Media: For more information, contact SeaWorld Public Relations at (619) 226-3929. SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO 2012 GENERAL PARK INFORMATION OVERVIEW: DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: PARK HOURS: ADMISSION: INFORMATION: SERVICES: With more than 145 million visitors since its opening on March 21, 1964, SeaWorld is San Diego s leading tourist attraction and one of the most popular marine-life parks in the world. The founding principles of education, entertainment, research and conservation make SeaWorld an ideal place to learn about, enjoy and gain an appreciation for some of the ocean s most fascinating animals. SeaWorld San Diego is one of 10 parks operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Spread across 189 acres on beautiful Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld San Diego is known for spectacular animal shows, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides, beautiful landscaping, dining facilities and education programs for all ages. And of course, Shamu! Off I-5 on SeaWorld Drive on Mission Bay, 10 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the San Diego International Airport and Amtrak s downtown station. Opening and closing times vary by season. Hours are extended during seasonal periods, such as spring and summer. Call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 1) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. $73 for ages 10 and older; $65 for children ages 3 9; free for under 3. Discounts available for groups, military and AAA members. Multi-park passes, SeaWorld annual pass memberships, the 2012 SeaWorld Fun Card and other ticket products make SeaWorld even more affordable. In 2012, SeaWorld will continue its Here s to the Heroes program, allowing one-time free admission to active-duty members of the military and up to three of their direct dependents (www.herosalute.com). Parking: $14 for cars; $19 for RVs, campers and preferred; $10 for motorcycles. For general park information, call (800) 25-SHAMU or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. For information about marine animals, visit SeaWorld s award-wining educational website at www.seaworld.org. Strollers, wheelchairs, lockers and pet kennels are available for rental. Diaper-changing and baby-nursing areas, first aid, automated teller machines, taxi and bus parking information are all found on site. SeaWorld provides special parking, restrooms, telephones and access to shows, attractions and meal facilities for guests with disabilities. Select shows and attractions have assistive-listening devices. For more information about services for guests with disabilities, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Access brochures are available at SeaWorld Guest Relations. For TDD call (619) 226-3907.
Page 2 NEW IN 2012! Manta, a mega-attraction that will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of watching rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one, is scheduled to open May 26. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta will not only inspire riders with amazing underwater animal habitats featuring bat rays and other amazing marine life, but also take them on an exhilarating ride on a coaster shaped like a giant manta ray! Gliding, flying and diving through more than a dozen twists and turns, a maximum speed of 43 mph, and a 54-foot drop, riders will feel as if they are a ray, taking flight from sky to sea so close at times that the Manta s wings skim the waves. SEASONAL EVENTS Spring into Night, featuring extended hours and a special nighttime animal show lineup, takes place daily March 31 April 15. Viva La Música features live performances from award-winning Latin artists, plus delicious Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Hispanic heritage. Viva La Música takes place Saturdays and Sundays, May 5 6, May 12 13 and May 19 20. Summer Nights at SeaWorld features extended park hours, fireworks, and special nighttime animal shows, including the nighttime killer whale rock n roll show, Shamu Rocks and the hilarious Sea Lions Tonite sea lion and otter show. Summer Nights dates are May 26 28; June 2 3; June 9 10; June 16 Aug. 19; Aug. 25 26; and Sept. 1 3. SeaWorld s Halloween Spooktacular includes sea-inspired trick-or-treat stations for kids in costume; The Search for Captain Lucky s Treasure (a walk-through adventure); Clyde & Seamore s Spooky Adventure sea lion and otter show; Penelope s Pumpkinfish Patch; a variety of up-close animal encounters; and photo ops at the Mermaid Grotto. SeaWorld s Halloween Spooktacular takes place Sept. 29 30 and Saturdays and Sundays in October. SeaWorld s Christmas Celebration returns even bigger and better, with Clyde and Seamore's Night Before Christmas, Shamu's Christmas, Christmas Tails, SnowWorld, festive décor throughout the park and SeaWorld's 320-foot Christmas Tree of Lights. SeaWorld s Christmas Celebration takes place weekends Nov 17 Dec. 16; daily Dec. 22 31. SHOWS One Ocean 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 features spectacular whale behaviors, including thrilling high-energy leaps and multiple whales performing simultaneously. Shamu Stadium with its three-story set, panoramic LED screens and hundreds of surround-sound speakers features special effects that envelop guests in the show experience, including brilliantly colored lights; soaring fountains; stunning underwater imagery; and an original, contemporary musical score with global rhythms. Blue Horizons Blue Horizons is a spectacular show that centers on Marina, a young girl whose vivid imagination sets the stage for an extravaganza of graceful dolphins, magnificent pilot whales and a rainbow of exotic birds. This innovative production features action both above and under the water: a cast of divers and aerialists, dressed in eye-catching costumes symbolizing sea and sky, plunge off the elaborate set into the deep blue water. Sea Lions LIVE Sea Lions LIVE, SeaWorld s sketch comedy show, stars the park s prankster-loving pinnipeds Clyde and Seamore who poke fun at popular TV shows, with their own renditions including Dancing with the Pinnipeds (a parody of Dancing with the Stars ) and SLSI ( Sea Lion Scene Investigation ).
Page 3 Pets Rule! In this zany show, clever canines, curious cats, beautiful birds and unpredictable pigs take charge and show humans who s the boss. Pets Rule! is one of the largest shows in the country featuring primarily shelter-adopted animals. The stars of this show now have some new cast mates, including emus and a kangaroo! Cirque de la Mer A daytime summer show performed at the Amphibitheater on Mission Bay, Cirque de la Mer features a variety of colorful Amphibians, a combination of humans and sea creatures, who visit SeaWorld and demonstrate their super-human abilities. Cirque de la Mer takes place on select dates during Summer Nights at SeaWorld. Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination! in 4-D A dazzling 4-D movie that has Elmo, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and Big Bird swimming through an imaginary ocean and flying through a cinematic sky. This cutting edge digital movie magic is as fun as it is imaginative. Guests not only see and hear the action they feel it in their seats at the park s Mission Bay Theater. ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS AND INTERACTIONS Animal Connections Furry, feathered, slimy, scaly and spiky animals can be found at the park s Animal Connections at Seaport Marketplace. This area houses many of the park s animal ambassadors, who serve to educate guests about each animal and its natural history. Daily, guests can see a variety of animals including capybaras, an African crested porcupine, Asian water monitor, a two-toed sloth, six-banded armadillo and poison dart frogs. Animal Connections includes a main building where guests can walk through and meet the animal ambassadors and their caretakers. Outside, SeaWorld s Rescue truck is on display along with streaming video highlighting the park s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program. Aquariums at SeaWorld feature more than 5,700 fishes representing 434 species found around the globe, from the Great Barrier Reef off Australia to the Amazon River of Brazil. Aquarium de la Mer offers two dozen displays featuring an up-close look at hundreds of tropical fish, cold-water fish and species native to the waters off Southern California, including the rockfish, wolf eel and Pacific giant octopus. World of the Sea Aquarium features tropical, California and game fish and white sea bass. The Beluga Interaction Program begins with a behind-the-scenes tour that has participants visiting SeaWorld s enormous Pacific walruses and gigantic polar bears. Then, guests slip into wet suits and set foot in the 55-degree water to meet the beluga whales. Program fee is $190 plus park admission and includes wet suits, booties, lockers, changing facilities and showers. Participants must be at least 10 years old and 48 inches tall. Advance registration: (800) 25-SHAMU (press 7) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Dine With Shamu is more than just a dining experience it s exclusive, intimate and unforgettable. While enjoying a delicious buffet on Shamu s private poolside patio, guests meet killer whale trainers and see Shamu in a whole new light. The cost, not including tax, gratuity and park admission, is $39 for ages 10 and older ($19 for ages 3 9). Breakfast With Shamu also is offered on select days for $26 for ages 10 and older ($16 for ages 3 9). Advance registration: (800) 25-SHAMU (press 5) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. The Dolphin Encounter at Rocky Point Preserve is for guests who want to get closer to bottlenose dolphins without getting in the water. During this 10-minute, trainer-guided experience, guests are guaranteed to touch, feed and train bottlenose dolphins, while also learning about their natural history, conservation and training. Cost is $50 plus park admission. Advance registration: (800) 25-SHAMU (press 7). Please note that the dolphin pool at Rocky Point Preserve, including the Dolphin Encounter, is closed for renovations through April 2012. The Dolphin Interaction Program was created for guests who want to enter the water with these beautiful animals. After donning a wet suit and booties, participants take a dip in
Page 4 the dolphins habitat where they get to feed, touch and even cue the animals for trained behaviors. The program fee is $190 plus park admission and includes wet suit, lockers, changing facilities and showers. Participants must be at least 10 years old and 48 inches tall. Advance registration: (800) 25-SHAMU or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Please note that the dolphin pool at Rocky Point Preserve, including the Dolphin Interaction Program, is closed for renovations through April 2012. Guided Tours offer guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of SeaWorld and the chance to learn fascinating facts about the animals that most people don t know. Participants get up close and personal with amazing bottlenose dolphins, or interact with other incredible animals such as endangered sea turtles, penguins or sharks. Advance registration: (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. The Penguin Encounter features more than 300 penguins representing five Antarctic and sub-antarctic species (gentoo, Adélie, macaroni, king and emperor). Guests get a close-up look at these delightful animals as they swim and waddle in the 25-degree, snow-filled habitat. The Penguin Encounter has one of the world s only successful emperor penguin breeding colonies outside the Antarctic, with 21 successful hatchings since 1980. Warmweather Magellanic penguins, native to South America, live outside the Encounter. Rocky Point Preserve is a two-part attraction that allows guests to see and learn about bottlenose dolphins and California sea otters. guests can feed the dolphins at specified times each day, or sign up for a Dolphin Encounter (a trainer-led interaction from poolside) or a Dolphin Interaction Program (an in-water, immersive experience). Also at Rocky Point Preserve, California sea otters can be seen playing with toys and foraging for shrimp and clams in their pool. Please note that the sea otter exhibit is currently open, but the dolphin pool at Rocky Point Preserve is closed for renovations through April 2012. Shamu: Close Up offers unparalleled views of Shamu and companions as they swim, play and socialize. With a specially-designed observation area and a panoramic underwater viewing gallery, the opportunities for close-up observation of these magnificent marine mammals are unsurpassed. Shark Encounter takes SeaWorld guests underwater with sharks and tropical fish. The 280,000-gallon attraction features a 57-foot acrylic tube running the length of the sharks habitat. Sand tiger, bonnethead, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are among the species living in this popular attraction. Turtle Reef features a nearly 300,000-gallon, coral reef-themed aquarium with up to 60 threatened and endangered sea turtles, including adult Hawksbill and green sea turtles some more than 50 years old as well as younger green sea turtles that hatched at SeaWorld in 2009. Turtle Reef also features thousands of tropical fish; a game called Race for the Beach; a touch-screen map, Turtlelink, where guests can learn about sea turtle tracking and SeaWorld s rescue efforts; and a new called Riptide Rescue. RIDES Bayside Skyride and Skytower are two landmark SeaWorld rides. The Bayside Skyride offers a scenic ride above the bay; the Skytower takes passengers high above SeaWorld for a panoramic view of Mission Bay, downtown and beyond. Journey To Atlantis is a wet and wild water coaster experience on eight-passenger Greek fishing boats, featuring a 60-foot plunge. The six-minute adventure tells the tale of Atlantis through simulated tremors, floods, and other dazzling special effects, such as projected lights, fog and water cannons. Riptide Rescue, an exciting new ride that spins passengers in boats on a rescue mission of their own, is part of SeaWorld s new Turtle Reef, which features a coral reef-themed aquarium with up to 60 threatened and endangered sea turtles; thousands of tropical fish; a game called Race for the Beach; and a touch-screen map. Sesame Street Bay of Play rides include Abby s Sea Star Spin, a 36-passenger teacuptype ride that turns round and round as it twirls; Elmo s Flying Fish, which gently soars up
Page 5 and down on a journey through an imaginary ocean; and Oscar s Rocking Eel, a ride that spins and slides from side to side. Shipwreck Rapids takes passengers on an adventure through raging rapids, roaring waterfalls, past sunbathing sea turtles and a near collision with a ship s propeller. At journey s end, castaways can relax and satisfy their appetites at Shipwreck Reef Café. Wild Arctic takes guests on a journey to the frozen North where getting there is half the fun. Visitors board a simulated jet helicopter for an exhilarating ride with bumps, jumps and thrills (non-motion option also available). Disembarking guests find a realistic Arctic research station that brings them face to face with beluga whales, polar bears and walruses. OTHER ATTRACTIONS Sesame Street Bay of Play at SeaWorld This whimsical, two-acre play area features three family-friendly rides (Abby s Sea Star Spin, Elmo s Flying Fish and Oscar s Rocking Eel), Sesame Street character meet-andgreets, photo opportunities, impromptu Sesame Street character performances and interactive play elements, including net crawls, climbing tunnels, an air bounce and more. CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is a public, non-profit organization dedicated to providing solutions to conflicts that arise between human activity and the natural world. Research at the Institute, which was founded in 1963, focuses on rare, endangered and threatened species and habitats, depleted fishery resources and on the ecology of marine animals and biological diversity. Access to SeaWorld's extensive marine zoological collection and superb facilities are unique assets that provide the Institute with unparalleled opportunities for scientific studies. For more information, visit www.hswri.org. SeaWorld Camps offer the experience of a lifetime, with activities ranging from touching and feeding marine animals, to kayaking and snorkeling on Mission Bay. Resident Camp, for grades five through 12, is a five-night adventure where campers discover firsthand how to care for SeaWorld s animals. During Day Camp, preschoolers through ninth graders learn about the park s animals, make crafts and play games. One-night Sleepovers and multiplenight group camps are available throughout the year. For more information, visit www.swbg-adventurecamps.com or call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4). The SeaWorld Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program is an important part of the park s commitment to conservation, research and education. SeaWorld s mammal, bird and fish specialists have rescued, treated, rehabilitated and released thousands of animals that were ill, injured or stranded. On average, 65 to 70 percent of the animals rescued annually are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. In 2011, SeaWorld rescued 66 marine mammals: 40 California sea lions, 21 seals and five dolphins. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a private, non-profit charitable foundation that allows visitors to the 10 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment properties, as well as members of the general public, to help protect wildlife. The Fund directs 100 percent of donations to on-the-ground wildlife conservation. Contributions strengthen the parks existing efforts to preserve endangered wildlife; expand conservation education around the globe; support worthy conservation organizations; and to aid ill, orphaned, injured or stranded animals. Since its creation in 2003, the Fund has granted more than $8 million to protect wildlife and wild places, benefitting animals on land and in the sea. For more information, visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org. SeaWorld s Oiled Wildlife Care Center is an example of a successful private and public partnership dedicated to environmental stewardship. This facility employs lessons learned from past oil spills and improvements in wildlife rescue, care and rehabilitation. When not being used for oil spill response, the 8,000-square-foot complex houses ill or injured animals being cared for in SeaWorld s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program. Created: January 2012 --SeaWorld--