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NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The source's URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online. Distance from Disney World to Sea World and Universal: Universal is on Kirkman Road (exit 30 on I-4), around the 5900 block of International Drive. SeaWorld is 5 miles from Universal. WDW is 10 miles from Universal. You will need to rent a car, take a taxi, or use a town car service to get to SeaWorld. You can obtain maps of the area and general information on Sea World and Universal by calling the Official Visitor Center in Orlando 407/363-5872. For more insider tips, see our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."
SeaWorld Orlando: More details about expansion attractions
SeaWorld Orlando Announces Major Expansion for 2012 and 2013
SeaWorld to unveil big expansion: 3 new attractions
Go all-in at Discovery Cove's new SeaVenture attraction
Recipe for Penne Pesto Pasta from SeaWorld's SeaGarden Buffet at the
Terrace
Don't Miss: Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens
SeaWorld fights for future of killer-whale shows
Busch Gardens: Iceploration show to debut in February
Some ex-trainers say SeaWorld downplays risks of working with killer
whales
Don't Miss: 'Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy' at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens: Howl-O-Scream haunted houses revealed
Eight injured by lightning at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove released from
care
Busch Gardens adding Grad Nite for Class of 2012
What to see at SeaWorld
Summer Nights lighting up SeaWorld
Discovery Cove: Q&A with aquarium supervisor Denise Swider
Discovery Cove: Grand opening for Grand Reef
Discovery Cove: Grand Reef opening set for June 10
Central Florida Roller Coaster Guide - updated to now include Busch
Gardens' Cheetah Hunt
Review: Busch Gardens’ new Cheetah Hunt is one smooth coaster
SeaWorld's new killer-whale show 'One Ocean' awash with
inspiration
New Discovery Cove reef to open in early June
Five unique things about Busch Gardens
New chef spices up SeaWorld's Viva La Musica menu
SeaWorld Orlando's Viva la Musica is Approaching!
SeaWorld prepares to put trainers back in water with killer whales
Tips for Getting Hired at SeaWorld
One Ocean Opening at SeaWorld
Don't miss: Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld
SeaWorld to eliminate pay boost for killer-whale trainers
New Shamu Show to Premiere at the SeaWorld Parks - video
SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Sesame Place: 2011 Brings Ten New Attractions to
Parks Across the Country
Killer whale trainers won't be in water for new SeaWorld show
Show your Love By Spending Time with your Child at Busch Babies
Gwazi Opens with New Trains at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Insider Tips
Motown Hits added to Entertainment Lineup at Busch Gardens Tampa
Bay
A New Year, a New Cheetah Hunt Construction Update
New Show! Family band ShaeLaurel to Perform at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
now through Jan. 16
A New Breed of Speed is Coming to Busch Gardens in Spring 2011
Busch Gardens Announces Big Thrills and Big Names for 2011 Events
Willie Nelson, Josh Turner among acts for Bands, Brew & BBQ at
SeaWorld
Give the Gift of Amazing Adventures This Christmas at Busch Gardens Tampa
Bay and SeaWorld Orlando
Busch Gardens Cheetah Hunt: Construction Update
Should Discovery Cove charge extra for frozen drinks?
SeaWorld Parks eliminates 350 jobs, including 129 in Orlando
SeaWorld presents Sea of Trees; Disney, Universal holiday favorites
return
Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy Opened December 3 at Busch Gardens Tampa
Bay
Don't Miss: SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
The Broadway Hit, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy Opens at Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay
SeaWorld raises ticket prices for Orlando park, Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Insider Update: Cheetah Hunt Has Gone Vertical
"Black Friday" Kid’s Camp at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
SeaWorld will replace 'Believe' with a new killer-whale show next
year
SeaWorld Orlando: Polar Express Experience ready for guests
Busch Gardens out to channel the cheetah
SeaWorld unveils new reef for Discovery Cove, new coaster for Busch
Gardens
Busch Gardens reaction: Roller coaster looks great, but Cheetah Hunt name
chafes
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Discovery Cove in Orlando announce 2011
additions
Busch Gardens: Experience Howl-O-Scream house all Alone
Expanding SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
Rock Out Like a VIP at SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream
Olivia-Newton John to appear at cancer-awareness event at Busch
Gardens
SeaWorld set for Halloween Spooktacular
Busch Gardens: KaTonga show closed Sept. 6
SeaWorld fined $75,000 for whale trainer's death
Former SeaWorld employee speaks out about deadly orca attack
SeaWorld refreshes with tropical drinks
Don't miss: SeaWorld AfterDark
SeaWorld pictures: Before and AfterDark
Pictures of baby giraffes at Busch Gardens
SeaWorld may settle with feds in killer-whale-trainer death
Fourth of July: SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Garden amp up Independence Day
celebrations
Breeding killer whales key for SeaWorld future, but orca death renews
debate
SeaWorld Unveils Spectacular New Show That Unites Sea And Sky
The story of an octopus and a Manta at SeaWorld
Aquatica water park starts swim lessons
Animals, not thrills, focus of SeaWorld ads after trainer's death
Stay And Play At SeaWorld During Summer Nights
Boy, 7, with heart condition dies after visit to SeaWorld's Aquatica water
park
Final report: SeaWorld trainer briefly broke free of Tilikum
SeaWorld, other marine-wildlife parks need more federal oversight, critics
tell Congress
Federal records from past injury investigation offer glimpse at risks
SeaWorld killer-whale trainers face
Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens reveal Mother's Day plans
Walt Disney World offers free tickets for stranded European travelers
- SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and
Take a look at Aquatica’s “ultimate” cabana
Review: Aquatica's new Omaka Rocka slide -- all wet in a good way
How to get to Sesame Street? West on I-4 at Busch Gardens
SeaWorld trainer suffered ‘blunt force’ injuries, autopsy
says
Busch Gardens: Pictures of new Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Judge: SeaWorld trainer family, media can discuss possible video
release
Tilikum, SeaWorld trainers redo routines after tragedy
SeaWorld reconsiders whether to return killer whale that drowned trainer
to live shows
SeaWorld trainer death: Ex-worker criticizes animal-training
oversight
SeaWorld review to study how close is too close for a killer-whale
trainer
SeaWorld Orlando investigation: Killer whale pulled in trainer by
ponytail
SeaWorld to keep Tilikum -- he may even perform again
Killer whale attack at SeaWorld Orlando gets international
attention
SeaWorld, Busch Gardens reveal Viva La Musica lineups
Sesame Street bound for Busch Gardens
SeaWorld's Aquatica waterpark to get new ride
‘Bands, Brew & BBQ’ lineups set for SeaWorld, Busch
Gardens
Busch Entertainment has new name: SeaWorld Parks &
Entertainment
New holiday shows splash at SeaWorld
Don't miss: SeaWorld's holiday shows
SeaWorld Orlando: Polar Express pulls in Friday, more new holiday fare
Nov. 27
SeaWorld Orlando: Jack Hanna shows, breakfast on Nov. 21 and 22
SeaWorld joins Disney and Universal by raising ticket prices
Halloween Adventure with Sesame Street characters at SeaWorld
Theme parks are nothing new for SeaWorld's buyer - ticket price increase
on the way!
SeaWorld Orlando will flip to new owner
SeaWorld to be sold this week
SeaWorld’S "Ocean Of Halloween Fun" Comes To Life For Five Weekends
In October
See the video: SeaWorld welcomes four baby dolphins
SeaWorld rejects condemnation by 'The Cove'
New SeaWorld tour features priority show seating, photo ops with Shamu,
other animal stars
USF kicker injured after 35-foot fall from Busch Gardens ride
SeaWorld's mimes — silent but silly fun
Aquatica's ice chairs provide (temporary) relief from heat
Up Close With Manta at SeaWorld
Mantastic! SeaWorld's Manta roller coaster officially open
SeaWorld's Manta's open -- now what?
New Manta video from SeaWorld Orlando
More from behind the walls at SeaWorld's Manta roller coaster
May equals month of Manta at SeaWorld Orlando- Rumor is that it will
have a soft opening next week!
What does delay of Universal's Rockit mean for SeaWorld's Manta?
SHAMU TWEETS: SeaWorld’s Star Killer Whale Joins the Twitter
Community
SeaWorld Orlando Brings Guests Closer To Their Favorite Animals
SeaWorld Orlando gets four new baby otters - Video
SeaWorld's Aquatica is brightened up for the splashers of spring
SeaWorld Orlando exec wants to take us for a ride
SeaWorld steps up hiring for the spring
Sale of SeaWorld Orlando could be nearing
SeaWorld's new roller coaster Manta on track for May opening
Viva La Música Spices Up Seaworld Orlando And Busch Gardens Tampa
With Latin Flavor
Birthday for SeaWorld's Manta: May 22. Nice video!
Busch Gardens Premieres Christian Music Concert Series
Bud & BBQ Returns to SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa
Bay
No more free beer at SeaWorld or Busch Gardens
SeaWorld Orlando raises ticket prices by $5 to $74.95
SeaWorld sizes up terror risk over chemicals stored at park
For SeaWorld's new roller coaster Manta, things are looking up (and down
and sideways)
'Wheel' to spin into SeaWorld
Manta on demand: more details about SeaWorld coaster under
construction
Acrobatics go aquatic in new SeaWorld show.
Shamu Supports Sustainable
Jack Hanna, Shamu Christmas, Polar Express and more coming to
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is testing Shamu's Smartguide, a 3" x 3 1/2" handheld unit
that serves as a GPS and provides useful park information.
"The latest Sesame Street offering at SeaWorld is Elmo and Abby Cadabby's
Treasure Hunt, a song-and-dance show that will appear a few times each morning
through Labor Day."
"SeaWorld Orlando is experimenting with hand-held "interactive park map"
devices that combine video background on its attractions with
global-positioning technology."
"Nights are brighter at SeaWorld Orlando with new AfterDark shows
[offering] entertainment not available during the day."
"SeaWorld Orlando announced details today for its new roller coaster,
Manta which park officials said will seamlessly take guests from the
awe of encountering rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually
being one." Manta opens summer 2009.
Manta, Ride The Flying Ray Fact Sheet SeaWorld Orlando has announced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta -- a new mega-attraction which will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of watching rays in underwater flight... into the sensation of actually being one. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta will inspire riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soar them face-down aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster. Manta opens summer 2009. FROM SEEING... THE ANIMALS
Total Animals: 3,000 TO BEING... THE RAY
Type of Ride: Flying coaster
Visitors to SeaWorld are invited to audition as contestants on the Wheel
of Fortune in September. "Five episodes will be taped each day, making
for four weeks of SeaWheel to be aired sometime in 2009."
"Part of a new exhibit at Tampa's Busch Gardens was closed Sunday
after a female orangutan escaped its enclosure and had to be coaxed into
a back area by officials."
"This spring's trio of openings -- Aquatica at SeaWorld's water park, Toy
Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Simpsons Ride at Universal
Studios -- provides a glimpse into the dress rehearsals required to launch
a new ride."
"Wheel of Fortune is coming to SeaWorld Orlando... The game show,
hosted by Pat Sajak, will be taping 20 shows in front of live audiences at
the theme park this December [to air in 2009]."
There's a new ski show at SeaWorld Orlando.
"A 30-year-old female dolphin died Saturday at SeaWorld's Discovery
Cove after colliding with another dolphin during an aerial stunt."
"SeaWorld Orlando and other Busch Entertainment Corp. parks are converting
their food-service containers and tableware supplies to versions made from
materials that are both farm-raised organic - such as corn and bamboo
- and biodegradable." And no, you can't eat the cutlery.
"SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to build a roller coaster billed as
the theme park's most ambitious and expensive attraction yet. It will be
part thrill ride and part animal attraction, a theme that visitors will
experience from the time they take their place in line until the time they
leave the post-ride area."
Busch Gardens opens Jungala: "The Tampa theme park known for both
its roller coasters and African animal exhibits is opening Jungala this weekend,
offering a couple of new, small rides and focusing attention on new,
close-encounter showcases for its Bengal tigers, orangutans and a handful
of other animals."
For tips for enjoying SeaWorld's newest water park, Aquatica, see:
"Busch and UAE-based developer Nakheel will together build a SeaWorld,
Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove and Aquatica water park on a man-made island
in Dubai. The resort will also include hotels, spas, shops and restaurants.
"Just days after Busch Entertainment Corp. announced that it would create
a SeaWorld and three other parks in the Middle East boomtown of Dubai, Six
Flags announced Tuesday that it, too, will create a theme park there."
"SeaWorld Orlando's Aquatica is awash with thrills." For a review,
see:
"SeaWorld's new water park, Aquatica, makes its debut Saturday as
Busch Entertainment Corp. puts the new park through a 'soft' opening for
the new attraction." Grand opening is scheduled for April 4. Tickets: $38.95
for adults; $32.95 for children. Package deals include Aquatica, SeaWorld
and Busch Gardens.
"SeaWorld Orlando rolled out two new hydrogen-powered shuttle buses
Wednesday, joining an experimental program that already powers similar buses
to Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center."
SeaWorld gave the press a preview of its new water park, Aquatica,
last Friday. The park will have a "soft" opening March 1; its grand opening
will be April 4.
"Salt water from some of the giant pools and related plumbing at SeaWorld
Orlando and neighboring Discovery Cove has been leaking into the aquifer,
beneath those theme parks, in some cases for seven years or more, according
to state environmental records."
Orlando Sentinel's theme park rangers comment on SeaWorld's Pets Ahoy
show, Wild Arctic's returning to SeaWorld January 19, Chris Walken's magical
appearance at Universal's reworked "Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride
. . . Starring You" and the fun of riding Disney's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
at night.
SeaWorld's Aquatica "will feature 36 water slides, six rivers and
lagoons, 80,000 square feet of beach plus some unique touches, such as clear-tube
slides that shoot riders through pools filled with dolphins."
"The Polar Express Experience, a new holiday attraction at SeaWorld
Orlando, pulled out of the station for the first time Friday morning... The
attraction is a temporary overlay of the park's Wild Arctic, which simulates
a helicopter ride to a research station."
For a video of the Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld, see:
"SeaWorld officials confirmed Monday that they, Warner Bros. Pictures and
Iwerks Entertainment are reprogramming the theme park's Wild Arctic simulator
ride, transforming it into a simulated train ride to "Santa Town,"
based on Chris Van Allsburg's children's book The Polar Express and the 2004
animated movie of the same name."
Bush Entertainment has changed the name of its theme park empire from
"Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks" to "Worlds of Discovery."
RV parks nearby.. Here's one less than 15 minutes from Busch Gardens:
Happy Traveler RV Park
SeaWorld monthly payment plan... You pay during each of the 12 months that you use your tickets. In other words, you can use them right away while you pay. For details, click here.
Busch Gardens Tampa offers rain checks to guests who feel that rain has spoiled their day. Just ask. No specific amount of rain must fall. "Under the new policy, Busch Gardens guests may obtain -- as they leave -- a voucher with their photo on it to be used within seven days." (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
Guests at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens can reserve strollers, ECVs and wheelchairs online. To reserve online at SeaWorld, click here. To reserve online at Busch Gardens, click here.
Rude behavior is unacceptable. You can voice your concerns:
Click here to send feedback to Discovery Cove.
Parks Adopt Payment Plan: Enjoy 12 months of fun at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Adventure Island with a Silver Passport or 24 months with a Gold Passport using the EZpay monthly payment option. Rather than paying for your memberships all at once, you can simply pay on a monthly basis, for the term of your Passports, with no additional cost to you. That means you and your family can visit these Florida parks for less than $5 per month, per person. Benefits include unlimited admission with no blackout dates, complimentary general parking, and special discounts off merchandise, food and drinks. Click here for details.
SeaWorld and Discovery Cove are two separate parks. The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the right hand side of Central Florida Parkway, past the sign for SeaWorld Orlando. For more info, click here.
SeaWorld sells tickets at a discount to groups of 15 or more. For more information, call 800/327-2424.
Busch Gardens is now offering visitors to central Florida round- trip transportation to its park. Each of the five luxury coaches that make up The Shuttle Express will accommodate 47 passengers in air-conditioned comfort and include video entertainment. Five routes will shuttle customers from 40 different locations at a cost of only US$10 per person! The Shuttle Express picks up passengers at Mercado Shopping Village, Kissimmee Old Town Shopping Village, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet Mall; at 40 hotels in Central Florida; and at Flex Ticket transportation routes. Shuttles make morning pick-ups at 8 AM and 10:15 AM and return to locations in Orlando at 5, 6, and 8 PM. The service is free to those who buy the 5-Park Orlando Flex Ticket which grants unlimited admission to Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Wet 'n Wild. Reservations are recommended. Reservations are required for groups of six or larger. For information, reservations, and schedules, call 800/511-2450.
Public Transportation Mears Motor Shuttles provides transportation to the theme parks. Call 407/423-5566. You can also take a taxi. (We list several hotels in our book that offer transportation to the parks for free or for a fee.) In regard to public transportation, LYNX buses serve Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties from 5 AM to midnight/7 days a week. Routes include tourist attractions. Costs less than $1. Look for the LYNX Paw Sign to catch the bus. Call 407/841-8240 for more information. The I-RIDE TROLLEY SERVICE makes over 50 stops on International Drive from 7 AM to midnight/7days a week. The buses run every 15 minutes. Costs 75 cents. Seniors pay 25 cents. You can buy a one-day unlimited pass for $2 ($3 for a three-day pass and $5 for a five-day pass) at most of the hotels along International Drive. Look for the I-Ride Trolley signs. Call 407/354-5656 for more information. The MERCADO SHUTTLE provides free transportation 10 AM to 10 PM from the The Mercado shopping/dining/entertainment complex on International Drive to 15 hotels in the area. Call 407/345-9337 for more information.
Discovery Cove SeaWorld's new 30-acre park, Discovery Cove, allows visitors to interact with the marine life. Reservations are necessary because Discovery Island will only admit 1,000 guests per day to eliminate lines. Discovery Island has been created to look like a tropical island complete with white sandy beaches and thatched roofs. At check-in, guests are assigned a guide to take them on a tour of the park.
Attractions include snorkeling with tropical fish, swimming near barracuda
and sharks (in a separate glass tank), a tropical bird aviary, and a 30-minute
swim with dolphins. To visit the Discovery Cove web site, click here.
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained on our site. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other companies mentioned on our site and in our newsletter are registered trademarks of their respective companies. The use of these trademarks is for editorial reasons only. No endorsement by the Walt Disney Company or any other company is implied.
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