Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa have a new concert series at their theme parks entitled “Bands, Brew & BBQ.” The name pretty much says it all. The concerts combine great bands, with Anheuser-Busch beer and some tasty barbecue. The good news for visitors to Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens [...]]]>

Sea World Orlando

Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa have a new concert series at their theme parks entitled “Bands, Brew & BBQ.” The name pretty much says it all. The concerts combine great bands, with Anheuser-Busch beer and some tasty barbecue. The good news for visitors to Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa is that there will not be an additional charge for the concerts. They are part of the regular ticket price. The concerts can be seen at Sea World Orlando on Saturdays and at Busch Gardens Tampa, the concerts are on Sundays.

The bands scheduled to perform at Sea World Orlando  include LeAnn Rimes on February the 6th, Montgomery Gentry on February the 13th, John Rich on February the 20th and Yes on February the 27th.

For Busch Gardens Tampa, the bands are Dennis DeYoung,  of Styx fame, on February 7th, Willie Nelson on February the 14th, Huey Lewis and the News on  February 21st and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on February the 28th.

So, if you are traveling to the Orlando area for vacation in February, be sure to drop by Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa to catch one of your favorite bands.

It was announced this week that Busch Entertainment is now going to be called Sea World Parks and Entertainment. This is due to the sale of Busch Gardens, Sea World and Aquatica last month. The name change is no big surprise. The Sea World parks bring in more money than Busch [...]]]>

Sea World

It was announced this week that Busch Entertainment is now going to be called Sea World Parks and Entertainment. This is due to the sale of Busch Gardens, Sea World and Aquatica last month. The name change is no big surprise. The Sea World parks bring in more money than Busch Gardens and there are also more of them. Besides, the name Busch Entertainment does not really fit anymore, since the parks are no longer owned by Anheuser- Busch and hasn’t been for over a year. Since Sea World is a brand recognized around the world, it was a logical change.

The new name of the company does not affect the name of the two Busch Gardens theme parks, one in Florida and the other in Virginia. Their names will remain the same due to a contract with the In-Bev company, the company who purchased Anheuser-Busch.

As far as other changes to the parks, none have been announced. It is expected that the parks will not be greatly affected by this new ownership and name change, except for the removal of Busch signs and logos. The signs have been coming down and the new signs boasting the new name will soon start appearing. This is good news for the millions who visit these parks each year and love them. There has been some concern that they are “messing with a good thing” and the Sea World and Busch Gardens that the visitors enjoy so much could turn into something less attractive and fun.

We went to Sea World last weekend and what a joy it was! Some of my favorite parts of the day were when we went to the shows. This is unusual for me because I usually find the shows at theme parks to be less than satisfying. As a matter of fact, [...]]]>

Sea World Orlando

We went to Sea World last weekend and what a joy it was! Some of my favorite parts of the day were when we went to the shows. This is unusual for me because I usually find the shows at theme parks to be less than satisfying. As a matter of fact, I have considered them to be wastes of time in the past. I am so happy to report that this is not the case at Sea World.

I’m so glad we persevered and made it into some of the shows. I say persevered because it was not as easy as one might think. We had so much fun riding rides and looking at the sea life, that we lost track of time. Our first show was supposed to start at 12:30. We made it there just a few minutes late and were greeted by a friendly but firm worker who politely instructed us to come back at the next show time. Boy, when they say a show starts at a certain time they mean business!

It happened to us again when we tried to see a different show at 1:15. We arrived at the doors at 1:15 and 30 seconds and the doors were not only closed, but they were locked! This annoyed me, but at the same time, I understood. People walking in late cause a distraction to those who are already seated.

We finally learned our lesson and made it to our first show at 1:45. It was well worth the effort. In fact, if I get to go to Sea World again soon, I may just plan to catch all the shows. The rides are nice, too, but the shows make you feel like you’ve had an experience and that’s worth the day’s admission!

I did not know what to expect with the shows at Sea World. I haven’t been to the theme park since I was around five years old. I pictured them to be focused on providing a fun experience for small children. How much can they thrill an adult who has seen the [...]]]>

Sea World Shows

I did not know what to expect with the shows at Sea World. I haven’t been to the theme park since I was around five years old. I pictured them to be focused on providing a fun experience for small children. How much can they thrill an adult who has seen the best movies and been to the best shows? Surprisingly, a lot.

Watching the shows that Sea World puts on filled me with excitement and energy like I haven’t experienced in a long time. I thought that once I saw Cirque du Soleil in person, that anything would pale in comparison. Sea World’s shows did not disappoint. I don’t know quite how they do it, but they manage to put on shows that amaze everyone in the crowd, from the smallest children to the oldest adults.

As I sat there in awe, I couldn’t help but feel thankful. That’s a strange sensation to have over a show, but I was thankful to the performers. They do this at least two to three times a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year and each time they put everything they’ve got into the performances. Do they realize that people like myself have never been there before? Is that the thought that motivates them to put their all into each dive, each flip?

After doing the same thing so many times, it would seem that they would become nonchalant about it, but I’m so glad they don’t act that way. The expressions on their faces, the energy in their movements makes it seem as if they are performing the show in opening week. So yes, I was thankful, thankful to the performers for putting so much into the shows that are just their jobs. I wonder if they know how much their efforts are appreciated by people who are experiencing the shows for the first time. I hope they get paid well, because they are like good medicine to a lot of people every day.

Sea World in Orlando is a refreshing experience to visit. I say refreshing, because after visiting the Disney parks almost every year, for some reason or another I put off going to Sea World. I think I thought it was only for small children. I am so glad that we finally gave [...]]]>

Sharks Underwater Grill

Sea World in Orlando is a refreshing experience to visit. I say refreshing, because after visiting the Disney parks almost every year, for some reason or another I put off going to Sea World. I think I thought it was only for small children. I am so glad that we finally gave it a try. This park is something different. Not only is landscaped beautifully with lush tropical trees and bushes, but it is a very clean park. We were pleasantly surprised by how much Sea World has to offer and we can’t wait to go back again.

At Sea World, you can spend the day attending the shows and strolling through the park. In any given season, there are at least five great shows to see. I can imagine elderly couples, pregnant women, injured people, and anyone else who cannot or does not want to ride rides, enjoying the park by mainly attending the shows. On the other extreme, if you want to ride crazy roller coasters and scream your head off, you can do that, too. What a nice combination of thrills and relaxation.

There are plenty of great restaurants to eat at as well. We ate at Sharks Underwater Grill and loved it! Even though when we entered we were strung out from half a day walking around and riding rides, within minutes of being seated, we felt like we were at a cool theme restaurant. We nearly forgot that right outside the doors was a hopping amusement park. It was a great respite for our action packed day.

If there are other people out there putting off going to Sea World because they think there is not enough to do there, I hope they will give it a try. It was so worth the trip!

Sea World Orlando

As if you needed an excuse to visit a theme park… But in case you do, here is a great one. Orlando’s Sea World is probably the most educational theme park in the world. Of course it’s extremely fun, but there is also so much to learn at [...]]]>

Sea World Orlando

As if you needed an excuse to visit a theme park… But in case you do, here is a great one. Orlando’s Sea World is probably the most educational theme park in the world. Of course it’s extremely fun, but there is also so much to learn at this amusement park. Sea World even has an Education Division that focuses on teaching visitors to the park about marine life and environmental issues. Kids can enjoy adventure camps and even sleepovers at the park. Sea World works diligently to gain and maintain relationships with schools and teachers. To do this, they have established many programs designed to educate people while entertaining them.

If you are planning a trip to Orlando, consider making Sea World one of your stops. Or, if you live in the Central Florida area, take the kids to Sea World any day. They will have a lot of fun. Kids are always interested in animals and marine life, especially the kinds that are rarely seen. Sea World has plenty of them, like manatees, stingrays, and of course the dolphins and killer whales. Shamu has the ability to charm almost any child. You will be satisfied, that while your kids are having so much fun, they are actually learning. This is a goal of Sea World. You can’t help but leave the park with a little more knowledge about wildlife and especially sea life. This is something the park does very well. They make education so much fun, you don’t even realize that you are learning. This is a park that you can feel really good about taking your family to.

I finally made it to Aquatica! It was great. My husband and I went on Saturday, just the two of us. We were a little apprehensive to go to a water park. I had been to Wet N Wild in Orlando many years ago as a teenager. It was fun for me at that [...]]]>

Aquatica

I finally made it to Aquatica! It was great. My husband and I went on Saturday, just the two of us. We were a little apprehensive to go to a water park. I had been to Wet N Wild in Orlando many years ago as a teenager. It was fun for me at that time, but I actually thought it was something that I would not care to do as an adult. But when Aquatica was being built last year and we started seeing advertisements about it, my husband kept saying we should go. He had never been to a water park before at all.

So we went. I thought that since it is October, it would be sort of cool outside, but boy was I wrong. It’s hotter than ever this October. But for a water park, that is a good thing. It took us a few minutes to get our bearings- find lockers, locate a park map, etc. Once we rented a locker and stored our food, shoes, clothes, and towels, we headed to our first ride. I have to admit, just looking at them, I was a little afraid of some of the rides, especially the ones that send you through a tunnel. So, for the first ride, I chose one that we could ride on together. There are a few rides that two people can go down together, on one big raft. We went on the one called Roo Hoo, which the ride announcement said means “goodbye” in Australian. It was very fun, hardly scary at all. So, once we had that first one under our belts, we were not afraid anymore, but excited and hurrying to the next ride.

We are in our mid thirties and we absolutely loved our time at Aquatica. The park hours are currently 10:00 am to 5:00 pm- just enough time to have lots of fun and get quite tired. We brought our own lunch and only bought a small snack there. Aquatica can be enjoyed by people of all ages. We even saw grandmothers there, lounging at the beach and keeping an eye on the family bags and strollers, while the parents took the kids on rides. We would definitely go again, especially when we have kids to enjoy it with.

I have heard rumors about Sea World being sold for about a year now. It appears the discussion is heating up, because yesterday there were news crews outside of Sea World and Aquatica. And sure enough, the six o clock news had a story about the possibility of a sale. So things [...]]]>

Sea World Orlando

I have heard rumors about Sea World being sold for about a year now. It appears the discussion is heating up, because yesterday there were news crews outside of Sea World and Aquatica. And sure enough, the six o clock news had a story about the possibility of a sale. So things must be getting serious. The company mentioned as the potential buyer is Blackstone Group, the same company that owns fifty percent of Universal Orlando. That would make things interesting in the theme park world.

Buying Sea World also includes the purchase of Aquatica and Discovery Cove. Anheuser Busch previously owned the three parks as well as all other Sea World locations throughout the country. If you remember, Anheuser Busch and all of these parks, as well as the two Busch Gardens theme parks were just purchased by a company from Belgium last year called InBev.

What sparked the new buzz over a potential sale is that Sea World called a company meeting for all employees, which was held yesterday. The media got wind of it and assumed it must be about the sale of the company. But according to witnesses, there was no announcement about an impending change of hands. Sea World is not confirming anything. Blackstone is not either. But with this much attention, something will probably take place soon. In my opinion, it can only mean good things for tourism in Central Florida. Any company who can and will spend billions to purchase something will probably take care of it and try to make it even better.

SeaWorld Kraken

Sea World Orlando continues to add rides to enhance their theme park and give them a broader appeal. It was exciting to see Journey to Atlantis, a water coaster ride added about ten years ago. Just driving by outside the park, you can see this colorful ride, beckoning you [...]]]>

SeaWorld Kraken

Sea World Orlando continues to add rides to enhance their theme park and give them a broader appeal. It was exciting to see Journey to Atlantis, a water coaster ride added about ten years ago. Just driving by outside the park, you can see this colorful ride, beckoning you to come into the park and head straight for it. It is a water ride, so it supplies the opportunity to cool off on hot summer days.

Then came Kraken in 2000. Kraken is a floorless roller coaster, meaning your feet dangle free above the park. It is the fastest ride at any Sea World park, a real departure from the kiddie rides that are common at Sea World. It’s this type of appeal that has been broadening the theme park’s appeal to teens and adults. Years ago, Sea World was thought of as the theme park for families with young children. Teens and young adult couples would often skip Sea World when planning which attractions to include in their vacation.

This summer, Manta opened. Manta is also a roller coaster, but one you ride lying on your stomach. It is designed to make you feel like you’re flying, face-first on the back of a manta ray. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Almost everyone has had a desire to fly at some point in their life. My sister took her teenagers on this ride recently and gave me the low-down. The teenagers loved it. To them, it’s the next step in thrill rides. They’ve ridden all the fastest and fiercest. The face forward, lying on your stomach ride was a new sensation. My sister, who usually loves roller coasters, said this one was too intense for her. I’ve heard that from others, too. It’s so fast, and you’re looking at a different view than usual coasters, so it has some people calling it chaotic. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but it gives Sea World a new edge, and offers a more mature option, making it a park, not only for families with small children, but for teens and young adults, too.

I have to get to Aquatica. Working directly across the street from Sea World, I watched the new water park going up, literally. From the higher floors in my company’s building, I could see the various water slides growing larger and larger. The slides and tubes are so colorful that the park [...]]]>

Sea World's Aquatica

I have to get to Aquatica. Working directly across the street from Sea World, I watched the new water park going up, literally. From the higher floors in my company’s building, I could see the various water slides growing larger and larger. The slides and tubes are so colorful that the park can’t help but look like fun.

So why haven’t I gone yet? Well, as I watched the park being built, I also watched the traffic around the entrance building up. Let me tell you, that place has been packed! Who knew another water park in Orlando could draw in that much business and so soon. The firs week of the park opening, the place was packed. There were many days when it was closed by noon because it was full. I heard from a friend who did go in the first couple of months it was open, that the lines were very long.

Well, school is back in, which means some of the crowds will be going home, leaving more room for the people who do get to go Aquatica. Now is the time to go, when the lines will be shorter, but it’s still hot enough to not have to walk around all day shivering.

I’m not really sure what to expect, but I read on their website, that you can see lots of exotic fish, and it wouldn’t be a Sea World park if there weren’t dolphins. One of the rides takes you on a lazy river surrounded by huge tanks that you can see right into. The tanks are filled with colorful, exotic fish. Of course there are the thrill rides, too.

Well, I’ll go and let you know how it is. Stay tuned for an update with tips and pointers that you can use when you get to go to Aquatica.