TurtleTrek at SeaWorld: A one-of-a-kind 3D adventure (updated with over 60 images and HD video)

|

TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.

Earlier this week we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at SeaWorld Orlando’s new TurtleTrek attraction during a soft opening. The attraction officially opens TODAY (April 27th), and I highly recommend making a trip to the park to experience this amazing, unique attraction as soon as possible!

When I initially heard that SeaWorld was creating an attraction focused on sea turtles, I was skeptical. Of all of the mysterious and exciting creatures that inhabit our oceans, why pick one of the most easy-going animals on earth? I was enthusiastic about seeing the new turtle exhibit, but I didn’t really have high hopes for the attraction as a whole.

Now that the attraction has come to fruition, I can see just how wrong I was. SeaWorld has taken the harrowing story of a sea turtle’s journey and turned it into an immersive adventure fit for (almost) the whole family.

TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.

When guests enter the attraction, they queue by the underwater viewing area of the new sea turtle exhibit. The turtles on display are SeaWorld rescues, animals that the company has rescued from the wild that are ineligible for release. The reasons for this vary, but in general an animal is considered ineligible for release if it will be unable to survive in the wild without assistance. The underwater viewing area is the perfect spot for a photo shoot, and children will love coming face-to-face with the stars of the show!

TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.

Up to 200 guests then enter into a domed theater that utilizes unique, 360 3-D projection technologies. The technology used to project the film was only recently developed, making this theater the first of its kind in the world. Thirty-four projectors run together to create a life-like experience as guests follow the life of a sea turtle from hatchling to full-grown adult. The seven-minute video is so complex, it takes up 950 GB of memory! The show also features a signature song, “Journey On,” that will be available on iTunes for purchase. This experience and journey truly cannot be described; it must be seen to be believed. One warning about the theater, though; when we saw the attraction, a few young children were frightened by the realism of the 3-D effects. Be sure to talk to a SeaWorld team member and consider your child’s individual circumstances before heading into the show.

After viewing the show, guests exit the theater and pass by the above-water viewing of the turtle’s exhibit. Guests also have the opportunity to play “Race for the Beach,” an interactive video game where you are a sea turtle attempting to reach the shore to lay eggs. This is also an opportunity for guests to observe Florida’s own gentle giants, the manatees. In addition, the exit area features a number of educational signs with tidbits of information on the life of the turtle and the manatee. And, of course, what attraction is complete without a gift shop? Guests have the opportunity to peruse and purchase turtle- and SeaWorld-themed curios on their way out of the attraction.

TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.
TurtleTrek at SeaWorld.

Overall, this attraction is great addition to SeaWorld Orlando as it demonstrates the company’s commitment to conservation and celebration of the world we all share and its signature “edutainment” method of helping guests connect with ocean animals. SeaWorld’s conservation efforts have saved thousands of sea turtles throughout the years, and their most recent initiative will likely save more; this past week (possibly in preparation for the opening of TurtleTrek), the company announced that it will be phasing out plastic bags, a danger to sea turtles and other marine life, at all 10 of its parks across the US (including Busch Gardens and Sesame Place). Hopefully, this attraction and these initiatives are signs of amazing things to come. If sea turtles can be so exciting, I can’t wait to see their future projects!


TurtleTrek: A look inside the dome and around the exit area – HD video

Click the play button to start the video. Note: Our videos do not stream in HD by default to ensure fast performance. If you would like to view the video in HD, start the clip and then adjust the bitstream to 720p or 1080p.

[youtube_video]7x4nu7WuhuY[/youtube_video]


TurtleTrek – photo gallery

Click any image to view it full-screen. When the full-screen image is open, click to the right or use the right arrow on your keyboard to advance through the gallery. If several thumbnails are missing, try reloading this page in your browser.

 

[sws_author_bio user=”Orukana” size=”105″ authorposts=”More OI posts by Ashley” name_format=”About the author”] [/sws_author_bio]

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Previous

SeaWorld: “Encounter” sharks in a new way

An international traveler’s guide to Orlando International Airport – the arrival

Next
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
About Taylor Strickland

Taylor Strickland is the owner of Orlando Informer, the internationally awarded independent resource for guests visiting Orlando. In this position, he leads the website's overall direction and day-to-day operations, working with a team of writers, editors, developers, and producers.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x