles, selling over 11 million albums, with ten RIAA-certified gold and platinum albums to his credit.

• Saturday, January 27 – Lecrae: Lecrae is a two-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist whose 2014 album, “Anomaly,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, Rap, Digital, Christian, Gospel, and Independent charts. His seven studio albums and mixtapes have sold more than 1.9 million copies and he has co-headlined some of the best-selling tours in the U.S.
• Saturday, February 3 – TBA

• Saturday, February 10 – MercyMe:  Grammy-nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 8.5 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 27 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” “Here With Me,” “Homesick” and “So Long Self.”

Live concerts take place at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. each Saturday in the park’s Nautilus Theater and are included with park admission. Reserved seating packages for all performances are available online at SeaWorldOrlando.com and start at $19.

Live musical performances at the park continue in February with the return of SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival. As guests sip and sample their way through the park, they will discover globally-inspired flavors while enjoying local craft beers and culinary marketplaces. The fun goes beyond the food with live performances from top country, rock and Latin music artists for 9 consecutive weekends, February 17 – April 15.

The best deal for guests to experience Praise Wave, and all of SeaWorld’s special events throughout the year, is with a SeaWorld Fun Card which includes unlimited admission with no blockout dates thru December 31, 2018. For more information and to purchase tickets visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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This holiday season, there are more reasons than ever to join the merriment of the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration. Guests of all ages can delight over scrumptious food, stunning live shows, and joyful entertainment inspired by the natural world as they create treasured memories together.

Over 1 million sparkling lights will shine bright during the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration, offered select dates fromNovember 23 to December 31, with an all new holiday experience beginning January 1, 2018.

NEW SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration Experiences

· Dine with Rudolph – Guests can now book an all-new holiday dinner experience with their favorite reindeer. Hugs and smiles are shared with Rudolph as guests enjoy the telling of his classic tale during a delicious feast featuring a menu filled with traditional holiday favorites served family-style. Advance reservations for this experience are encouraged.

· Santa Claus at Wild Arctic – All new this holiday season, SeaWorld is inviting guests to take a ride to the top of the world to meet the Arctic’s most famous resident, Santa Claus! Guests of all ages can share Christmas wishes and take pictures with Santa Claus as they experience amazing animal encounters during this special holiday adventure presented by Coca-Cola.

Returning SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration Holiday Favorites

· Rudolph’s ChristmasTown – Returning for another year of festive fun, guests can immerse themselves into the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s ChristmasTown. As guests stroll past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale, they’ll have the opportunity to meet their favorite characters: Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius.

· Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas – A returning classic, Sea Lion & Otter Stadium celebrates the season with a hilarious Christmas comedy show.  Clyde and Seamore, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and even a jolly walrus, invite guests to their fun-filled holiday celebration.

· Shamu Christmas Miracles – Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmascarols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season during the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration.

· O Wondrous Night – Experience a live nativity only SeaWorld can bring to life, complete with more than 30 carols, life-sized puppets, and animals in a spectacular Christmas favorite based on The Christmas Story. Told through the eyes of the animals that were there, O Wondrous Night is a touching, light-hearted, and glorious celebration with a host of angels, animals, and the true glory of Christmas.

· Sesame Street’s Elmo’s Christmas Wish – The holidays have arrived, and everybody’s Sesame Street® friends have come to SeaWorld Orlando for a festive and fun musical celebration! Elmo’s Christmas Wish will soon become every child’s favorite show. Join Rosita, Grover, Zoe and Cookie Monster as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

· Winter Wonderland on Ice – Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza.

· Sea of Trees – Families will stroll through a wintery, watery wonderland as they are immersed in a sea of glistening holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. Dazzling images come to life on over 100 trees, including a giant glistening centerpiece that towers 70-feet above the water.

· The Christmas Market – Nestled along the park’s Bayside Pathway, The Christmas Market features festive entertainment and delicious culinary delights. Complete with playful elves, a charming model train village, and seasonal entertainment, the market is the centerpiece of SeaWorld’s Christmas event. Guests can also relax near the warm glow of the fire pit with a holiday cocktail while experiencing a wonderful view of the vibrant Sea of Trees.

 Best Way To Enjoy Holiday Cheer

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and New Year’s with family and friends is with an Annual Pass. By purchasing a pass now, guests can get three additional months free. Pass Members receive park benefits and rewards, including priority access to new attractions, in-park discounts, exclusive pre-sale opportunities and much more.

Don’t forget that SeaWorld Orlando has an entire year filled with monthly celebrations and that there are going to be some amazing BLUE Friday deals!

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Holiday shoppers are invited to dive into SeaWorld Orlando’s biggest sale of the year as early as Thanksgiving day with new Blue Friday deals.

From tickets and passes to unforgettable park experiences, guests can take advantage of limited-time pricing and save big with these exclusive online offers that you definitely won’t want to miss out on.

Blue Friday deals kick off the holiday shopping season by providing the best value to experience all that SeaWorld has to offer year-round, including SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and other special events coming soon in 2018.

Online-only deals include the following buy one, get one (BOGO) offers as well as two additional ways to save:

BOGO (Buy One Get One) Blue Friday Offers

• BOGO Free: SeaWorld Orlando Single-Day Ticket
• BOGO Free: 2-Park Tickets  (SeaWorld and Aquatica)
• BOGO 50% off: SeaWorld Orlando/Aquatica One-Year Annual Pass
• BOGO Free: Beluga and Walrus Up-Close Tour, which now includes a special opportunity to see Ginger, the baby walrus born at SeaWorld this summer.
• BOGO Free: Quick Queue Unlimited at SeaWorld
• BOGO Free: Dine With Shamu
• BOGO 50% off: All-Day Dining

Additional Blue Friday Offers

• Save up to $110 on Discovery Cove Gift Admission Packages
• Save 30% on all merchandise from SeaworldShop.com

To learn more about this year’s Blue Friday deals, shoppers can visit seaworldorlando.com/bluefriday and become an email subscriber for early access to these limited-time offers. Fans must subscribe by Wednesday, November 22 to gain early access at noon on Thursday, November 23.

These online-exclusive deals are available to the public starting from 6:00p.m. on Thursday, November 23 and will end on 11:59p.m. Monday, November 27, 2016.

If you want to make sure to remember to take advantage of these fantastic Blue Friday deals from SeaWorld Orlando, you can subscribe to their email list for reminders and other great offers.

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With 2017 drawing to a close, SeaWorld Orlando has released the 2018 calendar of events that includes more festivals, concerts, and new ways to enjoy the park every month of the year.

Next year’s lineup includes the following exciting, inspiring and family-friendly events, which are included in park admission:

2018 SeaWorld Orlando Event Calendar 

NEW Three Kings Day: Daily, January 1-6

During the all-new Three Kings Day celebration, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The new event brings SeaWorld’s holiday season to an incredible close with festive cuisine and celebratory experiences that honor the cherished traditions of Latin cultures.

Praise Wave: Saturdays, Jan 20 – Feb 10

With the return of Praise Wave, guests can celebrate Christian fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando. Uplifting, live concerts from the hottest names in Christian music will light up the stage at Nautilus Theater.

Seven Seas Food Festival: Weekends, Feb 17 – April 15

After a delicious debut last year, the Seven Seas Food Festival is returning to SeaWorld this spring for a second course. As guests sip and sample their way through the park, they will discover globally-inspired flavors while enjoying local craft beers and culinary marketplaces. The fun goes beyond the food with live performances from top country, rock and Latin music artists each weekend.

NEW Just For Kids: Weekends, April 21 – May 13

Families will enjoy dancing to the beat and learning together along with everybody’s favorite furry, finned and flippered friends during these special weekends crafted with young guests in mind.

Electric Ocean: Select nights, May 26 – September 3

As the sun goes down, the park comes alive with the glow of Electric Ocean at SeaWorld, returning next year for another summer of fun. With exciting nighttime shows and electrifying music, guests are immersed in a sea of wonder that ends in “Ignite”, a spectacular fireworks finale.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular: September 29 – October 28

During Orlando’s premier daytime Halloween event, guests of all ages can join everyone’s favorite furry friends from Sesame Street as The Count, Elmo, Abby and others take the stage in “Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween.” Families will also enjoy a Halloween Dance Party, trick-or-treating around the park, and the opportunity to meet whimsical characters inspired by the sea.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: Select Dates November 23 – December 31

At SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, guests experience the joys of the holiday season complete with Rudolph’s ChristmasTown and returning favorites sure to inspire traditions for years to come. During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration guests of all ages can delight over scrumptious food, stunning live shows, joyful entertainment inspired by the natural world and much more.

Best Way to Play:

With fun-filled events all year round, the best way for guests to experience seasonal opportunities at SeaWorld Orlando is with an Annual Pass. For a limited time, guests who purchase a full paid SeaWorld Annual Pass will get three months free.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

To keep up to date on park hours and events, follow SeaWorld’s social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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A brand-new family raft slide is splashing into Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark in spring 2018. Ray Rush promises to be a fully-loaded water adventure which will combine three unique slide elements, never before seen at Aquatica, into one action-packed attraction the entire family can enjoy together.

At nearly 60 feet tall, Ray Rush is where family and friends can take on three exciting thrills as they slide, splash and soar like never before. First, riders will be launched at 33 feet per second with water jets designed to propel rafts into the first of several enclosed tube sections. Next, riders will swirl into a colossal translucent sphere which spins the raft around the slide walls before entering another enclosed tube section. Finally, riders will drop into an open-air halfpipe that resembles the shape of a manta ray. Rafts will soar back and forth on the wings of the manta before entering the final enclosed tube section that ends with a splash.

“Ray Rush will offer a ride experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else in Florida. Aquatica will be the first waterpark in the state to combine these three unique elements into one attraction” said Cathy Valeriano, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “Ray Rush is the perfect addition to our attraction portfolio, complementing what is already one of the most family-friendly waterslide lineups in Orlando.”

Ray Rush will have a height requirement of 42” to appeal to families with children and will accommodate up to four riders per raft. The new slide will be located on the north side of the park next to Walkabout Waters.

In order to make way for the new attraction, HooRoo Run will close permanently on October 31, 2017. To accommodate construction, Walhalla Wave will temporarily close on this date and re-open in spring 2018 alongsideRay Rush. For a limited-time, Aquatica Pass Members will receive a one-time Quick Queue to ride both HooRoo Run and Walhalla Wave on select days in October before construction begins in November.

The best way to experience Aquatica is with an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass. For a limited-time, Florida residents can purchase an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass for only $10 per month with EZpay. Aquatica Pass Members enjoy unlimited admission and free parking as well as discounts and the opportunity to be among the first to ride Ray Rush when it opens in spring 2018. For more information, visit AquaticaOrlando.com.

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Disclosure: I was invited by Aquatica Orlando to spend a day in the park with my family and to experience a family cabana, but all opinions are my own.

Aquatica Orlando, a water park owned and operated by SeaWorld Orlando, is truly a gem in the Orlando line-up of theme parks.

Themed to the South Pacific, this water park that opened in 2008 is home to eight water slides, two lazy rivers, side-by-side wave pools, two children’s water play areas, animal habitats and conservation stations, as well as several restaurants and shops.

Aquatica Orlando has a wide variety of attractions and activities making it a great place to visit for the entire family, and here are some of the best things to experience on your next visit to the park.

The Best Of…Aquatica Orlando

The best attraction for families…Loggerhead Lane 

Loggerhead Lane is a traditional Lazy River with a fun extra. As you are floating along you will find that there are two different paths you can take, and depending on which you choose you will find yourself floating past the Fish Grotto or the Commerson’s Dolphins viewing area.

The best attraction for toddlers…Kata’s Kukaburra Cove 

For toddlers, the Kata Kookaburra Cove play area located near the wave pools and beach is chocked full of slides, sprays, and water obstacles for kids to play in and on for hours with their parents. 

The best attraction for children…Walkabout Waters 

Walkabout Waters, closely located to Roa’s Rapids and Taumata Racers, is home to a gigantic multi-level water play areas with dump buckets, slides, and water sprays perfect for younger kids to play in with their parents while older kids experience the more thrilling slides in the area.

What is really nice about both play areas is that they are almost over-staffed with Aquatica lifeguards with lot of areas for parents to supervise and stay cool.

The best attraction for tweens…Taumata Racer 

Taumata Racers is a racing slide with a twist. This eight lane racing slide with mats has both enclosed and open areas to add an extra thrill to the slide’s intense speed. And to help settle any disputes, at the bottom of the lanes are timers that show which racer went the fastest.

The best attraction for thrills…Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is Orlando’s tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind.  Offering four unique slide paths, you’ll step into one of three “breakaway boxes” and watch each other fall one-by-one or test your bravery on a fourth open slide for a different but just as thrilling experience. This is definitely a set of slides for the brave of heart!

The best attraction for family thrills…Walhala Wave 

Walhalla Wave is a family raft ride that require riders to be 42” tall to ride, because it is an intense and dark experience. A huge bonus of this slide is that you don’t have to worry about lugging a large tube up stairs while watching your children. Walhalla Wave is extremely thrilling at six stories tall with zooming twists, turns, and tunnels.

The BEST attraction…Roa’s Rapids 

Roa’s Rapids is a Not-So-Lazy River that is really long and has powerful jets that move you through the ‘river‘ that I could stay on all day!!! Our first time around Roa’s Rapids we chose not to grab life vests since we are all strong swimmers, but on our second trip around we decided to wear one and it was a much more enjoyable experience.

Getting out of the current can be a tad difficult for younger ones, so make sure you communicate early about when you are looking to exit Roa’s Rapids.

The best annual passholder perk…Pass Member Pavilion

The all-new Pass Member Pavilion is a place exclusively for Pass Holders with concierge services, complimentary sunscreen, private chairs, charging centers, a private entrance to Banana Beach Cook-Out, and a place to find exclusive offers. And now for a Limited Time, Pass Members should stop by to pick up an Aquatica Pass Member reusable tote that is available while supplies last.

The best place to eat…Banana Beach Cook-Out 

There are a wide variety of food and bar options at Aquatica, but we chose to get all-day wristbands for the Banana Beach Cookout where we got to eat, drink, and snack all day. It was great to be able to pop in and grab a drink or slice of pizza or BBQ sandwich! And if you only want to visit once, there is a single visit option as well. Pass Members can save 10% by showing their pass and photo ID.

The best add-on to your day…Quick Queue

If slides are your thing, adding quick queue to your day will make conquering all the thrills easier. There are two Quick Queue options that allow front-of-the-line access to six of your favorite water-slides including:

• Whanau Way – Must be able to maintain proper riding position unassisted. Sliders under 48” must wear a life jacket.
• Omaka Rocka– Minimum height requirement is 48”.
• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls– Minimum height requirement is 48”.
• Taumata Racer– Minimum height requirement is 42”
• Walhalla Wave – Minimum height requirement is 42”

• HooRoo Run – Minimum height requirement is 42”.

Pricing and inventory vary by season, so check specific dates for actual price and availability. Aquatica Orlando Pass Members save 10% on the purchase of Quick Queue.

The MUST add-on to your day…Locker Rental

When I am at the water park, I tend to drop my stuff and go so having a locker for my valuables is a MUST! The locker rentals are centrally located, reasonably priced, and are available in three different sizes.

The best add-on luxury…Cabana

I will have to say that the biggest luxury at any water park is a cabana, and at Aquatica Orlando they have a wide variety of cabanas available for most budgets. You can check out the different levels and areas of the park that you can find cabanas and what each include here.

For more information about Aquatica Orlando and the latest ticket deals, make sure to visit their official website.

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Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando now have the opportunity to experience the park’s majestic killer whales in a brand-new way with the new Killer Whale Up-Close Tour.

During this tour guests will have the opportunity to meet the park’s killer whales in ways never before offered at the park.

The 45-minute in-depth tour includes learning from the park’s killer whale trainers, meeting the whales and understanding their unique personalities, and even taking part in an interaction with one off the whales.

During the tour, which takes place daily, SeaWorld Orlando trainers share stories and information about the killer whales, demonstrate how the whales take part in voluntary husbandry sessions and discuss their healthcare, feeding habits and more.

The engaging and interactive tour also gives participants a once in a lifetime chance to try their hand at a session with the whales alongside a trainer. Throughout the entire experience, guests are encouraged to take as many photos as they would like to help forever preserve the memory of the one-of-a-kind experience.

The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour is the latest in the SeaWorld Orlando line-up of memorable, educational and inspirational tours. Popular guest experiences, including the Dolphin Up-Close Tour and Penguin Up-Close Tour provide hands-on interactions with some of the park’s most popular animals while encouraging guests to care about all of the animals found in the oceans. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour, a guest favorite, provides an inside look at the park’s amazing animal rescue operation and ends with the opportunity to touch a shark and meet a Magellanic penguin.

The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Space is limited, and guests are encouraged to make reservations online in advance. Prices start at $79 per person. For more information on SeaWorld’s tour programs, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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In celebration of Shark Awareness Day on July 14, guests at Discovery Cove can now take part in exclusive new animal experiences at the park. Discovery Cove has always been known for its memorable dolphin interactions, and now guests can enhance their visit with one of-a-kind, hands-on encounters with sharks and stingrays.

Swim with Sharks at Discovery Cove

The awe-inspiring Shark Swim program provides closer-than-ever encounters with legendary predators. While guests have always been able to view park’s sharks, the new program takes them on a daring next step – swimming freely among five species: Pacific blacktip, reef whitetip, nurse shark, zebra shark, and a spotted wobbegong.

The immersive session is divided into two unique interactions and begins as guests meet with the park’s shark team and head into the water. Through hands-on interaction, guests learn about shark anatomy and the threats the animals face in the wild. Guests can also join the sharks in the deeper part of their habitat and embark on an exhilarating snorkel experience.

Discovery Cove works to dispel myths about sharks and to inspire guests to learn more about these mysterious creatures. As top predators, sharks play an essential role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems worldwide by monitoring fish populations. Sadly, shark finning and overfishing threaten many shark species and disrupt that natural balance. Guests who take part in the new Shark Swim program will walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for these fascinating ocean ambassadors.

The Shark Swim experience is available to Discovery Cove guests ages 10 and older. The cost is $85 per person. For every shark swim package purchased, SeaWorld will donate 5% of the proceeds to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) in support of shark conservation and research.

In addition to the Shark Swim program, Discovery Cove has launched a new Ray Feeding experience. This exclusive opportunity gives guests the chance to feed the stingrays during a private tour of the Grand Reef. Guided by one of the park’s aquarists, guests ages 6 and older spend their session in the Grand Reef learning all about the species of rays as they hand-feed the incredible creatures. The Ray Feeding program is $50 per person.

The new interaction programs require a Dolphin Swim or Day Resort reservation at Discovery Cove to participate. Space for each program is limited and guests are encouraged to book in advance. For additional program and booking details guests can visit their official website.

Beginning August 1, Florida residents who book a day at Discovery Cove will also receive unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, through January 2018 – including SeaWorld’s special holiday events.

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The Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando is debuting new Latin-inspired dishes and concerts starting this weekend, and I was invited to give you a sneak peek of what you will find!

Seven Seas Food Festival Latin American Eats

SeaWorld Orlando’s Executive Chef Hector Colon and his team have created eight new dishes that are inspired by Latin American flavors and traditions to join the existing line-up of 11 global markets that can be found throughout the park!

The new dishes that can be found at the Cocina Criolla Marketplace, on the Festival’s Pathway, are:

• Churrasco- Skirt steak marinated in house-made chimichurri, then grilled over an open flame
• Lechón Asado- Traditional, roasted pork rubbed with Caribbean seasonings
• Pincho con Tostones- Skewered, flame-grilled chicken or pork with a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce and served with fried plantains
• Tripleta Sandwich- roast pork, chicken, steak and cheese, served with potato sticks and SeaWorld’s special sauce on a fresh baguette
• Empanadilla de Pizza- Pastry filled with mozzarella cheese and zesty tomato sauce
• Empanadilla de Carne- Pastry filled with savory ground beef
• Empanadilla de Pollo- Pastry filled with seasoned pulled chicken
• Bacalaítos- Thin, crispy salted codfish pancake.

I had the opportunity to try several of these dishes, and these are some of the best dishes I have had at SeaWorld!

If you love skewers, and who doesn’t really, definitely give the Pincho con Tostones a try! I suggest asking for the chicken and extra sauce on your fried plantains!

But if you are looking for what Chef Colon is best known for, order the Churrasco! I look forward to his chimichurri sauce every time I see it on the menu!

Seven Seas Food Festival Headline Entertainment:

To compliment the sizzling latin flavors, popular reggaeton, salsa, Latin pop and merengue concerts will take place each weekend at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium.

To complement the Saturday schedule, the event has added performances on Sundays May 7 and May 14, and all concerts begin at 3 p.m. and are included park admission.

Here is the concert line-up:

• Oscar D’León – Saturday, April 22  
• Olga Tanon – Saturday, April 29        
• Grupo Mania – Saturday, May 6
• El Gran Combo – Sunday, May 7
• Zion y Lennox – Saturday, May 13
• Grupo Niche – Sunday, May 14       

The addition of these Latin American inspired dishes and entertainment definitely bring a new sizzle to the Seven Seas Food Festival, and you won’t want to miss the chance to try these new eats and to dance to the fun beats.

If you are looking for a great deal on a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass, for a limited time, guests who purchase a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass also receive Aquatica Orlando included for free. SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass Members enjoy unlimited admission and free general parking for 12 months with no blockout dates for as low as $14 /month.

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I can’t believe it’s that time again…but it is time to start registering kids for Summer Camps and one of the most popular in the City Beautiful are hosted by SeaWorld Orlando!

The popular camps offer one-of-a-kind educational, exciting encounters that can’t be found in a traditional classroom. Each camp includes up-close experiences with marine animals designed to encourage a lifelong passion for wildlife and the environment. Registration is now open for 2017 sessions which run weekly June 5 through August 4.

Each week, campers are immersed in the wonders of the sea through exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities and educational sessions along with the opportunity to experiences SeaWorld’s amazing attractions, rides and shows. The opportunities campers receive are unparalleled: first-hand experiences with veterinarians, animal trainers and animal care staff. During camp, attendees around surrounded by aquatic life as they make friends, have fun, explore and create lifelong memories.

SeaWorld Camps provide a learning environment that fosters exploration and self-discovery.  Campers from choose to take part in two types of camp experiences:

• Day Camps: During their week, participants learn about a variety of animals, including whales, dolphins, penguins and sea lions. Campers focus on a particular theme throughout the week.

Each day they learn about different species through songs, take-home arts and crafts, time with zoological staff, up-close animal encounters and more. Children going into preschool through 8^th grade can take part in SeaWorld’s Day Camp. Daily lunch, snacks, a camp T-shirt and water bottle are included.

• Resident Camps: Created especially for students interested in potential careers with animals, Resident Camps provide extensive experiences and hands on learning. Students going in to 7th-12^th grade learn  what it takes to train and work with marine animals.

Sessions include personal one-on-one time with a penguin and other animals, the chance to snorkel while submerged in a shark cage, opportunities to work with the animal care staff and the ability to help SeaWorld’s team create enriching environments for the animals.  Residents also get to experience a full day at Discovery Cove, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, and feeding exotic birds in a free-flight aviary. Resident Camp fee includes all camp activities, lodging onsite at SeaWorld and at a partner hotel for five nights, all meals and snacks. Supervision and guidance is provided 24 hours a day for the entire duration. Resident Camps are so popular, many campers fly in from around the country; these campers receive transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport by the dedicated camp staff to start their camp experience.

Prices for Day Camp start at $350 for one week; Resident Camp pricing starts at $1200 for one week. After camp care is also available from 3 to 5 p.m. for an extra fee. Parents are able to register their children online at SeaWorldCamps.com/Orlando or by calling 407-545-5550.

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The Seven Seas Food Festival is a new event at SeaWorld Orlando that combines live entertainment with international coastal cuisine for 14 consecutive Saturdays from February 11 – May 13, 2017.

Each week you’ll be able to sip and sample your way around the world choosing from over 60 unique eats while enjoying more than 55 craft beers, paired wines, and specialty entertainment from 11 am to park close.

The fun extends beyond the food with live performances each Saturday from top country, rock and Latin music artists.

And the best part? Admission to the Seven Seas Food Festival is included with your SeaWorld Orlando admission!

Seven Seas Food Festival Headline Entertainment:

During the festival live entertainment will have everyone dancing, singing and laughing along to some of their favorite artists as 14 live acts rock SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium.

• Lynyrd Skynyrd – 2/11
  
• Lee Brice – 2/18
• Bill Engvall – 2/25
• Styx – 3/4
• Justin Moore – 3/11
• ZZ Top – 3/18
• Phillip Phillips – 3/25
• TBA – 4/1
• Village People – 4/8
• Commodores – 4/15
• Oscar D’León – 4/22
• Olga Tanon – 4/29
• Grupo Mania – 5/6
• TBA – 5/13

Seven Seas Food Festival Coastal Cuisine:

At 11 new global markets, you will set sail on a taste adventure as you discover more than 60 unique Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian and North Atlantic dishes while enjoying a wide array of wines, specialty cocktails, and local & international craft brews throughout the park.

A selection of menu highlights include:

• Asian Market- Peking Duck Lo Mein with Fresh Oriental Vegetables
• Korean Market- Bingsu Salted Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Caramel Popcorn
• Mexican Market- Braised Chicken Adobo with Mole Sauce
• Caribbean Market- Cinnamon Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Sweet Plantain Mash
• Florida Market- Fried Kataifi Orange drizzled with Local Honey
• Mediterranean Market- Smoked Cured Salmon topped with Sweet Dill Mustard
• North Atlantic Market- Banana & Caramel Cheesecake topped with Whipped Cream & Caramelized Bananas
• Brazilian Market- Brazilian Churrasco with Chimichurri & Garbanzo Frito
• Pacific Coast Market- Braised Pork Cheeks with Savory Apple Polenta
• Polynesian Island Market- “Loco Moco” Grilled Spam, White Rice, Scrambled Egg & Brown Gravy
• Gulf Coast Market- Southern Creamy Cheese Grits with a Blackened Shrimp

A complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival delights can be found online at SeaWorldOrlando.com/SevenSeas.

Best Way to Play 

The best way to experience the Seven Seas Food Festival is with an annual pass. SeaWorld Pass Members can purchase reserved concert seating during an exclusive presale beginning January 19th.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com.

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