SeaWorld’s Summer Nights 2013 premiered last Saturday and I was invited by Orlando Informer to attend the kickoff celebration!
After a nice dessert reception hosted by SeaWorld along the lake, guests headed to Sea Lion and Otter Theater for the Sea Lions Tonite show starring Clyde and Seamore. One of my favorite components of the Clyde and Seamore show is the Mime who warms up the crowd with funny interactions with guests as they enter the theater and find seats. Sea Lions Tonite took full advantage of the Mime’s popularity and featured him throughout the show. Besides the animals, he was certainly a crowd favorite. Clyde, Seamore and their trainers were great in their parodies of the attractions and shows at SeaWorld including Pets Ahoy, One Ocean, Blue Horizons and even riding Kraken. Two of the funniest Mime parts of Sea Lions Tonight occurred when he dressed in a red bird outfit during the parody of Blue Horizons and then in a ridiculous multicolored Shamu fin hat in the parody of One Ocean.
The finale with the trainers, Clyde, Seamore, otters and the enormous but lovable walrus dancing was loads of fun! Sea Lions Tonite is a funny, entertaining show for the entire family and should not be missed.
After Sea Lions Tonite, we walked to Shamu Stadium for the season’s first showing of Shamu Rocks! The stadium was almost at capacity by 8:30. If you plan on attending this show, arrive a minimum of 45 minutes early in order to get a good seat.
The rock music playing before the show helped set the lively, fun atmosphere and the stadium guests doing “the wave” added to the excitement. At 9:00 pm, the lights dimmed. For the next 25 minutes, various killer whales performed synchronized, amazing tricks and splashed guests while classic rock music resonated from the speakers. The dazzling lights, videos and colored water fountains enhanced this exhilarating show. During the Shamu Rocks show’s finale, fireworks were a new feature this year that awed the guests.
After the Shamu Rocks show and walking across the bridge from Shamu Stadium, I observed the beautiful views of the lighted fountains on the lake.
Next, SeaWorld invited us to explore the new attraction area Antarctica after dark. I was looking forward to seeing Antarctica at night and I was not disappointed. The blue and white accent lighting and mystical music truly enhanced this immersive section of the park and made it stand out from the remainder of SeaWorld. One of SeaWorld’s team members, Christopher, pointed out the rock formations of The Empire of the Penguins attraction were shaped like a mother and baby penguin. He also showed me the hidden Shamu in the rock formations across from the attraction.
The Party with Shamu and friends took place in the village square, near the exit. Sadly it finished before I reached that part of the park.
SeaWorld explained that the party begins every night one hour prior to the park closing with a DJ on stilts who fills the square with music that the whole family can dance to including popular line dancing songs and party favorites. With countless bubbles floating overhead and crazy lights illuminating the square, this celebration of summer is sure to provide non-stop fun for all ages. Dance music was playing for park guests when I left around 10:30 pm but there were no characters or DJs present. I hope to go back and experience the Party with Shamu and friends first-hand.
SeaWorld’s Summer Nights 2013 offered an fun, festive, and exhilarating experience. I’m very glad I was able to attend. I hope you will make it part of your plans to see SeaWorld’s Summer Nights soon!
The event runs June 22 through August 11 this year. More details about the event can be found in this blog post.
SeaWorld Summer Nights 2013 – 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.
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