Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

We’re excited to share the first of many “webisodes” about the different aspects of TurtleTrek, opening this spring at SeaWorld Orlando.  From this overview of the dome construction to animation and the animals you’ll find here, these videos will give you an insider’s look into how this amazing attraction will come to life.

Remember, TurtleTrek is going to be the world’s first 3D, 360-degree domed theater experience that takes you on a sea turtle’s incredible journey and invites you to become an everyday hero.

Take a look…

With an all-new festival featuring awesome concerts by LazyTown, Max & Ruby, the Doodlebops and Choo-Choo Soul and tons of family-friendly fun and activities, SeaWorld Orlando is the place for kids, starting today and all other Saturdays through February 4.

Super Kid Savings
This is a celebration that really is just for kids! And that means not only will kids have the most fun-filled experience enjoying the concerts, but there are numerous special offers too. On event days, parents can rent strollers at half-price, and the following items are free for kids with each paid adult: all-day dining deal and free Penguins Up-close, Dolphins Up-close or Behind-the-Scenes tours.

The concert lineup includes:

Saturday, January 14 LazyTown
Things are upside-down in LazyTown! Stephanie, Sportacus and others take kids on a fun journey while also promoting healthy lifestyles for children in a positive and catching way.

Saturday, January 21 Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate
Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide – with hilarious results. Featuring upbeat and original songs, this playdate is sure to have the whole audience singing and hopping along!

Saturday, January 28 Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate
Get movin’ and groovin’ with the Doodlebops, a real favorite of all kids. Rock stars DeeDee, Rooney and Moe sing their favorite songs, tell their wackiest jokes and show off their funkiest dance moves.

Saturday, February 4 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.

Concerts are included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m. and 2 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.

And, “Just For Kids” has even more fun in store!

Shamu’s Party Zone
Located at Lakeside Patio, this happening spot lets kids sing, dance and play the day away with a DJ spinning to a kid beat while bubbles float overhead. There are loads of interactive games, too, and kids can sit down for a face-painting session or make a sea-themed sand art souvenir with jewels and sea glass in the shape of dolphins, tropical fish, turtles and starfish. The Shamu character and others will be on hand for meet and greets, dancing and photos. (Please note: there will be a small fee to participate in face painting and sand art).

Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt
Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby and her friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Grover are off on a treasure hunt—and all kids are invited to come along! This 25-minute show will get everyone laughing and cheering along at SeaPort Theater.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends will perform a short song and dance number and then visit every table for an up-close meeting at this amazing breakfast buffet. Cost is $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages 3-9. Times are 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. at SeaFire Inn at The Waterfront. This fun-filled breakfast also includes reserved seats at the concert of the day – attending the 8:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 11 a.m. concert, and the 10:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 2 p.m. concert.

With an all-new festival featuring awesome concerts by LazyTown, Max & Ruby, the Doodlebops and Choo-Choo Soul and tons of family-friendly fun and activities, SeaWorld Orlando is the place for kids, Saturdays January 14 – February 4.

Super Kid Savings
This is a celebration that really is just for kids! And that means not only will kids have the most fun-filled experience enjoying the concerts, but there are numerous special offers too. On event days, parents can rent strollers at half-price, and the following items are free for kids with each paid adult: all-day dining deal, sky tower ride, and free Penguins Up-close, Dolphins Up-close or Behind-the-Scenes tours.

The concert lineup includes:

Saturday, January 14  LazyTown
Things are upside-down in LazyTown! Stephanie, Sportacus and others take kids on a fun journey while also promoting healthy lifestyles for children in a positive and catching way.

Saturday, January 21  Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate
Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide – with hilarious results. Featuring upbeat and original songs, this playdate is sure to have the whole audience singing and hopping along!

Saturday, January 28  Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate
Get movin’ and groovin’ with the Doodlebops, a real favorite of all kids. Rock stars DeeDee, Rooney and Moe sing their favorite songs, tell their wackiest jokes and show off their funkiest dance moves.

Saturday, February 4  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.

Concerts are included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m. and 2 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.

And, “Just For Kids” has even more fun in store!

Shamu’s Party Zone
Located at Lakeside Patio, this happening spot lets kids sing, dance and play the day away with a DJ spinning to a kid beat while bubbles float overhead. There are loads of interactive games, too, and kids can sit down for a face-painting session or make a sea-themed sand art souvenir with jewels and sea glass in the shape of dolphins, tropical fish, turtles and starfish. The Shamu character and others will be on hand for meet and greets, dancing and photos. (Please note: there will be a small fee to participate in face painting and sand art).

Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt
Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby and her friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Grover are off on a treasure hunt—and all kids are invited to come along! This 25-minute show will get everyone laughing and cheering along at SeaPort Theater.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends will perform a short song and dance number and then visit every table for an up-close meeting at this amazing breakfast buffet. Cost is $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages 3-9. Times are 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. at SeaFire Inn at The Waterfront. This fun-filled breakfast also includes reserved seats at the concert of the day – attending the 8:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 11 a.m. concert, and the 10:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 2 p.m. concert.

Recently we’ve been asked to put up the full length version of “O Wondrous Night” from SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. More than happy to oblige …

And here’s the shorter version from the front row!

SeaWorld has got in on the “Hidden Mickey” game… confused?

Over at Walt Disney World guests often spend hours looking for “Hidden Mickey” images and they find them in all kinds of weird and wonderful places. A “Hidden Mickey” is a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been inserted subtly into the design of a ride, attraction, or other location in a Disney theme park or elsewhere on Disney properties. The most common Hidden Mickey is a formation of three circles that may be perceived as the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse

Now SeaWorld has got in on the act with their Christmas Celebration snowflake. You’ll probably miss it to start with but take another look at the image above and take a look at just one individual spoke of the flake. It’s a silhouette of a whale.

SeaWorld has cleverly put six of them together in a circle to form a snowflake in kind of a kaleidoscope fashion. Cool eh?

Continuing on from yesterday’s blog post, I’m going to go a little more in depth today about what you can expect to see when you visit SeaWorld Orlando for their 2011 Christmas Celebration.

A lot of families wonder where they should go when they visit Orlando at this time of year and I can categorically say that for the last two years SeaWorld has excelled. Frankly, it’s become the MUST DO place for a Christmas theme park visit.

Sure, you can still ride the fabulous roller coasters like Manta and Kraken and yes, you can still see Shamu but at this time of year SeaWorld is transformed like no other theme park in the Central Florida area. From the time you enter you get a warm glowing feeling. It’s actually hard to describe it because the atmosphere washes over you and soaks in and before long you’re into the Christmas spirit even though it’s still the best part of 20 days away!

It doesn’t really matter which way you navigate the park because the holiday spirit soon takes over but I’d suggest turning right when you enter the park and head towards the Christmas Market and the Bayside Stadium where the Winter Wonderland on Ice show takes place.

As you stroll along the pathway you’ll come across all kinds of fun things to stop and look at… as well as try out and play with. All through the Christmas Market, and throughout the park, there are drink stations. Take a tip from me; purchase one of the SeaWorld insulated mugs that allow you to get inexpensive refills and you can warm your insides with plenty of hot chocolate or toddy’s as you wander around!

Feeling a little hungry, then one of my favorite stops along the way is the Daily Bread Bakers where you get to choose your bread, then choose your toppings, drizzles and sprinkles. Be warned, you can get real messy real quick but oh how it tastes so good!

Make sure you keep an eye on the clock as you enjoy this area as there are two shows to catch. I’ve already mentioned the Winter Wonderland on Ice show but you’ll also want to see “Miracles,” the beautifully choreographed Shamu show.

From there, take a ride on the Polar Express! This is a beautifully executed holiday joyride that takes you and your family straight to Santa’s Workshop! The entire Wild Arctic building is turned into scenes from The Polar Express, and you even get to ride on the train itself  as the previous helicopter flight from Wild Artic has been seasonally replaced.

The Polar Express ride is much more gentle and kid-friendly than the normal version and after your ride is complete you get the chance to meet Santa and get a photograph with him. Also, another nice feature is the opportunity to buy some more hot chocolate, and come face-to-face with some of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures as this is where you can see polar bears, dolphins and even a walrus!

So what’s next?  Plenty. Along your journey you will have seen the colorful Sea of Trees that debuted last year and that have been expanded this year to include 100 trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes around SeaWorld’s center lake. So don’t forget to pause for a moment and take it all in… and do stop for 10 to 15 mins when the trees get to dance for you! It’s really quite spectacular.

Next up is Happy Harbor… the place where Shamu and his crew invite kids of all ages to play the day and night away in a wintery wonderland of frosty fun. Whimsical holiday lights decorate the harbor in surprising ways sure to delight the young and young at heart, while snow flurries bring a touch of the North Pole to the games, rides, and experiences of Shamu’s Happy Harbor.

New this year is Holly Jolly Railway so it;s  Ho-Ho-Ho! Hop aboard the Holly Jolly Railway for a sea-inspired spin around Shamu’s Happy Harbor — it’s a ride that’s totally Santa-approved!

As you continue to wander you’ll really be soaking in the atmosphere and another new feature this year are acapella singers staged at various areas of the park. Lots of folks seem to miss this great entertainment so make sure you stop and appreciate the on the spot performances given by these super entertainers.

By now you’ll be approaching the O Wonderous Night – The Greatest Story Never Told show. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time as this show is going to be very popular. I’ve already said a lot about this performance on yesterday’s blog but I’ll just reiterate… it’s fantastic!

Two other shows to see are the ever popular Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas and A Sesame Street Christmas. Santa’s helpers, Clyde and Seamore,bring their own brand of comedy to Christmas this year as the loveable sea lions, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and a wintery walrus or two, invite you and yours to their fun-filled holiday celebration. Over at Sesame Street, the holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about… as she’s never heard of Christmas. Through dance, laughter and interactive sing-a-longs, Elmo, Telly Monster and the rest of her Sesame Street friends teach Abby what Christmas means to them and you can be sure your little elves will be smiling all the way home.

Soon you’ll be wandering through the Waterfront and the Village Square … it’s here you can find some unique, holiday-themed items at the stores and whether you’re looking for cetacean ornaments or a plush polar bear to take home, SeaWorld has it all. The storefronts are beautifully decorated for the season, complete with dioramas and displays specifically showcasing the holiday merchandise.

Soon it’s time for the final show of the night; Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountain Finale where SeaWorld celebrates the season with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites. It’s here you can experience a wondrous SeaWorld Christmas connection that lights the night.

So, after you’ve enjoyed a magical evening, you’ll get one final chance to pose by the huge Christmas tree near the entrance. It’s the end of a perfect day. Happy Christmas!

More photos at www.Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure

Last night we ventured out to take a look at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. This year was a little different as our kids weren’t with us. One now lives in Kentucky and the other is at college. It felt a little strange but we were looking forward to seeing what SeaWorld had on offer this year as SeaWorld President Terry Prather had been goading me for several months that this would be the best yet. All I can say is that he wasn’t wrong… and yes, Terry, you and the team delivered…superbly.

Our family is fortunate to live in Orlando and this time of year is always a fantastic place to be when the holiday season gets started. Naturally, we take in everything there is on offer, from the large theme parks to the smaller events at other not so well known places. Of course, we say we do this in the interests of research and to be able to advise the guests staying in our vacation homes of where to go and what to see, but secretly we also enjoy visiting all of these events!

The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is one of those events that has evolved over the years. A few years ago you’d put it someway down the list of places you had to see at this time of year but not anymore…not by a long shot! Frankly, this has become the “MUST SEE” event and in my opinion, it really has become the best celebration of Christmas there is in the Orlando area.

In tomorrow’s blog I’ll talk more about the overall experience at SeaWorld this year but today I’m going to concentrate on the new show that is being featured in the Nautilus Theater… “O Wondrous Night.”

O Wondrous Night, is a superb nativity show that tells the classic story of the birth of Christ with a modern and contemporary twist. The show remains completely respectful of the original storyline but this time it’s the animals telling the story! The show has over 30 carols that are superbly delivered while the dancing, puppetry and live animals  combine to deliver a really touching, light-hearted and glorious celebration that all the family will enjoy.

It’s not often you’ll see a standing ovation at a theme park performance but the cast truly delivers an amazing broadway style production and that’s exactly what happened last night. The team is led by Michael Fletcher,Vice President of Entertainment, (pictured above left with Terry Prather – SeaWorld Orlando President – middle and Toni Caracciolo – Vice President of Marketing – right),  Scott Hitz of Monkey Boys Productions (who have designed, directed and performed for productions such as Miss Saigon, The Little Prince, Suessical the Musical, Rugrats LIVE!, Avenue Q and many more) , BT McNicholl, (pictured above right) Show Director and Co-Writer, who has Broadway credits for Billy Elliot, Cabaret and Spamalot among others and Beh Cohn, Musical Director, who has worked on several Broadway shows including 25th Annual Putham Country Spelling Bee, 9 to 5, Woman in White and Wonderful Town.

There really is no star of the show as all involved contribute enormously to the story line and to delivering an incredible performance that builds to a crescendo that eventually culminates when camels, donkeys, sheep and other animals are brought through the audience to the stage. This show is an absolute must see and it’s worth the entrance fee to the SeaWorld park alone.

Make sure you get to the theater at least 30 minutes ahead of time as the show will fill up quickly and then prepare yourself for something very very special!

Tomorrow’s blog will feature an in-depth look at the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration… more photos are at Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure and here’s some video from last night’s O Wonderous Night performance.

Announced today through December 25, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SEA) is celebrating the spirit of giving with an online consumer promotion that will feature 25 different prizes.

During the “25 Days of Giveaways,” a different prize will be awarded every day, culminating with a $25,000 giveaway on Christmas Day. Entrants can win behind-the scenes animal adventures at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens including a Serengeti Safari ride with animal expert Jack Hanna; a day of relaxation for four at Discovery Cove in Orlando; a set of Panama Jack beach bicycles; a home and garden makeover from Costa Farms; VIP tickets to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers home game; VIP tickets to a high-profile concert in San Diego (artist TBD); and seats to the “Live On Letterman” concert series held in New York City.

The ten parks are partnering with valued SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Corporate Sponsors such as Pepsi, CBS, Jack Hanna, Southwest Airlines, Panama Jack, Fathead and Costa Farms for prizes.

To enter, participants must fill out the online entry form at www.seaworldpromotions.com, www.seaworld.com or www.buschgardens.com. There is a limit of one online entry per valid e-mail address. The consumer promotion officially begins December 1 at 9 a.m. EST and concludes December 25 at 5 p.m. EST.

With three astounding new attractions featuring all-new ways to connect guests to the mysteries of the sea, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove are once again sure to top the “must-see” list for upcoming Orlando vacations.

This morning, SeaWorld designers announced new experiences to open in 2012 at SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove, and released a few details of a massive expansion set to debut at SeaWorld in 2013. Discovery Cove is a swim-with-dolphins resort across the street from SeaWorld in Orlando.

The new attractions represent the biggest attraction expansions in the history of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the parks’ parent company.

Terry Prather, president of the company’s Orlando parks, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, said, “With TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando and Freshwater Oasis at Discovery Cove, travelers will have all new reasons to visit Orlando. What we’re creating will take you places you’ve never been before, places only SeaWorld can take you.”

TurtleTrek

While creating TurtleTrek (opening at SeaWorld Orlando in spring 2012), designers stayed true to SeaWorld’s unique blend of nose-to-nose animal encounters and state-of-the art entertainment.

Guests first visit two massive naturalistic habitats, one filled with hundreds of freshwater fish and gentle manatees, the other home to more than 1,500 saltwater fish and more than a dozen sea turtles.  Many of the manatees and sea turtles were rescued by the park’s animal team.  Since SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue programs began, the team has cared for and returned to the wild nearly 240 manatees and more than 1,200 sea turtles.

Moving on from the habitat, guests enter a domed theater, and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.

Coming to life is a first-of-its-kind 3-D/360-degree dome theater film that is completely immersive. The dome allows a hyper-realistic 3-D movie to be shown all around guests and even above them – not just in front them or on only one screen. It’s this unique and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic and astounding journey that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, SeaWorld guests are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.

TurtleTrek is as inspirational as it is astounding. There’s a call-to-action at the end of the experience:  SeaWorld calls on guests to join them in conserving the world we share. “Do a little, do a lot, but join us and do something to help the world and its animals,” said Brian Morrow, the attraction’s chief designer. “TurtleTrek is about the everyday heroes who can make a difference in nature.”

Freshwater Oasis

Just across the street from SeaWorld Orlando is Discovery Cove, a limited-admission, all-inclusive tropical resort where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, snorkel among thousands of colorful fish and rays and relax on pristine beaches.

Opening at Discovery Cove in spring 2012 is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring swimming and wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.

When guests participate with nature at Discovery Cove, they unlock discoveries that can be life-changing. Freshwater Oasis is an all-new opportunity to wade up-close with wildlife in a relaxing tropical setting. It’s an exhilarating tropical exhale.

Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical vibe. Guests can relax and explore. They’ll wade, wonder, swim and float in the water-filled trails and discover marmosets and playful Asian otters. No matter where they turn, they’ll find endless discoveries.

Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive tropical getaway and the only place to experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer.

Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin

Also announced was SeaWorld Orlando’s biggest-ever attraction expansion, Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, opening spring 2013.

Through the years, SeaWorld Orlando has taken guests to far-flung corners of the globe, immersing them in the character and feel of exotic places and introducing them to unique worlds of adventure.

At the park’s “Wild Arctic” guests ride a simulated jet copter to the frozen north, into a habitat of polar bears, beluga whales and huge walruses. “Key West at SeaWorld” sets guests down in the funky ambience of the Florida Keys, with dolphins, stingrays and colorful birds. The rocky northern California coast is found at “Pacific Point Preserve,” with dozens of seals and sea lions. The park’s other attractions take guests into the worlds of sharks, sea turtles and manatees, or let guests soar like a ray on the Manta roller coaster or ride the back of a mythical beast, the Kraken.

But no journey is bigger — or as incredible — as the one to come in 2013. It’s a voyage to the bottom-of-the-world, to the coldest and windiest continent, to a place of ice more than 9,000- feet thick. It’s a journey to Antarctica and to the empire of the penguin.

Guests will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and awesome encounters found in this frozen place, embarking on a one-of-a-kind ride and an incredible family adventure.

They’ll experience the mystery and wonder of life on the ice through the eyes of a penguin, sensing the beauty and drama of their sometimes-dangerous habitat. Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin combines closer-then-ever animal connections with state-of-the-art interactive ride technologies for adventures that are different each time.

It’s an all-family experience that could only come from SeaWorld and can only be found at SeaWorld Orlando. And, it’s safe to say Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world.

A year-and-a-half from opening at SeaWorld Orlando, details are few. For now, SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica will stay as mysterious as its namesake continent. “Only SeaWorld and its parks can take you on these journeys or bring these experiences to you,” said Prather. “We’re excited about what the future holds for our parks and our fans.”

No sooner is Halloween over than we are taking a look at what’s going on for the Holiday and Christmas period in the Central Florida area. At SeaWorld, waves of holiday spirit splash over you during the Christmas Celebration!  Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees lights up the water and skaters dance on ice. In this wintery, watery wonderland, you can journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE, share a smile with a sea lion, and enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. With everything from elves to Elmo, and from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made.

New Show This Year:

O WONDROUS NIGHT

Location: Nautilus Theater

Hear the greatest story never told with over 30 carols, life-size puppets and live animals in the brand new show that will charm, entertain and delight people from all walks of life.  Lots of singing, special effects and incredible lighting enhance this production and holiday spirit.

DINING OPPORTUNITIES:

SANTA’S FIRESIDE FEAST

Location: Seafire Inn at SeaWorld’s Waterfront

This holiday season, let SeaWorld take care of the cooking so you can spend quality time with the people you love.  Let Santa and Mrs. Claus read their favorite story while you enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat feast featuring Honey Baked Ham, turkey with gravy, sweet potato casserole, and all the other Christmas favorites, plus a menu of kid’s favorites and delicious desserts.  Experience a wave of holiday spirit at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

Dates:

Nov. 25, 26, 27             (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 2, 3, 4                  (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 9, 10, 11               (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 16, 17, 18             (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Dec. 23 & 24                (Friday, Saturday, Sunday @ 5:00pm)

Includes:

• Picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus along with Storytelling (T’was a Night before Christmas)
• Reserved seating at SHAMU CHRISTMAS…MIRACLES, WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE, and O WONDROUS NIGHT

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $29.99 adult + tax / $19.99 child + tax

MAKAHIKI CHRISTMAS LUAU

Location: Seafire Inn at SeaWorld’s Waterfront

We’ve created a Polynesian celebration of the season complete with island music, incredible entertainment and a feast that could feed all of Santa’s elves (and the reindeer, too). It’s a truly unique way to see the holiday that includes a fire knife dance to light up the night, island costumes full of color and imagination, and a luau dinner the likes of which you’ve never seen. It’s a festival of culture, community and Christmas – celebrated in true SeaWorld spirit.

SHORT VERSION:  Christmas through the eyes, ears and flavors of a Polynesian celebration.

Dates:

Nov. 11^th – Dec. 25^th weekdays at 6:00pm / weekends (Fri., Sat., Sun.) at 8:00pm

Dec. 26^th- Dec.31^st: 2 shows at 6:00pm / 8:30pm

Includes:

o    Family Photo with Luau Dancers

o    Flower Lei

o    Welcome Drink

HOLIDAY DINNER AT SHARKS UNDERWATER GRILL

Location: Sharks Underwater Grill

Enjoy a traditional holiday meal in a most unusual environment – surrounded by sharks. This innovative restaurant allows guests to dine on special holiday fare while being immersed in the underwater world of sharks. Visit Sharks Underwater Grill for seating information.

Dates:

Nov. 25^th – Jan 1^st

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $46.00 adult + tax / $26.00 child + tax

TOURS

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration VIP Tour:

Dates: Nov. 25^th – Dec. 30^th

Experience the highlights of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration the VIP way.

This seven hour guided tour includes:

• An opportunity to feed dolphins
• Front-of-line access to our most popular rides including The Polar Express Experience
• Reserved seating at our unique Christmas shows, including Shamu Miracles and Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas.
• Guests will enjoy a freshly prepared dinner at one of our many in-park restaurants.

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $100.00 adult + tax / $75.00 child + tax

SeaWorld Family Fun Tour at Christmas:

Dates: Runs daily Nov. 11^th – Dec. 31^st

Experience the favorite attractions for children at SeaWorld during this 4-hour walking tour.

This four hour guided tour includes:

• Feeding dolphins and sea lions
• Touching a penguin
• Reserved seats at the One Ocean show
• A light meal
• Front-of-the-line access to The Polar Express Experience
• An exclusive visit with Santa

Price:

o   Guest Pricing:                                      $65.00 adult + tax / $50.00 child + tax

ATTRACTIONS

SHAMU CHRISTMAS…MIRACLES

Location:  Shamu Stadium

SeaWorld invites you to experience the power and beauty of our Shamu family in our nighttime holiday show: Shamu Christmas… Miracles. Thrilling seasonal music rings out and killer whales soar through the air in a story of reflection and understanding…of peace and friendship…of the everyday miracles that surround us all year long. From the sweeping vocal majesty of our soundtrack to the heart-pounding excitement you’ve come to expect from our Shamu family, this performance will take you on a stirring voyage into the heart of the holidays.

THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

Location:  Wild Arctic

Now boarding! It’s a wondrous journey to the North Pole aboard the legendary Polar Express. The beloved holiday classic comes to life as you and your family are immersed in the heart-warming story of a young boy’s thrilling ride into an enchanted world. The sights, sounds, and scents of the season surround you. From the moment the conductor calls “all aboard” to your arrival at the North Pole (where you’ll meet Santa Claus himself), THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE promises to create an unforgettable holiday memory.

SHORT VERSION:   All aboard! Jump on THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE and immerse yourself in the dazzling wonder of this beloved holiday classic.

A SESAME STREET CHRISTMAS

Location:  Seaport Theatre at SeaWorld’s Waterfront

Everybody’s Sesame Street® friends have come to SeaWorld for a festive and fun musical celebration! The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about… she’s never heard of Christmas. Through dance, laughter and interactive sing-a-longs, Elmo, Telly Monster and the rest of her Sesame Street friends teach Abby what Christmas means to them. Your little elves will be smiling all the way home.

CLYDE AND SEAMORE’S COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

Location:  Sea Lion & Otter Stadium

Santa’s helpers, Clyde and Seamore, are bringing their own brand of comedy to Christmas this year. Our loveable sea lions, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and a wintery walrus or two, invite you and yours to their fun-filled holiday celebration. It doesn’t get more holly or jolly than this.

WINTER WONDERLAND ON ICE

Location:  Bayside Stadium

Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. The other stars of the show are the towering fountains of water dancing on the lake and fireworks that light up the night sky after the last ice show of the evening. It’s a don’t-miss experience for the holidays that will take your breath away.

SEA OF TREES

Location:  All around the Lake

Take a walk around our winter, water wonderland and immerse yourself in a sea of holiday trees.  Our glistening forest sparkles to music and lights up the water… and, your eyes. As the lights literally dance to holiday classics, your heart will soar with wonder and delight at this truly awe-inspiring Christmas treat.

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS: FIREWORKS AND FOUNTAINS FINALE

SeaWorld celebrates the season with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous holiday musical favorites.  Experience a wondrous SeaWorld Christmas connection that lights the night.

EVENT DATES

Nightly, Friday – Sunday, Nov 25 – Dec. 11,

Then every night, Dec. 16 – Dec. 31