Summer Comes Early!

Memorial Day weekend acted as a testing ground for this year's Summer Nights festivities. Below are some notes and observations about this year's event:

- Sea Lions Tonite! was back and in full force. The show was well rehearsed and as hilarious as ever. It seemed like it was basically unchanged from last year - except they highlighted Kraken instead of Manta. Does anyone know if they alternate between the two? I was also expecting some sort of Turtle Trek parody but was bummed to see it excluded. Maybe next year.

- Shamu Rocks played to a full house Sunday night. The show remains unchanged from the Bands, Brew, and BBQ showings earlier this year.

- Reflections Fireworks was great as always with no major changes. There will still be the DJ and Dragon Legend Acrobats prior to the show this year.

- The bayside Pathway was open this weekend, but the Summer Nights food and beverage options were not. More on that in the following weeks.

- The park-wide music loop seemed the same as last year, playing current pop music throughout the park.

- Light up hair is going to be big this summer!

'til next time - Journey On!

May 25 SeaWorld Park Update

Some notes and general park observations from Friday, May 26, 2012.

You can catch a preview of SeaWorld's Summer Nights entertainment early this year! SeaWorld will add Sea Lion's Tonite, Shamu Rocks, and Reflections Fireworks to their entertainment offerings 5/26, 5/27, and 5/28.



Below are some shots of the Shamu Underwater viewing area. It it looking closer to reopening every day.

 It looks like they have taken some time to re-landscape the area to get it looking pretty again.

 The rising floor is visible from the window, but doesn't distract from the tank much.

I've always enjoyed how each shop in the park sells items exclusive to the attraction it is near. Below are some items that can be found in the Fins shop, located near Shark Encounter.

 Some retro SeaWorld logo shirts -

Overview of the Fins shop.

If you never got the chance to experience the show, or were a big fan, you can still take home a copy of the soundtrack and a DVD version of Believe.  The soundtrack and single case DVD sell for $5.00 each. The DVD with whale tale necklace retails for $10.00

Details in the Traders shop near Shark Encounter.

 

 Sea Rescue is now being advertised before One Ocean.

Bayside Pathway will soon undergo a transformation for Summer Nights.

A change made shortly after the beginning of the year. The stand that once sold the freshly made potato chips on skewers has undergone a menu change and now sells ice cream and turkey legs.

A photo of the amount of money that has been donated from the Turtle Trek shop. Very interesting to see - that $7,000+ figure is from 10% of all purchases made in that tiny store in less than a month!

The Turtle Trek advertisement has been removed and is now back to advertising the Key West area.

'Til next time - Journey On!

SeaWorld Beach Clean-up 5/19/2012

I was able to take part in one of the several SeaWorld sponsored beach clean-ups that will take place this year. The event was a huge success, with an overwhelming response from volunteers looking to be "everyday heroes"!

We were given a snazzy T-shirt, refreshments, snacks, a garbage bag, and gloves. We were given free range of beautiful Playalinda beach!

Picking up trash around the hundred of sea turtle nest also made for a unique morning - and one I can't wait to do again!

May 21 SeaWorld Park Update

Below are some general park updates from May 21:

 The Pass Member Advantage offers are now listed on a sign outside of Sweet Sailin' Candy Shop. A step in the right direction, too! No more paper is distributed, keeping less out of the trash can.

 Park atmosphere entertainment on The Waterfront.

The Antarctica construction wall has been updated with the new ride concept art released a few weeks ago.




 

The Antarctica construction wall as seen from the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

Clyde and Seamore has reopened from refurbishment this week. The stage was redone and repainted. Check out the bright new pirate ship!

 Antarctica construction as seen from Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

 Antarctica construction as seen from Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

 Antarctica construction as seen from Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

 Antarctica construction as seen from Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

 Antarctica construction as seen from Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

 Antarctica construction as seen from Sea Lion and Otter Stadium.

 The success of Turtle Trek has prompted the park to extend the line into the old gardens area.

 New signage has been added to the beginning of the queue explaining the attraction and restroom information.

 New refillable souvenir mugs are available near Journey to Atlantis.

A fairly recent upgrade to the park map. Shows are now listed in an easy to read grid and other information about the park and SeaWorld's new television show, Sea Rescue, can be found on the back.



'Til next time - Journey On!

May 2012 Passholder Discounts

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of SeaWorld's May 2012 Passholder discounts! Check some of the offers out below:


Discovery Cove Discounts (Day Resort Packages)
Week Ending May 26: $119 - $169
Week Ending June 2: $119 - $139


$30.00 savings on select Day Camps for children preschool aged - 8th graders.


Buy One, Get One free at Makahiki Luau. Enjoy a salad, entree, dessert, and soft-drinks during a great live spectacular!

Check out these and more great offers Here