After months of rumors and behind the scenes negotiations the Blackstone Private Equity group has completed a deal to purchase Busch Entertainment Corporation from AB-InBev. This move places the second largest Orlando attraction, Universal Orlando, which is 50% owned by Blackstone, under the same ownership… Read More »SeaWorld, Busch Gardens officially sold to Blackstone
My column on the Busch theme parks being for sale and who, including Disney, could buy them is now up at LaughingPlace.com. I really hope you’ll read my review – or at least pretend to. Since I wrote it, it has become clear that Six… Read More »Shameless Plug: My Column on Who Will Buy Busch Entertainment
The news that AB-InBev would be selling the Busch theme parks came as a surprise to almost no one. The sale of SeaWorld has the potential to change the Central Florida theme park business forever. The other news I’m reading could be an even bigger… Read More »More Themeparks Up for Sale?
Update: It’s official now. Although AB-InBev doesn’t come right out and say it, they’ve effectively announced that their theme parks (aka, non-core business lines) are up for sale. The folks at Busch Entertainment Center have been waiting for the other shoe to drop and now… Read More »For Sale Sign Up For SeaWorld and Related Parks
The vacation destination of the world, Dubai, is turning out to be a mirage. Busch Entertainment just announced that the “Worlds of Discovery” park that was to be constructed in Dubai, on a Shamu shaped island, is off the table. Other projects are also having… Read More »No SeaWorld, Busch Gardens in Dubai
There’s at least one nice thing to say about the bad economy, it makes getting credit difficult. For fans of the SeaWorld/Busch Parks (recently rebranded “Worlds of Discovery”) that’s good news as it means AB-InBev will have a hard time finding a buyer should they… Read More »SeaWorld Sale Unlikely Soon
In the above photo SeaWorld construction crews put Manta’s last piece of track into place today, finishing the flying coaster’s structure. Manta is a flying roller coaster the likes of which could only be built by SeaWorld in Orlando. Manta will inspire riders with amazing… Read More »Manta, SeaWorld Orlando’s latest coaster fits final track piece
Animal trainer Amber Cavett offers a piece of sustainable salmon for Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando.
Ever wonder where all that seafood consumed by SeaWorld’s guests and its wettest performers came from? Certainly not from the aquarium tanks. Although the Shark Encounter certainly looks to hold the capacity.
SeaWorld took a careful look at their sources for seafood and decided they could do more to be in line with their conservation mission. That’s why soon all of the seafood served to guests — and even the salmon fed to Shamu — will be purchased from sustainably-managed fisheries that promote environmentally responsible stewardship. This change affects more than 220,000 pounds of seafood and is on track for completion by early 2009.
Busch Entertainment Company, SeaWorld’s parent company, is working with the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Certification Council in sourcing sustainable seafood options. Both are international, non-profit organizations that promote environmentally responsible fishing, fish farms, processing and food safety.
In partnering with the Rainforest Alliance, the parks also serve coffee and chocolate purchased from growers who meet demanding social and environmental standards. This global certification program ensures food is farmed and harvested in ways that protect wildlife, habitats and people.
Click below the cut for some other examples of how BEC is working to maintain its dedication to the environment.