Page 312 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

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q SeaWorld® Orlando, Discovery Cove®
& Aquatica

Established in 1973 to promote research and
conservation programs, today SeaWorld® Orlando
has three parks open to the public. SeaWorld®,
with its animal encoun ters and thrilling rides, is
the most popular. Next door, is Discovery Cove®,
an all-inclusive park, where guests can swim with
rays and dolphins. Aquatica is SeaWorld’s® third
park and an aquatic paradise, with lagoons, wave
pools, and relaxing rivers to unwind in, alongside
water slides and racing rides. Visitors entering the popular Empire of the Penguin
experience, at SeaWorld®
Exploring SeaWorld®
SeaWorld® has a rehabilitation touch one of the 200 rays at
SeaWorld® is less crowded than program for res cuing stranded Stingray Lagoon, while Turtle
Orlando’s other theme parks, even marine animals, which are Trek offers a 360-degree 3-D
during peak season, and offers released back into the wild when- showcase, and the chance to
a range of presentations, walk- ever possible. However, less experience the world from the
through exhibits, and thrilling positive aspects of SeaWorld® viewpoint of a turtle. It is also
rides. It is worth noting that have come to light since the the place to see the irresistibly
shows are timed so that it’s nearly release of the 2013 documentary appealing herbi vores, the
impossible for guests to leave one film Blackfish, which questioned manatees (see p319).
show just in time for another. the ethics and highlighted the The Sea of Delight recreates
For a superb view of the park, dangers of keeping killer whales the rugged north Pacific Coast
take the six-minute ride up the in captivity. SeaWorld® has in the form of a large, rocky pool.
400-ft (122-m) Sky Tower. For since come under strong Watch harbor seals, South
assistance with queries or criticism for its treatment of its American fur seals, and noisy
problems, go to Guest Relations killer whales, seeing a downturn California sea lions basking on
near the exit gate. in public opinion and a drop in the rocks or gliding effortlessly
visitor numbers. through the water.
TOP TIPS In the Antarctica: Empire
of the Penguin, visitors are
• SeaWorld® allows guests to Exhibits & Rides at transported above and below
feed many of the animals, but SeaWorld® the waterline in the icy world
it restricts both the type and Three meticulously landscaped of the South Pole, with a mix
the amount of food, which
must be purchased from them. habitats are incorporated in of live penguins and motion-
If this is something you would Sea of Shallows. Dolphin Cove, based simulator rides.
like to do, check with Guest a wave pool in the style of a Billed as the world’s largest
Services as soon as you enter Caribbean beach, offers under- collection of dangerous sea
the park for feeding times and water viewing of bottlenose creatures, Shark Encounter is very
food availablility. dolphins and the chance to pet popular. Visitors can have a
and feed them. Visitors can also close encounter with Moray
• Bring a waterproof plastic
bag for your camera – water is
central to various rides and
presentations and you can get
wet, particularly if you are in
the first few rows.
• Journey to Atlantis is guaran-
teed to get you wet, so reserve
this for the hottest part of
the day.
• Enjoy the cool climes of the
Arctic and Antarctic exhibitions
during summer’s midday heat.
• Actors often dress up in furry
suits to entertain the children.
Guests can usually find them
at SeaWorld®’s exit around
closing hours.
Guests enjoying the Manta roller coaster, SeaWorld® Orlando
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp326–8 and pp329–31

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