Tuesday, November 8, 2011

SeaWorld Announces new attractions.


SeaWorld Orlando Announces Waves of the Future
New attractions sure to top Orlando’s “must-see” list for 2012 and 2013


ORLANDO, Fla. -- With three astounding new attractions featuring all-new ways to connect guests to the mysteries of the sea, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove are once again sure to top the “must-see” list for upcoming Orlando vacations.

The new attractions represent the biggest attraction expansions in the history of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the parks’ parent company.

Terry Prather, president of the company’s Orlando parks, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, said, “With TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando and Freshwater Oasis at Discovery Cove, travelers will have all new reasons to visit Orlando. What we’re creating will take you places you’ve never been before, places only SeaWorld can take you.”

TurtleTrek
While creating TurtleTrek (opening at SeaWorld Orlando in spring 2012), designers stayed true to SeaWorld’s unique blend of nose-to-nose animal encounters and state-of-the art entertainment.

Guests first visit two massive naturalistic habitats, one filled with hundreds of freshwater fish and gentle manatees, the other home to more than 1,500 saltwater fish and more than a dozen sea turtles. Many of the manatees and sea turtles were rescued by the park’s animal team. Since SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue programs began, the team has cared for and returned to the wild nearly 240 manatees and more than 1,200 sea turtles.

Moving on from the habitat, guests enter a domed theater, and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.

Coming to life is a first-of-its-kind 3-D/360-degree dome theater film that is completely immersive. The dome allows a hyper-realistic 3-D movie to be shown all around guests and even above them – not just in front them or on only one screen. It’s this unique and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic and astounding journey that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, SeaWorld guests are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.

TurtleTrek is as inspirational as it is astounding. There’s a call-to-action at the end of the experience: SeaWorld calls on guests to join them in conserving the world we share. “Do a little, do a lot, but join us and do something to help the world and its animals,” said Brian Morrow, the attraction’s chief designer. “TurtleTrek is about the everyday heroes who can make a difference in nature.”

Freshwater Oasis
Just across the street from SeaWorld Orlando is Discovery Cove, a limited-admission, all-inclusive tropical resort where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, snorkel among thousands of colorful fish and rays and relax on pristine beaches.

Opening at Discovery Cove in spring 2012 is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring swimming and wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.

When guests participate with nature at Discovery Cove, they unlock discoveries that can be life-changing. Freshwater Oasis is an all-new opportunity to wade up-close with wildlife in a relaxing tropical setting. It’s an exhilarating tropical exhale.

Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive tropical getaway and the only place to experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer.

Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin
Also announced was SeaWorld Orlando’s biggest-ever attraction expansion, Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin, opening spring 2013.

Through the years, SeaWorld Orlando has taken guests to far-flung corners of the globe, immersing them in the character and feel of exotic places and introducing them to unique worlds of adventure.

A year-and-a-half from opening at SeaWorld Orlando, details are few. For now, SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica will stay as mysterious as its namesake continent. “Only SeaWorld and its parks can take you on these journeys or bring these experiences to you,” said Prather. “We’re excited about what the future holds for our parks and our fans.”

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Festival of the Masters

Festival of the Masters

Behold spectacular displays of artistry in the Downtown Disney area during Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels®. From Disney-inspired designs to funky folk art to sidewalk chalk drawings, there's something to suit every style.




West Side


Artist Vinyl at D-Street
Check out new, one-of-a-kind artist vinyl from some of your favorite Disney artists.
Award-Winning Artists
Downtown Disney West Side hosts more than 150 artists during Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels.
House of Blues® Folk Art Festival
See grassroots and funk art at its finest, presented by approximately 35 local and national folk artists.
Disney Art Tent
View a variety of art styles featuring beloved Disney Characters, presented by creative feature artists.


Pleasure Island


Walt Disney World Artists—NEW!
Meet official Walt Disney World Resort artists and browse their fine art, which is available for purchase.
Irish Artwork at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant
Check out the designs of Graham Knuttle, a renowned Irish painter and sculptor.
Shoe Art at Curl™ by Sammy Duvall
Watch as an artist creates a masterpiece on a pair of TOMS® shoes!
Disney Artwork for the Red Chair Project
Peruse original Disney artwork, available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Red Chair Project, an organization that supports the arts in Central Florida.


Marketplace


Florida Chalk Artists Association
More than 100 chalk artists will turn 3,000 square feet of sidewalk into a giant canvas for their creative visions.