World Penguin Day

Today, April 25,  is World Penguin Day, not to be confused with Penguin Awareness Day which January 20. In honor of their special day, get ready for the 2013 opening of Antarctica –  Empire of the Penguin!

Antarctic will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world, at a chilly 30 degrees. Guests will ride on an 8-person “boat” right into a close-up interaction with gentoos, rockhoppers, adelies and kings. Park insiders confirm an experience that will be “up close to say the least.” A friendly guide, a young gentoo penguin, will lead the exciting journey.

What’s it like for penguins in their frozen world, the coldest and windiest continent? Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse into their beautiful, but sometimes dangerous, environment.

The penguin “realm” will include not only the new attraction, but a new penguin habitat, gift shop and a restaurant.

Terry Prather, SeaWorld Orlando’s president is excited about their largest ever expansion. “Only SeaWorld and its parks can take you on these journeys or bring these experiences to you!”

Antarctica… Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld, Orlando

Today SeaWorld Orlando announced the biggest expansion in their history! One of the “coolest” attractions is Antarctica… Empire of the Penguin. Set to open in 2013, Antarctica will take guests to the bottom of the world in a family-friendly ride which promises to be the “coldest attraction in the world.”

Antarctica, the continent, is locked under 9,000 feet of ice. SeaWorld’s Antarctica, will offer guests a taste of that harsh climate, in small doses, of course. (This is the Sunshine State, after all!) Insiders tell of “intense” up-close interaction with the penguins including “pop up” windows of some sort where visitors will be inside the actual habitat.

Julie Scardina, animal ambassador to SeaWorld/Busch Gardens, was on hand to introduce the family-friendly attraction. “Antarctica is a harsh environment even if you are a penguin,” she explained. Ever the conservationist, Julie talked about sustainable seafood and other ways we can reduce our “footprint.” “We can all make a difference and become Everyday Heroes!”

The ride is described as a “closer-than-ever” interactive experience and an incredible family adventure. Viewing the frozen world “through the eyes of a penguin,” guests will sense the beauty and drama of their sometimes dangerous world.

Don't Worry!

Although some have been concerned about penguin withdrawal during construction, Brian Morrow, Corporate Director of Creative Development assures penguin pals like myself that there will be opportunities to see “some” of the penguins while the expansion takes place. “Don’t worry!” he assures. Many of the birds will be at the sister parks, but guests will not have to go “cold turkey,” er “penguin,” at the Orlando, Florida park. A temporary habitat will allow Spheniscidae Spectators a “penguin peek” until the new exhibit opens.

Spheniscidae Spectator

SeaWorld is known for taking guests into an amazing underwater world they can’t experience on their own. Antarctica… Empire of the Penguin continues that tradition,  and then some!

You know it’s gonna be cool!

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