Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Reintroduces After-2 p.m. Unlimited Admission Pass

What makes Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Orlando’s can’t-miss waterpark? By offering the latest and hottest deal for locals to enjoy Central Florida’s coolest beach again and again – including the After-2 p.m. Pass.

For the cost of a single day’s admission, guests can enjoy Aquatica after 2 p.m. throughout the rest of 2013. With no blackout dates and unlimited admission to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, after 2 p.m., Orlando's coolest beach is a hit for all ages time after time. Whether it's tiny tots splashing around in Kata's Kookaburra Cove, teens sliding down Taumauta Racer or adults relaxing on the laid-back beaches, guests can enjoy Aquatica all year long.

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, is a one-of-a-kind waterpark that could only come from SeaWorld. Inspired by a whimsical take on the South Seas, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, immerses guests in the playfulness of the sea, taking them in, over and under the water with the world’s most unique water rides and animal encounters. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, mixes animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high speed waterslide thrills and wide, sandy beaches to create a day of non-stop fun.

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, After-2 p.m. Pass is $50 for children, ages 3-9, and $55 for adults. To learn more about Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, or to buy your After-2 p.m. pass, visit AquaticaOrlando.com, call 888-800-5447, or visit our ticket counters at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark.

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Sea World Orlando Embarks on Epic Voyage

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 and Sales for SeaWorld Parks and 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.

Be sure to check the schedule below to catch a peek for yourself:

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 Mall February 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

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Sea World Halloween Spooktacular 2011

Every weekend in October, the streets of Sea World come alive with creatures and costumes like no other. Dazzling outfits, and incredible make up, stilt walkers, fish faces, and so much more capture kids attention and make for memorable memories.

Safe trick or treating along the destined path allows kids of all ages hop from place to place and trick or treat- in costume or without one. While you're visiting, be sure to check out the carmel apple stand and Sand Art station. Just make sure you plan on these activities during a time you want to stand and wait, (that was our onlycomplaint last weekend, was that the lines were LONG for these special activities!)

If you are in the area, have season passes, or are just looking for a fun Halloween themed activity for the family that will be memorable, be sure to visit Sea World for their Halloween Spooktacular Event. If you'd like it to be especially memorable, check out the Sea World Spooktacular link to find special event or happenings within the park this weekend and next weekend. Be sure to check out Count von Count's Spooktacular Breakfast Boo-fet... packed with your child's favorite Sesame Street characters, print out your Spooky Map before you go- so you don't miss a thing!

Don't forget to visit the Mermaids, or see Shamu's show, or take a ride on the new Manta ride while you're there with the big kids, too. Party in the "after hours party" with the kids, and all of the characters in costume, for a night to remember! The best part? Right now tickets are half price for the kiddos with the purchase of an adult ticket. There's only two weekends left to enjoy this event, so hurry... before it's too late!!

Special thanks to our friends at Sea World for allowing us to come and visit the Halloween Spooktacular event in order to facilitate this article.

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SUPER Fall Sea World Deal!! Stay-cation or Getaway this Fall

Looking to get away this fall? Orlando is sure to be one of the most popular destinations. And SeaWorld Orlando tops the list of great getaway options, offering incredible savings, amazing new shows and thrilling rides.

For getaways now through December 25, visitors can Book two nights at a SeaWorld partner hotel, and get a third night FREE*. Plus, guests also enjoy the added benefit of SeaWorld’s All-Day Dining Deal included FREE with each paid admission.



It’s already SeaWorld’s best getaway value…but stay at any of the “Official Hotels of SeaWorld”, and you also receive the following exclusive benefits:

• Complimentary Quick Queue, front-of-the-line access to SeaWorld’s amazing thrill rides
• Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando
• Eat all day for free at select SeaWorld restaurants with each park admission

Exclusive benefits are available from the hotel’s guest service desk – staffed by knowledgeable representatives from Expedia Local Expert. For more information, including a list of participating hotels, and to book a getaway, go to SeaWorldGetaways.com or call 1-(888) 800-5447.

*This free night offer is available for a limited time, and not valid after December 25, 2011. Minimum of 2 SeaWorld tickets required as part of your hotel package.


New at SeaWorld Orlando
“One Ocean” is an all-new killer whale show, connecting guests to the sea with a new level of energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires them to make a difference in this world. One Ocean features SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world. The show connects guests with these remarkable animals and immerses the audience in the vivid colors and sensations of the underwater world. At the core of the show is the unifying message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect.

And for the fall, SeaWorld features two amazing events -- Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas at SeaWorld -- that will leave you and your kids with treasured memories. During SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, children and adults alike will be immersed in an underwater "fantasea" with trick-or-treating and dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish. New this year, kids can become a part of SeaWorld history and decorate an 80-foot-long, sea-themed coloring wall. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place from 12 – 8 p.m. during weekends in October (1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 28-30) and is included in park admission.

Christmas at SeaWorld invites guests to experience the joys of Christmas with The Sea of Trees -- 75 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes. Plus, enjoy returning favorites – The Polar Express Experience, Winter Wonderland on ice and Shamu Christmas Miracles – sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place select nights November 25 through December 11, and nightly from December 16 through December 31, 2011.

New at Discovery Cove
The Grand Reef takes a day at Discovery Cove – an all-inclusive tropical retreat in the heart of Orlando where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary and relax on pristine beaches - to another level. The all-new saltwater reef is filled with thousands of tropical fish in shallow and deeper waters leaving guests to explore where they feel most comfortable. Snorkeling takes place among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world and guarantees sights of amazing exotic sea life ranging from spotted eagle rays and zebra sharks to lionfish and eels. For the daring, SeaVenture is an innovative, underwater walking tour where guests – wearing dive helmets – will feel right at home under the sea, getting up close to sharks and lionfish (safely behind glass), velvety rays and even star fish or sea urchins.

For additional park information, visit SeaWorld.com. To book a getaway, go to SeaWorldGetaways.com or call 1-(888) 800-5447.

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Family Fun from SONIC and Sea World this Spring! Review + Giveaway

SONIC has recently partnered with Sea World to bring to life their Deep-Sea Tots toys, which will be available in Wacky Packs kids' meals this April and May. Wacky Packs are kids meals specifically designed with your child in mind. What I love about Sonic is that on top of their traditional kids meals items, is that they offer a great selection of healthier options, as well as options the kids love. Not a fan of fries- get a banana instead. Does your child LOVE grilled cheese or corn dogs more than anything else? Yep, they even have them! Alex loves that Sonic offers tater tots instead of french fries, and Abbie loves that the fries are thin and small.. a perfect size for her. The kids usually ask for slushes instead of milk, but what I love is that you can order juice slushes. Wholesome and refreshing, which in our weather in Florida is always welcomed!

At our location, several of the girls even race from the kitchen to the cars in true drive-in style, sporting their own rollerskates. Sonic is one of the few fast food restaurants, if not the ONLY one, that still values their customers. They are respectful and nice every single time we go. It's part of the company's core values, and it shows. They give back to their community, and they host "Happy Hour" between 2 & 4pm so even when times are tight, you can manage to squeeze in your favorite slush.

The toys in the Sonic Wacky Packs are always cute, but I must admit, I adore the  Deep-Seat Tots. They are cute little squishy sea creatures, many that are found at Sea World, and best of all they double for a bath or pool toy. Even my big kid loves pretending with Scuba Tot and the sea creatures.

As an additional perk, each Deep-Sea Tot comes with a secret code that you can type into the Wacky Pack website for your chance to win a family 4 pack to Sea World!

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you probably know how much I adore Sea World. In fact, it's my favorite theme park in Florida. (Shhh, don't tell the kids.. or the mouse!)

Our new friends at Sonic have offered our readers a chance to WIN their very own Deep-Sea Tots Package including all 15 toys,  four (4) free passes to Sea World (expire 12/31/10), and a $25 My Sonic Card!

What's even better, is that if you "like" 4BabyAndMom and Sonic on Facebook, you have the option to win another prize pack.Keep your eyes peeled for the entry opportunity on Facebook, but tell us that you like us now!!

You read that right- we're giving away a total of TWO (2) Deep-Sea Tots Prize Packs!! Each prize pack is valued at over $300!!!! 

Don't worry if you don't live in Florida, these tickets are good until December 31st! What a great way to save some money on your next vacation!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

Please refer to our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to officially claim your prize. Keep your eyes peeled to Facebook, as our second prize pack winner will be chosen soon!!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on May 15, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Disclosure: The Deep-Sea Tots Prize Pack and additional prize packs were all provided by the PR company representing Sonic. Any opinions expressed are 100% mine. Your experience with these products and company may differ.

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Buy a ticket to Sea World Orlando, and get a ticket to Aquatica or Busch Gardens FREE!

Bored and looking for a great vacation, but don't really have the money to spend on air fare, hotel, rental cars and everything else that goes along with a vacation?? Why not take a drive to Sea World, Orlando? Located in Central Florida, Sea World is within decent driving distance for many. (My family in NY will only drive to Florida- so for them, the drive is still decent!)

Sea World Orlando is offering a promotion right now that if you buy one admission ticket to
SeaWorld, you get one Aquatica or Busch Gardens ticket for FREE!

Sea World is celebrating it's new ride, Manta, and right now you can also enter to win a Front-of-the-line pass! Find out what it's like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you ride the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world. It's a seamless blend of up close animal encounters with a head-first, face-down thrill ride. My son and I saw it while it was being built- and it looks FANTASTIC! I cannot wait to go back and actually ride it!

Sure there's other theme parks in Orlando, but this is the only park that offers the incredible Believe show featuring Shamu, and one of a kind, up-close, personal encounters with the dolphins, sting rays, and sharks! Plus, the free ticket entitles you to take a walk on the wild side at either Aquatica or Busch Gardens, where animal encounters are around every corner!

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Sea World's Manta~Play and WIN!

If you've been reading my blog since the beginning of this year, you know that Alex and I had the opportunity to head to Sea World Orlando with some amazing mom bloggers and some of the team at Izea. Before our amazing dolphin experience, and shortly after we entered and started walking through the park, we noticed this HUGE ride that was being built. Alex asked to go on it right away, and I had to explain that it wouldn't be open until May. Well, here it is almost May, and I found that Sea World is hosting a countdown to the opening of MANTA and a contest to win a "Front-of-the-line" pass!

Follow the RealShamu on Twitter to get clues and tips, and browse the Ride Manta website to help you answer the questions on the Manta Quiz.

Exploring the depths of the sea and roaming among Manta’s freshwater lagoon and saltwater habitats are just part of the new attraction’s thrill. With 10 stunning and uniquely configured aquariums, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty and mystique of Manta’s underwater elements.
More than 3,000 animals live in Manta’s state-of-the-art aquatic habitats, creating mesmerizing face-to-fin encounters with hundreds of rays, thousands of exotic fish and even a giant Pacific octopus.
From the About Manta Page:

Manta. The only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world. A seamless blend of up close animal encounters with a head-first, face-down thrill ride. It’s an adventure only SeaWorld could create.

You’ll go from seeing …

From the start, Manta provides a glimpse into the incredible underwater worlds of tropical fish and rays -- many seldom seen. Floor-to-ceiling aquariums showcase rare leafy sea dragons and thousands of schooling fish. Your kids get a unique 360-degree underwater view by climbing into a pop-up aquarium. A massive Pacific octopus slinks back and forth between habitats through an underwater tube. Three hundred rays –- their group known as a “fever” -- swim/fly past you and even over their heads. You’ll be immersed and surrounded by thousands of mysterious creatures.

… To being

Turning a corner, you’ll peer through a waterfall then feel the punch of air as something huge zooms by, just inches away. It’s a giant manta ray. On steel rails. A manta ray thrill ride speeding, flying, soaring, gliding and spinning at highway speeds. And secured to the manta’s belly are 32 riders, each one lying prone and face down, going for a ride on the biggest and grandest ray of all.
And soon, it’ll be your turn.
Manta. Only at SeaWorld Orlando.
So what are you waiting for? Run to RideManta.com and enter to win NOW!

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Remember when I went to Sea World with Alex?

I was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to write a guest post about our experience feeding the Dolphins at Sea World, Orlando. Click on the link below to read my blog entry, and let me know what you think, here and there!

While you're there, if you'd like to leave some love for a great bloggy-mommy friend of mine, Kathleen Zak, and check out all of the other great Dolphin stories- that would be awesome!

We really did have the time of our life. Alex really enjoyed all the technical and educational stuff, the staff was just amazed how he soaked up everything, and I just LOVED experiencing everything through his eyes!

Ok, ok-- enough rambling from me, I have to go pick Alex up from school.. go check out the Dolphin Bubbles, and leave some love for me and Kathleen, and check out all the cool pics!

CLICK HERE TO Read My Post on Dolphin Bubbles!

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Twitter Tweet-up at Sea World, Orlando- February, 2009

While tweeting one busy day, I happened to stumble across an announcement that there was going to be a Twitter "Tweet-Up" for all central Florida Mom bloggers. Excited as anything, I clicked on the link for more details, and opened up to a network of bloggers and people that would make such an exciting impact on my blogging life.

My girlfriend and I carpooled and took 3 kids two hours away, to meet Wendy Piersall and Ted Murphy at the amazing Sea World Orlando entrance. The only problem with that, is that I had never seen either one of them, (outside of their Twitter pics!), ever. We ended up showing up about 10 minutes later than we were supposed to be there because of an accident on I-4, but we got there. We looked around for a person wearing an orange shirt.. That day, I honestly think Sea World was plotting a great Orange Entourage, because everyone and their brothers were wearing orange shirts! Ok, maybe that was a little bit of an exaggeration, but seriously- there were a ton of people wearing orange!

After we found them, we talked for a little while, got the meet-up times, and headed into the park. We walked in, passed the shops and found the construction site for the new ride, MANTA. Alex is obsessed with Rollercoaster Tycoon, so we stopped a few minutes and watched the workers moving about. Alex informed me he wanted to come back as soon as it was opened. It is scheduled to open in May, this year.

We decided it would be best to try to plot out the day, but in the end, walked around in an organized dysfunction. We got to pet stingrays at the Stingray Lagoon, watch dolphins play and we even got to feed them at the Dolphin Cove. We watched the dolphin show and got to see sharks and other fish in an underwater tunnel exhibit. They swam freely around us, as we gazed and pointed while rolling on an automatic sidewalk to the other side. It was incredible! We took all three kids on the water ride, Journey to Atlantis, and shreiked as it dove down into the splash pool below! I knew there were shows at Sea World, but we ended up watching the dolphin show, the hysterical sea otter and walrus show, and the Believe Show which features the gorgeous Shamu, and the rest of the Orca Whale family. We sat in the "Splash Zone", and oh-my-gosh! It is *not* like smaller home shows, you get DRENCHED at the Believe show! The kids loved seeing the whales so up close, but when we got soaked with the chilly water, they wanted to move to drier seats.

The cold water on our clothes made the heat of the day a little more bearable as we walked through the rest of the park and saw penguins, and mermaids, and the kids got to play in the kids play area for awhile while my friend and I got a moment to reflect on the day. All in all, we had a blast at Sea World, and we met some great people, other mom bloggers, and Ted, and experienced the beauty and wonder of Sea World up close and personal. This experience was like no other, and I cannot say enough great things about the theme park and the exhibits. It was wonderful!

If you haven't had a chance to view my article on Dolphin Bubbles, feel free to check it out, and leave some feedback! I am including the link to more of the pictures below for a short period of time.

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I think Shamu got me sick. :o(

Oh my goodness.. I have such a head cold right now, I feel like I got run over by a Mack truck! I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of my new followers! I greatly appreciate it! Know that as soon as I can, I will be venturing to your blogs and twitter accounts to befriend you there as well!

Thank you all for your understanding!

Be sure to enter our giveaways this week, as well as the special #9 day giveaway. This contest gives you two extra entries into all of the other giveaways for the rest of this week!!

If you'd like to know more about me, please feel free to send your questions or comments to 4BabyAndMom [at] gmail [dot] com!

We had such a blast at Sea World on Sunday, and I was feeling marvelous until Shamu's frigid water drenched us during the 'Believe' show. I am trying to figure out the best way to post pictures on my blog without overloading it, I have so many great shots! Anyone have a good suggestion? Thanks in advance!

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