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SeaWorld and Southwest Airlines Partner and Unveil the Penguin One Aircraft

3 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Southwest and SeaWorld revealed the aircraft at a ceremony a few weeks ago at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with real penguins, Southwest and SeaWorld Employees, community members, and executives, including Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly, and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Atchison. The plane, filled with Southwest and SeaWorld employees, will be making stops in two other SeaWorld cities, San Antonio and San Diego.

The partnership between the two companies dates back to 1988, which began when SeaWorld opened in San Antonio. Southwest and SeaWorld launched their partnership in a high-flying way—with the introduction of a new Boeing 737, Shamu® One!

The featured penguin species on the aircraft is a gentoo, one of the species found at SeaWorld Orlando’s new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™. The attraction includes a first-of-its-kind family ride that transports guests into the penguins’ icy world.

20130620_Southwest Penguin Plane Reveal_19

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Atchison, and Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly christen the new aircraft, Penguin One, revealed earlier this morning.

20130620_Southwest Penguin Plane Reveal_22

SeaWorld Orlando penguin experts Jill Lewis and Sharon Jarvis brought actual penguins to the reveal of Penguin One, along with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Atchison, and Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.

20130620_Southwest Penguin Plane Reveal_36

New SeaWorld-themed fleet, Penguin One, made its debut this morning at Orlando International Airport in celebration of the 25-year partnership between SeaWorld and Southwest Airlines.

20130620_Southwest Penguin Plane Reveal_38

Penguin One takes off from Orlando International Airport and heads to San Antonio for more festivities.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Sea World Orlando, Top Stories Tagged With: celebrate 25 years, Orlando, Orlando theme parks, Sea World, SeaWorld Orlando, Southwest Airlines

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley – Coming Soon!

8 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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As a fan of all things Harry Potter, and after finally getting to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter myself a few months back, I am thrilled at this expansion announcement! Read the official press release below for more information – and I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley Rendering

Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an unparalleled vision to this unique project.  The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films, offering brand-new adventures for fans and theme park guests from around the world.

Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.  The new area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Work on the new area is already underway.  When complete, it will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank – all directly inspired by the fiction and films.

More details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released over time.

To bring Diagon Alley and ‘London’ to life, Universal’s creative team is working closely with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films – just as it did for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

“I’m so pleased that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, and I’m sure that the attention to detail in creating the new Diagon Alley area will make this an even better experience,” said J.K. Rowling.

“We are continuing the journey and adding an entirely new level of adventure,” said Tom Williams, Chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts.  “And we are bringing the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this project as we did to the first.”

“We are thrilled to offer the legions of fans the opportunity to embark on this new journey and experience Diagon Alley as it was brought to life in the books and films,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010 as a fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment – bringing to life the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros.  Since that time, it has become a global phenomenon, entertaining millions of people from around the world.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are swept into the adventures of Harry Potter.  They can tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine at the Three Broomsticks.  They can soar above Hogwarts with Harry, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, sample Butterbeer and much more.

 

What are your thoughts? Excited?

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Top Stories, Universal Orlando Resort Tagged With: adventure theme park, Diagon Alley, florida theme park, harry potter diagon alley, Harry Potter world, hogwarts express, islands of adventure, Orlando theme parks, universal orlando resort, universal orlando theme parks, universal studios florida, wizarding world, Wizarding World of Harry Potter

SeaWorld Just For Kids Weekends, Valentines Packages and More!

21 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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SeaWorld Just For Kids LazytownSeaWorld knows how to keep little ones entertained and with the recent announcement of the PreSchool Pass getting kids under 5 in for free, along with the Just for Kids concerts below, there is no reason not to check out the park’s offerings.

We were recently invited to check out the Lazytown concert, which I loved because my two older kids grew up watching Lazytown. The show itself was a fun little overview of what Lazytown is all about – getting kids to eat healthy; “sports candy” or fruit and veggies vs. junk food, and exercise vs. sitting around. The show was preceded by an amazing troupe of Chinese hula hoop acrobats, a juggler and a visit from an alpaca named Bob. The kids in the audience loved the show and were very enthusiastic about the performances.

Concerts are included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater. Guests will need to pick up concert tickets across from Nautilus Theater in order to attend the shows. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9 a.m. each event day.

SeaWorld Just For Kids pre-show

SeaWorld Just For Kids pre-show

In addition to the concerts, SeaWorld offers kids dance parties over by the Spice Mill restaurant waterfront at Shamu’s Party Zone. There kids can show their moves with SeaWorld characters, pose for photos, and partake in paid activities like face-painting and sand art, all while bubbles flow overhead. The best part about “Just for Kids” days is the concerts and dance party are included for FREE with park admission. No extra ticket price or add-ons! On event days, parents can rent strollers at half-price, and the following items are free for kids with each paid adult: all-day dining deal and free Penguins Up-close, Dolphins Up-close or Behind-the-Scenes tours.

Shamu Party Zone

The concert lineup includes:

Saturday, January 21     Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate

Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide – with hilarious results. Featuring upbeat and original songs, this playdate is sure to have the whole audience singing and hopping along!

Saturday, January 28    Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate

Get movin’ and groovin’ with the Doodlebops, a real favorite of all kids. Rock stars DeeDee, Rooney and Moe sing their favorite songs, tell their wackiest jokes and show off their funkiest dance moves.

Saturday, February 4     Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve

Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.

SeaWorld Just For Kids tickets

And, “Just For Kids” has even more fun in store!

Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt
Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby and her friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Grover are off on a treasure hunt—and all kids are invited to come along!  This 25-minute show will get everyone laughing and cheering along at SeaPort Theater.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends will perform a short song and dance number and then visit every table for an up-close meeting at this amazing breakfast buffet. Cost is $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages 3-9. Times are 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. at SeaFire Inn at The Waterfront. This fun-filled breakfast also includes reserved seats at the concert of the day – attending the 8:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 11 a.m. concert, and the 10:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 2 p.m. concert.

And for parents or couples getaways, SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove has just announced some Valentine’s packages for experiencing paradise in Orlando.

  • Celebration Package $129 – includes a personalized buoy, gift bag, 6×8 photo, photo frame or plush toy, T-shirt, and 25% off the Ultimate photo package
  • Premium Package $229 – includes everything in Celebration Package plus a private cabana including table and chairs, chaise lounges, rolled towels, stocked refrigerator, and personal locker
  • Elite Package $449 – includes everything in Premium Package plus a private meet-and-greet with an animal at your cabana, champagne, souvenir toasting flutes, a dozen roses, and chocolate truffles

For more information on how Discovery Cove can create an unforgettable memory for you and your Valentine, visit DiscoveryCove.com or check out SeaWorld’s blog post.

While you’re there, be sure to watch SeaWorld’s first webisode covering Turtle Trek, the amazing 3-D, 360 degree experience coming this Spring to SeaWorld. There is so much to see and do at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, it’s quickly becoming one of our family’s favorite places in Orlando.
SeaWorld stingray petting
Fun Cards are available at the front gate, online at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling 1-888-800-5447. “Just for Kids” event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Concert dates and artists are subject to change.
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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Sea World Orlando Tagged With: Choo Choo Soul, Discovery Cove, Discovery Cove Valentine's packages, Doodlebops, Just For Kids Concerts, Lazytown, Max and Ruby, Orlando area theme parks, Orlando theme parks, Sea World, SeaWorld, SeaWorld Orlando, Turtle Trek, Valentine's packages

Holiday Happenings at Universal Orlando Resort

16 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Universal Christmas treeOkay, first I have to admit that before last weekend, I had never been inside either Universal Orlando park. Shocking, I know. We’d been to City Walk a few times, for Hard Rock Cafe and Margaritaville but that was it. Of course when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, I was determined to get there. Being able to walk in Hogwarts and order a Butterbeer? Sign me up! But time got away from us and we just never made it over there. I was thrilled when Universal invited the family and me to check out their holiday offerings and no one was more surprised than me that I actually LOVED Universal! As a life-long Disney fan, you’re sort of unofficially conditioned to like one place or the other, but after walking around the Universal parks, I gained a real appreciation for their design and look. Of course, I still have to get on some rides there, but hopefully I’ll fix that soon. In any event, I loved the holiday decorations, shows and parade Universal Orlando Resort offered, and hopefully sharing this here will convince some other hold outs to give them a try!

Here’s a video highlighting the holiday events:

 

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Reviews, Universal Orlando Resort Tagged With: Christmas lights, Christmas theme parks, Grinch, Grinchmas, islands of adventure, Macy's Holiday Parade, mannheim steamroller, Orlando holidays, Orlando theme parks, tree-lighting, universal orlando resort, Universal Studios Christmas, universal studios florida, Universal Studios holidays

VIDEO: SeaWorld Orlando’s Spectacular Sea of Trees

6 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Sea of TreesSeaWorld Orlando recently invited my family out to experience their holiday happenings. I was completely blown away and impressed by what SeaWorld had to offer. I thought maybe the Shamu show would have a Christmas theme to it, but SeaWorld was completely transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, music, special shows and more. As you walk toward the Waterfront area lighted arches show the way and trees drip with twinkling icicles. Live bands perform in various areas around the park, even special holiday meals options are served.

I’ll post more about the wonderful shows offered during this season, including “O Wondrous Night: The Greatest Story Never Told” which was just beautiful, with a surprise ending that brought the audience to its feet in applause. But for now, I’d like to share the awe-inspiring Sea of Trees show. Expanded this year to include 100 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes, making a dramatic display around SeaWorld’s center lake. It is just breathtaking! Well, I’ll just show you:

 

We loved this show so much and my family had a fabulous time enjoying all SeaWorld had to offer for the holidays. It’s definitely going to be an annual tradition for us. Thanks once again to Nicole Siscaretti for creating that video for us. Check back for more updates on SeaWorld’s Light Up the Night holiday festivities!

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Sea World Orlando Tagged With: Family Christmas events, Family travel, Holiday light displays, Light Up the Night, Nicole Siscaretti, Orlando area attractions, Orlando holiday events, Orlando theme parks, Sea of Trees, SeaWorld, SeaWorld holidays, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando Christmas, videos

Is LEGOLAND Florida Worth the Price of Admission?

17 October 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

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LEGOLAND grand opening

Being an extreme Disney Parks fan, I set out to the grand opening of LEGOLAND Florida with a pretty critical eye. As much as my 11 year-old daughter is a thrill-ride junkie, we are not really “other theme park people.” And while I am certainly not alone in my Disney devotion, there is much fun and enjoyment to be had at the new LEGOLAND park in Winter Haven, FL. [Click to enlarge all photos below.]

I was invited down to a media preview of the park, as well as the grand opening celebration. Timing and other commitments only allowed me to attend Saturday’s festivities, but I was thrilled to be there opening day and feel the excitement along with other guests. Block-shaped confetti in traditional LEGO primary colors rained down as songs like “Celebrate” and Sting’s “Brand New Day” played in the background. Helpful “model citizens” (park employees) were on hand to assist with tickets at the gate and pass out park maps.

LEGOLAND grand opening
Confetti at the grand opening celebration

The first thing that hit me as I pushed through the turnstile was the harmony of LEGO with the nature of Florida. There were two huge LEGO displays before us, but mature trees flanked them. It instantly put me at ease, given the history of the Cypress Gardens park that first opened as a botanical garden with waterski shows back in 1936. Way before a Mouse had inspired a theme park on either coast, Cypress Gardens was the biggest Florida attraction of its era. I remember going there once or twice as a child and have fond memories of the Southern Belles that adorned the botanical gardens, waving to visitors. While Cypress Gardens was purchased and turned into an “Adventure Park” back in 2004, most of the original charm remained. I am very happy to report that is still the case under LEGOLAND’s ownership.

 LEGOLAND rainbow
A LEGO rainbow greets under a canopy of trees you as you enter the park

Because of its history and the grounds themselves, this particular LEGOLAND park is a bit different from the other 4 parks around the world. The kid-themed rides along with the impeccably detailed MiniLands which LEGOLAND is known for are definitely still there but now set in a backdrop of centuries-old Cypress trees, a beautiful lake and the botanical garden area, which was kept with the Cypress Gardens name. Locals and visitors of the original park can still see the awe-inspiring banyan tree within the garden path. For me, it was an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme park rides, mid-way games and vendors.

banyan tree
The amazing banyan tree from the orignal Cypress Gardens

 

That is not to say I did not enjoy the rest of the park. I was actually pleasantly surprised at many aspects and details found within the park. Aimed at guests aged 4-12, the rides themselves are smaller and shorter in length but even bigger guests can still get in on the fun. Two adults may not fit comfortably within the Coastersaurus, but you can definitely still ride and enjoy. It is very difficult for me personally to not compare the level of theming to that of a Disney park, but on its own, LEGOLAND did not disappoint and is chock full of delightful details for you to seek out.

LEGO Kingdoms
Entrance to LEGO Kingdoms where the Dragon Coaster awaits

 

I most enjoyed the Safari Trek, which is really fun for any age. I’ll be writing about that attraction separately because there are so many fun aspects to it. I also loved Miniland USA, which one could literally spend all day exploring and probably still not find all the details. I think, having seen and now taken photos of Miniland USA, it’s hard to convey their detail and scope in pixels, it must be experienced in person.

Kennedy Space Center LEGO
The Kennedy Space Center portion of LEGOLAND Miniland USA

 

LEGO Miniland USA
Just a portion of the vast Miniland USA

 

There is more to the park than roller coasters or attractions where you passively sit and look. There three separate areas full of rides where parents and kids are part of the attraction, making cars move, boats sail and more. There are also several play areas for kids to burn off energy and be a part of a LEGO or DUPLO environment. My three, ages 12, 11, and almost 3, loved every corner of the park. We spent the entire day there and there were still some things we did not get to experience, so we’ll be making a return visit for sure.

DUPLO play area
DUPLO play area - one part of the vast little kid area

 

One area of disappointment within the park were the food options. Snack carts only take cash (not sure if this will change in the future) as do the mid-way games, so be prepared and hit an ATM before you arrive. We ended up at the Lakeside Sandwich Co, which actually offered very little in the way of choice and 3 of our group of 6 ended up getting salads, at $7.50 or up for just the salad, which contained nothing special at all, we weren’t too thrilled. Other choices were pre-made and pre-packaged (freshly made on site we were told) wraps (wrapped in foil with no mention of ingredients) and one or two generic sandwich choices. There were other dining options of burgers, chicken and a pizza and pasta buffet which we’ll have to check out next visit. Bottled water and sodas go for $3+ each, so our lunch quickly added up. I’m hoping these options and possibly prices improve in the coming weeks.

Pirate's Cove Waterski Show
Pirate's Cove Waterski Show from the Island in the Sky 150 feet up

 

That was really my only complaint. Now to answer my own question, is it worth the price of admission ($75 for adults and $65 for kids and seniors)? My answer – yes. It is a steep fee, but if you have kids in the age range, I am confident you will have a day full of entertainment that you won’t regret. If you are a local to the area or visit Florida more than once a year, I think an annual pass is your best value. I honestly wish I’d bought some when they were available for $99. Now at $129 for adults ($99 for children 3-12 and seniors 60+), it’s still the best bang for your buck and you can return again and again to see your favorites or discover something new. At right about an hour away from Walt Disney World, it’s a very doable day trip. The park does close at 5pm but there are some days in upcoming months where they may open an hour or two later. Be sure to check the calendar before you plan your visit. Stay tuned for some more spotlights on my favorite parts of LEGOLAND Florida.

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions Tagged With: Banyan tree, Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Grand Opening, LEGOLAND theme park, Orlando theme parks, Polk County FL

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