6/23 SeaWorld update

Every Thursday and Friday night SeaWorld hosts Electron... I mean, Club Atlantis. This dance area is aimed at the 'tweens.'


Arctic Plaza is home to this event. Here are some last minute touches being installed.



Did you know that when Shipwreck Reef Cafe opened in 1999, there were four stages throughout the dining area? During the course of your meal you would likely see a musical act, an animal interaction with one of the island critters and an island resident such as the millionaire that owned the Dreamboat 2, Fifi Lemonde the famous French film actress, the mayor of the island or Axel Schneider the inventor of Shipwreck Rapids. Needless to say, all that entertainment went away pretty fast! But look, entertainment has returned to the island on the Power Plant stage!


The sea otter exhibit returns this weekend.


And now, Manta!










Lattice work has been added to this area of the fence


Just imagine, just about this time next year, you'll be soaring over SeaWorld!

Manta and more!

Turtle Reef is now in "Preview" mode. Do you remember that this used to be the original Shark Encounter?!


Hope these little guys survive the year!






This is a big guy! More turtles and fish will be added by the 18th. The interactive exhibits will be open by then as well!


It's a shame that this magnificent view is spoiled by the stroller parking and ride queue. A couple of benches above the rip-rap would have been a relaxing place to get away from it all!


The ride is open daily but not when the park opens.




The California Sea Otter exhibit is closed for a brief rehab. It should return next week.


Themed signage has appeared for Manta.






And now time for some Manta shots!


Looks like they did tear-up all the concrete after all.












The view from the Living Quarters of Shipwreck Reef Cafe:






The current park "Where Am I?" map:


Thanks for viewing!

General Park Update 5/5/11

Continuing this weekend is SeaWorld's Latin Music Festival: Viva La Musica. Concerts are held at Cirque Stadium at 4 and 630. The concerts are free with park admission. You pick up your concert wristband at (funnily enough) the former Plaza del Sol tent.



The fence that surrounded the Clydesdale lawn was recently removed opening up the space. This area is a part of the event's Festival. Merchandise tents and Culinary booths surround the area.


Some samples of the yummy food offered!





The event icon at the Main Gate Entry Plaza

As mentioned before, the SkyRide is now included with park admission. The SkyTower is free for this week as a test.


Because of Manta's and Turtle Reef's construction, the park has lost 3 eateries: Mango Joe's Beach Cafe, Coconut Bay Cafe and Rocky Point Cafe Healthy Alternatives (although that facility will return). To make up for this loss, the park has opened quick service restaurants. The Boathouse offers sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos and sundaes. Quite the diverse menu!

Next to the Nautilus Pavillion special events tent is the Sandwich Shack.

Dine with Shamu has returned! All of the rockwork surrounding the pool and inside the pool itself have been removed and acrylic panels now line the pool as a surprisingly unobtrusive barrier.


The One Ocean set as seen from the Skywalk.


Now to Manta! Happily there are little breaks in the fence allowing a peek inside! Here's the current state of the bat ray pool. The bat rays are currently at Journey to Atlantis. The Commerson's dolphins are off-display for the time being.


Part of the area that will comprise the station and maintenance.

Future restrooms and station area. No more pagoda building!



That's all for now! Thanks for stopping by!