Over the last 24 hours a lot of people have asked me about “Splash! Animals” after seeing them on the video I posted on this blog about the opening of “Cheetah Run” and “Cheetah Hunt.”
Splash! Animals is a live art experience committed to the conservation of endangered animals. It is an award-winning conservation focused live art experience that combines art, music, choreography and features endangered species. Based in Southern California (San Diego), Splash! Animals performs all over the United States and internationally at fundraisers, theme parks, zoo, schools and many other venues and events.
Splash! Animals made its debut at the World Famous San Diego Zoo in June 2007 as the nighttime entertainment and regularly appears at Downtown Disney in Orlando and California on weekends. The focus of Splash! Animals is to connect the audience to endangered animals emotionally through an inspiring performance while educating them about the importance of conserving wildlife.
The show always starts with a blank “canvas,” painted black, and in less than 10 minutes, beautiful portraits of endangered animals are revealed by the performing artists. It’s pretty amazing and following on from the feedback from the performance we featured on our “Cheetah Run and Cheetah Hunt Opens at Busch Gardens Tampa” video, we’ve created another video that shows both of the paintings the Splash! Animals team produced at the Busch Gardens VIP party. Enjoy!
Have you made your vacation plans for the Summer? If not, you’ll want to check out what’s going on in Orlando as there’s lots of new stuff going on at the theme parks this year. There’s a killer whale show, a new roller-coaster, a cheetah habitat, a zip-line ride over alligators and there’s also the chance to get close to sharks by wading through a coral lagoon with a special diving helmet
It’s a great place to be as Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens, Gatorland and Legoland Florida – opening in October, all have a lot of new things to do.
SeaWorld
The home of Shamu the killer whale is now the venue for One Ocean, an incredible show involving all the park’s majestic orcas. Replacing the Believe show, One Ocean brings new staging, music and special effects to showcase the talents and special co-ordination of SeaWorld’s trainers and their killer whales. Fountains, video screens and clever lighting all combine for a spectacular 25-minute experience.
Discovery Cove
SeaWorld’s swim-with-dolphins sister park debuts it’s new Grand Reef attraction in June, giving its 1,000 visitors a day a chance to swim and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and graceful rays. There will be an underwater walking tour, SeaVenture where for an extra $59 per person guests can don special diving helmets and venture beneath the surface to handle sea urchins and star fish, and stand among huge schools of feeding fish as well as observe some fierce looking sharks.
Busch Gardens
Just an hour away in nearby Tampa, Busch Gardens boasts America’s most dynamic and eye-catching ride this year, Cheetah Hunt. With a fast-launch start that blasts from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and more than 4,429ft of track that twists, turns and dives underground, it features a 130ft drop as well as a figure-of- eight loop in its three-and-a-half-minute duration.
Themed to feel like a cheetah hunting its prey, it will also offer a short stretch where the park’s eight cheetahs will be able to sprint alongside the ride as they chase a special lure as part of their exercise regime. The attraction is due to open on May 27.
Gatorland
Although it’s not one of the mainstream parks, this is Orlando’s oldest, dating back to 1949, and from early June it will offer the Screamin’ Gator zip-line ride, a high-flying adventure taking riders up and over the park’s residents – more than 1,000 alligators and crocodiles. The series of four zips, nature walk and swinging bridge take 45 minutes at a height of up to 56ft and speeds of 30mph to give a new perspective on this collection of flora and fauna. It costs $69.99 per person, including all-day entry to Gatorland.
Legoland Florida
Opening in October the latest member of the worldwide Lego family will offer 150 acres of fun and rides for the two-to-12 age group in classic brick-building style in ten distinct ‘lands’ but all with natural overtones as it is built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, on the shore of Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, 40 minutes south of Orlando.
Walt Disney World
Star Tours II is Disney’s big offering for 2011, a revamped, version of the classic Star Wars simulator ride that now blasts off for Tatooine and Coruscant, plunging riders into the Boonta Eve Classic pod-race (from the film Star Wars I), in high-definition 3D from May 20 at Hollywood Studios.
The Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun is the new daily parade with all the favorites from films such as Up, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Toy Story and others. Disney Junior – Live On Stage is now open for pre-school fans of programs such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and the new Jake And The Never Land Pirates. Finally, at the Animal Kingdom park, guests can enjoy a three-hour Wild Africa Trek, a small-group journey through the animal savannahs for an extra $189 per person.
You’ll also want to check out what’s going on at the smaller parks and attractions.
Fantasy Surf is a new opportunity to try surfing on an indoor FlowRider system. It is great for novices and experienced surfers alike. Check out this video :
In Orlando city centre you can check out the Skyline Tour (from the Visitor Centre on Orange Avenue) and learn about the 19th Century ‘boom-town’ from a 16th-floor vantage point while nearby, the Orange County History Centre has more insight into Central Florida’s past, some 12,000 years of it, including the area’s Native American heritage and the huge cattle industry, with its own cowboys known as ‘crackers’.
Check out the video below of the chic suburb of Winter Park which features more natural charms, with its own boat tour through the local lakes plus, for art lovers, the unusual Morse Museum of American Art, which boasts one of the largest glass collections by Tiffany in the United States.
Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Fantasy of Flight which hosts an amazing collection of vintage aircraft and daily flying exhibitions put together with real artistry by millionaire collector Kermit Weeks.
And no one should leave without seeing something of the real Florida. Enjoy an airboat ride from Boggy Creek Airboats, the area’s specialists, offering a variety of trips that get off the beaten track for personal, up-close encounters to capture the spirit of the Sunshine State.
One thing’s for certain: you’ll never be short of something to do in Orlando!
Last week this blog (click here for last weeks blog) covered the news that Busch Gardens is developing a new area, Cheetah Run and Cheetah Hunt, at its famous Tampa theme park, so I decided to trek the hour journey from Florida Leisure Vacation Home land to see what was going on.
June is always a busy month in Florida and this year is no exception. Of course, the big news is that on 18th June The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is due to open to the public at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and it promises to be both exhilarating and exciting as it will enable you to personally experience some of the best scenes from the books and movies. The 20-acre island will also feature attractions, shops and restaurants set inside such locations as the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village and the iconic Hogwarts castle.
Over at Walt Disney World is an event, or rather a series of events, that will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” will light up the entertainment experience with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.
Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience. At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.
Downtown Disney has also been getting something of a makeover as new places like D-Street, a new apparel store where urban inspired product “intersects” with a Disney creative edge and RIDEMAKERZ have sprung up. The RIDEMAKERZ experience invites guests into the ultimate car customizing shop where they can build a one-of-a-kind radio control car or “RIDE”. Between bodystyles and colors, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, accessories and decals, RIDEMAKERZ estimates there are more than 649 million possible build combinations, not including individual decal placement! Downtown Disney has also welcomed several other additions as part of its overall revitalization plan including two new stores, a quick-service restaurant and 3-D technology to the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatre Complex.
Debuting at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this Summer is STAR TREK LIVE. This new interactive stage show begins on June 11, 2010 and is based on the popular science-fiction franchise. The show takes audiences on an exhilarating 30 minute journey offering an unforgettable live theatrical experience for fans of all ages. The show combines fun special effects, audience interaction and an exploration of real space-age technology.
At SeaWorld, the nights will be cooler and the atmosphere even hotter! SeaWorld AfterDark is transforming daytime favorites into nighttime spectacles.
SeaWorld AfterDark is showcasing the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show and a mystifying fireworks finale. That’s in addition to being able to experience all that’s awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows.
Busch Gardens is amping up the fun in 2010 during Summer Nights with MORE contemporary entertainment, MORE special effects and MORE reasons to stay and play each night from June 11 through Aug. 15. This year, the rides are even wilder and, each night, Busch Gardens goes out with a big, rock-style bang when Kinetix explodes onto the stage in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m.
Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.
Also in June, Busch Gardens’ world-class rides are amplified with pulsating sights and sounds to intensify each experience. Thrill rides, such as SheiKra, incorporate strobe lights, black lights, music and other special effects for an even bigger thrill. Even the carousel is amped up with a disco ball, and the Serengeti Express is aglow as it chugs around the park.
So, as you can see, it’s a great time to be in the Orlando area.
SUMMER NIGHTS ARE MORE INTENSE AT BUSCH GARDENS IN 2010
Ride Coasters in the Dark, Stay for an Awesome Night-Time Finale
Busch Gardens is amping up the fun in 2010 during Summer Nights with MORE contemporary entertainment, MORE special effects and MORE reasons to stay and play each night from June 11 through Aug. 15. This year, the rides are even wilder and, each night, Busch Gardens goes out with a big, rock-style bang when Kinetix explodes onto the stage in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m.
Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.
Also in 2010, Busch Gardens’ world-class rides are amplified with pulsating sights and sounds to intensify each experience. Thrill rides, such as SheiKra, incorporate strobe lights, black lights, music and other special effects for an even bigger thrill. Even the carousel is amped up with a disco ball, and the Serengeti Express is aglow as it chugs around the park.
Jeff Civillico returns to Marrakesh Theater with his amazing blend of comedy, juggling, balancing, athleticism and audience participation. On July 3 and 4, catch an illuminating fireworks display at Busch Gardens.
DJs up the energy each night throughout the park, playing party songs and inviting families to dance and play along. Every Friday and Saturday night, guests can bust their most impressive moves in the Dance Challenge. The best dancers will be selected throughout Friday and Saturday nights to compete in a dance off at 7 p.m. in Desert Grill – three rounds that challenge them to a variety of dance styles. First place winners each night receive 4 tickets to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island or SeaWorld.
Park hours for Summer Nights are extended until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Summer Nights is included with a day’s paid admission or any annual pass.
While you’re at Busch Gardens, discover all that the park has to offer this summer – day and night. That includes Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a new sunny, funny play land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable adventures. Dip and dive through the desert on Air Grover junior coaster. Climb and play in Elmo’s Treehouse Trek. Splash and refresh in Bert and Ernie’s fun-filled water play area. Watch your Sesame Street friends in African-inspired shows. In Sesame Street Safari of Fun, imaginations run wild, and there’s fun or everyone.
Also new is Walkabout Way, where guests can encounter unique animals indigenous to the Land Down Under. Hand feed kangaroos and free-roaming wallabies in Kangaloom during scheduled feedings throughout the day. Laugh along with a kookaburra and other Australian birds in the free-flight aviary, The Kookaburra’s Nest.
Busch Gardens is just 75 minutes from your Orlando vacation home and is a very easy drive. There’s something fun for everyone, from the education side as you discover some of the animal kingdom and mix it up with some great thrilling rides. It’s a day not to miss and it’s just got better.
Last weekend I decided to give the hard working Elmo a break from his normal routine at Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens, Tampa and took him on my trip to Dallas. Elmo had a lot of fun meeting all kinds of people and he did a couple of special things , like flying our plane and meeting some cool people… and you can see all the photo’s of Elmo’s trip here.
For those that don’t know, Sesame Street Safari of Fun opened recently at Busch Gardens and is the newest land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable adventures. You can fly through the desert with Grover. Climb in Elmo’s Tree House. Splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole. You can even dinewith your furry friends. It’s the Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where imaginations run wild and there’s fun for everyone.
It was fun to meet up with Elmo and he’s now safely back home in Tampa. If you’d like Elmo to visit you sometime in the near future then click here and see how to arrange it
I had some fun this morning as I went to a presentation by SeaWorld/ Busch Gardens staff on the new Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
It’s Busch Gardens’ newest land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable adventures. Fly through the desert with Grover. Climb in Elmo’s Tree House. Splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole. You can even dine with your child’s furry friends. It’s Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where imaginations run wild and there’s fun for everyone.
It’s the kind of news that children and parents everywhere will love to hear. Families can enjoy watching all of their favorite Sesame Street characters in a 4-D movie at the Globe Theatre called “Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!” Then guests can visit Elmo and his friends and explore Busch Gardens’ newest attraction, situated in the England section of Busch Gardens. Sesame Street Forest of Fun features four new rides offering kid-sized versions of popular attractions, including a junior roller coaster designed for parents and children to ride together – Air Grover Junior Coaster that reaches a maximum speed of 22 mph. The kid-zone also features wet and dry playgrounds, a photography studio with Sesame Street’s characters and musical performances. The Sesame Street-themed area expands Busch Gardens’ KIDsiderate attractions. The park’s current lineup of kid-friendly rides and attractions will remain, including the popular Land of the Dragons play area and junior rides throughout the park.
As the single largest informal educator of young children, local Sesame Street programs produced in countries as diverse as South Africa, Bangladesh and India are making a difference in over 120 nations. Using proprietary research to create engaging and enriching content, Sesame Workshop produces programs such as Dragon Tales and Pinky Dinky Doo. In addition, multimedia needs-driven initiatives provide families tools for addressing such issues as children’s health, military deployment and emergency preparedness. As a nonprofit, product proceeds and philanthropic donations support Sesame Workshop’s educational research and creative content for children around the world. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.
One of the nice things about providing magical memories for our guestsis that we occasionally get to experience things ourselves. Over the last month some of our staff has been fortunate enough to visit both Busch Gardens and Sea World to see what’s going on and find out what’s new.
Busch Gardens in Tampa has long been a favorite park of mine simply because it blends wild rides and wildlife so perfectly together so I made sure I did that trip along with Annette, Kim and Rebecca!
There are over 2,500 exotic and endangered animals for you to visit as well as more record breaking roller coasters than any destination in Florida! There’s absolutely something fun and something educational to see and do for every member of the family no matter their age.
In addition there are some great VIP tours such as the Elite Adventure Tour that includes a private tour guide, front-of-the-line access to all the major roller coasters and water rides, including Gwazi, Montu, Kumba, SheiKra, Congo River Rapids and Tanganyika Tidal Wave (front row is included), reserved seating at the KaTonga show, lunch at the Crown Colony Restaurant, and a one-of-a-kind experience hand-feeding giraffes on the Serengeti Safari tour.
Unfortunately we didn’t have time to do the whole Elite Adventure Tour but we did manage the Serengeti Safari Tour where we all discovered first-hand just how long a giraffe’s tongue is while giving them a leafy snack! As you can see from the picture above, I got to enjoy some lettuce with one of the giraffe’s!
I have to say that the tour was simply fabulous and it’s something I would recommend that you and your family do when you visit us next time. Busch Gardens is just over an hour away from most of our vacation homes and its well worth the trip as you will become immersed in the Serengeti experience as your tour guide shares a lot of intriguing information and some interesting personal stories about the amazing wildlife.
On this trip you can unlock the mystery to the eland antelope’s mysterious clicking, discover the naturalistic beauty of the Serengeti Plain, and experience the thrill of feeding antelopes and giraffes. This Adventure creates memories that will last a lifetime and you’ll also enjoy some amazing photo opportunities such as the one I created up above.
Busch Gardens has a whole host of things going on for wild life buffs; Jungala features Bengal tigers, the Rhino Rally sees you hop aboard a wild jeep tour (see Rebecca, our concierge navigating the jeep in the above video…it’s a hoot!), see majestic Clydesdale horses, Edge of Africa features hippos, lions, meerkats, lemurs, crocodiles and hyenas and Myombe Reserve gets you up close and personal with gorillas and chimpanzees.
Of course, everyone loves a good thrill ride and Busch simply has some of the best around; from SheiKra and it’s 200 foot drop to Gwazi (one of the fastest wooden double roller coasters on the planet, Montu (7 insane inversions), Kumba (voted one of the world’s top coasters) and the Scorpion (3 G’s of force). But there’s even more and if you love getting wet then Congo River Rapids, Stanley Falls and Tanganyika Tidal Wave will be sure to keep you cool on a hot Florida day.
Busch Gardens has a lot of other stuff going on as well but you’ll just have to explore that for yourself but you can take a look here for more pictures.
All good things must come to an end so the old saying goes and one of these will shortly be the last pouring of the complimentary beer tastings at Anheuser Busch-InBev two theme parks Sea World and Busch Gardens.
Personally I think this is a mistake and it’s not going to help the company in keeping its customers loyal. I know big business has to look at the bottom line but the bottom line is made up by customers who pay admission fees to enter the park and this was one of the nice little extra’s that adults enjoyed during a hot day at the theme park.
The decision has been reached by Belgian based InBev who are the new owners of Anheuser Busch as they look to sell off the entertainment division to help pay the $52 billion acquisition they finalized last year. So from 1st February 2009 the complimentary beer tasting will stop and all we can hope for is that the entertainment division is sold off quickly and that the new owners come to realise how important this seemingly trivial part of a day out at Sea World / Busch Gardens really is.
