SEAWORLD GETS SET TO CELEBRATE

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will next year begin a multi-park celebration to commemorate a key event in the company’s history – the original SeaWorld park opening its gates in March 1964 in San Diego. SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will feature a “Sea of Surprises starting March 21, 2014. SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio will share the excitement throughout an 18-month celebration that highlights some of the most memorable SeaWorld experiences… During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration, visitors will be invited to take part in the celebration through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and the SeaWorld ‘Surprise Squad’ treating guests with prizes every day.”Developments include SeaWorld San Diego having a new interactive entrance plaza called Explorer’s Reef. It will open in March for the celebration kick-off. The 16-month construction project will transform the existing front gate area through sculptural and design elements inspired by waves crashing over a reef, as well as up-close encounters with marine life. The gate concept will replace existing ticket booths with a beach-themed, concierge-style ticketing area that will provide guests with a single location to purchase admission, as well as sign up for tours, animal interactions and dining experiences. “From the moment they enter the park, guests can connect with the sea through multiple touch pools featuring shark pups, stingrays and fish. Explorer’s Reef encompasses more than three acres, including new and innovative retail and culinary opportunities for guests. The multi-million dollar renovation effort will not only make entering the park faster and more efficient, but will significantly enhance the arrival experience,”SeaWorld says. (http://www.seaworld.com/celebration)