SEAWORLD ORLANDO ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR MARKETING AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS
SeaWorld Orlandoand 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 Dolphins Honor Roll on October 14. Vignettes will feature him and his family enjoying SeaWorld as part of the following elements:
Jason Taylor and his family at Discovery Cove
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.
Weekly Review time!!! This past week here at On the Go has been full of great stuff, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened September 3-7!!!
Let’s get this party started!!!
We started the week with a look at SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team’s efforts to save stranded pilot whales. SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team, along with several local agencies, responded on September 1, 2012, to 22 short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Florida’s Avalon State Park Beach in St. Lucie County.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team, along with several agencies, responded to 22 short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Florida’s Avalon State Park Beach in St. Lucie County.
Orlando City Soccer shoots and SCORES during their last game of the 2011-2012 Season!
Wordless Wednesday took us to one of my favorite moments in Wishes!
Wordless Wednesday – Wishes!
Scared Shrekless Family Fun is coming to the Gaylord Palms Resort this Halloween offering guests the opportunity to scare up some fun with their favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda!
Scared Shrekless at Gaylord Palms Resort – October 13th and 27th
Betsy took us along on the final leg of her Disneyland in this amazing Trip Report!
httpv://youtu.be/O11z4CWTpqc
We also took a look at the adorable The Tigger Movie that is out now on Blu-Ray.
The Tigger Movie is available now on Blu Ray!
And we ended the week with a giveaway that would make any woman happy…A chance to win a pair of Custom Christian Louboutin shoes! In honor of Disney’s global release of the classic animated masterpiece “Cinderella”, which will be available in Blu-ray™ Diamond Edition on October 2, 2012, Walt Disney Studios, in collaboration with Christian Louboutin and Glam Media, today reveal details of their national quest to find a modern-day Cinderella. One lucky woman whose style and fashion sense best embodies the Cinderella fairytale will ultimately be awarded with a pair of original Cinderella slippers re-imagined by world-renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin during a private event at Disneyland, CA taking place on September 27th.
Enter the Cinderella Christian Louboutin Giveaway Today!
Thanks for joining us our Weekly Review at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!! We’ll be covering Nights of Joy at the Magic Kingdom, Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After, LEGOLAND going to galaxies far away, and a ghostly Titanic Experience!
SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team Responded to Group of Stranded Pilot Whales
The pilot whales are currently receiving 24 hour care from the SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team. The goal is for the whales to transition to SeaWorld Orlando for long-term care, and ultimately be returned back to the ocean.
SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team, along with several local agencies, responded on September 1, 2012, to 22 short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Florida’s Avalon State Park Beach in St. Lucie County.
The five surviving, juvenile whales (two males and three females) were transported to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute’s Rehabilitation Center in Ft. Pierce where they are being evaluated, stabilized and treated by animal expert teams from SeaWorld Orlando, Harbor Branch, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marine Mammal Conservancy, University of Florida, as well as specially trained and qualified Harbor Branch volunteers.
The whales are currently receiving 24 hour care. The goal of the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team is for the pilot whales to transition to SeaWorld Orlando for long-term care, and ultimately for them to be returned back to the ocean.
At this time it is unclear why the group of pilot whales stranded. Neocropsys will be conducted on the deceased animals to determine the possible causes of their stranding. If you happen to see an injured or orphaned marine animal, call the FWC hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or dial *FWC on a mobile device.
SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals.
— SeaWorld –-
SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team, along with several agencies, responded to 22 short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Florida’s Avalon State Park Beach in St. Lucie County.
Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the UCF area? Or are you looking for a 5K to run? Are you a huge college sports fan? If you answered yes, you might want to check out the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge, that our friends at the Central Florida Sports Commission have created!
2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge
Check out our review of the latest Disney Chanel Original Movie Let It Shine on DVD and enter for your chance to win a copy!
Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012
This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us over to the Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal’s CityWalk!
Hollywood Drive-In Golf Golf at Universal Citywalk
Earlier this summer we told you about SeaWorld rescuing a pregnant manatee that gave birth to an adorable calf, and we updated you about their return to their home in Merritt Island, Florida.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.
Thursday, we were really excited to let you know about Visit Orlando’sMagical Dining Month returning this year in September! This is definitely something you are going to want to check out!!!
We are all super excited about the Solar Bears returning to the ice in Orlando, and they will be returning under their 2001 Turner Cup Championship Banner!
And we wrapped up the week with Cheryl taking a look back at her DVC stay at the Beach Club Villas!
Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room (courtesy of Betsy Bates)
August 2, 2012, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a rescued manatee and her two-week-old calf to their natural environment. The pair was successfully returned to the waters of Sykes Creek, where mom was originally rescued.
Yesterday morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a mom and calf manatee pair to their natural environment. The mother was rescued earlier this summer, and during her rehabilitation gave birth to a male manatee calf at SeaWorld Orlando.
The female manatee was pregnantwhen she was rescued about two months ago, and during her rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando gave birth to a healthy male calf. Once the pair had bonded and the veterinary team confirmed that the calf was nursing, the park’s animal experts felt the manatees had an excellent chance to survive on their own. SeaWorld’s ultimate goal is to return rescued animals to the wild once they are in good health.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.
BACKGROUND:
On June 8, 2012, SeaWorld’s animal rescue team rescued the 10-foot manatee from Sykes Creek. She had severe injuries to her front right flipper caused by a crab pot line, and fishing line was also tightly wrapped around both of her front flippers.
Weighing nearly 1,380 pounds, the manatee was transported by the rescue team to SeaWorld Orlando for further evaluation and care. After assessment, her front right flipper was amputated and bandaged. She received antibiotics and was treated for her injuries, and her health continued to improve.
Based on her size, SeaWorld’s veterinary team suspected the manatee could be pregnant. After performing a sonogram procedure on the gentle giant, it was confirmed that she was pregnant and about six weeks later, the calf was born. SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Care team kept a close eye on the pair, to ensure they were both healthy enough for yesterday’s return.
SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. So far in 2012, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 12 manatees.All manatee rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911
Here at On the Go we have been having another week of fun around Orlando, and it’s time to take a look back so we can Keep Moving Forward…So let’s go!!!
On Monday, we took at look at the new Oz: The Great and Powerful, opening March 8, 2013, trailer that was released. This looks like it is going to be an amazing movie!!!
Oz: The Great and Powerful will be released March 8, 2013
Then it is almost my favorite time of year again…Food and Wine Festival at Epcot!!! Aurora looked at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series line up for this year on Tuesday, and I am really excited!!! Sugar Ray, Boyz II Men, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are just a few of the bands that will be performing at this year’s series! You HAVE to check out one of these concerts if you are here for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot!!!
The 2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Series is from September 28-November 12 at Epcot!!!
If your family is anything like mine, you have caught Wreck-It Ralph fever and November 2, 2012 needs to be here today! Tuesday we looked at the slew of talented actors from some of your favorite video games and movies that are lending their voices to this highly anticipated movie!
Wreck-It Ralph Hits Movie Theaters November 2, 2012
Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, were we needed to be Quiet on the Set at The Great Movie Ride!
Quiet on the Set – The Great Movie Ride – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The only thing cuter than a manatee is a rescued manatee that gave birth to an absolutely adorable calf! Our friends at SeaWorld rescued this momma manatee from Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, FL, because she had severe injuries to the front right flipper caused by a crab pot line. Mom and Calf are doing well and are as cute as can be!
Approximately six weeks after her rescue, rescued manatee gives birth to a calf at SeaWorld Orlando on the morning of July 18, 2012.
Thursday Betsy took us with us as she looked at her Happy Place at Walt Disney World where the Dole Whips flow…Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This post is filled with great photos, information, and delicious food that you can find at the Poly, and is sure to make you say Aloha to this amazing Deluxe Resort!
Congratulations! It’s a 100 Weedy Sea Dragons! Over at SeaWorld there is a rare birth about to take place, as a father Weedy Sea Dragon is taking care of 100 eggs that will hatch soon!
Nearly 100 small, pinkish eggs adorn a male weedy sea dragon. As with sea horses, male sea dragons are responsible for bearing young.
We closed out the week with one of the coolest things that we have done yet! The Gaylord Palms hosted a Christmas in July event where we found out about how Ice! will feature some of our favorite characters from Merry Madagascar and had a surprise performance from Vanilla Ice! We also take a peek inside this beautiful resort. How can you not love that???
Vanilla Ice killed it at the Gaylord Palms
Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!
Nearly 100 small, pinkish eggs adorn a male weedy sea dragon. As with sea horses, male sea dragons are responsible for bearing young.
A rare and exciting event has taken place at SeaWorld Orlando. A weedy sea dragon has given birth to his first few baby sea dragons.
This is the first time sea dragon eggs have successfully hatched at a SeaWorld park and is considered a very extraordinary occurrence in aquariums around the world. In fact, there have only been three other aquariums in the United States to successfully breed weedy sea dragons.
Like the closely related sea horse, male sea dragons are actually the ones in charge of bearing young. The female deposits the eggs onto a spongy patch found on the underside of the male’s tail. The eggs are fertilized during this transfer and remain on their father for the next five to nine weeks. Dad is responsible for incubation and care of the eggs until they reach full term.
Close to 100 eggs were laid by the female in June and will continue to hatch over the next couple of weeks. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny sea dragons are on their own. They’ll receive nutrition by absorbing the remains of their yolk sac and from zooplankton found in the water. Once the egg sac has been absorbed, the newborns will begin feeding on newly hatched brine shrimp. The baby sea dragons will take around a year to reach full size.
The sea dragon is a protected animal found naturally in tropical coastal waters of south and west Australia. Due to human invasion and pollution, the numbers of sea dragons that live in their natural environment have drastically dropped since the 1980s. The weedy sea dragons can normally be seen at SeaWorld in the aquarium exhibit inside Manta
Rescued Manatee Gives Birth to Manatee Calf at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Fla., on June 8 to rescue the 10-foot manatee that had severe injuries to the front right flipper caused by a crab pot line.
A pregnant manatee rescued by SeaWorld’s Animal team in June has given birth to a healthy manatee calf. Born early on Wednesday morning, between 3 and 6 a.m., the newborn calf has been nursing and bonding with mom in a back area pool. SeaWorld’s Animal Care team is on 24-hour watch keeping a close eye on the pair, who are both doing well.
BACKGROUND:
On June 8, 2012, SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Fla. to rescue a 10-foot manatee. She had severe injuries to her front right flipper caused by a crab pot line. Fishing line was also wrapped around both of her front flippers.
The adult, weighing nearly 1,380 pounds, was transported by the Rescue Team to SeaWorld Orlando for further evaluation and care. After assessment, her front right flipper was amputated and bandaged. The manatee received antibiotics and was treated for her injuries, and her health continued to improve.
Based on her size, SeaWorld’s veterinary team suspected the manatee could be pregnant. After performing a sonogram procedure on the gentle giant, it was confirmed that she was pregnant and about six weeks later (Wednesday), the calf was born.
SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. So far in 2012, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 12 manatees.
Approximately six weeks after her rescue, rescued manatee gives birth to a calf at SeaWorld Orlando on the morning of July 18, 2012.
All manatee rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911
It’s Orlando’s most immersive and memorable family dining experience — Dine With Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando. Guests get closer than ever to SeaWorld’s majestic whales while enjoying a delicious menu of seasonal and sustainable items at a reserved poolside table.
They’ll get an incredible glimpse into the interactions that occur between SeaWorld’s trainers and whales. They’ll find out what makes killer whales such unique animals. And, everyone will learn about the many things we all can do to help save valuable ocean resources and habitats by enjoying sustainable and natural foods.
It’s a behind-the-scenes experience that will connect guests to the world we share like never before and it’s only at SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld’s commitment to the world we share extends into the food we serve. All items served at Dine With Shamu are seasonable, fresh and sustainable. The summer menu includes:
All-natural, grain-fed Black Angus strip loin
100% natural cinnamon-cured roasted pork loin
Rosemary-glazed free range grilled chicken
Filet of cod (certified sustainable)
Seasonal sides including lemon butter herb-roasted red potatoes, summer vegetable lo mein, cucumber salad, mixed green salad, summer fruit salad, and coconut Caribbean rice
Baked goods made fresh at SeaWorld
Signature desserts
Special kids’ buffet
Dine With Shamu is $49 for adults and $24 for children (ages 3 through 9) and is not included with park admission. Prices do not include tax.
Advance reservations can be made at SeaWorldOrlando.com (startingJuly 14) or day-of inside the park at the reservations center.
A dolphin calf was born Saturday morning 6/30/12 at 8:47 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The young calf’s sex is unknown at this time, but it has been seen nursing and bonding with its mom, Starkey, both a good indication that the calf is doing well. This is Starkey’s sixth birth. Park guests can see the pair at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Nursery where pregnant dolphins, new mothers, their calves and experienced moms live together.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at SeaWorld Orlando. In addition to Summer Nights special nighttime shows, an extended set of Reflections fireworks will blast off starting with a special pre-show at 9:30 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. An extraordinary performance bythe Navy Band Southeast’s Wind Ensemble, a 40-piece band performing a variety of popular music ranging from traditional marches and patriotic fare to classical favorites and Broadway hits, kicks off the festivities. The celebration ends with the awe-inspiring Reflections fireworks and fountains show at 10:30 p.m. that include an extended set including an honorary tribute to the United States.
Guests can enjoy SeaWorld even later on July 4th as the park is open until 11 p.m. Families can experience the all-new TurtleTrek, the world’s first 3D 360 dome theater experience, ride Manta under the stars (and fireworks!) and enjoy our amazing Summer Nights shows:
Sea Lions Tonite SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.
Shamu Rocks SeaWorld’s spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.
Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.
SUMMER NIGHTS AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO…
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN, THE PARK LIGHTS UP
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 5, 2012) – Summer Nights at SeaWorld is a nighttime spectacular that only SeaWorld could create, and the best place to be in Central Florida when the sun sets. Waves of fun wash over the park with incredible shows, an all-new attraction,thrilling coasters under the stars, and a nightly fireworks and fountain finale.
During Summer Nights –- June 23 through August 12 — SeaWorld is open until 10 p.m.,providing even more time for guests to play.
Headlining Summer Nights is the all-new TurtleTrek, where guests can live the miraculous 3D 360 journey of a sea turtle; Shamu Rocks, a larger-than-life experience where guests jam to a rock-n-roll beat and watch as whales perform amazing behaviors; Sea Lions Tonite, a hilarious, satirical show featuring Clyde and Seamore that will have everyone in stitches; and Reflections, the sky-filling fireworks and fountains finale that
ends the night with a bang.
Shamu Rocks at SeaWorld's Summer Nights
Summer Nights at SeaWorld, plus the amazing, new TurtleTrek – the only attraction of its kind in the world – coupled with amazing admission offers and values, makes the park a must-see for locals and residents this summer. The best admission deals can be found online by visiting SeaWorldOrlando.com.
Additional details:
All-new: TurtleTrek
SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction, TurtleTrek, comes to life with SeaWorld’s unique blend of up-close encounters with manatees and sea turtles and state-of-the art entertainment, making for a real adventure and a first-of-its-kind 3D 360 degree dome theater film that is completely surrounding and immersive.
Shamu Rocks
Rock the night away with Shamu during this spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.
Sea Lions Tonite
SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.
Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale
SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.
Manta
An even more extraordinary sensation by moonlight, Manta lets you find out what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you experience the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world at nighttime, under the stars.
Summer Nights VIP Tour
Experience the highlights of SeaWorld Summer Nights, VIP-style. This six-hour, guided tour includes an opportunity to feed dolphins, front-of-the-line access to our most popular rides, including Manta, and reserved seating at our exhilarating night shows, Shamu
Rocks and Reflections. Included with the tour is the convenient, all-you-care-to-eat All Day Dining Deal, where you and your family can enjoy all of your favorite foods from your favorite participating restaurants!
This week I’d like to focus on two great apps for smartphones from Busch Gardens and Sea World. I have often being accused of being attached to my phone while in the parks, but in this case, this is a good thing. These apps are amazing! They have some great features that I will explore a little further with a bit more detail.
First off, the layout for both Busch Gardens is similar as you can see from the pictures below. On the first screen upon opening the app for the first time after downloading it, you will be asked to choose which park location you’d like to choose from to install that specific park’s information on your phone. Seen below are the screen shots for the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sea World Orlando. The next screen you will see is the home screen with a built in compass. The screen is broken up into categories of Animals, Search, Shows, Attractions/Rides & Wait Times, Restrooms, Stay Connected, Food and Explore More. I have also taken a picture of the park maps with some of the search options.
Across the bottom of each screen you have the Home, Events, Camera, Map and More options. With the Busch Gardens map above I just zoomed out to see the whole park. For the Sea World map I opted to search for the companion restrooms at the park.
Since the features are practically identical for the two parks, I will focus just on one from this point forward since I went to Sea World most recently and much of the functionality is brought out best while in the park based on GPS location.
Animals
For the Animals section you are able to sort alphabetically by name or distance from your current location within the park.
Search
Search allows you to type in a keyword and gives your results in alphabetical order, but also shows your distance and a brief description. If you are wanting more specific information about dolphins, click on the listed links.
ShowsA'Lure DirectionsA'Lure
One of my favorite things about the app is the show listings. I love all of the shows Sea World to offer and the function of sorting by name, distance or show time is great! I used this to find my way to explore a new show for me: A’Lure. It directed me and kept constantly updating my distance to the show.
Ride & Wait Times
Similar to shows, Ride & Wait Times allows you to sort by name, distance or wait time if you are looking for something to ride.
Restrooms
Again with the Restrooms you are able to sort by name or distance. If you want GPS directions, just click on the name of the restroom and the app will direct you with step by step map using GPS.
Stay Connected
On the Stay Connected tab, you can get more information on Sea World by following them on Twitter, liking them on Facebook, following the Sea World blog or signing up for the email list.
Food
Much like the other categories, with Food you can sort by name or distance. Once you select a location you can see more like sample menu items and pricing.
Explore More - Up-Close ToursExplore More - In-Park DiningExplore More - Animal InteractionsExplore More - Adventure Camps - SleepoversExplore More - Quick Queue
For the Explore More section of the app you can learn more about Tours, Camps, Animal Interaction programs, the Quick Queue program and the All Day Dining Deal (which I highly recommend).
Events
Events lists upcoming things like concert series and special events for the next few months along with more information and specific dates.
Camera
I absolutely loved the Camera function of the app. It was so cool to take pictures in the park and add fun borders right then to save to your phone to upload or send to friends and family. However, this was the only part of the app that I had some issues with it acting a little buggy going back to my phone’s home screen instead of to the app’s home screen when I was done take the picture.
Map
You can see the interactive footsteps on the map once you have selected your destination. Along the top you have options of searching or pre-selected categories of Animal Connections, Shows, Rides, First Aid, Restroom, Nursing Facility, Defibrillator, Drinks, Snacks & Refills, Companion Restrooms, ATM, Amenities, Dining, Lockers, Guest Information, Events, Gifts & Souvenirs, Smoking, and Clear All. You can select multiple options at the same time and can move the map around as well as zoom in and out. Also included is the ability to recenter the GPS to your current position.
More - Contact Us/General Information
If you are wanting to contact Sea World or get more general info about the park, like their address for GPS, you can find this under the More – Contact Us/General Information section.
More - Park Hours
Park Hours is pretty self explanatory and shows the hours for each day of the month when you click on the calendar.
More - Directions
The directions tab is particularly useful if you don’t have a GPS program. When I went to the Directions my phone verified my current location and calculated distance and time based on GPS.
More - Weather
There is even a built in Weather app to give you the forecast for the day.
More - Commitment
If you are wanting to learn more about Sea World’s mission and pledge to environmental education and protection, visit the Commitment section under More.
More - Car FinderCar FinderCar FinderCar Finder
I think my favorite thing using the GPS was the Car Finder function. When you park your car you drop a pin to mark the GPS location of where you parked. When you are leaving for the day you can revisit the car finder to find your car! No more do you have to try to remember where exactly you parked. I found this to be very reliable and it even recognized when I reached my car.
All in all, I am very impressed with the Sea World and Busch Gardens apps. Even though I know my way around the parks well enough to not need a park map, it is nice to have the GPS to show you the shortest distance or alternate routes to get where you are going. There are tons of great features that these apps offer using the GPS technology and search functions. I use these apps pretty much every time I’m in these parks, especially for the show times to see what I can catch on a whim and also for wait times and exploring what is in the area. Honestly, the only thing I had any issues with was the camera function on occasion. I’d say it worked fine three out of five times I tried it. I think these are some of the nicest apps for parks in the area and wish some of the other parks would adopt some of these features and ease of use. Check them out next time you’re in the area or even if you just want to check to see what is going on in the parks in advance of your trip!
Discovery Cove is offering the ultimate vacation for Orlando visitors with the introduction of a new, all-inclusive package: A day at Discovery Cove now includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark.
These three parks — Discovery Cove, SeaWorld and Aquatica — are now known collectively as SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, the only place in the world that features unique adventures that connect families with animals, the sea and each other. It’s the one destination in Orlando where animals are the highlight and includes preferred hotel stays and exclusive benefits.
“This new offer is incredible for guests because it allows them to explore Discovery Cove for the day and also enjoy SeaWorld and Aquatica during their Orlando vacation, so they can experience the amazing animal connections that all of our parks deliver in their own way.” said Toni Caracciolo, Marketing Vice President for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts. “It also solidifies the Discovery Cove reservation as a true, all-inclusive package,” she added.
At Discovery Cove, guests can enjoy a perfect day swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays and tropical fish, hand-feeding exotic birds, and relaxing on pristine beaches … and that’s just the beginning.
Opening later this summer at Discovery Cove is Freshwater Oasis, where guests can wade, relax and come face-to-face with new animals — playful otters and curious marmosets. Plus, with unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days, guests have the ultimate flexibility to live the 3D 360 journey at TurtleTrek, SeaWorld’s newest attraction, and then cool off at Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that immerses them in the playfulness of the sea.
Starting at $229, Dolphin Swim Day Resort Packages at Discovery Cove now include:
Reserved dolphin experience
Unlimited access to signature experiences including: The Grand Reef, free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, Wind-Away River and coming soon Freshwater Oasis
Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch plus snacks throughout the day
Beverages all day long, including sodas, water and alcoholic drinks
All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towels, locker, sunscreen and other first-class amenities
All day self-parking at Discovery Cove
A complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry to park
A pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando before, during or after Discovery Cove visit.
Guests that have already booked Discovery Cove reservations on or after May 22 and who have selected SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica with their reservation will automatically have access to both parks during their vacation. For reservations and to learn more, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 1-877-434-7268.
On Friday I was lucky enough (to head to Sea World Orlando for the Opening of their new experience called Turtle Trek! It is SUCH an amazing attraction. Probably one of the best ones I have seen in a while. It is not a ride, it is a total experience and let me tell you, it is top notch!
From the Desk of Sea World:
TurtleTrek, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction, comes to life with SeaWorld’s unique blend of up-close encounters with manatees and sea turtles and state-of-the art entertainment, making for a real adventure and a first-of-its-kind 3D 360 degree dome theater film that is completely surrounding and immersive.
Guests first visit two massive naturalistic habitats, home to gentle manatees and gliding sea turtles, learning what makes each species so precious. Families then enter a domed theater and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.
Inside the dome, they’ll be surrounded by a hyper-realistic, 3D 360 degree film that takes them on the amazing life journey of a special sea turtle named Nyah. The experience is all around guests and even above them – not just in front of them or only on one screen. It’s this all-new and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic adventure that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, SeaWorld guests are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.
So when you walk into the Queue you go right into the underwater viewing area for the Turtles, Manatees and Fish! All around you see everything floating and living and eating and it is AMAZING! The view is crystal clear and you can see EVERYTHING!
After you go thru there you are brought into the Egg shaped Dome where the 3D 360 Show takes place. You Put on your 3D Glasses and you become Nyah the baby sea turtle and we follow her on her journey through her life. We are in the egg and we hatch with all of our brothers and sisters. Because the dome is egg shaped you really do feel like the baby sea turtle. From there You have an encounter with a Crab and a Seagull, You swim with your family in the ocean thru coral. You meet Manatees and bigger gliding turtles and sting rays. You swim in the coral with the Jelly Fish in a sunken treasure ship. You meet up with Sharks and dolphins. You get caught in a net but because of the special release net, you escape. The whole thing happens around and above you and makes it a one of a kind movie!
Once you exit the attraction you get to go to the top of the 360 degree viewing area and see the animals at the very top of the habitat. You also get a chance to play ” Race for the Beach” video game that plays out on massive video screens. It teaches people what and how Turtles eat and what kinds of dangers await them in the ocean.
This Attraction is such a wonder. It is a story that everyone needs to be part of. With the Grand Opening of this event Sea World has decided to eliminate plastic shopping bags. The eco-friendly move will save an estimated 4 million plastic bags per year from both entering landfills and impacting wildlife. SeaWorld routinely rescues marine wildlife such as endangered sea turtles that sometimes mistake plastic bags for a favorite food such as jellyfish.
Please make sure that visit Turtle Trek on your next visit to Sea World Orlando to learn all about These wonderful animals and how they live their lives!
Thank You to Sea World President Terry Prather for the opportunity to compliment him on such a fantastic attraction and snap a picture, Todd Faison Manager of Human Resources for taking the time to ask me my opinion and Dustin for letting me take a picture of his T shirt!
