Empire of the Penguin begins at #SeaWorld #Orlando on an Epic Voyage Tour for Antarctica

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SEAWORLD ORLANDO^® EMBARKS ON EPIC VOYAGE

NEW APP AND EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING TOUR LAUNCH

Orlando, FL (January 18, 2013) –- SeaWorld Orlando kicks off its “Epic Voyage” campaign in New York City to launch Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, the park’s all-new, largest-ever attraction opening this spring. The campaign includes stops in seven cities and a new mobile app, both designed to give families a sneak peek into the new attraction’s thrilling and chilling adventure in ways as amazing as the continent itself. 

SeaWorld Orlando’s new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will transport families into a rarely seen, icy world. They’ll feel the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind family ride. They’ll explore a massive penguin colony in an expanse that envelops them in cool extremes, both above and below the penguins’ icy world.  It’s a must-see, one-of-a-kind theme park experience only at SeaWorld in Orlando. 

In select cities, SeaWorld’s “Epic Voyage” takes over malls and consumer travel shows with a unique family experience filled with a massive ice dome, interactive virtual reality, shareable photo opportunities, chances to win incredible prizes by playing Antarctica-themed games, and, of course, live penguins.  Coca-Cola Freestyle machines will also be part of the experience on site to quench the thirst of attendees with complimentary, refreshing drinks.

SeaWorld street teams will roam the cities in wrapped, Antarctic-themed Hyundai Santa Fes and Sonata Hybrids as they mingle with the locals at various hot spots, commuter stations and key landmarks.  The street team will test the locals with trivia, hand out prizes and allow them to escape to Antarctica through the augmented reality videos that can be shared with family and friends.

While the “Epic Voyage” tour takes over a few key cities, SeaWorld’s made sure everyone can follow the freeze. An all-new mobile app allows fans the world over to put themselves in the action … plus interactive elements to share with friends. From behind-the-scenes teaser videos and tour details to penguin fun facts and trivia, consumers can immerse themselves virtually into Antarctica through augmented reality and also enter the Family Voyage Sweepstakes. The app -- SeaWorld’s Antarctica -- is available for download today on iPhone/iPad and is coming soon for Android devices.

"Since Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin was announced in November 2011, we’ve been planning and looking forward to bringing a glimpse of the attraction to these key markets to connect with our fans and let them feel the chill,” said Vice President of Marketing & Sales for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando Toni Caracciolo. 

Anyone can enter to win the trip of a lifetime with the Family Voyage Sweepstakes.Two lucky families will receive a 4-day, 3-night journey to SeaWorld Orlando to be one of the first to experience Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. This amazing vacation for four includes roundtrip airfare provided by Southwest Airlines, hotel accommodations, tickets to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando, Quick Queue passes to SeaWorld, Antarctica gift bags, and All-day Dining at SeaWorld. 18 Weekly First Prize Winners will receive four admissions to SeaWorld Orlando valid for use in 2013 to experience Antarctica first hand.

For more information about the Epic Voyage, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com/Antarctica, where you’re able to watch videos, sign up for emails, learn about penguins and Antarctica, enter the Family Voyage sweepstakes, and find the best vacation values to start planning your next voyage to SeaWorld Orlando.

The Epic Voyage schedule:

NEW YORK	CHICAGO
The New York Times Travel Show	Gurnee Mills Mall
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center	Thursday, January 24
January 19-20	Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
	January 26-27
BOSTON	PHILADELPHIA
Boston Globe Travel Show	King of Prussia MallFebruary 23-24
Seaport World Trade Center
February 8-10
WASHINGTON D.C.	JACKSONVILLE
Washington, D.C. Travel & Adventure Show	The Avenues Mall
March 9-10	March 23-24
ATLANTA
April dates TBD
MIAMI	MIAMI
Miami Dolphins Fin Fest 2013	Aventura Mall
Saturday, April 27	May 4-5

Coca-Cola is an official sponsor of the Epic Voyage tour. The Coca-Cola Company(NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 15 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta,Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.

 For more information, visit Coca Cola website, 
follow us on Twitter 
visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled  or Coca Cola Blog.

Also joining the Epic Voyage tour as an official sponsor is Hyundai. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

In its 42nd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating passengers boarded, and including wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways, operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and six near-international countries. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People and Planet.  To read about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good corporate citizen, visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company has been creating innovative entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for more than 50 years and is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® and Sesame Place® brands. The parks offer guests a variety of up-close experiences, from animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, to thrilling rides and spectacular shows.  In 2011 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment began expanding its popular brands into media and entertainment platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products. 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care.  The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue and rehabilitate ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades.  SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

-- SeaWorld --

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld Orlando. No compensation was received.

SeaWorld presents: It's a Girl: Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Born at Discovery Cove

SeaWorld  and Busch Gardens Presents it's most recent addition to you, Dearest FANS!!!!

What a beautiful sight, mother and calf!

Orlando, Fla. (December 13, 2012) – A 3 ½ foot-long, 35-pound dolphin was born at Discovery Cove ® on Friday, November 30 at 10:22 a.m.

This birth is notable because it marks the first time a dolphin at Discovery Cove has successfully given birth to a calf conceived through the use of “sperm-sexing” research, which involves separating sperm carrying a female-producing X chromosome from sperm carrying a male-producing Y chromosome.  

This scientific advancement affords Discovery Cove the opportunity to manage its species’ genetic diversity and social environment. Scientists at the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center in San Diego, Calif., pioneered the ability to preferentially produce female or male dolphin offspring though sperm-sexing and artificial insemination. This recent birth represents the 15^th dolphin calf produced worldwide using sex pre-selection technology.

The female calf is continuing to develop, nurse and bond with its mother; both are doing well. This is the 25^th dolphin born at Discovery Cove since the park opened in 2000. Discovery Cove’s parent company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, has one of the most successful dolphin breeding programs in the world.

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort experience where guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on pristine beaches. To discover more, visit Discovery Cove, Orlando.

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld Orlando. No compensation was received.

SEAWORLD invites you on a Special Journey: Behind -The-Freeze webisodes!

SEAWORLD ORLANDO RELEASES THIRD ANTARCTICA: EMPIRE OF THE PENGUIN, BEHIND THE FREEZE: RIDE EXPERIENCE

Orlando, Fla. (November 16, 2012) –  The third Behind The Freeze focuses on the incredible vehicle that will transport you and your family to the icy wonders of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. SeaWorld’s Creative Director Brian Morrow shares details about the cars, technological marvels, and the ride, a theme park “first.” Each car is a mobile simulator, with movements that allow guests to become one with the storyline as they follow a young penguin’s adventures. For the first time in any theme park, this motion-based simulator ride will be completely trackless and guests will choose one of two levels of adventure with various levels of intensity.

Get ready for an epic exploration into an icy world like you’ve never seen before. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, the most immersive mega-attraction ever created by SeaWorld - is coming in spring 2013. Set in the majestic grandeur of the icy South Pole, this exhilarating ride will glide, slide and transport your family to the penguins’ surprising world where you can brave a blizzard. Be dazzled by ice and lights. Then it sets you free to explore a one-of-a-kind penguin colony in an expanse that brings you above and below their icy world. It’s an awe-inspiring penguin attraction only SeaWorld could create.

The Antarctica Website provides a way to stay tuned to Behind-The-Freeze webisodes that will continually take fans behind the scenes with the designers and animal experts as they create Orlando’s coolest, must-see 2013 experience, even revealing icy secrets along the way.

CONTACT:

  SeaWorld Public Relations, 407.363.2280

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld Orlando. No compensation was received.

NEW ADVENTURE IN 2013 NEW ATTRACTION, ANTARCTICA: EMPIRE OF THE PENGUIN

Seeing new adventures in SeaWorld, our little feets are itching to visit. Hopefully next year we get to test this new baby at SeaWorld!

For media information, see contact 

SEAWORLD ORLANDO DEBUTS RIDE VEHICLE THAT WILL TAKE GUESTS ON FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ADVENTURE IN 2013 NEW ATTRACTION, ANTARCTICA: EMPIRE OF THE PENGUIN

Orlando, FL (November 13, 2012) – At the world’s largest theme park convention – the International

Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Expo 2012 - SeaWorld Orlando execs revealed the

vehicle that will take guests on a first-of-its-kind ride to the frozen south in the park’s 2013 attraction

and all-new realm, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

“There’s nothing else like this in the world,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment creative director. “Next year, this is the vehicle that will take families on an epic adventure and allow them to experience and interact with the thrills, wonders and dangers of Antarctica, all through the eyes of a very special penguin.”

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin combines a state-of-the-art family adventure ride and closer-than-ever encounters with hundreds of penguins – kings, gentoos, Adelies and rockhoppers – to create Orlando’s must-see 2013 new attraction. Immersing guests in a colony of penguins means Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world.

Designers revealed a bit more about the vehicles’ unique role in the attraction.

The cars themselves are technological marvels. Each car is a mobile simulator, with movements

that allow the riders to become one with the storyline as they follow and mimic a young penguin’s

adventures. The combination of experiences – mobile, moving simulators and a completely trackless ride – are theme park firsts. Guests will choose one of two levels of adventure. Designers say each level has

multiple variations for a feeling of unpredictability, just like the continent of Antarctica.

“When our little hero penguin learns to waddle and slide, we’ll feel what it’s like as the car moves and

reacts to the storyline. When he takes his first swim or barely escapes danger, our guests will feel as if

they’re right there with him,” Morrow said.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is the biggest expansion in company history. Park execs consider the

attraction an all-new “realm,” rather than a single attraction. Antarctica’s scope includes the ride,

penguin colony, gift shop and restaurant.

It’s an all-family experience that could only come from SeaWorld and can only be found at SeaWorld

Orlando. “We’ve taken our guests and fans on astounding journeys,” said Terry Prather, SeaWorld

Orlando’s president. “But no one has ever experienced what we’re bringing to Orlando in 2013. The first-of-its-kind ride, the cold, the wind, the thrills and danger of Antarctica and walking among penguins in a massive habitat is something only SeaWorld could do.”

More details can be found at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.

-- SeaWorld --

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld Orlando. No compensation was received.

2013 SEAWORLD ORLANDO FUN CARD AVAILABLE NOW

2013 SEAWORLD ORLANDO FUN CARD AVAILABLE NOW

Florida residents pay for a day, get the holidays and all of 2013 to enjoy the park’s great events
and the opening of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin

ORLANDO, Fla. (November 1, 2012) – The popular SeaWorld Fun Card is back. Florida residents pay for a day and come back again and again for the rest of 2012 AND all of 2013 to enjoy SeaWorld’s amazing shows, thrilling rides and special events all year long, with no blackout dates.

And buying a Fun Card now finds an even better value: Pay for a day and get the rest of 2012, including SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, and all of the great events and concerts throughout 2013.  From Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration inspires lifelong family memories and traditions as waves of holiday spirit splash over the park in a watery, wintery wonderland.

2013’s Fun Card comes with an extra cool perk, too. It’s the best way to experience the largest expansion in SeaWorld history -- Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

When Antarctica opens next spring, guests will be transported into an icy world like they’ve never seen before. They’ll explore the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating first-of-its-kind family ride. Then, they’ll step out and explore a penguin colony in an expanse that’s enveloping in cool extremes: bringing families above and below the penguins’ icy world. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience families won’t forget.

Plus Fun Card members can enjoy all of SeaWorld’s incredible 2013 events:

• Just for Kids! (Saturdays, Jan. 12 – Feb. 2)

Spend super-silly Saturdays at this amazing festival that’s just for kids! This fun-sized festival of family-friendly excitement and activities also includes live shows featuring the best in children’s entertainment, including Imagination Movers and Choo-Choo Soul featuring Genevieve.

• Bands, Brew & BBQ (Weekends, Feb. 9 – March 3)

Enjoy four weekends of smokin’ hot concerts Saturdays AND Sundays with hot acts like Big & Rich, sizzling BBQ from favorite local restaurants and BBQ experts, and an array of thirst-quenching beer in an amazing atmosphere.

• Viva La Música (Saturdays, April 13 – May 4)

Spice up your Saturdays with the hottest Hispanic festival in town. Enjoy a variety of delicious Latin cuisine and specialty drinks along with fiery performances from some of the finest acts in Latin music.

• Summer Nights (Summer 2013)

Beat the heat and celebrate the fun of summer at this nighttime spectacular. Rock out with Shamu at the summer favorite, Shamu Rocks and see the always entertaining Clyde and Seamore at Sea Lions Tonite. Then, head over to Bayside Stadium to end your night with the marvelous fireworks and fountains finale, Reflections.

• Halloween Spooktacular (Weekends in October)

Bring the little ones out to experience the ultimate, family-friendly Halloween event in town. Enjoy this underwater “fantasea” experience that includes trick-or-treating, splashy sea-like characters and sea-themed arts-and-crafts. 

• SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (Select dates in November/December 2013)

Experience the waves of holiday spirit that will splash over you during this incredible holiday event. Celebrate the season with the whole family at this wintery, watery wonderland. Enjoy the beautiful, festive atmosphere while catching some of the amazing shows that are only offered during this special celebration.

• New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld (Dec. 31)

Ring in the New Year with our fabulous display of bold fireworks accompanied by a musical celebration that is sure to send a wave of welcome to the New Year ahead.

Fun Cards are on sale now to Florida residents for the cost of a single-day SeaWorld admission ($89 for adults and $81 for children ages 3-9).  The Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase and good throughout all of 2013 with no blackout dates. Fun Cards are available at the park’s front gate, at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling (888) 800-5447. 

Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more information.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.  The 10 parks play host to 25 million guests each year and employ 26,000 people nationwide. To learn more, visit SeaWorldParksandEntertainment.com or call toll-free 1-888-800-5447. Additionally, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. Learn more at SWBG-ConservationFund.org.

-- SeaWorld – 

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld Orlando. No compensation was received.

SeaWorld Orlando Returns Two Sea Turtles into the Indian River Lagoon at Sebastian, Fla.

Another Great deed done by SeaWorld Orlando!

Keep up the good Work Guy, much appreciated!!

(November 1, 2012) - SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team traveled to the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian, Fla., to return two sea turtles that the park received earlier this year. Both turtles were rescued from the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian, Fla. By the Sea Turtle Preservation Society and brought to SeaWorld for rehabilitation and care.

One, a 75-pound loggerhead, came to SeaWorld in May with a large J-hook stuck in its throat. Upon arrival, the turtle received a health assessment, and it was determined that it had been living with the large hook in its throat for 4 years. SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquarium Team administered antibiotics and made sure the underweight turtle was eating normally and gaining weight before being approved for today’s return.

A smaller green sea turtle was also returned today. Extremely emaciated and lethargic upon arrival in September, the six-pound turtle received antibiotics and was monitored to ensure the tiny animal was gaining weight until being cleared for return today.

For more than 45 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need -- ill, injured and orphaned.  More than 20,000 animals have been rescued by our experts.‪ SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So far in 2012, the SeaWorld Aquarium Team has rescued 35 turtles and returned 13.

Photo Info:

• SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team Members, Kate Spicer and Janbel Green return a 75-pound loggerhead sea turtle to the waters of the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian, Fla., where it was returned today.
• SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team Member, Janbel Green returns a six-pound green sea turtle into the waters of the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian, Fla.

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld Orlando. No compensation was received.

SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team in Orlando Did it Again!!!!!

I wanted to show my respects and share the good work of SeaWorld's Animal Rescue Team in Orlando who contributed towards the return of several manatee for 2012. It is always a JOY to see how many are involved in this teamwork and helping the environment and its survivors.

 JOB Well Done to the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team!!!!

SeaWorld Orlando Returns Manatee to Jacksonville Waters After Months of Rehabilitation

Following seven months of rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team returned Goodby, an adult male manatee at Goodby Creek near the St. John’s River near Jacksonville, Fla.  SeaWorld worked with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to coordinate this morning’s return, and Sea2Shore alliance was also on site to satellite tag the manatee for future tracking.  The nearly 1,000-pound manatee was rescued due to cold stress in March 2012 from Goodby Creek, where he got his name. 

This was the eighth manatee return of 2012. Since the program’s inception in 1973, SeaWorld has rescued 469 manatees and returned 244 back to their natural habitat. 

For more than 45 years, SeaWorld has helped animals in need -- ill, injured and orphaned. More than 20,000 animals have been rescued by our experts.‪ SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For broadcast quality video, paste this link into your browser:

https://www.webcargo.net/delivery/view/id/3593871/dp/ponU1YJ8eDL3MjNLmL

B-roll includes:

·       Animal Rescue Team loading manatee onto truck at SeaWorld Orlando this morning

·       Rescue Team Members preparing manatee for return

·       Goodby being returned to Goodby Creek near Jacksonville

·       Soundbite from Brant Gabriel, Supervisor of SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team

Photo Caption: SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team today returns Goodby, an adult male manatee, back into the waters near Jacksonville, Fla. The 900-pound manatee was originally rescued nearby due to cold stress back in March.

For more information, contact:  Mari Delgado (407) 756-6066 or Susan Flower (321) 689-9087.

Disclosure: I was provided with the information in this post by SeaWorld. No compensation was received.