By Marie Gilmore
Having company in town with a 2-year-old animal-loving girl means a trip to SeaWorld Orlando and a day filled with adventure that is even more appreciated if you haven’t been for a couple of years.
SeaWorld is currently celebrating it’s 50th Celebration, a Sea of Surprise, a celebration which kicked off last March at all three SeaWorld parks.
For nearly five decades, SeaWorld has surprised and amazed guests with unique entertainment, thrilling rides and up-close encounters with marine animals. During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration, visitors will be invited to take part in the celebration through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating guests with prizes every day.
For our special day at SeaWorld, we started with the all-new Shamu show, One Ocean. Dancing fountains set the stage as guests connect with thrilling sea creatures, feel the energy and spirit of life underneath the sea, and realize that we are all part of one world, one ocean. With the wonder and amazement of seeing killer whales up close and personal, our day was kicked off with a great start.
Right after the show, we went right next door to Shamu’s Happy Harbor, a whole area dedicated to kids with fun, family rides.
Next, we wanted to get an overview of the park and went right over to the 400-ft. Sky Tower, which has stood as an icon for the park since it opened in 1973, and is now included free with daily admission. Get a bird’s eye view of Orlando during this leisurely capsule ride, and take a load off as you plot the rest of your day in the park.
Don’t forget to check your daily park map for showtimes as in addition to One Ocean, there are two additional shows that shouldn’t be missed.
Indoors in the Nautilus Theatre, A’Lure, The Call of the Ocean offers a great show with flying athletic performers, gravity-defying aerial tumblers and amazing acrobatics. Also, Blue Horizons is a unique, theatrical spectacular featuring dolphins, tropical birds and acrobats.
Another special anniversary addition is the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” which is a team that will roam the SeaWorld parks on a daily basis giving away prizes and special gifts. Guests could receive exclusive access to rides or behind-the-scenes experiences, celebration T-shirts or Shamu-themed merchandise, reserved show seating and more.
SeaWorld offers a great day of family enjoyment and something for even the smallest members to enjoy. Visit www.seaworld.com/celebration.
