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My Journey Through Antarctica at SeaWorld Orlando

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What to say about SeaWorld Orlando’s newest land and attraction – Antarctica. I was invited to SeaWorld for a special press preview, but was only able to experience the attraction as designed once. It broke down on my second ride and then they kicked us out for a VIP party. So I have a few opinions, but they’re mixed results based on incomplete data. Since they did invite me to the event, I will do my best to explain.

Antarctica as a land encompasses an attraction, a store, and a restaurant, but sadly no restrooms. The store and the restaurant I found to be top quality. Although I did not get to sample the food, I’m sure Chef Hector did a great job preparing the international flavored options (American, Italian, and Asian). The store, as you might expect was full to the brim with great penguin themed merchandise. They’ve also introduced a build your own penguin cup booth. More on that in a future post.

While SeaWorld is in competition with the other local parks, they’ve taken a different angle to their themed design. Unlike Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland or Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld is not trying to put you ‘in the movie’, just ‘in the mood.’ The mood being set by tons of hand carved ‘ice’, various south pole elements, and some fun penguin representations. There’s no story being told, but you do feel like you’re in a wondrous place representative of Antarctica. Read More »My Journey Through Antarctica at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment CEO Jim Atchison Profiled

From Busch Gardens Parking Lot Attendant to President & CEO of a major themepark and entertainment company, Jim Atchison has had quite a rise. He’s also a real nice guy who wants nothing more than success for the employees of his parks and a day… Read More »SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment CEO Jim Atchison Profiled

Trailer Debut for SeaWorld Exposé ‘Blackfish’

Editors Note: Mike has asked for permission to share this here. I’m allowing it because everyone needs to make up their own mind about SeaWorld’s role in animal care and conservation and more data is almost always better than less data. The movie ‘Blackfish’ is… Read More »Trailer Debut for SeaWorld Exposé ‘Blackfish’

SeaWorld Orlando Now Caring for Wounded Florida Sandhill Crane

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A few years ago SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment gained its freedom from the adult-beverage company formerly owned by the Busch family and started off on its path to independent corporatehood. It had a choice to make about a few issues that were central to the parks brand. The beer factory past was easily disposed with, but the environmental stewardship was always integral to SeaWorld’s existence. AB had been using it largely as corporate goodwill, not that there’s anything wrong with that; but the new company would have to make conservation central to its existence if it wanted to claim a unique brand that had a chance of success in an already crowded theme park and entertainment industry.

For the most part, SeaWorld has done a good job promoting its conservation work, but I think it could do better. For instance,  did you know that right now, among the dozens of animals it has in special care is a Florida sandhill crane. You see these everywhere all over the area, but some idiot decided to use one for target practice. So SeaWorld sent out its rescue crew to Pine Lakes, FL, and then transported to the park for further care and rehabilitation.Read More »SeaWorld Orlando Now Caring for Wounded Florida Sandhill Crane

Discovery Cove, Orlando’s Best Value?

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If you’ve been waiting to visit Discovery Cove until it became more affordable, you may be surprised to know that it’s already quite a good value, perhaps the best value in Orlando when you consider all that a day trip involves.

For my wife’s birthday this year, I booked us an all-day inclusive Dolphin Swim Day Resort package at Discovery Cove. We’ve been to Discovery Cove a couple times before, but she never had the full experience including the Dolphin interaction. She’s not that fond of swimming in water with fish in it, but I told her dolphins are actually mammals, not fish, so she agreed to try it.

A day at Discovery Cove is as relaxing or as exciting as you want it to be. Our tickets included not only the 30-minute dolphin interaction, but also access to The Grand Reef, Explorer’s Aviary, Freshwater Oasis & the Tropical River. Food and drinks are served for Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks, and the price includes beer, wine, and some alcoholic mixers as well. Read More »Discovery Cove, Orlando’s Best Value?

SeaWorld Orlando Viva La Musica Festival Ticket Giveaway

Did our review of SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva La Musica make you want to get up and dance (okay, we’re not that conceited, but play along)? Then you’ll be happy to know we have a pair (2) of tickets to give away over on THRLLD right… Read More »SeaWorld Orlando Viva La Musica Festival Ticket Giveaway

Viva La Musica – SeaWorld Orlando’s Latin Festival

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I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the first Saturday for SeaWorld Orlando’s 2013 version of Viva La Musica, their Latin music festival. We encountered a legion of Daddy Yankee fans, some amazing food, great salsa music, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with exotic animals.

There are still 3 days left to enjoy the festival which will feature music from:

  • Saturday, April 20 – Willie Colón (salsa)
  • Saturday, April 27 – Grupománia (merengue)
  • Saturday, May 4 – El Gran Combo (salsa)

Plus there is amazing food from Chef Hector Colon who has cooked up traditional Latin favorites like arroz con pollo, mofongo con carne frita, alcapurrias and bacalaítos. The pork and chicken skewers we had were wonderful and the skirt stake with chimichurri cause was also amazing. Be sure to try the yucca fries too.Read More »Viva La Musica – SeaWorld Orlando’s Latin Festival

The THRLLD Report

A few months ago we added THRLLD.com to The Disney Blog family as a place to report on and discuss events happening in the rest of the themepark and entertainment world and to remove a little of the off-topic chatter from what is now an… Read More »The THRLLD Report