Theme Park Foodie

SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to open it’s newest attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin on May 24. The area will feature the “coldest theme park ride in the world,” a new penguin exhibit and a new dining location.

As the attractions’ grand opening date approaches, we’re getting more and more excited about the new dining options offered in the area. As we prepare to do a write up on all of the food or specialties that we would love to see (and those we actually expect to see) at Antarctica, we have to ask:

What dining options would YOU like to see offered at SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin?

Through April 6th, SeaWorld Orlando visitors will have the opportunity to try a new dining option offered for the Spring Break season. The Ocean Terrace Lunch Buffet, located at the Dine with Shamu venue in the park, if available from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost for adult attendees is $19, but children can dine for as a little as $9.

The adult menu includes turkey and gravy, beef stew, chicken cacciatore, an assortment of salads, an assortment of cookie and brownie desserts, and the children’s menu features hot dogs, mac and cheese, carrots with ranch dressing and pudding.

Although I am a big fan of SeaWorld’s food offerings and the high quality of its culinary options, I personally wouldn’t pay $19 to give this dining option a try. The turkey and beef stew entrees seem out of season and too heavy for the springtime Orlando sunshine, and the dessert selection leaves something to be desired. For $19, an adult can purchase a full meal of chicken, brisket, ribs and a side with a dessert and a drink at Voyager’s Smokehouse. 

Bands, Brew & BBQ returns to SeaWorld Orlando on February 9th and runs through March 17th. The event, included with park admission, features mouth-watering barbeque from SeaWorld and local restaurants. Guests can also enjoy a number of Craft Brews, available on the park’s Bayside Pathway.

2013 Bands, Brew & BBQ concert lineup:

·         Saturday, February 9            Chris Young with Jerrod Niemann

·         Sunday, February 10             Merle Haggard

·         Saturday, February 16           The Beach Boys

·         Sunday, February 17             Styx

·         Saturday, February 23           Big & Rich

·         Sunday, February 24             Third Eye Blind

·         Saturday, March 2                  Daryl Hall and John Oates

·         Sunday, March 3                    Darius Rucker

·         Saturday, March 9                  Michael McDonald

·         Sunday, March 10                  Josh Turner

·         Saturday, March 16               Rodney Atkins with Uncle Kracker

·         Sunday, March 17                  Sheryl Crow

Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Public Relations

SeaWorld Orlando is kicking off 2013 with the Just For Kids Festival, a special event designed just for little ones that features popular children’s entertainers. Children can dance, sing and play the day away while enjoying performances by Choo-Choo Soul, the Imagination movers and more! Other festival highlights include Elmo Rocks!, a Sesame Street show featuring Elmo and friends in their very own rock concert, and the introduction of the Franklin meet and greet character from Franklin and Friends.

Our favorite part of Just For Kids is, of course, the food! There are two special dining experiences available during the festival that kids will love for the characters and parents will love for the food. Guests who pre-purchase one of the below character breakfasts receive reserved seats to that day’s featured concert. Reservations for these experiences can be made at SeaWorld.com or by calling 1-888-800-5447.

Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast at Sharks Underwater Grill
Have breakfast with Elmo and one of his special Sesame Street friends at the Elmo VIP Character Breakfast. Families will enjoy a full-service breakfast experience at Sharks Underwater Grill.  Following breakfast, little ones, (and parents, too), will visit with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends for photo memories that will last a lifetime. Each family will receive one complimentary photo. Those attending the 9 a.m. VIP breakfast will receive VIP seating for the 11 a.m. Just For Kids concert.

Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet at Terrace Garden
Enjoy time with Shamu & Friends during a special character breakfast at the Terrace Garden Buffet restaurant. Join SeaWorld characters for meet-and-greets and photos. Each family will receive one complimentary family photo. Guests dining at the 9 a.m. breakfast receive guaranteed admission for the 2 p.m. Just for Kids concert and those eating at 11 a.m. receive guaranteed admission for the 4 p.m. concert.

This just in! SeaWorld has released its first mobile game for the iPhone, SeaWorld Presents Turtle Trek! The game, designed for ages 4-9,joins a sea turtle on an adventure similar to the one experienced by guests at SeaWorld Orlando.

Guide a sea turtle through a beautiful and perilous ocean world full of danger, friends and treasure. Get help from ocean friends you meet along the way, learn about various ocean life, complete your virtual sticker book and see how far you can swim!

SeaWorld Presents Turtle Trek is available for free download from the Apple App Store.