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What's New in Orlando?
VIVA LA MÚSICA IGNITES SEAWORLD ORLANDO AND BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY WITH LATIN FLAVOR Tampa, Fla. (January 2008) – Latin flavor sizzles with twice the entertainment and double the parks during Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The concert series features live performances from award-winning Latin artists, delicious Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Hispanic heritage. Guests will experience “la vida loca” (the crazy life) as they dance out of their seats to the lively Latin beats of salsa, reggaeton, merengue and Latin pop. Guests can enjoy a red-hot lineup Saturdays at SeaWorld on April 19, 26 and May 3, 10 and Sundays at Busch Gardens on April 20, 27 and May 4, 11. Viva La Música is included with each park’s daily admission.
SEAWORLD’S FEATURED ARTISTS: Live performances take place inside Bayside Stadium at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19 - Elvis Crespo Elvis Crespo has won multiple Latin Grammy awards and is the former lead singer of Grupo Mania, the top selling Merengue band in recent years. Saturday, April 26 - RKM n Ken-Y The duo of RKM and Ken-Y is topping the chart in the trendy contemporary Latino music phenom called reggaeton, which mixes contemporary rap, reggae and traditional Latin rhythms. At the 2007 Latin Billboard awards, this group won the Grammy for Best Reggeton Album and Latin Song of the Year. Saturday, May 3 - Luis Fonsi Luis Fonsi is a major Latino "crossover" artist who received International fame with his 2002 CD, "Paso a Paso." Fonsi is an incredibly "stylish" performer with a broad appeal. Saturday, May 10 - Gilberto Santa Rosa Gilberto, the first salsa star to headline at Carnegie Hall, has recorded with top Latino artists including El Gran Combo and Willie Rosario, and remains one of the most sought-after Latino headliners touring today.
BUSCH GARDENS’ FEATURED ARTISTS: Live performances take place on Gwazi Park at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20 - Andy Montañez Andy Montañez, currently nominated for a Grammy award, is the former lead singer for El Gran Combo. His large following includes Colombian, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican audiences. Sunday, April 27 - Oscar D' León As “El Sonero del Mundo" (the Son Singer of the World), this Venezuelan salsa star is known for his energetic live shows, backed by big bands with incredible horn sections. Sunday, May 4 - Grupo Niche Group Niche is one of the world's best-known salsa groups. Led by songwriter Jairo Varela, they continue to tour the world with their strong Colombian salsa. Sunday, May 11- Willie Colón Willie, who has been touring professionally since the age of 17, combines elements of jazz, rock and salsa while incorporating the rhythms of traditional Cuban, Puerto Rican and Brazilian music. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Performance schedule and talent is subject to change.
TAKE BACK YOUR SUMMER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO:
FROM NEW CHARACTERS TO ACTION-PACKED STUNTS – UNIVERSAL ORLANDO IS THE PLACE FOR SUMMER FUN. Click for latest news from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets are The Latest Addition to Destination Orlando's CustomTrip Disney Vacation Package Shopping Engine
Summary:
Tickets to Walt Disney World Resort - the World's Most Popular Vacation Destination, Now Available on Destination Orlando Website, Completing Disney Vacation Package CustomTrip Offerings
Destination Orlando has expanded its longstanding relationship with the world's most popular vacation destination and now offers consumers easy access to Magic Your Way Tickets (Disney Tickets) for all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks in Orlando through Destination Orlando's dynamic flight + hotel + travel extras CustomTrip(SM) vacation package shopping engine.
"Disney's Magic Your Way Tickets fully complete our CustomTrip Disney package and offer Orlando travelers the easiest way to book a Disney vacation, including airfare, hotel, rental car, airport transfers and discounted Disney theme park tickets in a one-stop shopping process," said a Destination Orlando spokesperson.
"These additions truly complement our current offerings from Disney, including 22 on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels and theme park ticket packages for the Walt Disney World Resort at Lake Buena Vista, Florida."
In addition to a variety of ticket lengths and add-ons to Disney theme parks, Destination Orlando continues to offer hotel reservations options at 22 Disney on-site hotels, including:
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Benefits of staying at a Disney resort include more time in the theme parks with Extra Magic Hours and more convenient transportation (including Disney's Magical Express - Disney's airport shuttle to Disney World, luggage delivery and airline check-in service that began May 5, 2005).
Tickets to the Walt Disney World's four theme parks may be combined as part of a vacation package with one of Disney's on-site hotels or another Orlando hotel available through the CustomTrip vacation package reservation tool, and Disney theme park tickets may also be purchased as a CustomTrip Travel Extra for travelers visiting Daytona Beach or Tampa, Fla.
"We are very excited about our continued relationship with the Walt Disney World Resort" a company spokesperson stated, "The addition of Disney's Magic Your Way Theme Park Tickets to Destination Orlando's CustomTrip shopping engine significantly enhances the options for travelers and gives them the opportunity to book the specific Walt Disney World experience they're looking for." Sample Destination Orlando CustomTrip Disney vacation package offerings to Disney World include:
CustomTrip Price, including airfare, lodging, airport transfers and theme park tickets
Origin City Disney Resort park tickets (a)
-------------------- --------------------------- -------------------
Boston Disney's All Star Sports Resort (Three stars) $541.91
-------------------- --------------------------- -------------------
New York - LaGuardia Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (Three stars) $609.06
-------------------- --------------------------- -------------------
Atlanta Disney's Wilderness Lodge (Three stars) $832.35
-------------------- --------------------------- -------------------
Detroit Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (Four stars) $1,089.54
-------------------- --------------------------- -------------------(a) Prices are in USD for one person based on two adults and one child and include roundtrip airfare, four nights lodging at Disney World hotel, Mears airport transfers, and four-day-base ticket for admission to any Disney World theme park and recovery taxes. Sample prices gathered May,2005 for travel June 2005. Destination Orlando's real-time dynamic Flight + Hotel packaging engine is constantly updating prices and availability. Please check pricing and availability for your travel dates and departure city.
To create a CustomTrip with Walt Disney World theme park tickets, Customers should visit Destination Orlando and simply click the "Flight + Hotel" option directly from the Destination Orlando Vacation package page or from the pop up window. Once customers have chosen their flight and hotel options, they are then presented the services and other activities available to them in that select destination including a plethora of theme park and attraction ticket choices. Added flexibility gives customers the ability to choose as many attractions tickets as they would like in case in-town friends and/or relatives wish to share in their experiences. And, Disney's Magic Your Way Tickets can be booked as close as three days prior to arrival.
With CustomTrip customers can shop for their whole trip at once, to just about anywhere, anytime! Travel packages are fully customizable, enabling customers to select from brand-name hotels, a wide selection of airlines and from over 28 rental car companies. Broad accommodation choices ranging from two star motels to posh AAA Five Star resorts enable CustomTrip to fit any travel budget. Access to rich content, including hotel customer reviews, full color photos and AAA hotel ratings, help them make informed decisions when deciding where to stay.
About Destination Orlando
Destination Orlando helps travelers take more rewarding and affordable Orlando vacations and trips. Featuring industry recognized travel providers - top airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and other destination attractions and services. Additionally, Destination Orlando offers deeply-discounted rates for weekend getaways and dynamic packages through its Last Minute Deals and CustomTrip(SM) shopping engines, and provides customer service support over the phone 24 hours a day at 1-866-467-8338.Based in Orlando, Florida, Destination Orlando, www.TravelExpert.us and www.GoToFlorida.net are a wholly owned subsidiaries of destination-orlando.com, Inc.
Park Collaborates with Broadway Masterminds to Create Innovative "Blue Horizons"
ORLANDO, Fla. SeaWorld Orlando introduces a new breed of animal show - the likes of which have never before been seen with the opening of "Blue Horizons." Now showing, this breakthrough theatrical spectacular unites sea and sky with visions of Broadway as it showcases majestic animals, spirited performers and exotic birds.
To create this dynamic show, SeaWorld collaborated with the entertainment mecca's most inventive and artistic experts, marrying great theatrical extravagance - seen in the larger-than-life set, dramatic costuming and intriguing show development - with the awe-inspiring feats of SeaWorld's renowned animals and trainers.
A young girl's vivid imagination sets the stage for an extravaganza of graceful dolphins, ominous false killer whales and a rainbow of exotic birds including blue and gold macaws, blue-throated macaws, a flock of sun conures and an Andean condor. In a show filled with action both above, and below, the water, a cast of Olympic-caliber divers and aerialists dressed in elaborate costumes and symbolizing sea and sky plunge off the elaborate set with amazing aerial artistry.
"Blue Horizons" is truly unique as it seamlessly blends the amazing power and grace of SeaWorld's dolphins and false killer whales with the lavish splendor of Broadway," said Stanley Meyer, "Blue Horizons" set designer and show consultant. Meyer is best known for his work designing the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, "Beauty and the Beast."
COLORS OF THE HORIZON - ORLANDO, Fla. - Draped in an elaborate costume and headdress, Ute Wenland symbolizes the spirit of the sky as she soars across a vibrant, Broadway-designed set. Now showing at SeaWorld Orlando, Blue Horizons unites visions of Broadway with majestic dolphins and false killer whales, spirited performers and exotic birds.
"Only SeaWorld could create such a revolutionary concept a type of show that can be seen nowhere else in the world," said Meyer. "It creates a completely new benchmark of awe-inspiring entertainment."
Meyer was responsible for creating the theatrical set design for "Blue Horizons." Using elements of the sea and sky - and a young girl's vivid imagination - as his inspiration. Meyer designed the whimsical, yet dramatic, atmosphere with an immense rising sun and hundreds of iridescent bubbles. An elaborate, 40-foot-high framework envelops the pool and balances divers and aerialists as they plunge from bungees and soar on "cloud swings."
Relying on the brilliant colors of the macaws and sun conures, renowned costume designer Tracy Christensen developed an elaborate wardrobe to transform the aerialists and divers into bird-like characters with breathtaking plumage. Christensen has an extensive Broadway background, with well-known credits to her name such "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Beauty and the Beast." She drew on those experiences to incorporate a variety of textures and fabrics never before seen in a SeaWorld show.
While these characters sway from "cloud swings" and dive off the elaborate set, the true stars of the show grace the waters below. SeaWorld's dolphins and false killer whales leap their way into this dreamy adventure with no apparent direction from trainers. Colorful macaws, a flock of sun conures and an Andean condor will soar over the audience as they ascend toward the horizon.
"Blue Horizons" is timed to a stirring, original musical score performed by members of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
MISTIFY
The opening of "Blue Horizons" kicks off a summer filled with exciting shows both day and night at SeaWorld Orlando. Once the sun sets below the horizon, the majesty of the sea comes to life in SeaWorld's largest nighttime finale, "Mistify." The biggest blockbuster of last summer, this amazing show is brought back by popular demand for this season.
SeaWorld's center lake is stage to the grand nighttime culmination featuring larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks. From the shores of The Waterfront seaport village, "Mistify" soars against a backdrop of stars as it conveys the incredible power and beauty of an underwater wonderland as seen through the imagination of a young child.
SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more.
New Orlando Attractions Open Just in Time for Summer
A trip to Orlando this summer will bring visitors face-to-face with exciting new attractions and accommodation offers. Whether it’s a desire for water park thrills or action-packed shows, visitors can experience it all at one of Orlando’s exciting attractions.
The recently reopened Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will feature a new addition this summer called Splash Island Water Park. This special section of the park will feature wave pools, water slides and a children’s area. Universal Studios unveils their new show, “Fear Factor Live,” which is a scaled down version of the NBC hit series that will allow guests to participate. A retro raft adventure will open at Wet ‘n Wild – Orlando. Riders will listen to hits from the 70s while spinning in circles through an enclosed aqua disco.
Walt Disney World will feature new openings at many of its theme parks as part of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary event, “The Happiest Celebration on Earth,” which begins in May. The Magic Kingdom will feature “Cinderellabration,” a musical spectacular that continues the happily-ever-after story of Cinderella. While walking around Animal Kingdom, guests may encounter Lucky the Dinosaur, an Auto-Animatronics® free-walking creation that laughs, sneezes, hiccups and even signs autographs. For thrill-seekers, the “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” opens at Disney-MGM Studios. The show features cars, motorcycles and jet skis careening across the studios backlot and gives a behind-the-scenes look at movie mayhem. At Epcot, guests will experience a thrilling hang gliding journey over California on Soarin’. The ride is currently one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s California Adventure. Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a white-knuckle “water coaster” thrill ride, opens at the Typhoon Lagoon water park.
Along with the many attractions opening by the summer, new accommodations and expansions are also planned. Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, the first-ever Nickelodeon hotel, will put kids first with their specially designed rooms, activities and food offerings. A multi-million dollar water and swim pavilion will open at Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando. The landscaped pool complex features interactive children’s pools, a lazy river, two twisting water slides, waterfalls, a pool bar and two Jacuzzis.
Visitors with a desire to experience something new and exciting this summer need look no further than Orlando.
Tampa- This May 2005, experience America’s first dive roller coaster, SheiKra, at Busch Gardens. SheiKra is a 200 foot roller coaster with a 90 degree straight down drop. It is the tallest dive roller coaster in the world.
Beginning May 5th, 2005, the Walt Disney World Resort will embark on an 18-month celebration to commemorate Disneyland’s 50th anniversary with “The Happiest Celebration on Earth.” Not only has a special attraction been created to celebrate the monumental occasion, but attractions and shows from Disney properties around the world are being imported into Orlando parks including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.Guests of Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon will experience a new thrill ride this year with Crush ‘N’ Gusher. Riders weave through a series of flumes and spillways all in what appears to be a rusted-out tropical fruit factory. Typhoon Lagoon continues to be oneof America's top rated water thrill parks.
"FEAR FACTOR LIVE" GETS FINISHING TOUCHES AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PREPARES TO UNLEASH FEAR FACTOR LIVE ON JUNE 3
ORLANDO, Fla (Friday, May 13, 2005) – Lately, Lisa Enos-Smith has been spending much of her time shopping for squid, wrangling scorpions and hanging on a trapeze 25 feet in the air. While this schedule may seem a bit extreme, it’s all in a day’s work for Smith, the director of Universal Parks and Resorts’ Creative Studio, and the executive producer of Universal Orlando’s new “Fear Factor Live” attraction.Smith and her team have been working around the clock to prepare the attraction for the opening events on June 3, as well as a special sneak preview for the media on Thursday, June 2.
“It’s definitely been an experience,” says Smith. “With any new attraction you want to make sure you research the theme extensively. With something like Fear Factor, I’ve learned everything from how to make insect smoothies, to the best way to suspend a sedan from the ceiling.”
With construction ending, the Fear Factor Live stage crew is now moving in to complete the extensive testing and training needed for a show such as this. Because of the nature of a live performance, the staff has to be ready for just about anything.
“The guests selected to take part in this show aren’t professionals,” Smith said. “These are ordinary people who are being placed in this over-the-top experience. That’s something that has never been offered in a theme park environment before.”
Fear Factor Live will open to the general public on Friday, June 3. The June 2 event will be exclusively for working journalists to cover and experience the attraction before the general public.
NEW “FEAR FACTOR LIVE” ATTRACTION ASSERTS NBC UNIVERSAL’S PRESENCE AT ITS THEME PARKS
IN ORLANDO AND HOLLYWOOD
Theme Park Guests on Both Coasts Experience New Level of Interactive Entertainment When Blockbuster Reality Show Becomes First-of-Its-Kind to be Transformed into Theme Park Attraction
ORLANDO, Fla. and UNIVERSAL CITY, Ca– Guests at Universal Studios’ theme parks will get to test their courage and strength this spring as they perform pulse-pounding stunts in the new Fear Factor Live shows opening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Based upon the award-winning NBC program “Fear Factor,” Fear Factor Live marks the first time a reality television show will be transformed into a theme park experience. It is also the first NBC television product to be fully integrated into Universal’s theme parks.
Audience members will experience the thrill of the blockbuster series in a way they could not before: live. In each show, park guests will compete against each other in a progression of extreme stunts. The stunts – details of which will not yet be released –- have been developed with help from Fear Factor’s creators and are designed to test the physical and emotional limits of each contestant.
Members of the audience will play an interactive role by blasting contestants with water and air and controlling obstacles on stage. In addition, audience members can spin the “Wheel of Fear” and confront their own phobias
“The odds are more in your favor for getting into Harvard than being chosen to appear on Fear Factor," said the show’s executive producer, Matt Kunitz. “With Fear Factor Live, people will now have the chance to participate in some of the same stunts we’ve done on the show.”
With the attraction opening at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Parks & Resorts continues to build upon the merger of NBC and Universal Studios, integrating the entertainment content of the new company.
“Our theme parks are known for thrilling, cutting-edge, entertainment,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. “Creating an extreme experience such as Fear Factor Live is perfect for us – and a perfect way to fit our brand within the NBC brand.”
"I’ve always referred to Fear Factor as an extreme theme park ride," said David Goldberg, President of Endemol USA. "It has become a self-fulfilling prophecy now that Fear Factor Live will be a permanent attraction at two of the world’s greatest theme parks."
The Universal Orlando resort destination includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando's next generation theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Double the Deal for Florida Residents
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 2005) – Going back to a Florida theme park just got twice as easy. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announce the newest, easiest ticket in theme park history – the Super Two-Fer. For the price of a single-day admission, Florida residents can enjoy two days of fun.
Guests who purchase a single-day admission ticket to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay before August 1 get a free single-day ticket to return to the same park anytime until the end of the year, December 31, 2005.
The Super Two-Fer is available at the front gate of either park, or online at seaworldorlando.com or buschgardenstampabay.com.
With this ticket SeaWorld Orlando guests can experience the breakthrough dolphin spectacular, Blue Horizons. Making waves starting Memorial Day Weekend, this awe-inspiring show seamlessly blends the sea and the sky with graceful dolphins and false killer whales, spirited performers and a rainbow of exotic birds. The single-day admission price to SeaWorld Orlando is $59.75.
Thrill-seekers can choose Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and be among the first to ride SheiKra, the nation’s only dive coaster. Opening this month, SheiKra begins by carrying riders up 200 feet then hurtling them 70 mph straight down at a 90-degree angle. It is the first coaster of its kind in North America and only the third in the world. The single-day admission price to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is $55.95
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are members of The Anheuser-Busch Adventure Park family. Other members include: Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va.; SeaWorld Adventure Parks in San Diego and San Antonio; Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; Water Country in Williamsburg; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando..
In May 2005, SeaWorld Adventure Park will open Blue Horizons, a theatrical experience taking viewers to a mystical place where sea meets sky through the showcasing of acrobatic dolphins and whales, soaring birds and leaping waters.
COMING IN SUMMER 2005:
SEAWORLD ORLANDO CREATES NEW GENRE OF ENTERTAINMENT WITH
BREAKTHROUGH DOLPHIN SPECTACULAR, BLUE HORIZONSPark Taps Broadway Masterminds For Innovative New Animal Show
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 2005) - This May, SeaWorld Orlando debuts a new breed of animal show -- the likes of which have never before been seen -- with the opening of Blue Horizons. This breakthrough theatrical spectacular unites sea and sky with visions of Broadway as it showcases majestic animals, spirited performers and exotic birds.
To create this dynamic show, SeaWorld has collaborated with the entertainment mecca's most inventive and artistic experts, marrying great theatrical extravagance -- seen in the larger-than-life set, dramatic costuming and intriguing show development -- with the awe-inspiring feats of SeaWorld animals and trainers.A young girl's vivid imagination sets the stage for an extravaganza of graceful dolphins, ominous false killer whales and a rainbow of exotic birds including blue and gold macaws, Andean condors and sun conures. In a show filled with action both above and under the water, a cast of divers and aerialists - dressed in elaborate costumes and symbolizing sea and sky - plunge off the elaborate set into, and also propel out of, the deep blue water.
"Blue Horizons is truly unique as it seamlessly blends the amazing power and grace of SeaWorld's dolphins and false killer whales with the lavish splendor of Broadway," said Stanley Meyer, Blue Horizons set designer and show consultant.
Meyer is best known for his work designing the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast.
"Only SeaWorld could create such a spectacular concept, a type of show that can be seen nowhere else in the world," said Meyer. "It creates a completely new benchmark of awe-inspiring entertainment."Meyer is responsible for creating the theatrical set design for Blue Horizons. Using elements of the sea and sky -- and a young girl's vivid imagination --- as his inspiration, Meyer designed a whimsical, yet dramatic, atmosphere with an immense rising sun, hundreds of iridescent bubbles, and an elaborate, 40-foot-high framework which envelops the pool and balances divers and aerialists as they plunge from bungees and soar on "cloud swings."
Relying on the brilliant colors of the macaws and sun conures, renowned costume designer, Tracy Christensen, is developing the elaborate wardrobe to transform the aerialists and divers into characters of sea and sky. Having previously worked on well-known productions including Fiddler on the Roof and Beauty and the Beast, Christensen is incorporating a variety of textures and fabrics never before used in a SeaWorld show.
While these characters sway from "cloud swings" and dive off the elaborate set, the true stars of the show grace the waters below. SeaWorld's dolphins and false killer whales leap their way into this dreamy adventure with no apparent direction from trainers. Twenty macaws, Andean condors and sun conures will soar over the audience as they ascend toward the horizon.
Blue Horizons debuts to a stirring, original musical score performed by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
MISTIFY
The opening of Blue Horizons kicks off a summer filled with exciting shows both day and night at SeaWorld Orlando. Once the sun sets below the horizon, the majesty of the sea comes to life in SeaWorld's largest nighttime finale, Mistify. The biggest blockbuster of last summer, this amazing show is brought back by popular demand for this season.SeaWorld's center lake is stage to the new spectacular featuring larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks. From the shores of The Waterfront seaport village, "Mistify" soars against a backdrop of stars as it conveys the incredible power and beauty of an underwater wonderland as seen through the imagination of a young child.
SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more.
There's Something Going Down at Wet ‘n Wild!
ORLANDO, FL March 2005- Grab your platform shoes, bellbottoms, favorite 8-track and prepare for a trip to the funky 1970's! Wet ‘n Wild - Orlando broke ground on a multi-million dollar attraction showcasing the 1970's disco nightlife. The one-of-a-kind attraction, aptly titled Disco H2O(TM), is slated to open this spring.
ProSlide Technology, a fiberglass slide developer, began construction late last month on the nearly 70-foot high attraction. ProSlide has installed this attraction at one other location in Roseville, California but Wet ‘n Wild will greatly enhance the concept to make an attraction like no other in the water park industry. Expect a faster, longer, darker, seventies theme thrill ride adventure.
The retro raft adventure is an excellent addition to the already established collection of world-class rides and signature slides located at Wet ‘n Wild - Orlando. Guests can also drift under rope bridges and past breathtaking waterfalls on the all-new Lazy River or get soaked down a ruptured pipeline on the newest thrill ride, The Blast.
Open year-round with heated pools in the cooler months, Wet ‘n Wild is located on International Drive, one block east of I-4 at exit 75A.
Disney Destinations Get Ready for 'The Incredibles'
Clients visiting Disney Destinations have the opportunity to interact with the "stars" of the film by visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort. Guests can meet Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone daily at character meet-and-greet areas at both the Magic of Disney Animation in the Disney MGM-Studios and the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of Disney's California Adventure park. Inflatables, signs, billboards and store displays touting The Incredibles movie are also on display in areas around the theme parks..Stitch's Great Escape! Promises Pandemonium
Fans of Walt Disney Pictures' hit film "Lilo & Stitch" know him as a cuddly but destructive alien prone to hilarious fits of havoc. But what was Stitch like before the movie?Walt Disney World® guests will find out when they come face to face with the mischievous character in a new Magic Kingdom Park® attraction - Stitch's Great Escape!
Set to open on Nov. 16, 2004 this laughter-filled Tomorrowland adventure puts guests in the middle of the mayhem caused by the naughty "Experiment 626" - a.k.a. Stitch - when he's captured by the Galactic Federation and teleported to a processing center for alien prisoners.
Park guests are recruited to provide additional security when the six-limbed alien arrives with a reputation for playful disobedience - and an appetite for chaos that exceeds all limits. Sights, sounds and - ewwww! - smells add to the pandemonium.
Two New 'Entertain and Learn' Attractions Offered at Innoventions at EPCOT
Innoventions at Epcot® has unwrapped two new attractions that create a playground of fascination for guests of all ages and make technology fun. The new Where's the Fire? is a 4,000-square-foot exhibit designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in cooperation with Liberty Mutual's fire safety specialits. The exhibit features an interactive game house that challenges teams of guests to find and eliminate home fire hazards. The exhibit also includes a "Play It Safe" house for younger guests that simulates the direction fire travels and tests children's fire safety knowledge through three "Burning Questions" touch-screen kiosks.Fantastic Plastic Works, is a 5,000-square-foot exhibit telling the story of plastics. Sponsored by Plastics Industry, Inc., this venue, treats Epcot® guests to three areas that showcase how plastics have enhanced daily life -- from basic plastic bottles and bags to medical breakthroughs. One interactive area allows guests to create various types of plastics and learn their everyday use.
New Cinderellabration Stage Show to Open at Magic Kingdom® Park
Cinderellabration, a new stage show at the Magic Kingdom® Park, will soft open March 13, 2005 on the Castle Forecourt Stage and officially debuts during the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" press event in May 2005.As a result of the new show and props, Cinderella's Surprise Celebration will be placed on hiatus beginning Feb. 26, 2005, and is scheduled to return after the 18-month celebration.
START YOUR DAY THE SEAWORLD WAY!!
SeaWorld Orlando Character Breakfast Buffet Features Shamu and Crew - This family-friendly character breakfast jump-starts a SeaWorld way with a freshly-prepared breakfast, Shamu and his crew of friends, live music, photo and autograph opportunities and lots of fun.Click for additional information and reservation information.
This summer, SeaWorld Orlando is the best place for families to spend their evenings with an exciting array of new nighttime shows, shops and dining venues, culminating with the largest, most spectacular finale in the park's history, "Mistify." "Mistify" and several other new summer shows will thrill guests July through Labor Day. For more photos and information on Mistify please click here.
Night Comes Alive at Discovery Cove with Twilight Discovery New Summer Evening Package Immerses Guests In Unique Paradise
ORLANDO, FL (May 12, 2004) - Night breathes life into all the senses this summer at Discovery Cove in Orlando with the introduction of Twilight Discovery, a new all-inclusive evening package of sunset animal interactions, sumptuous island feasts and live Caribbean-style entertainment. This exclusive package brings the intimacy of Discovery Cove to a new level for 100 people a night, and marks the first time the park will be open during the evening. Twilight Discovery will be offered June 17 through Sept. 3, 2004, on Thursdays and Friday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Twilight Discovery immerses guests in a tropical paradise, wrapping them in twilight encounters with dolphins and enchanted evening swims through colorful coral reefs featuring thousands of tropical fish and rays.
From the moment of arrival at Discovery Cove, guests will feel like they've entered an island oasis created especially for them. Participants enjoy complimentary valet parking and a festive welcome reception, including tropical drinks and plentiful hors d'oeuvres. Throughout the evening, live musicians stroll the park performing the sounds of the Caribbean on steel drums, keyboards and guitars.
The highlight of the evening is an up-close in-water interaction with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. In addition, an exquisite resort waterfall pool shimmers with a sunset glow, inviting swimmers to soak in its warm waters.
As night falls, the journey moves to Laguna Grill for dining and cocktails. Guests will navigate their way through four culinary islands serving delicious, gourmet items such as blackened sea scallops, flame-grilled sirloin steak, grilled jumbo shrimp and create-your-own pasta dishes. The decadence continues with desserts on the beach -- overflowing fountains of chocolate fondue, flaming bananas Foster and a variety of layered cakes and petit fours - a sweet end to a perfect evening in paradise.
Admission for Twilight Discovery is $249 (plus tax, per person) and encompasses all of the above activities, food, drinks, use of all snorkeling and beach gear, plus a seven-consecutive-day pass to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Advance reservations are required. Reservations for Twilight Discovery and information are available by calling toll-free (877) 4 DISCOVERY or visiting discoverycove.com.
Discovery Cove is an exclusive, reservations-only adventure in the heart of Orlando offering its guests extraordinary adventures through up-close encounters with dolphins and other exotic marine life. The Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Discovery Cove in Orlando; SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay and Williamsburg, Va.; Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; Water Country in Williamsburg; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia.
-- Discovery Cove --
SUMMER NIGHTS SIZZLE AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO WITH NEW NIGHTTIME OFFERINGS
Park Debuts Exciting New Shows, Restaurant And Spectacular Grand FinaleOrlando, FL - This summer, SeaWorld Orlando is the best place for families to spend their evenings with an exciting array of new nighttime shows, shops and dining venues, culminating with the largest, most spectacular finale in the park's history, "Mistify." "Mistify" and several other new summer shows will thrill guests July through Labor Day.
Inspired by the majesty of the sea, "Mistify" soars through the nighttime sky as it saturates the stars with larger-than-life marine creatures, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks. From the shores of The Waterfront seaport village, "Mistify" immerses guests in a vivid underwater adventure filled with joy and wonder as it encompasses both sea and sky with
magnificent special effects. Stirring imagery of sea life springs forth from the imagination of a young child, igniting a brilliant display of dancing fountains, churning waters, fire, above-water and underwater light shows.Nightfall also triggers a wave of additional summer entertainment. SeaWorld's popular sea lion comedy duo takes the laughs into the night as they star in "Clyde and Seamore Present Sea Lions Tonight." Hilarious hijinks ensue in this all-new evening show as the park's talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite SeaWorld shows. Also all-new is "Fusion" -- a high-energy
celebration of surf, sand and sky. This daytime show eases guests into evenings and features stunt kites, bird flights and championship-caliber water sports all set to an exhilarating world music beat.Each night the decibel level rises and Shamu Stadium rocks as SeaWorld trainers and killer whales perform astonishing feats to a rock 'n' roll beat during the "Shamu Rocks America" nighttime killer whale show. Every show is a new rock experience topped with dazzling theatrical effects and waves of salt-water splashes.
Guests can stroll along The Waterfront during the evenings to soak in a colorful mosaic of sights, sounds and flavors - all infused with the fun and festive spirit of the Mediterranean. Bustling with activity, this 5-acre nautical neighborhood immerses guests into a rich tapestry of festive strolling entertainment, dining and shopping.
The Waterfront's newest restaurant, The Spice Mill, features the flavors of the seven seas. The eatery's soups and sandwiches are cooked with spices highlighting the tastes of world-famous seaports. Mouthwatering delights such as jambalaya and jerk-grilled chicken sandwiches will tempt the palate as sizzling sights and sounds fill the air. Serving up spectacular lake views of
the new night finale "Mistify," The Spice Mill offers the perfect venue for dinner and a show.
Journey into the exotic world of the South Seas as the suns sets at The Waterfront's SeaFire Inn. The nightly "Makahiki Luau" is a bountiful celebration filled with ancient customs, rhythmic music and dance, authentic costumes and the delectable cuisine of the Pacific Islands.
Picturesque lakefront and harbor views are also served at the SandBar, with outdoor seating in a fortress surrounding the base of SeaWorld's famous 400-foot-tall Skytower. Diners delight in upscale appetizers such as sushi and signature martinis as they listen to live musicians and enjoy the incredible view.
Out-of-the-ordinary cuisine isn't the only unusual item on the menu at The Waterfront. Shopping goes below the surface at The Waterfront's newest experience -- The Oyster's Secret pearl diving lagoon and shop. At the command of park guests, highly skilled swimmers descend the depths looking for the perfect pearl-bearing oyster. Incredible views of this ancient Mediterranean art are available with a modern twist as onlookers can watch from underwater viewing and theater seating. A pearlsmith shop nestled alongside the lagoon will pry open oysters to pluck real, cultured pearls from inside. Guests can have their underwater treasures custom-made into beautiful pieces of jewelry by talented artisans on site.
Those who prefer to dive into their dinner can get a taste of adventure with the park's popular restaurants that allow guests to dine alongside animals. "Dine With Shamu," a true VIP experience, allows park guests to eat buffet-style alongside killer whales, dine with Shamu trainers, ask questions and observe training sessions in an exclusive themed area. Dine within inches of more than
50 sharks at "Sharks Underwater Grill," an upscale restaurant that immerses guests in an underwater world. The full-service restaurant features a "Floribbean-style" menu that blends Caribbean and Florida fare with an emphasis on seafood. Park admission is required for both "Dine with Shamu" and "Sharks Underwater Grill."So whether families are extending their daytime fun into the evening or arriving at dusk for dinner and a show, SeaWorld's summer nightlife has it all. For more information and a few photos of SeaWorlds "Mistify" please click here!
