The Polar Express Comes to Sea World Orlando

[robbalveySite Admin]

THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE ROLLS INTO SEAWORLD

Believe in the magic of the season aboard this one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole

Orlando, Fla. (Nov. 2007) – This holiday season, jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole. Debuting Nov. 23 and continuing through Jan. 1, 2008, SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms into a thrilling, never-before-experienced expedition to the fabled Santa Town.

The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. “SeaWorld Orlando, Warner Bros. and Iwerks have created a one-of-a-kind motion simulation experience that combines one of the holiday’s most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland,” said Michael Fletcher, Vice President of Entertainment for SeaWorld. “The result will completely immerse guests into a thrilling combination of fantasy and reality.” This heartwarming adventure begins with a three-minute preshow telling the story of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve, just before midnight. Straining to listen for the elusive sound of ringing bells aboard Santa’s sleigh, the boy is jolted out of bed from the thunderous roar of The Polar Express arriving to take him on a fascinating adventure to the North Pole. Guests then embark upon that same adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience. Recreating classic scenes from the movie in a multi-sensory experience, The Polar Express Experience immerses guests with lighting, scent, sound and motion to transport them to the North Pole… and into the spirit of the season.

When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village décor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole – the animals themselves – including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.

In addition to this stellar holiday attraction, SeaWorld also offers an array of festive shows and seasonal additions. Guests can join Shamu for the holidays during “Shamu Christmas…Miracles.” This captivating show helps guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and just possibly, miracles. The 22-minute production comes to life daily through Dec. 25 at Shamu Stadium.

Guests may also witness a winter wonder as snow flurries descend from up above, and jewels of water and light adorn the night during the “Christmastide” holiday fountain show -- a seasonal spectacular where water seemingly dances to the beat of Christmas music through Dec. 25.

“Mistify,” a nighttime finale Dec. 26 – 30, takes place on SeaWorld’s center lake and features larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks.

Families will enjoy strolling through the Waterfront’s array of gift shops and restaurants all while listening to the joyful tunes of singers, musical quartets and the “Sizzlin’ Pianos” show that ignite the spirit of the season. Through Christmas, stores and restaurants will remain open until 7 p.m. during weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 26 – 30.

Additional Festivities

The winter season warms up South Seas-style at “Makahiki Christmas Luau.” This festive celebration includes succulent island cuisine served with the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. The sounds of Christmas are reinterpreted with authentic Polynesian rhythms, music and dancers Nov. 23, 2007 through Jan. 1, 2008 (except Dec. 25). Park admission is not required.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, Dec. 26-31, offers a delicious buffet served up with the hottest characters in town including Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Ernie and Cookie Monster. Prices are $16.95 plus tax for adults and $14.95 for children (ages 3-9). Children under 3 are free. Reservations are required and breakfast times are 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Park admission is required.

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld

SeaWorld ringy dingy ding-a-ling dings in the holiday Dec. 31 with a musical celebration that includes the best in pop, Latin and swing music and dancing. The party begins with Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band who will keep the crowd dancing. At the stroke of midnight, the night will shine even brighter with vibrant fireworks. (For those who would rather end the year with a splash, the park’s attractions and thrill rides will remain open until midnight.)

For more information, guests may visit online www.seaworld.com or call (800) 327-2424.

[resonancejDoes Jeff Johnson count this donkey as a credit?]

I don't know if anyone else here has done it yet, but I got a chance to do it Saturday afternoon. The posted wait time was 45 min but it was closer to 30, not bad at all. First of all let me say the theming is amazing. Pretty much all of Wild Arctic is redone (except for the animal section at the end) and looks like it stepped right out of the movie. Granted, I have never seen the movie, so most of the footage used in the ride itself was unfamiliar to me, but I enjoyed what I saw. It does break one unspoken rule about simulators, it keeps switching from 1st person to 3rd person and back as opposed to remaining in the 1st person. This didn't take away from the ride for me, but it might for some. Overall, I enjoyed it and hightly reccomend it if you're in town to see it.

[sam06prJason X versus the Robot Space Donkey!]

This sounds so cool. I am going to try to go to SWO just for this.

[haiderodesBonafide Donkey Expert]

I think the Excalibur Hotel is getting this same ridefilm for its Magic Motion Machines. They have a billboard up for it...Polar Express 4D.

[PUREBanned]

^When is the last time those Magic Motion simulators have been used?

I remember getting on those way back in the day, there was a runaway train simulator and I think a Colossus simulator as well. I thought they were removed.

[ShockwaveNon-German Tom]

Sounds alright. But it'll be no Galaxy Express!

[haiderodesBonafide Donkey Expert]

^When is the last time those Magic Motion simulators have been used?

I remember getting on those way back in the day, there was a runaway train simulator and I think a Colossus simulator as well. I thought they were removed.

They are still alive and kicking. They dont play the "classic" films anymore. They keep with the updated films.

[freestylenutWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

Dang, I'm a SeaWorld AP holer & I never heard of this!!! I need to hit SeaWorld ASAP!!! Polar Express is my fav Holiday movie!

Update: Will be going to SeaWorld this Saturday. Will report back here.

[freestylenutWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

I went this past weekend (even stayed overnight Saturday).

The ride itself was OK...

(spoilers)

...lots of in-movie footage which is basically a shortened version of the movie. I guess I was silly for thinking maybe some unique train type footage would be used. The SETS were the best part of the "experience". Lots of giant gifts, boarding the PE also was a kick due to the sights & sounds (outside the kid's house was awesome) & getting to the North Pole was equally as nice. Complete with Christmas Tree right out of the movie and Santa with sled & giant bag of Toys.

(end Spoilers)

All in all, a good experience. Warning though, my daughter couldn't ride (and, unfortunately, she loves the movie) as the height requirement is 42" (bummer) & bring a sweater...it can get pretty cold in there. I only waited 15 minutes, but I'm sure as the month wears on, that wait time will change.

[snorkymnthe ghost seems to think there is a "Donkey Fairy"]

I'm on a trip to Orlando this week and just saw that news on a flyer today.. I'll be hitting Seaworld either Wed or Thu and post some reviews when done. It looks like it should be fun! Tomorrow, it's off to Busch Gardens.