March 28, 2024
Kraken Virtual Reality (VR) roller coaster

Kraken(R) Virtual Reality (VR) roller coaster, coming to SeaWorld Orlando 2017. The park's popular Kraken roller coaster will be transformed into a "deep sea" virtual reality coaster experience, the only VR coaster experience in Florida.

Photo: Sea World

Dolphin Nursery

SeaWorld Orlando’s Dolphin Nursery will become more interactive in summer 2017, giving guests the opportunity to get up close to mother and baby dolphins in new and inspiring ways.

Photo: Sea World

News Release

SeaWorld unveils major new attractions for 2017

| 9/28/2016

ORLANDO, Fla. -- SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company with 12 destination and regional theme parks, announced its extensive line-up of new attractions, shows and events for 2017. The announcement includes major new ride additions at three of its theme parks; a virtual reality experience in Orlando, a new orca presentation in San Diego, and new shows and events at many other park locations. All totaled, the company will invest approximately $175 million in capital spending, one of the largest new attraction years in its more than 50 year history.

"We are extremely excited with the scope and depth of the new attractions and events coming to our SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks in 2017," said Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. "In developing new experiences we want guests to have fun, but also be inspired, and our parks are uniquely suited to create meaningful and fun vacations." He added, "We want our guests to share experiences that matter, and our 2017 additions truly reinforce that mission."

Below are highlights for Sea World's Florida parks:

  • Electric Ocean, SeaWorld Orlando - Summer 2017
    Electric Ocean will debut next summer at SeaWorld parks in Orlando and San Diego as a brand new, end-of-day spectacle event. As the sun goes down, the lights and energy go up, offering guests a different kind of fun after dark. The ocean comes to life with bioluminescent lighting, music and pathway entertainment, immersing guests in a glowing sea of wonder.
  • Kraken® Virtual Reality (VR) Roller Coaster, SeaWorld Orlando - Summer 2017
    SeaWorld will debut its first digitally enhanced ride experience as the legendary Kraken roller coaster is transformed into a virtual reality (VR) roller coaster experience. This thrill ride will be the only VR coaster experience in Florida.

    Guests will embark on a deep sea mission alongside sea creatures inspired by extinct and legendary animals of the past, including the mighty Kraken. A custom digital overlay with uniquely designed headsets, fully integrated both mechanically and electronically into the coaster train, delivers a new one-of-a-kind adventure. The addition of VR to this fan-favorite brings a new level of excitement and interest in Kraken, for both new and returning guests.
  • Dolphin Nursery, SeaWorld Orlando - Summer 2017
    SeaWorld Orlando's Dolphin Nursery will become more interactive in 2017, giving guests the opportunity to see mother and baby dolphins up close like never before. Large-scale acrylic windows will be created offering better guest viewing, including multiple levels to provide children a face-to-face perspective with baby dolphins. New slide out areas and a lifting floor will allow for easier access to mom and baby for the veterinary and animal care teams.

    The next generation of multi-purpose digital displays will allow SeaWorld educators to share information about dolphin behavior, biology and conservation with guests in new ways by interacting with education and animal care video content.
  • The Wildlife Docs™: Live, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - May 2017
    A live version of the great stories from the Emmy nominated weekly show, featuring live animals, video production, live ambassador presenters and performers in the park's Stanleyville Theater. The show is directed by acclaimed Broadway director and choreographer Jeff Whiting.
  • Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer & Friends, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 2016 Christmas events, continuing in 2017

    Beloved Christmas character Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends, including Clarice, Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster and Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph themed attractions will be making their debut as part of the 2016 Christmas Celebration™ events at SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Fla., San Antonio and San Diego, and Christmas Town™ at Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.

    Rudolph & Friends will return for the 2017 season, with additional Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed experiences for families to enjoy the Christmas spirit even more.
  • Seven Seas Food Festival
    SeaWorld and Busch Gardens deliver year-round fun with special events at each park. Seven Seas Food Festival, a popular music and food event at SeaWorld in San Diego and San Antonio, is now coming to Orlando in 2017. SeaWorld Orlando's popular music and food events will expand to a total of 14 weekends and roll-up under the Seven Seas brand. Other park events include: Lunar New Year and Wild Days at SeaWorld San Diego; Just for Kids and Summer Nights at SeaWorld San Antonio; Food & Wine Festival and Bier Fest at Bush Gardens Williamsburg, and the Red Carpet Series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For a complete list of park events, visit: www.SeaWorldParks.com

Tags: Travel & Tourism

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