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

The Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray will perform at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration, completing one the most powerful musical line-ups of the event’s history. Goo Goo Dolls will rock the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida on March 3 and Sugar Ray will do the same on March 17.

With four Grammy nominations, more than 10 million albums sold and 13 Top Ten hits including “Name,” “Slide” and “Black Balloon,” Goo Goo Dolls has become one of the most globally recognized and influential forces in pop music history. Their hit “Iris,” from the “City Of Angels” movie soundtrack, spent nearly 12 straight months on the Billboard charts and held the No. 1 position for 17 consecutive weeks.

Sugar Ray first gained fame in the music scene with the hit “Fly.”  Since then, lead singer Mark McGrath and his band mates have taken their combination of sunny pop and lightly funky hip-hop grooves and created several of the most infectious summer singles of the late ‘90s, including “Every Morning,” “Someday” and “When it’s Over.”

With the addition of Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras musical line-up boasts a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold. Headliners include pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, teen sensation Big Time Rush, pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae, Grammy nominee for “Best New Artist” J. Cole and female Rock & Roll legend Cyndi Lauper.  For a complete list of this year’s performers and dates see below.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration kicks off Feb. 11 and runs every Saturday and select nights through April 14.  The authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. Guests can enjoy the Mardi Gras event and great theme park entertainment for the price of regular admission.

We’ve now received more details about the plans at Universal Orlando this year and it certainly looks like there will be more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here in Central Florida.

There will be something for everyone and every family.  From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.

The new experiences will begin debuting in February.  Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.

Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events to be announced throughout the year.

“We are about to offer our guests a historic range of incredible new entertainment experiences,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort.  “This year will be filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.”

The new 2012 experiences at Universal Orlando include:

Blue Man Group ~ Opening February 2012 at Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology.  Signature Blue Man Group moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment.  New show elements include the curious Blue Men interacting with enormous “GiPads,” a funny and insightful look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale with an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet. Look closely – you may even see the Blue Men take a spin on one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ~ Experience March 2012 at Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando is transforming what is already one of the most amazing attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure.  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems.  The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.

Universal’s Superstar Parade ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers.  Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe – Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring, runs all summer and then on select nights through the end of the year.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ~ Opening Summer 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on an unforgettable 3-D adventure with their favorite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions. The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.”  Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters.  Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minion-inspired dance party where they can show off their best moves.

Universal’s Creative team is working closely with Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment to bring this all-new adventure to life in the most authentic way possible.  In fact, the beloved characters in the attraction will be voiced by the film’s original cast: Steve Carell (Gru), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes).  The ride’s experience is being developed by the same creative team that brought you the award-winning film, Despicable Me. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters on July 3, 2013.

Other New Experiences Opening this Year

• Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a unique 36-hole miniature golf experience inspired by the classic drive-in movie era, will open in February at Universal CityWalk.
• A great, new immersive retail entertainment experience that will become home to SpongeBob SquarePants and other characters from the number one kids animated TV series, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants.  It will open inside Universal Studios this year.
• Minutes away from Universal Orlando, the popular Wet ‘n Wild water park will open its first interactive family water play area this summer – allowing everyone in the family to splash and swim together.  Amidst lush, tropical landscaping, the new area will feature 15 water slides and more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons – making it the largest interactive water play experience in Florida.

Today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed details about a wide range of all-new exciting guest experiences that will open across the destination this year.

The new experiences will begin debuting in February and include:

• A new Blue Man Group show – opening in February
• HD enhancements and more to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – experience in March
• Universal’s Superstar Parade – a new interactive parade experience featuring characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit animated film, “Hop,” Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants that is opening in Spring
• Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a new nighttime show that will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all projected on cutting-edge waterfall screens – and opening this Spring
• The highly-anticipated 3-D attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, which is opening this summer.

We’ll be bringing you more details in the coming days about each new attraction and event as more is known. Meanwhile, here’s some video:

Legoland Florida is adding a new attraction to their theme park and with it comes the chance to cool off on a hot sunny day in Florida… the LEGOLAND WATER PARK.

The park is on schedule to open for the Summer of 2012 and with it comes a chance for all the family to relax as well as spark the creativity in young ones. The park will feature several areas and we preview them below:

• LEGO Wave Pool – Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy

• Twin Chasers – Friends ride tubes 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a refreshing pool below

• Splash Out – The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below

• Joker Soaker – A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket

• Build-A-Raft River – Families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegetation and palm trees

• DUPLO® Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life DUPLO creatures

More photos at www.Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure

Obama’s talk will begin at 12:35 p.m. ET and the best place to view it is via the live video that will be streamed right here:

The live video stream is also available at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

Given how busy the Orlando theme parks at the moment, we thought we’d put together some of our thoughts on when the best time to visit an Orlando theme park actually is. Of course, it’s subjective as what suits one person may not suit the next but for this article we’re going to assume that no-one enjoys lining up to enjoy one of those fabulous Orlando theme park rides! We think we’re pretty safe in that assumption, so just when is the easiest time to get on the most popular rides?

In order to determine when your favorite ride maybe the least busy you need to study the calendar. It goes without saying that your best chance of walking straight onto Space Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Manta, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey etc is obviously when fewer people are in the Orlando area. For that you need to know when the most folks are likely to be in Orlando and listed below are the dates when you can expect a lot of people to be in the Central Florida area.

2012 Likely Busy Times:

Now – Jan 2 – Holiday break for schools

Jan 14-16 – Martin Luther King Jr. weekend

Feb 5 – Superbowl

Feb 18-20 – President’s Day weekend

Mar 10 – 30 – Spring Break

Apr 7 -8 – Easter weekend

May 26 – 28 – Memorial Day weekend

July – Summer Holidays

July 4 – 4th of July

Aug 1-20 – Summer Holidays

Sep 1-3 – Labor Day weekend

Oct 6-8 – Columbus Day weekend

Nov 10-11 Veteran’s Day weekend

Nov 22 – Thanksgiving break for schools

Dec 23 – Jan 2 – Holiday break for schools

So that’s the list of days when you can expect attendance and the lines at the theme parks to be high but there are some other tips you might find useful in order to avoid the long lines.

Other Tips:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are usually the least busy days.
• Weekends can be twice as busy as weekdays
• Saturdays are busier than Sundays
• Good weather can cause larger attendance
• Sporting events in Orlando bring people to the area and they go to theme parks before and after the event
• General Rule: If school’s are on a holiday or break where you live… Orlando theme parks will be busy

Don’t despair if you really have no choice other than to visit at busy or peak times there are some advantages to this. For a start most attractions should be operational and the parks generally operate longer hours. This is very important as it enables you to enjoy the park at a slower pace rather than trying to rush around doing everything quickly. Also, if the theme park has a nighttime spectacular event running then you can be pretty sure that it will be on.

On the downside, you should note that on a busy day you will probably only get around 10-20 attractions done. Most Orlando theme parks have in the region of 50 to 60+ attractions so there is a lot you might miss out on. Wait times can be over an hour for a 3 – 15 minute ride so you can see the ratio isn’t good and this is why we recommend getting a multi day pass so you don’t feel the need to try and get everything done in one day. Remember, you are on vacation… you should be relaxing and not getting worked up about lines and other people.

So, if you can visit during a quieter time of year you’ll find that you can get a lot more done and the pace will be much nicer as you wander from one attraction straight onto the next without much of a wait time. In fact, it’s not uncommon to walk straight on to most rides and even the most popular rides only have wait times of up to 20 minutes. Also, you maybe able to complete every attraction on your hit list in a single day with some careful planning. We’d still recommend two days for some of the parks however as there are things you’ll want to do again and again!

Another factor to keep in mind is the popularity of each park. Some parks are better attended than others and here’s a list of the top parks in Orlando:

1. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom  – 16.92 million visitors in 2010
2. Walt Disney World – Epcot – 10.83 million
3. Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom – 9.69 million
4. Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios – 9.60 million
5. Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure – 5.95 million
6. Universal Studios Florida – 5.93 million
7. SeaWorld Orlando – 5.10 million
8. Busch Gardens Tampa – 4.20 million (not Orlando but we thought it should be on the list to help planning)

As you can see, Magic Kingdom really is significantly more popular than the other theme parks and you can expect lines at most rides regardless of the time of year you visit. Again, if you keep away from peak times you’ll have a more enjoyable experience and line times will be less but you should still expect them.

These attendance numbers are also interesting for another reason and that is the fact that a lot of our guests staying in our Florida Leisure Vacation Homes often report they enjoyed a different park because it just felt less crowded. SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida are the two parks we hear these comments the most often about but those who travel an hour to Busch Gardens also remark on how much they enjoyed their day out because it was quieter.

Many factors can combine to make your day more enjoyable. No two families are alike and that’s why we recommend utilizing a planning service to help plan your families vacation and the Florida Leisure concierge would be pleased to assist in this as well as helping you get discounted theme park tickets at the best rate. www.FloridaLeisure.com is the link and then navigate to “Attraction Tickets” to see the current discounted rates.

One of the most amazing sights of the festive season in Orlando is before your very eyes at SeaWorld Orlando in the form of the Sea of Trees. Make no mistake, this is no ordinary blinking Christmas tree that many folks have in their homes, this really is a full on movie style production that makes the lake at SeaWorld come alive… very alive!

The Sea of Trees started last year in 2010 and has been expanded this year to include around 100 trees that are laid out in the main lake at the SeaWorld Orlando theme park. Thousands of RGV LED lights allow the approximately 400 pound custom made trees to change color to create some memorable patterns, movements and textures. It takes more than nine miles of fiber optic cable to connect them all with trees ranging in height from eight feet to 25 feet to give a wonderful effect. Here’s some video on how the trees are made…

The Sea of Trees come to life two or three times an evening and the show starts as you hear a ships bell in the distance… as if a ship is coming into port. A welcome home tribute if you will. The trees then start dancing … light and dark choreographed to the music not just on the trees but in the shimmering reflections on the water. It’s an amazing and wonderful sight.

Adding to the natural charm of the show are the many classical and religious musical selections that make this performance seem like a traditional American Christmas, unlike the other theme parks in Orlando. SeaWorld is being bold in making this choice and is basically walking where others fear to tread. It’s because of that that the park is quickly making itself the number one choice for many residents and visitors to the Central Florida area at this time of year.

Here’s the full performance from this years Sea of Trees including the official “Turn on the Lights” opening ceremony:

We’ve been working on a new web site for a little while and we decided that Thanksgiving would be the perfect day to launch the new look. For some time now we’ve been talking about the things to do in Orlando on our Facebook / YouTube and blog sites and that played a big part in our decision to rebrand the site and put more focus on the Central Florida area.

Of course, our Florida Leisure vacation homes still play a big part on the site, as everyone needs a great place to stay when they visit the area, but you can now find more information about the Orlando area and that will help your trip planning go a little smoother!

Let us know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay celebrates the spirit of the season with the return of several holiday classics, then rings in the New Year with special entertainment and spectacular fireworks.

From Nov. 19 to Jan. 1, there’s a festive chill in the air when Busch Gardens presents Christmas on Ice, a limited-engagement ice-skating show bringing a graceful winter wonderland to life. NEW for 2011, this guest favorite is moving to the park’s Moroccan Palace, which will soon be the home of the all-new Iceploration, opening 2-2-12.

The Marrakesh Theater decks the halls with Christmas from the Heart, featuring inspiring holiday gospel and spiritual songs performed by a live choir. In Desert Grill, join a Christmas Celebration, the musical extravaganza featuring seasonal songs, tap-dancing toy soldiers and fun for the whole family!

Join Santa and his merry elves for breakfast at Desert Grill from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 10. Enjoy exciting and unforgettable photo opportunities with Santa and his holiday elves, followed by a fabulous performance of our traditional family favorite Christmas Celebration. Prices are $18 for adults and $12 for children. Each adult ticket purchase includes a FREE commemorative family photo.

The rest of the park is transformed into a holiday wonderland featuring a cappella carols by the Men of Note, spectacular poinsettias, festive decorations and classic music.

Then, count down to 2012 with the biggest bash this side of midnight. Busch Gardens gives the new year a wild welcome with the band None Other playing popular party hits all evening long in Gwazi Park, followed by fireworks at midnight for the ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration on the 31st. For more information contact Florida Leisure’s concierge at  www.FloridaLeisure.com or 1-855-274-1985

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