SeaWorld Orlando

For the SeaWorld chain of parks, see SeaWorld.
SeaWorld Orlando
Slogan The Voyage Begins...
Location Orlando, Florida, United States
Coordinates 28°24′39″N 81°27′45″W / 28.41083°N 81.46250°WCoordinates: 28°24′39″N 81°27′45″W / 28.41083°N 81.46250°W
Theme Conservation and the Ocean
Owner SeaWorld Entertainment
Opened December 15, 1973[1]
Operating season Year-round
Area 200 acres (81 ha)
Rides
Total 12
Roller coasters 4

SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park, and marine-life based zoological park, in Orlando, Florida. It is owned and operated by SeaWorld Entertainment. When combined with its neighbor Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it forms Seaworld Parks and Resorts Orlando, an entertainment complex consisting of the three parks and many neighboring hotels. In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide.[2]

Park layout

As of Summer 2014, Seaworld Orlando has been separated into different areas, called "seas".[3] Each with a unique themed element. Starting at the lower center and continuing clockwise they are:

Port of Entry: The main entrance of the park features a Florida-inspired theme with lush tropical landscaping and a large artificial freshwater marina with a Shamu-themed iconic lighthouse. It is the guests gateway to the many seas of Seaworld.[3]

Sea of Shallows: This area showcases most of the shallow water sea animal exhibits at the park as well as the Dolphin Theater. In addition, the Manta rollercoaster travels through this section and Turtle Trek, a dome theater show also reside here. All of the Key West at SeaWorld area is inside of the Sea of Shallows. It is designed to mimic the appearance of the city of Key West, Florida with architecture and landscaping reminiscent of the area. Animal exhibits in this portion of the park include cownose rays, southern stingrays, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, greater flamingos, West Indian manatees, American alligators, Bottlenose dolphins, and brown pelicans. The stingray and dolphin habitats offer opportunities for guests to feed the animals.[3]

Sea of Legends: The Sea of Legends is dedicated to the mysterious myths and other tales told about the sea. Journey to Atlantis, a boat ride with roller-coaster elements, bases its story from the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. Next to the gift shop there is an aquarium with animals in an environment made to look like Atlantis. Also found here is Kraken, a floorless roller-coaster where the rider plays the part of the Kraken racing through the ocean.[3]

Sea of Ice: Sea of Ice, originally named Antarctica, is themed around the Antarctic continent. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is the sole attraction in this area. It is a dark ride where the guests follow young penguin on a journey home after a harsh storm. The ride exits into the penguin exhibit area. [3]

Sea of Delight

Sky Tower

Sea of Delight includes a sub-area named The Waterfront, which resembles a seaside Mediterranean village. The majority of the parks restaurants are here as well as many shops. The park's Sky Tower ride is also here, it was integrated into the theme of The Waterfront village when the area opened in 2003. The only land animal show at the park, Pets Ahoy, is located here inside of the Seaport Theater. Outside of the Waterfront is where the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium viewing area stands.[3]

Sea of Mystery: The Sea of Mystery is a less themed area compared to the others in Seaworld. It houses the shark underwater viewing and the Shark's Underwater Grill. The Nautilus Theater, showing Cirque du Soleil style shows, and Sea Garden, up close animal area, also are located here.<[3]

Sea of Fun: Formerly Shamu's Happy Harbor, Sea of Fun, is a children's area hosted by Shamu, the park's killer whale mascot. The area is located adjacent to Shamu Stadium and features family activities including Shamu Express (a junior rollercoaster), a net climbing structure, and a water play area.[4] Signage here still refers to it as Shamu's Happy Harbor, although management and the map use the updated name.[3]

Sea of Power: Sea of Power is host area of the Seaworld's iconic killer whale shows. The Shamu Stadium is located in the center with the Wild Arctic indoor pavilion nextdoor. Wild Arctic is a combined attraction which includes a motion simulator followed by an indoor animal exhibit hosting Beluga whales, Pacific walrus, harbor seals, and formerly Polar bears. During the Christmas holiday season, Wild Arctic is transformed into the Polar Express Experience based on the Warner Bros. film of the same name. Guests ride the Polar Express to the North Pole where Santa Claus waits to greet them. Shamu Stadium currently hosts "One Ocean" as its main show with "Shamu Celebration: Light up the Night" and "Shamu Christmas Miracles" showing seasonally.[3]

Attractions

SeaWorld Orlando has many live shows and attractions including rides and animal exhibits. One of these attractions actually combine the two, with both a ride component and a separate animal exhibit.

Rides and attractions

On April 24, 2015, SeaWorld Orlando announced plans to construct a 200-foot-tall (61 m) hypercoaster that would open sometime in 2016.[5] Specific details, such as the ride's designer and its name, were not initially revealed, but officials stated that the roller coaster would be the longest, tallest and fastest ride in the Orlando area.[5]

# Name Opened Description
1 Kraken 2000 A floorless roller coaster themed after the legend of the Kraken sea monster.
2 Manta 2009 A flying roller coaster and aquarium exhibit featuring rays, sea dragons and other species.
3 Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin 2013 A themed area headlined by a motion-based trackless dark ride featuring live penguin exhibits.
4 Journey to Atlantis 1998 An indoor boat ride with roller coaster elements themed to the mythical Atlantis.
5 Shamu Express 2006[6] A Zierer family roller coaster with cars themed as Shamu.
6 Sky Tower 1973 400-foot tall rotating Gyro tower.
7 Wild Arctic 1992 An indoor series of exhibits featuring beluga whales, walruses, harbor seals, and formerly polar bears, that is designed to resemble a research station in the Arctic Ocean. Guests can take a motion-simulated helicopter journey to the exhibit, or may bypass the ride and watch the film without the motion and proceed directly to the exhibit.
8 Turtle Trek 2012 An outdoor/indoor exhibit featuring sea turtles, West Indian manatees, and American alligators. The highlight of the exhibit is a theater dome where a 3D computer-animated film details the average journey of a sea turtle. The theater is a 360° dome with 3D content completely surrounded the audience. The theater and media was developed by Falcon's Treehouse, LLC.
9 Sea Carousel 2007[7] A carousel themed with caricatured marine mammals and fish.
10 Jazzy Jellies 2006[6] A balloon tower style ride that lifts up and spins controlled by riders with a disk.
11 Swishy Fishies 2006[6] A spinning teacup ride themed with fish.
Swishy Fishies kid's teacup ride at SeaWorld Orlando.
12 Ocean Commotion 2007[7] A Rockin' Tug ride.
13 The Flying Fiddler 2007[7] A kiddie crab-themed Frog Hopper-style freefall attraction.
14 Paddle Boats Flamingo-themed paddle boats that can travel all around the park's central lake. Additional fee is required.
15 Net Climb 2006[8] A four story net climb play area with tire swings and slides.

Live entertainment

# Name Opened Description
14 Shamu Stadium 1984 The seven-million gallon home to the park's 7 killer whales. The park's current production is One Ocean, which is joined by the seasonal Shamu's Celebration: Light Up The Night and Shamu Christmas Miracles night shows.
15 The Whale and Dolphin Stadium Features dolphins, macaws and an Andean condor in Blue Horizons, which also adds human acrobats and divers. False killer whales were once part of the show until the eventual death of the park's two specimens.[9] Four rescued pilot whales are also housed here and can be seen occasionally during the preshow (about 15-20 mins before the show) for Blue Horizons.[10]
16 The Sea Lion and Otter Theater Hosts "Clyde and Seamore," a pair of California sea lions in the comical presentation Clyde and Seamore's Sea Lion High. Otters and a Pacific walrus also partake in the show. This production is joined by the seasonal show Sea Lions Tonight which is a comedic production that pokes fun at other attractions at the park. The venue formally presented Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island.
17 Bayside Stadium Formerly hosted water skiing shows on the park's central lagoon. Today, the stage is used for SeaWorld's numerous music concert series and other special events as well as the official viewing area for the seasonal Reflections firework show.
18 The Nautilus Theatre An acrobatic show similar in style and presentation to the works of Cirque du Soleil.
19 Seaport Theatre Features dogs, cats, and other animals that have been rescued from local animal shelters in Pets Ahoy!. This venue is also home to Abby's Treasure Hunt.
20 Seafire Inn Is both a restaurant and a theatre in the style of a dinner theatre. This venue was home to the Makahiki Luau until its closure in 2010..
21 Reflections A seasonal firework show on the park's central lagoon featuring fireworks, dancing fountains, and mist screens synchronized and inspired by the musical soundtracks of the park's shows and attractions. The show was formerly called Mistify. During the Holidays, there is a Holiday Reflections.

Animal exhibits

Dining with the sharks at the Sharks Underwater Grill

Controversies

In February 2010, during a training session, one of the Orca whales Tilikum pulled trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water and thrashed her, resulting in the trainer's death. In August 2010, The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited SeaWorld of Florida LLC for three safety violations, following the death of an animal trainer in February. The total penalty was $75,000. This animal was one of the three killer whales responsible for an earlier 1991 trainer death at Sealand Vancouver.[11] [12] A 2013 documentary, disputed by SeaWorld, was made on the deaths related to their Orca whales called Blackfish.

Seasonal events

SeaWorld Orlando has many special events throughout the year. These include Halloween, Christmas, and Summer events.

Bands, Brews, and BBQ: Occurring in the months of February and March this event has many different aspects. Every weekend a different band or comedian play at SeaWorld's Bayside Stadium. Many local beers are served alongside more well known brands. A wide variety of barbecue food from different vendors is located in the small village area next to the stadium. Harley Davidson motorcycles have also been on display in the past.[13]

Just For Kids: During most Saturdays in March and April Just For Kids is present as a festival for smaller guests at the park. There are scavenger hunts and dance parties special for small children. Also, many animals will be brought out to be shown and petted by the kids.[14]

Viva la Musica: A four week festival of Latin music and cuisine held in late April and early May. A featured band plays on SeaWorld's Bayside Stadium while special Latin food is served in a small village area nearby.[15]

Seaworld's 50th Anniversary: Seaworld is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a "Sea of Surprises", the event subtitle. The Surprise Squad is wandering around SeaWorld during this time and giving out free rewards. There are also many new shows debuting, like "Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night" and a new to be announced sea lion show. New animal encounters are present and old ones are updated. In addition, a bubble and a party vehicle are traveling the park and entertaining guests. This event ends in the fall of 2015.[16]

Summer Nights: Summer Nights is SeaWorld's summertime promotion for all of its seasonal summer events. This includes the "Sea Lions Tonight" and "Shamu Celebration: Light up the Night". This also the sole time when the Reflections fireworks show is shown. [17] On the Fourth of July there is an extra tag at the end of the fireworks show for the occasion.[18] SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular: Held in October, Halloween Spooktacular is a family fiendly event. There is trick-or-treating and arts and crafts. Guest can wear their costumes to the park as well.[19]

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration: From late November to the last day of December SeaWorld has many special shows occurring. These include "Shamu's Christmas Miracle", "Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas", "O Wonderoua Night", and "Winter Wonderland on Ice". The central lagoon area gets spotted with colorful Christmas trees for the Sea of Trees. These trees light up to music in many different colors. Wild Arctic also gets a Polar Express themed overlay.[20] New Year's Eve at SeaWorld: DJ's show up for this event at the front of the park and next to Shamu Stadium. The fireworks show also gets a special tag for the occasion. This occurs with the Christmas Celebration.[21]

Blue World Project

On August 15, 2014, SeaWorld announced the Blue World Project; a major renovation to all three of the SeaWorld parks Killer Whale habitats. The project will begin with SeaWorld San Diego in 2015 and is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2018 with a cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The company has also pledged $10 million in matching funds for killer whale research.

Features of SeaWorld San Diego's Blue World Habitat:[22]

Attendance

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Worldwide rank
5,926,000 [23] 5,800,000 [24] 5,100,000 [25] 5,202,000 [25] 5,358,000 [2] 5,090,000 [2] 19

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/SeaWorld/info
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "TEA/AECOM 2013 Global Attractions Report" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-orlando/park-info/seaworld-park-map/?m=1
  4. ↑ "Shamu's Happy Harbor". seaworldparks.com. Sea World. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Dewayne Bevil (April 24, 2015). "SeaWorld: New roller coaster coming in 2016". orlandosentinel.com. Tribune Newspapers. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "SeaWorld Florida". Screamscape. August 11, 2006. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "SeaWorld Florida". Screamscape. May 29, 2007. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Photo TR: SeaWorld, IOA/Universal Updates!". Theme Park Review. May 24, 2006. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  9. ↑ Garcia, Jason (5 June 2012). "False killer whale Jozu dies at SeaWorld Orlando". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  10. ↑ Kirley, James (16 September 2012). "Too soon to tell if surviving pilot whales can be released". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  11. ↑ "OSHA News release - US Labor Department's OSHA cites SeaWorld of Florida following animal trainer's death". https://www.osha.gov''. OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration USA. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  12. ↑ "Seaworld Vs OSHA". http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com''. The Orca Project. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  13. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/bands-brew-and-bbq/?m=1
  14. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/just-for-kids/?m=1
  15. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/viva-la-musica/?m=1
  16. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/seaworld-50th-celebration/?m=1
  17. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/summer-nights/?m=1
  18. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/fourth-of-july-celebration/?m=1
  19. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/seaworlds-halloween-spooktacular/?m=1
  20. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/seaworlds-christmas-celebration/?m=1
  21. ↑ http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/new-years-eve-at-seaworld/?m=1
  22. ↑ http://blueworldproject.seaworld.com/seaworld-announces-first-of-its-kind-killer-whale-environment/
  23. ↑ "TEA/AECOM 2008 Global Attractions Report" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  24. ↑ "TEA/AECOM 2009 Global Attractions Report" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 2, 2010. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "TEA/AECOM 2011 Global Attractions Report" (PDF). Themed Entertainment Association. 2011. Retrieved June 25, 2014.

External links

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