SeaWorld’s Summer Sizzler

Summer is always an exciting time to be in Orlando, with longer park hours, special events and new attractions. The theme parks really go to town in an effort to be even more attractive.

This year, that is especially true of SeaWorld, where the ocean-themed park – recently voted one of the best theme parks in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best 2024 Readers Choice awards – is all geared up to give guests a new place to chill with the much-anticipated grand opening of the completely revamped Antarctica Realm.

On top of that major development, the park has also just unveiled its summer’s live entertainment line-up, including enticing events taking place every weekend, such as the all-new Shamu and Crew Better Together Breakfast, the sizzling Viva La Musica event (on June weekends) and the return of fan-favourite Bands, Brew and BBQ (on weekends from July 6 to August 25).

Additionally, for the perfect ending to the perfect day, Ignite, the awe-inspiring fireworks display, is back by popular demand, capturing the magnificence of the ocean and painting it across the night sky on select summer evenings.

An All-New Antarctica Experience

With a major new ride on the horizon, much of SeaWorld’s focus is on the whole Antarctica area of the park, where the highly touted family launch coaster Penguin Trek is due to make its debut at some stage this summer. Originally touted for a “spring 2024” opening, their latest high-profile newcomer has been slightly delayed.

But that still leaves plenty of “new stuff” to fill the immediate void, and there is some real excitement in prospect.

Antarctica Realm: While we wait for Penguin Trek, the whole Antarctica section has just re-emerged from a major refresh with a vibrant new look, plus extras!

The immersive area, which will be home to the keenly anticipated coaster, now boasts a fabulous new way in which guests can cool off at South Pole Sips, the latest addition to SeaWorld’s lively bar scene, offering ice-cold draft beer, canned selections and tantalising frozen cocktails.

The beloved Expedition Café has also just reopened, boasting a diverse menu that caters to a wide variety of palates, from healthy grab-and-go options to delectable dishes inspired by Italian and Asian cuisines. In addition, guests can also enjoy up-close encounters with penguins in the expansive penguin habitat, ensuring Antarctica is a must-visit destination for guests of all ages.

Here comes the Parade!

While SeaWorld has been able to boast the fab Sesame Street Party Parade for the past few years, it hasn’t offered a full-scale, park-wide cavalcade of any kind – until now. Because here comes the new “So Much More to Sea” 60th Anniversary Parade Featuring Shamu and Crew, in celebration of the park’s 60th Anniversary.

Now guests of all ages can enjoy this daily interactive spectacle featuring the energetic Ocean Crew and fan-favourite SeaWorld characters, Shamu and Crew, embarking on an exciting adventure of discovery.

The parade emerges from behind the Shark Encounter attraction and makes a circuit along the path behind the Waterfront area, under the Mako coaster, alongside Journey to Atlantis, through Antarctica and back to the Shark area. It stops twice as guests are invited to take part in an impromptu dance party, and it features a swinging new theme song. There are six floats in all, accompanied by an array of brightly-costumed dancers and stilt-walkers, while Shamu and Co all have brand new outfits for the occasion.

Can’t get enough cuddly Shamu? Try the Shamu and Crew Better Together Breakfast. This new addition offers guests the chance to start each Saturday by hanging out with Shamu and Crew while enjoying a delicious breakfast (9am; reservations required, on this link).

Another entertainment newcomer this summer is the Cirque-style Show, Xceleration. Here, inside the fully air-conditioned Nautilus Theater (which is a real boon when it’s hot – which is, of course, every day in an Orlando summer!), guests can catch an exhilarating live stunt show, featuring hip hop music and a jaw-dropping series of tricks featuring BMX bikes, roller skating and skateboarding.

New animal shows, and more

In addition to the new headline items, SeaWorld has also introduced several extra shows and presentations, while also adding more food and beverage options alongside its 60th anniversary merchandise. Here’s what to look for:

Sea Lion Presentation: Starting on June 7, the debut of Flippers, Facts and Fun: The Sea Lion Experience will take place in the Pacific Point Preserve habitat. Here, an all-new sea lion presentation will have guests laughing and learning lots of fun facts about these playful creatures.

Rescue Tails: In keeping with SeaWorld’s well-earned reputation for animal rescues and rehabilitation, this fun live event features a variety of amazing animals, accompanied by inspiring tales of rescues, which all underline the importance of conservation. You can find this several times a day at the Seaport Theater in the Waterfront area.

Limited-edition Anniversary features: Guests can join in the commemorations for SeaWorld’s milestone 60th Anniversary with special exclusive food and beverage offerings, plus collectables and memorabilia throughout the year. These include a new souvenir popcorn bucket, souvenir sipper, special 60th anniversary beer on draft, and snacks and sips like Shamu-shaped pretzels, Seaberry Splash Dippin’ Dots and Rita’s Shark Gelati.

Returning Live Shows & Entertainment

Regular visitors will be pleased to know SeaWorld’s signature evening events will be back to add some real razzle-dazzle on select nights. Initially just at weekends (Fri-Sun) until June 9 and then every evening at 9pm from June 14 to August 4. The two to watch out for are:

Ignite Fireworks: As the sun sets, the night sky comes alive! The Ignite pyrotechnic and special effects show brings down the curtain with its incredible display of fireworks, music and lights, adding real brilliance to the waters of the central lagoon in front of the Bayside Stadium.

Club SeaGlow: Summer nights are also memorable for this unforgettable presentation of music, lights, dancing and more, also at Bayside Stadium on select nights. A DJ spins dance music all evening, creating an electrifying atmosphere that positively glows with excitement for this totally family-friendly occasion.

And that’s the full entertainment line-up for this summer while we await the debut date for Penguin Trek with extra excitement for what will be SeaWorld’s EIGHTH out-and-out roller-coaster. Stay tuned…!

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