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SeaWorld Orlando (SWO) Discussion Thread

P. 276: Penguin Trek construction update!

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This image is from the IAAPA thread. Wow, could this be more obvious? I think we have an open and shut case here:

 

Polar X-plorer - Legoland Billund

http://www.legoland.dk/en/Explore/New-in-2012/

 

Facts:

1. This ride is being installed at Legoland Billund, a family park and this ride shows a family riding it. "Family" requirement met.

2. This ride is a rollercoaster with a 15' vertical drop. "Thrilling" requirement met.

3. This ride is shown as interacting with "Live Penguins" in a cold environment. Uh, yeah.

4. Verbolten is an indoor Zierer coaster with a vertical drop just like this one, and SeaWorld Parks like to share ride technology across parks.

 

That said, anyone think this is not going to be the Antarctica ride for SeaWorld?

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This image is from the IAAPA thread. Wow, could this be more obvious? I think we have an open and shut case here:

 

Polar X-plorer - Legoland Billund

http://www.legoland.dk/en/Explore/New-in-2012/

 

Facts:

1. This ride is being installed at Legoland Billund, a family park and this ride shows a family riding it. "Family" requirement met.

2. This ride is a rollercoaster with a 15' vertical drop. "Thrilling" requirement met.

3. This ride is shown as interacting with "Live Penguins" in a cold environment. Uh, yeah.

4. Verbolten is an indoor Zierer coaster with a vertical drop just like this one, and SeaWorld Parks like to share ride technology across parks.

 

That said, anyone think this is not going to be the Antarctica ride for SeaWorld?

 

I don't. I think it is a roller coaster being installed at Legoland Billund. Could it be more obvious?

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That said, anyone think this is not going to be the Antarctica ride for SeaWorld?

 

Let me put myself in the "anyone" category. The SeaWorld parks haven't received too many carbon copy attractions in its past (save for Great White), so I can't imagine they'd start now. Between Cheetah Hunt, Manta and Verbolten, the company is investing in three new coasters with unique layouts and features of their own. Why would they bother with all of the hype of one of the largest expansions in their history by building a clone of an attraction already announced for Legoland? That makes no sense.

 

Trying to be real here, but I think you need to give Brian Morrow and his team more credit. I can't imagine them hyping this is as much as they are just to make a clone.

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Let me backtrack and say that I don't think this exact ride is going to be installed in Orlando. I just meant the same ride system. The Legoland ride is in a different country and if a similar ride was installed here it would be completely unique in the Orlando area. Manta, while having a completely unique theme and queue, didn't have new coaster technology. It's not like there aren't other flyers out there, Morrow's team just did the best job implementing it. Griffon and Sheikra are pretty much the same ride, so it's not like these parks don't tend to follow each other while introducing new ride technologies to their respective areas. All 3 Atlantis rides use the same ride system, even though they have gotten progressively less impressive thematically with each iteration.

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That said, anyone think this is not going to be the Antarctica ride for SeaWorld?

 

Let me put myself in the "anyone" category. The SeaWorld parks haven't received too many carbon copy attractions in its past (save for Great White), so I can't imagine they'd start now. Between Cheetah Hunt, Manta and Verbolten, the company is investing in three new coasters with unique layouts and features of their own. Why would they bother with all of the hype of one of the largest expansions in their history by building a clone of an attraction already announced for Legoland? That makes no sense.

 

Trying to be real here, but I think you need to give Brian Morrow and his team more credit. I can't imagine them hyping this is as much as they are just to make a clone.

 

I would halfway argue that manta was somewhat of a clone. The overall attraction with the aquariums and themeing and fantastic setting are all far from ordinary, very original, and Seaworld definitely did a great job with the attraction but the ride experience itself to me is no different than any other B&M flyer. Lift, swooping drop, pretezel loop, turn, flip, turn, flip, turn (on manta insert brake small drop, turn flip) then brakes. It's not exactly a clone, but it's pretty close.

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I love causing drama and rumors with my captions!

 

You should see some of the photos from IAAPA I haven't posted yet, they're sure to get the rumor mill churning!

 

Uh oh! Posting this on an enthusiast board is like dangling a salmon in front of a hungry grizzly bear.

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At IAAPA yesterday, Zierer talked about their "Vertical Drop Coaster" for Legoland Billund that includes "live penguins!" Could this be a hint at a possibility for SeaWorld Orlando's Antarctica? Zierer is building Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Vertbolten...so anything might be possible! Watch this video:

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That does look like a great family coaster but I will be slightly disappointed if they bill this thing as "The most exciting Family Attraction in the World" and it turns out to be exactly like another family coaster somewhere else in the world.

 

That's actually not what they said...they said it will be the most thrilling family ride in Orlando. This could definitely fit the bill. Sure it would be the same concept as another ride in another park, but they could still take it to the next level with better theming. If Verbolten turns out to be a great ride I will definitely be excited about the possibilities.

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^Ah, you're right, but most thrilling family ride in Orlando probably is up there with most thrilling family ride in the world. I consider all of the Disney coasters (except RnR) to be "family rides" so to be more thrilling than Everest and Space Mountain it will have to be a pretty decent coaster. I still think this will be some type of interactive dark ride.

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Until they devise an accurate scientific method for calculating the level of "thrill," it's all just marketing talk anyway, guys.

 

Obviously you recreate all of the Orlando attractions in Roller Coaster Tycoon and whichever one has the highest "excitement" rating is the best.

 

Duh.

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Today SeaWorld Orlando invited TPR to get some information and a sneak peek at their new Christmas season show "O Wondrous Night." Watch the video below... you'll get to see Robb puppeteer a donkey! Yes! It was amazing!

 

O Wondrous Night – The Story Greatest Never Told. This living nativity show tells the Christmas Story, with more than 30 carols and told through the eyes of the animals that were there. Everyone will be entertained by this touching, light-hearted and glorious celebration featuring a host of angels, animals and the true glory of Christmas.

 

Waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. With everything from elves to Elmo, and Santa to Shamu, lifelong memories are made in a watery, wintery wonderland that only SeaWorld could create. Holiday events take place Friday through Sunday nights, November 25 - Dec. 11, and nightly December 16 – 31.

 

The best way to experience SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is with a SeaWorld Fun Card, which includes unlimited visits to SeaWorld through 2012, all for the price of a single day’s admission. Those from out of town or with limited time can take advantage of the Kids Free promotion, which allows kids free admission with every full-paid adult admission. The Kids Free offer is available now through Dec. 25, 2011.

 

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Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando is shaping up!

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The Polar Express now open for the Christmas season.

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Theme Park Review is at SeaWorld Orlando for a media preview of "O Wondrous Night!

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"O Wondrous Night" Is the "greatest story never told!"

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The stage for the new show.

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SeaWorld Orlando VP of Entertainment, Michael Fletcher, tells us a bit about the new show.

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BT McNicholl, show director "It's the story of the nativity, but as told from the eyes of the animals who where there."

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Scott Hitz from the Monkey Boys demonstrates some of the puppets that are used in the show.

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TPR fully approves of any show that uses donkey puppets...but it goes better!

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The puppet animals actually come to life!

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Donkeys, Alpacas, Oh My!

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And yes, they even let Robb Alvey try his hand (pun totally intended) at puppeteering a donkey! (Watch the video!!!)

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The rest of the park is decked out in the Christmas spirit!

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SeaWorld Orlando boasts a bigger Christmas event than in previous years.

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Need to check out the Christmas Sesame Street show as well.

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TPR will be back to check out the SeaWorld Orlando Christmas event in full swing very soon!

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I was always very impressed with SeaWorld's Christmas event and the addition of this show it looks like this years event should be very strong again. The Polar Express overlay is always pretty cool, and the the ice skating show at the Stadium was always very entertaining. I personally wasn't a huge fan of the Shamu Christmas Miracles show but know a lot of people that absolutely LOVE it (I prefer Shamu rocks), but the late night shows always meant walk on or station waits for Manta and Kraken which is a plus.

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Antarctica Empire of the Penguins looks great and a much needed step forward for Sea World. I wonder what type of ride will be attached to the attraction (hopefully better than Wild Arctic) and if the temperature will be cold enough where they will have to provide you with a jacket while inside the attraction (or you bring your own). Anyways this looks like it may be the biggest attraction in Sea World's history.

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  • 2 weeks later...

It's time to say goodbye to Penguin Encounter at SeaWorld Orlando. This original attraction will close at the beginning of January to make way for Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. With it, the entire surrounding area will close to undergo a massive redevelopment.

 

As a kid, I spent many hours visiting this relaxed exhibit, and always found it fascinating. Going through what could possibly be my last time before it is closed permanently, it was a pretty surreal experience, considering all of the memories in the building.

 

Oh, and we stopped by the Christmas Celebration too!

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Index for Larry?

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Say goodbye to Tile Land!

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No word on if Southwest will sponsor Antarctica, but they have sponsored Penguin Encounter for many, many years.

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The attraction has already begun a partial closure with the blocked off access to the old Puffin room.

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I don't know why, but this mural always amazed me.

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I'd love to see it preserved somewhere else, but I'm doubtful we'd be that lucky.

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I guess we'll be able to return to the "bottom of the world" in a few years.

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I used to run through the pavilion (when it was empty) and activate all of the penguin screens. Had to give it one more try...

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They actually updated these videos over the years, but the system was pretty basic.

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In more recent years the globe stopped rotating.

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It doesn't really fit in with the "new" SeaWorld, but I'll always love the retro feel of Penguin Encounter.

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Sunrise... Sunset... Sunrise... Sunset...

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"You're takin' a dive!"

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Lots of sleepers...

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It was always neat to see the penguins swimming beneath their land habitat.

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Out with the old, in with the new!

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I can haz feesh pleazee?

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He found his rock and hard place.

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Don't cry! The penguins will be back soon!

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Fish caught!

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He waved his flipper at us to try and get our attention! It was adorable!

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The Nautilus Theater's performances of O Wondrous Night have been packed.

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They had switchbacks set up to help handle the line.

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The flower fin has been updated with a Christmassy color scheme to reflect the season.

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I'm addict to One Ocean, I know.

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TILLY!!!

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Defying gravity...

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"Get in my mouth!"

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An interesting sunset...

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I love these icicles!

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The make your own bread booth in the Christmas Celebration area was awesome!

 

We got pumpkin bread with apple butter, chocolate gravy and bacon. It was seriously incredible!

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Farewell folks!

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Thanks for the great update! I'll definitely miss the penguin encounter and the wonderful (sarcasm intended) smell of the exhibit. It was always a great thing to do with the family between my ridings of Manta and Kraken. Hopefully Antarctica doesn't disappoint, which I'm sure it won't since it is Seaworld after all!

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SeaWorld Orlando has sent us a press release regarding the announcement of an all new seasonal event made (and named) Just for Kids!

 

With an all-new festival featuring awesome concerts by LazyTown, Max & Ruby, the Doodlebops and Choo-Choo Soul and tons of family-friendly fun and activities, SeaWorld Orlando is the place for kids, Saturdays January 14 – February 4.

 

The best way to experience all of the fun, music, treats and more at Just For Kids is with a Fun Card, where Florida residents pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2012. Fun Card holders can enjoy all four weeks of Just For Kids and all of the other amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.

 

Super Kid Savings

This is a celebration that really is just for kids! And that means not only will kids have the most fun-filled experience enjoying the concerts, but there are numerous special offers too. 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, sky tower ride, and free Penguins Up-close, Dolphins Up-close or Behind-the-Scenes tours.

 

The concert lineup includes:

 

Saturday, January 14 LazyTown

Things are upside-down in LazyTown! Stephanie, Sportacus and others take kids on a fun journey while also promoting healthy lifestyles for children in a positive and catching way.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Shamu’s Party Zone

Located at Lakeside Patio, this happening spot lets kids sing, dance and play the day away with a DJ spinning to a kid beat while bubbles float overhead. There are loads of interactive games, too, and kids can sit down for a face-painting session or make a sea-themed sand art souvenir with jewels and sea glass in the shape of dolphins, tropical fish, turtles and starfish. The Shamu character and others will be on hand for meet and greets, dancing and photos. (Please note: there will be a small fee to participate in face painting and sand art).

 

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.

 

Fun Cards are available at the front gate, online at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling 1-888-800-5447. 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

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Re: TR- Outstanding way to say goodbye to the Penguin Encounter; That was always one of my favorite attractons as a yout visiting Flowridah from Brooklyn. Here's hoping the future of these wonderful birds is perserved in the rebuild of their home.

 

Re: More family options: I'm glad to see Max and Ruby are finding a good home- it's a perfect fit for the Sea World parks!

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