SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S ICE BREAKER TRACK IS COMPLETE

 BY GABRIELLE

The final track section of the Ice Breaker ride at SeaWorld Orlando has been completed and is set to open to visitors in the spring. The Ice Breaker will be Orlando’s first ever launch roller coaster and will also feature Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop.

The exciting coaster course stretches over 2,700 feet with the trains reaching speeds of over 50mph. The new ride experience includes four launches with airtime and will accelerate guests forwards and backwards. Florida’s steepest beyond-vertical drop occurs a climb up a near ten-story spike at an angle of 100 degrees.

SeaWorld’s vice president of design and engineering, Brian Andrelczyk, offered some more details about the new ride, saying: “It can run not one, but two trains through the use of a unique, high-speed horizontal track switch.”

Ice Breaker’s launch track will also be extra special because it will have an airtime hill on both sides. “You’re going to get airtime on every hit of that launch,” Andrelczyk added. “That totals to 16 hits of airtime throughout the entire layout! It’s going to be a really exciting ride keeping you out of your seat almost as much as you’re in it.”

The Ice Breaker name is inspired by icy Arctic conditions, and the queue for the ride will offer guests an interactive and educational experience provided by the Alaska SeaLife Centre.

SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SEAWORLD ORLANDO

BY GABRIELLE

The Seven Seas Food Festival is returning to SeaWorld Orlando for another year in 2020, giving visitors the opportunity to sample street food from around the world.

This year’s festival will be held from February 7 until May 5, including every Friday. Visitors will be able to sample more than 180 international street food options.

New to the 2020 Seven Seas Food Festival will be duck and mushroom ramen bowl, chicken and waffle and cricket crusted bison slider.

As well as tasting different delicacies from around the world, guests at SeaWorld Orlando will be able to enjoy live entertainment at the park every Saturday and Sunday at 6pm at the Bayside Stadium. Both the Food Festival and the live entertainment are included with theme park admission.

The entertainment line-up kicks off with Maddie & Tae on February 8 and concludes with Sean Paul on May 3.

SEAWORLD ANNOUNCES 36,000TH ANIMAL RESCUE SINCE OPENING IN 1965

BY GABRIELLE

Since it first opened its doors in 1965, SeaWorld has rescued 36,000 animals in its ongoing mission to help stranded, ill and injured marine and terrestrial animals.

Working in partnership with animal care experts, rescue specialists and veterinarians, the much-loved amusement park has been successfully rescuing and rehabilitating animals for almost 55 years.

As Donna Wieting, director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Protected Resources, said: “SeaWorld’s work rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals is of the highest calibre and the reason why the rescue team has been a long-standing and valuable partner.

“We also value SeaWorld’s mission to educate the public about marine wildlife conservation and the role they play in protecting animal habitats,” Wieting continued.

Jon Peterson, senior leader of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando, describes SeaWorld’s commitment to animal rescue: “Our teams remain on the frontlines of marine mammal rescue because of our enduring commitment to supporting rescue, rehabilitation and return,” said Peterson, adding: “In a perfect world, animals would never need to be rescued, but until that changes, our teams will continue to work closely with our partners to help save these animals.”

For every ticket purchased for SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego, funds go towards the rescue and rehabilitation of the animals that are rehomed at the resort.

SEAWORLD ORLANDO CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SESAME STREET

BY GABRIELLE

To celebrate its 50th anniversary of Sesame Street inspired fun, SeaWorld Orlando is hosting a party at Sesame Street Land.

The fun-filled celebrations are taking place on the weekend of November 9, 2019.

Visitors at SeaWorld Orland will be encouraged to make their way to the Sesame Street themed area of the attractions site known as Sesame Street Land.

At the themed area, Sesame Street fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the beloved characters the animated puppet TV series.

A never-seen-before float will be a key feature of the weekend. Complimentary cupcakes will be being served at the Sesame Sips café, alongside commemorative paper crowns.