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SeaWorld Parks Set Sail on Sea of Surprises for 50th Anniversary

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This morning at SeaWorld Parks across the united states, ceremonies were held to commemorate a key event in the company’s history: the opening of the original SeaWorld in March 1964 on Mission Bay in San Diego. This morning I attended the Orlando ceremony where the company marked its 50 years of caring for animals as part of its conservation minded mission.

Starting today SeaWorld is kicking off an 18-month “Sea of Surprises” highlighting the most memorable SeaWorld experiences in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio. During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration visitors will be invited to take part in the excitement through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and “The SeaWorld Surprise Squad” treating guests with prizes every day.

At this morning’s event, I was able to meet Steve Welch, Creative Director for Entertainment Productions at all three parks in Orlando, and Corey Oxman, Senior Animal Trainer and Animal Ambassador, who talked about what a guest coming to SeaWorld Orlando can expect as part of the celebration:

Below the cut are highlights from the Sea of Surprises and another video focused on the rich 50+ year history behind SeaWorld and its missions. It captures just a small slice of the great work they’ve accomplished over the years:

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SeaWorld Orlando Lands Alan Jackson and Kid Rock for Bands, Brew & BBQ Kickoff Weekend

SeaWorld Orlando’s featured spring concert series kicks off this weekend. But the schedule has been thrown into disarray by artists who pulled out under high-pressure tactics of anti-SeaWorld activists. SeaWorld has promised that the concert series would go on and they’re delivering on that with… Read More »SeaWorld Orlando Lands Alan Jackson and Kid Rock for Bands, Brew & BBQ Kickoff Weekend

SeaWorld Response to Blackfish

SeaWorld Orlando took, perhaps, a bit longer than they should have, but they finally have issued what I consider a very effective response to the people and forces behind the film ‘Blackfish.’ I guess they couldn’t hold off any longer after CNN’s airing of the… Read More »SeaWorld Response to Blackfish

Tips to enjoy SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular

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I’ve already written about what a great value the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular is, but now I’ve had a chance to experience the 2013 edition and can tell you my original assessment still stands.

Here are a few tips to enjoy the day:

  1. The Spooktacular trail is least busy shortly after opening and again just before the area closes for the day.
  2. You can start at either end of the trail, but most of the treat stations are oriented for easiest access from the front of the park.
  3. Although SeaWorld provides bags for trick-or-treating, you’ll want to have a larger bag to consolidate all your candy into as you enjoy the rest of your day in the park.
  4. There is a lot to do besides just trick or treating. Take time to interact with the characters, decorate a cookie, or stay for the dance party at the end of the night
  5. Dress your kids up in costumes that are appropriate for the weather and bring a camera to capture the memories.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission and runs over the remaining weekends in October.

More photos below the jump and details on a special “jelly belly” event that only runs during the final weekend. Read More »Tips to enjoy SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular

SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica Teases Something Tall

SeaWorld Olrando’s Aquatica opened in 2008 and expanded with a funnel slide in 2010, since then it’s been floating along doing a respectible job as one of the top 10 water parks in the US. Now there are signs that a new attraction is on… Read More »SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica Teases Something Tall

Discovery Cove Voted #1 Park in the World

TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards recently voted SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove as the #1 theme park in the World. Definitely well deserved. Here’s Discover Cove’s Vice President Stewart Clark justifiably crowing a bit and sharing some fan memories: We visited Discovery Cove in May and wrote… Read More »Discovery Cove Voted #1 Park in the World

‘Blackfish’ an Eye-Opening Look at Orca Captivity

Editor’s Note: I have not been presented the opportunity to view Blackfish and urge you to consider both sides of the argument before drawing any conclusions. A good place to start is this NY Times article on SeaWorld Park’s and Entertainment‘s response to the movie and what it sees as distortions of the facts and message. I want to thank Mike Bastoli for continuing to post here on the blog; even when I’m not 100% comfortable with his topics, I’m glad I can provide a forum for his ideas.

Blackfish_SeaWorld_TilikumFirst of all, I’d like to thank John for giving me the opportunity to comment on Blackfish here. Even though we are of different opinions on whether orcas—killer whales—should continue to be kept in captivity at SeaWorld and places like it, we both agree that everyone should have an opportunity to evaluate the facts and make up their own mind on the issue. Really, we are the jury.

Blackfish begins with a black screen and a terrifying 911 call: “A whale has eaten one of the trainers,” the voice on the phone tells the dispatcher. That call was made on February 24, 2010, moments after SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by Tilikum, a 12,000-pound male orca who had taken human life twice before.

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Penguin One joins fleet of SeaWorld themed Southwest Airline Planes

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For 25 years Shamu One has flown through the sky bringing joy to airplane passengers everywhere knowing their journey to SeaWorld begins at their home airport. It’s a relatively small thing, but it brings a lot of joy.

Today Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment celebrated 25 years of partnership with the unveiling of the airline’s newest specialty aircraft, Penguin One —- a Boeing 737-700 co-branded with images of one of SeaWorld’s iconic animals — penguins.

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