Antarctica : Empire of the Penguin now open!

On Friday, SeaWorld opened its newest attraction. Antarctica : Empire of The Penguins. Guest were let in prior to the parks 9 am opening to attend grand opening show located just across the Journey to Atlantis attraction, it is one of the two ways you can get to the new attraction. SeaWorld Orlando president greeted guest and introduced Lauren Alaina who performed the attractions theme song.

The first couple hundred guests received a sticker and an Antarctica bracelet.

The new Antarctica area includes a new eatery, ( Expedition Cafe ) and a gift shop ( Glacial Collections ). Expedition Cafe serves breakfast in the morning. During lunch and dinner, food selections include American, Italian and Asian foods. For all my Disney fans it is similar set-up to the Sunshine Seasons in The Land pavilion at Epcot.

Outside the attraction is where you can find the South Pole photo-op and the penguin wall which has the different kinds of penguins.

As said on a previous post, the ride exits into the penguin exhibit. All must queue to get into the attraction even if you do not want to ride. Once you get past the pre-show, and before selecting mild or wild expedition is where you can break off from the line and see the penguins. (See a team member) Mild expedition is a smoother ride which twirls and glides while wild spins a little more and rocks back and forth depending on the scene. Guest under 48 must ride mild. See video of the mild ride below. Each ride vehicle seats 8, 4 front and 4 back. 

Part of the inside queue and pre-show room:

Queue outside 

Penguin exhibit 30 degrees F. A 2 - 4ft glass in between you and penguin. The ride ends and docks by the penguins. The ride itself does not go through the penguin exhibit.

Underwater viewing:

More Coke freestyle machines in the new area, also new souvenir cups available. 

The ride is currently not included with quick queue. The restaurant also does not participate in the all-day dining deal. In the future, SW hopes to add a backstage tour for the new penguin exhibit.

Video on ride mild expedition Antarctica Empire of the Penguin:

 

Opening ceremony SWO President and Lauren Alaina (thrillgeek.com):

What's happening in the parks this summer.

With summer fast approaching all three Orlando theme parks will have something going on..

~!> At Universal, on Saturdays this summer from June 1 to July 6 check out the Summer Concert Series (Included with paid admission to Universal Studios.)

June 1 - NEYO
June 8 -- Nickelodeon's BIG TIME RUSH
June 15 --- GAVIN DEGRAW
June 22 ---- EARTH WIND & FIRE
June 29 ----- ADAM LAMBERT
July 6 ------ KIP MOORE
Concerts located in Music Plaza stage between Despicable Me and Twister.
*New Transformers Attraction opening June 20

~!> At Epcot, from June 9- July 27 there is, Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

• June 9-15: Stayin' Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees

• June 16-22: Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles

• June 23-29: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot - The Ultimate Billy Joel Show

• June 30-July 6: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon JoviTribute

• July 7-13: SouthBound and Company - A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd

• July 14-20: The Police Experience - A Tribute to the Police

• July 21-27: 2U - The World's 2nd Best U2 Show

Concert located at American Gardens Theater World Showcase

~!>Start the Summer with a MmMonstrous 24 hours All Nighter as The Magic Kingdom park will be open from 6 am to 6am the next day on  May 24 

~!> Over at SeaWorld. Summer Nights will return with summer shows including Shamu Rocks, SeaLions Tonite, and Reflections ( fireworks finale ) Event is included with paid admission to SWO.  Dates: June 22- August 11.

* New Antarctica Empire of the Penguin opening May 24

SeaLions Tonite At SeaWorld
Shamu Rocks

4th of July fireworks Magic Kingdom

Who's ready to go to Antarctica?!

Next week, Seaworld's Antarctica : Empire of the Penguin will officially open. The old Penguin encounter was closed January 2012, the penguins were moved to a temporary backstage home which was included in the backstage tours while their new home was being re-done. The new attraction will re-open May 24th it will transport guests to the bottom of the world, the South Pole - to explore the icy world.  The last few days team members and other special invited guest have been previewing the attraction and been hearing some really good things about Antarctica. There will be 4 kinds of penguin inside the attraction.

According to a team member the new Antarctica attraction will:

Have a 4 ft glass that separates you from the penguin.  

The ride has 2 versions one will be 

milder than the other and can be different each visit

The whole area will make u feel like u are in Antarctica 

You may choose not to ride and just view the penguins, But, everyone must queue to get in the attraction. (once in, you may stay as long as you want temp inside the exhibit is 30 degrees)

More info on the link below:

ANTARCTICA : EMPIRE OF THE PENGUINS

Video of the old Penguin Encounter:

Just last year, SeaWorld opened Turtle Trek. A new 3D 360 degree journey with sea turtles

Seaworld Update 4.26.13

With less than a month till the opening of the new Antarctica attraction Brian Morrow creative director of the new attraction takes us behind the scenes of the making of the attraction. The ride officially opens May 24th
Video:

Pic of the area today:
Walls still cover most of the attraction as they put finishing touches.

New yellow souvenir refillable mugs at SeaWorld, Also a few weeks ago new Shamu bubble machine guns replaced the generic ones they sold a few weeks ago. With summer just around the corner, new tumbler cups also available at different shops around the park.

SeaWorld Update 4.14.13

Haven't done a SW update in a while, not much going on there lately other than the Antarctica construction, but a few new things around the park.

First, a look at the construction progress of the new Antarctica attraction opening soon.

 Large trees now surround the area 

One of the main pathways leading up to the attraction?

A look at the attraction from the Skytower. Antarctica Empire of the Penguins will officially open May 24th

Restrooms across from Journey to Atlantis has been re-painted.

After loosing one of the false killer whales last year, SW has re-named the Whale and Dolphin theater to just Dolphin theater. 

A few weeks ago new Coke freestyle machines were added to one of the drink kiosks near the Dolphin theater.

Finally, a new green screen shark encounter photo area inside the Sharks Encounter exhibit.

Viva La Musica SeaWorld's hispanic festival is also now going on select dates on Sats. check links tab for details. The Bayside pathway opens at noon there you will find fun, food and entertainment for everyone. Concert starts at 3pm. Event is inclued with your paid admission to SW.