On May 24th, 2013, Sea World's Antarctica - Empire of the Penguins opened to a thrall of summer masses excited to experience Sea World's newest attraction. Empire of the Penguins sits directly in the middle of Sea World Orlando. The main attraction is the penguins world. Visitors will enjoy a mobile simulator where the family can choose the type of ride they take while following the life of a penguin. There are opportunities to disembark and walk among these creatures in their world while Sea World's top animal expert , Michael Boos, educates you about these arctic birds in 30 degree temperatures.
Shop at Glacial Collections or visit Expedition Cafe for some of Sea World's great food. Also, Sea World pass holders get 10% off on food and souvenirs.
Visit www.seaworldparks.com/seaworld-orlando.com for free downloads and take the time to view the videos of the attraction and how it was made.
Initial reviews from the blogosphere are good but, surprisingly, not stellar. While visitors enjoyed it, many felt as though Empire of the Penguins didn't live up to the hype. Some felt Sea World would have done better to add another roller coaster or thrill ride. Others thought it wasn't much more than the original Penguin Encounter. I must stress that everybody enjoyed it but some felt it fell short.
I feel that Sea World, like Busch Gardens, has the added burden of keeping the focus of their parks on the wildlife they serve and specialize. Id doing so their focus is often on wildlife education as well as fun rides. I think Antarctica is a superb attraction and offers something no other park offers. In Central Florida, where the competition among major theme parks is major league, I think Sea World did a superb job. Come down and see for yourself.
(photos courtesy of Sea World Orlando)
(photos courtesy of Sea World Orlando)
