One of the blessings of living in Central Florida are the late summer nights of warm weather and good light. Sure they’re periodically interrupted by rain storms, but if you’re a local and don’t mind changing plans at the last minute, there’s little more enjoyable… Read More »SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica Returns After 2pm Pass
Let’s say you want to enjoy SeaWorld Aquatica’s thrilling slides, double wave pools and pristine beaches, but are a little unsure of your, or your children’s, swimming skills. Well, SeaWorld has your back. They’re now offering “Learn to Swim” lessons. Locals can take them over… Read More »SeaWorld Aquatica Now Offering Swim Lessons
The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station has officially opened at the Magic Kingdom and with it arrived a circus of fun to Storybook Circus. The Water Play area contains playful camels (what is it with Imagineering and spitting camels?), monkeys, elephants and giraffes who splash along with guests. Joining Dumbo, the Flying Elephant and Barnstormer featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini in Storybook Circus, Casey Jr. is the most recent phase to open in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion.
I got to spend a few minutes watching my son run through the area and was impressed with the variety of methods for getting wet while exploring Casey Jr. During the hot months it will provide a great way to cool down and during the cold months it will still make a wonderful photo opportunity. There is a big problem with a lack of shade between Casey Jr and the Storybook Circus bathrooms. With the sun beating down it was pretty hot even with the play zone just a few feet away.
The astute observer may have caught that each car has a number on its back. Those numbers, 71, 82, 89, and 98 stand for the opening years of the four Walt Disney World parks. I haven’t yet noticed any Hidden Mickeys, but I thought that was a great tribute.
More photos of the water play area below the jump
Read More »Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station Imports Watery Fun to Storybook Circus
Setting World Records seems to be the thing with local theme parks. Last month LEGOLAND Florida set the world record for the most beach balls in the air simultaneously (I know!). This month Blizzard Beach joined over 500 other facilities to break the world record… Read More »Blizzard Beach Helps Set Guinness World Record
A large tropical disturbance is threatening to grow into a tropical storm and menace Central Florida Tuesday and Wednesday. Disney has confirmed it will close Typhoon Lagoon Tuesday because of the storm. No status was given for Blizzard Beach, however it is scheduled to close… Read More »Unnamed Storm Closes Disney World Water Park
Discovery Cove’s SeaVenture is a walking tour of a beautiful undersea landscape created to provide a once in a lifetime memory. Don’t miss it.
While SeaWorld’s boutique water park opened its newest area, The Grand Reef, back in June, the much anticipated SeaVenture add-on excursion has only been running in soft-opening phase until now. They finally have enough divers and personnel trained to operate at full capacity and invited some of the local media out to experience it first hand. I was happy to be included in that bunch. It’s a good thing that they’ve added capacity because I can tell you that SeaVenture is an experience everyone will remember for the rest of their lives.
The walk includes special up close encounters, like this fish feeding.
Okay, there’s one caveat. If you’ve been scuba diving, then you can think about passing on SeaVenture. However, the people I’ve spoken with who have done both say that SeaVenture is still a great experience as you get to just be there without having to worry about time or oxygen or a 60 pound weight on your back. The folks at Discovery Cove really worked hard to make this a natural effortless experience for the participant and that is the big success.
The whole walk happens in this area of the Grand Reef. But it’s a full 20-25 minutes plus another 20 minutes prep-time.
Follow below the jump for a video I filmed while under water and more photos. Plus advice on how to book SeaVenture for yourself:
Read More »SeaVenture Adds Upclose Undersea Marvels to Discovery Cove, SeaWorld
Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas gift and splurge a bit on an Central Florida experience you will cherish for a lifetime. SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove has brought back their special Florida resident rate available now through December 31, 2011. Yes, temperatures do drop a bit, but crowds are smaller, which makes a difference.
At Discovery Cove, guests experience a full day of exciting animal encounters in a 30-acre tropical oasis. Discovery Cove is a paradise of rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, coral reef, tropical river, and a resort-style pool complete with waterfalls and pristine, white sand beaches. We found our day at Discovery Cove to be so relaxing, we’re very much looking forward to a chance to return.
The Florida resident rate is $199 plus tax per person for Dolphin Swim Day Resort admission or $129 plus tax for Day Resort admission. Offer includes an unlimited admission pass (no 14-day restriction) to SeaWorld Orlando valid through January 31, 2012 (pass is only valid after Discovery Cove visit). That’s a special pass just for this deal, which makes the bargain even better. In fact, if you were planning on visiting SeaWorld and Aquatica between now and January 31st, you should consider Discovery Cove instead as the Discovery Cove admission includes food.
Update: All guests and employees have been released from care. Local news reports that 5 cast members and 3 guests were taken to the hospital after a lightning strike at SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove. Apparently the strike was near the Adventure Photo cabana, which is… Read More »Lightning Strike at Discovery Cove sends several to Hospital