Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Cirque Dreams Media Preview

Theme Park Review was invited to a media preview of Six Flags Discovery Kingdoms new show, "Cirque Dreams Splashtastic." The show is billed as, "The Most Amazing Show Above H20!" Six Flags Discovery Kingdom partnered with Cirque Dreams to bring their entertainment offerings to the next level. The show is about 25 minutes long, and runs through August 11, 2013. I heard the show will be performed two times a day, but the handouts said both twice a day and three times a day.

 

The show takes place in the Dolphin Harbor Theater, which is located right off the main plaza. The stadium has been completely redecorated, and a small platform has been added to put some of the action out over the water a little bit. There is also a mini stage located in the center of the stadium, about halfway up the seating area that is used in the "prelude" part of the show. I never noticed this section before, but it's a perfect place for the guest interaction part of the show.

 

Neil Goldberg, the producer, creator, and director of the show, said that his goal for the show was "to complement the personalities of the dolphins and performers through playfulness, extraordinary feats, synchronicity and unparalleled showmanships." The show utilizes acrobats, dolphins, and colorful characters to capture your attention. The first thing you notice about the show is it's overwhelming use of color! Everything is very bright and vibrant. The show has seven acts: A Thirst For Fun, Water Wonderland, Twirling, Soaring, Aquatical Strength, Balance, and Splashtastical. The show has a good pace, and the kids seemed mesmerized the entire time.

 

The media preview was also part of a special passholder event. As everyone walked in they were given a bobblehead doll! I thought this was really cool for them to give it to everyone. They had Kong plaza open for about an hour and a half before the show started for everyone to enjoy. I rode Kong, and was instantly reminded why I usually skip this ride. Medusa was great as always, and the crowds were really light so it was like a TPR ERT session! The media had a reception to meet the show producers and those who organized the show, and were given preferred seating for the show. We were given a 'Playbill,' which was a nice touch, but I don't know if was just a media preview item.

 

Overall, I think the show is a great fit for Discovery Kingdom. The audience seemed to love it, and it was a fun show. The dolphins did great as well. I was hoping for a little more action from the dolphins, but they still did a great job incorporating them into the show. The performers had incredible skill, and did a great job. This show is a great addition to the park, and definitely helps elevate their entertainment offerings to the next level. I also took some video that I will add on later!

 

Now on to the photos:

Time for Discovery Kingdom!

The trams are still decent, not even close to the adventure that were the SFMM trams!

I would love to see shows here again some day.

The line to get in was pretty long!

The schedule for the evening.

FInally made it to the gate!

Everyone was given a bobblehead doll to commemorate the new show!

Bugs was on hand to welcome everyone.

Unfortunately, the shop was closed so I couldn't find out what the amazing 6D products were!

This guy was welcoming people in the dolphin tanks.

And this guy was outside the tank for a change.

These fences are finally being removed tonight!

Oasis Plaza was open for everyone.

Nothing says Oasis Plaza like a movie ad for After Earth!

Sky Screamer isn't very tall, but still fun.

Medusa was great as always!

Noted!

The line to buy food was massive! I wouldn't have thought this many people would be wanting food for just a short event.

One loop.

And another.

Looks like a few of the performers snuck out for a quick ride!

Kong's trains were nice and repainted this past off-season, but the ride is just as rough as before!

The girl's face in the front says it all.

OK. I guess this is green by saving water?

Magical things happen when you take the M&M stairs!

They had drinks in the media meet and greet area.

And some tables and food.

Too bad Pierce wasn't here!

Park President Don McCoy gave an intro to the show.

Time for the show!

The theater is really bright and colorful!

The costume were really colorful as well.

The characters started the show walking through the audience.

They picked a few people throughout the theater to ring these bells.

The conductor would 'tell' them when to ring their bells. It was pretty funny, and a good way to start the show.

The world is a carousel of color!

Yay for the dolphins!

This creature looks like Silent Hill meets the 80's.

This is Scene 1, Twirling. The performer and the dolphin did the hula hoops.

The dolphin did a great job!

These background performers danced around as they bring out a ton more hula hoops!

One wasn't enough, so how about 5!

She has about 25 now!

Now that's impressive!

Next up was scene 2, Soaring.

I found a future job for Elissa!

They did a great job incorporating the dolphins in this scene.

The timing had to be perfect, and they did a great job!

The third scene, Aquatical Strength, was really impressive.

Looks easy to me

Now that's a pushup!

The dolphin decides to show off his tail.

He sure has to have some strong neck muscles!

He stands up while balancing the guy on his head.

The dolphin does some tricks while they performers do theirs.

They went from this position....

to this position and all the way back again! At one point his feet were totally flat against the ground. My calves would have snapped like toothpicks.

The characters danced around some more.

Neil Goldberg looked on and gauged the publics reaction as this was the first time it was shown in front of an audience.

This was the last scene before the finale, Balance.

The dolphins clapped along with the audience.

He was wearing a Great White Shark outfit, which is always a plus.

He did a lot more impressive things that I have on video that I'll post in a bit.

After a brief Finale, that's the show! The crowd really loved it!

The obligatory garbage can photo for Adam.

Everyone looked happy as they left the show.

They were interviewing a lot of people about their reactions to the show.

This was the bobblehead doll that everyone received.

They also gave out these chocolate bars.

I thought the back was really clever.

This was the "Splashbill" that they were handing out.

Some information on who made the show possible.

The real stars of the show!

And that's it for "Cirque Dreams Splashtastic, The Most Amazing Show Above H2O!

Fantastic report. Looks like a great addition to the parks entertainment lineup. Did you find the busy set design distracting from the show?

 

Um, yea...if he farts, it's over.

 

Nice report! I need to get back to SFDK again, haven't gone since opening day (that rather insanely busy Saturday).

Awesome report Joey! Can't wait to see this show in person soon!

I think this is the kind of show I would see only when I was tired and wanted to get out of the sun for a while. I'm more impressed with the animal shows then the ones with people.

It looks entertaining with all the cirque like moves, and the dolphins of course. I like how colorful and bright it is, I would like to watch the show whenever I get to Discovery Kingdom again.

I agree, looks like a great addition to the park! I can also see this being a huge hit with families, which is a big plus for SFDK. Looking forward to seeing it this weekend.

 

Thanks for the great report!

Hi,

We were invited to the Cirque Dreams Splashtastic at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The event was incredible! Just like Joey said, they gave away a bobble head to everyone that went to the show, along with a swag bag that included binoculars and limited edition chocolate bar.

I interviewed Don McCoy, the new park president, and he told me that this show is supposed to be a “sensory overload.” You shouldn’t be able to see everything in one show. He is right! I can’t wait to see this show multiple times. I have seen some pictures and video of the show I watched. It is amazing what I couldn’t see because so much was happening.

 

Neil Goldberg said that this show was 3 years in the making. It is fantastic! The set is so colorful and the actors do a great job.

 

The links below are the media release and video that Six Flags Discovery Kingdom sent to me.

 

http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61691-six-flags-discovery-kingdom-cirque-dreams-splashtastic-world-premier

 

The video is worth viewing!

Enough is enough, the pics are below.

Waiting to get in!

Scuba diver

Rode some rides before the show.

Good theming for the event!

Entrance for the "swag bag"

The beer line

Bobble head, limited edition

Don McCoy, the new Park President and me!

Colorful Stage!

The binocular give-away!