SeaWorld Holiday Photo Tour

SeaWorld Orlando always does a bang up job in the Christmas season. From the astounding O Wondrous Night to the always-great Shamu Miracles show, they just shine in this season.

New this year is a model train display in the Marketplace "walkway" near the dolphin nursery.

Part of what makes the park so great is that they just dress up so many areas in lights and decorations. Bravo!

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

WDW Clicks #5 - IAAPA, Fantasyland DVC, Talking Mickey, SeaWorld Christmas

From the trade show floor of IAAPA to new costumes in Fantasyland (merch, attractions, foods), we have a monster update. Also included: SeaWorld Christmas decorations (including new model train set), Fantasyland DVC location, Let it Snow at Nickelodeon Hotel, and Jingle Cruise posters.




Direct link: http://youtu.be/0eFhr_3gmP0

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Review of Brews, Bands, and BBQ at SeaWorld

SeaWorld began its late-winter festival this past weekend (disclosure: I was invited as press and received a free meal, though no free alcohol). Since this is Central Florida here, late winter means 79 degree temperatures, outdoor bands, and a search for shade even in February. Amazing.

I'd not seen this exact event before, though it's at least more than one year old (my fellow bloggers assure me). What I have done is attend beer and food/wine type events before from SeaWorld. There are differences and variations each time, but they usually take place in the pathway from the Bayside Stadium back toward the dolphin nursery, with shacks and stands scattered about on the way. That held true this time as well. With the decorations around and a few theme additions (Harley Davidson motorcycles), the area took on a character of its own that reminds me of the Christmastown stuff they do in the same spot, but with enough color changes that it has its own tenor and rhythm. If nothing else, the blaring rock (or country) music sees to a different vibe than you saw here in Christmas.

There are numerous local vendors here with BBQ foods--Tony Roma's, Cecil's, and Sonny's leap to mind. SeaWorld also has its own booth. I had pulled pork from both Cecil's and SeaWorld (the latter one had more spice and added flavors), and I sampled other things from the SeaWorld booth: grilled chicken (moist and tender, but not overly meaty) and sausage (spicy and my favorite).

If you're not here for the food, maybe it's the bands. Many of them are big-name bands: Beach Boys, Third Eye Blind, Hall and Oates, Sheryl Crow, that sort of thing. The complete list of bands is on the official site. The concerts are included with admission, so that's a pretty big draw.

If you're like me, though, you may show up here for the beer. The booths sell individual brewski (for almost $8) but what you really want is the $21 sampler, giving you ten cups of beer (or cider) for a total of about 70 ounces of beer. That's essentially half off the price of the drinks! There were about 25 kinds of beer to choose from, all of them craft beer (rather than mass produced giants you already know well). It seemed to me that the event was heavy on the ales, pale ales, and Indian pale ales this year. I saw a few stouts here and there, but lagers and ambers seemed more rare. The pricing and portions seemed just about right to me--this is a good event and we left feeling like we had paid fairly for good quality.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: SeaWorld Epic Voyage campaign to tour USA

SeaWorld Orlando^® embarks on epic voyage

New app and experiential marketing tour launch

Orlando, FL (January 18, 2013) –- SeaWorld Orlando kicks off its “Epic Voyage” campaign in New York City to launch Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, the park’s all-new, largest-ever attraction opening this spring. The campaign includes stops in seven cities and a new mobile app, both designed to give families a sneak peek into the new attraction’s thrilling and chilling adventure in ways as amazing as the continent itself. 

SeaWorld Orlando’s new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will transport families into a rarely seen, icy world. They’ll feel the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind family ride. They’ll explore a massive penguin colony in an expanse that envelops them in cool extremes, both above and below the penguins’ icy world.  It’s a must-see, one-of-a-kind theme park experience only at SeaWorld in Orlando. 

In select cities, SeaWorld’s “Epic Voyage” takes over malls and consumer travel shows with a unique family experience filled with a massive ice dome, interactive virtual reality, shareable photo opportunities, chances to win incredible prizes by playing Antarctica-themed games, and, of course, live penguins.  Coca-Cola Freestyle machines will also be part of the experience on site to quench the thirst of attendees with complimentary, refreshing drinks.

SeaWorld street teams will roam the cities in wrapped, Antarctic-themed Hyundai Santa Fes and Sonata Hybrids as they mingle with the locals at various hot spots, commuter stations and key landmarks.  The street team will test the locals with trivia, hand out prizes and allow them to escape to Antarctica through the augmented reality videos that can be shared with family and friends.

While the “Epic Voyage” tour takes over a few key cities, SeaWorld’s made sure everyone can follow the freeze. An all-new mobile app allows fans the world over to put themselves in the action … plus interactive elements to share with friends. From behind-the-scenes teaser videos and tour details to penguin fun facts and trivia, consumers can immerse themselves virtually into Antarctica through augmented reality and also enter the Family Voyage Sweepstakes. The app -- SeaWorld’s Antarctica -- is available for download today on iPhone/iPad and is coming soon for Android devices.

"Since Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin was announced in November 2011, we’ve been planning and looking forward to bringing a glimpse of the attraction to these key markets to connect with our fans and let them feel the chill,” said Vice President of Marketing & Sales for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando Toni Caracciolo. 

Anyone can enter to win the trip of a lifetime with the Family Voyage Sweepstakes. Two lucky families will receive a 4-day, 3-night journey to SeaWorld Orlando to be one of the first to experience Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. This amazing vacation for four includes roundtrip airfare provided by Southwest Airlines, hotel accommodations, tickets to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando, Quick Queue passes to SeaWorld, Antarctica gift bags, and All-day Dining at SeaWorld. 18 Weekly First Prize Winners will receive four admissions to SeaWorld Orlando valid for use in 2013 to experience Antarctica first hand.

For more information about the Epic Voyage, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com/Antarctica, where you’re able to watch videos, sign up for emails, learn about penguins and Antarctica, enter the Family Voyage sweepstakes, and find the best vacation values to start planning your next voyage to SeaWorld Orlando.

The Epic Voyage schedule:

BOSTON	PHILADELPHIA
Boston Globe Travel Show	King of Prussia MallFebruary 23-24
Seaport World Trade Center
February 8-10
WASHINGTON D.C.	JACKSONVILLE
Washington, D.C. Travel & Adventure Show	The Avenues Mall
March 9-10	March 23-24
ATLANTA
April dates TBD
MIAMI	MIAMI
Miami Dolphins Fin Fest 2013	Aventura Mall
Saturday, April 27	May 4-5

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

SeaWorld's Just For Kids Festival (Schedule)

Press Release:

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S JUST FOR KIDS FESTIVAL IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

Featuring performances by kids’ favorite entertainers, party zone area and more

 

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 9, 2013) – Little ones can sing, dance and play the day away, Saturdays at SeaWorld starting January 12. Families can see live performances from popular kid-acts and groove to the music, enjoy kid-size rides and meet furried friends up close while spending a family fun day together at SeaWorld.  Just for Kids is included in SeaWorld admission and takes place Saturdays from January 12 – February 2.

 

The best way to experience all of the fun, music, treats and more at Just for Kids is with a Fun Card, where Florida residents pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2013.  Fun Card members can enjoy all four weeks of Just for Kids fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.

The 2013 Just for Kids Festival concert lineup includes:

 

Saturday, January 12    Imagination MoversEmmy-winners Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty of the hit Disney Junior show Imagination Movers will perform their most crowd pleasing tunes along with each Movers' favorite songs.

 

Saturday, January 19     Laurie Berkner – Solo Performance

Laurie Berkner is a children’s recording artist and author whose music videos regularly appear on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. Berkner has also appeared on FX network's American Baby Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and is the recipient of Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award.

 

Saturday, January 26    Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve

Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.

 

Saturday, February 4     Kratt Brothers Live featuring the stars of Wild Kratts

The Kratt Brothers are Chris and Martin Kratt and they are the creators and producers of the widely popular children’s animated series Wild Kratts that airs on PBS. They are the recipients of the 2012 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award.

 

Concerts are included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater. Guests will need to pick up concert tickets across from Nautilus Theater in order to attend the shows. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9 a.m. each event day         

 

Just For Kids Festival Highlights:

 

New! Franklin, from the beloved children’s show Franklin and Friends™

Franklin will be located near Pelican Preserve, across from Flamingo Point for meet and greet opportunities, autographs and photos at select times throughout the day.  Exclusive Franklin-branded merchandise will also be available.

 

New! Elmo Rocks! (Located at Seafire Inn)

Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie for their very own rock concert! Great music, dancing and lots of audience participation are what you'll find when you come see this brand new show.

 

New! Enhanced Ocean Adventures Kids Program

Children will enjoy a fun, educational, card collecting program, also included with admission. Children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park (detailed on their event map), where they’ll partake in exciting educational activities. At each location kids will collect a stamp and a limited edition Just For Kids Explorer’s card.  Once they visit all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special prize.  Limit one prize per participating child.

 

 

Great Eats & Concert Seats:

 

Reserve your seats to the show by pre-purchasing one of the below dining options.  Guests must arrive at the theater 15 minutes prior to showtime to guarantee seating. Reservations and park admission are required to purchase either breakfast.

 

Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast - 9 a.m. at Sharks Underwater Grill

Have breakfast with Elmo and one of his special Sesame Street friends at the Elmo VIP Character Breakfast. Families will enjoy a full-service breakfast experience at Sharks Underwater Grill.  Following breakfast, little ones, (and parents, too), will visit with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends for photo memories that will last a lifetime. Each family will receive one complimentary photo. Those attending the 9 a.m. VIP breakfast will receive VIP seating for the 11 a.m. Just For Kids concert.  

 

Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet at Terrace Garden – 2 seatings, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Join SeaWorld characters for meet-and-greet opportunities and photos, plus receive guaranteed admission to specific concerts.

 

Fun Cards are available at SeaWorldOrlando.com, at the front gate, or by calling 1-888-800-5447. Event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Concert dates and artists are subject to change. 

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

SeaWorld Orlando - Christmas decorations (pics)

I can't say enough good things about the Christmas decorations at SeaWorld each year. This is not "holiday" decorations; they are explicitly Christmas decorations, so go into it knowing that and you'll be fine.

They decorate the WHOLE park. It's not just one section dedicated to lights and familiar songs. It's not until you stroll around here that you realize how MUCH of the Christmas catalog of songs is now banned in other parks for being religious.

A particular standout is last year's new thing, the nativity show (O Wondrous Night). The artistry is amazing, the performances are stellar, and the overall impression is just really first-rate.

Enjoy the photo tour! Click on any picture for a larger version.

  

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.