Page 28 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

THEME PARKS

WHERE FANTASIES MEET THRILLS

BY KEVIN FRITZ

INFINITY FALLS, SEAWORLD • SHUTTERSTOCK/VIAVAL
trip to Florida is not complete Infinity Falls adventure ends at Harmony the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured
without experiencing the thrills and Village where you’ll find interactive experi- and orphaned wildlife—more than 35,000
A fascination found in the state’s ences educating and inspiring guests about animals over the past 50 years.
iconic theme parks. Lucky for you, the most conserving freshwater ecosystems. Nearby, Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive
revered of those attractions are within driving After braving Infinity Falls, enjoy other day resort with a list of interactive animal
distance to one another. From Tampa to SeaWorld Orlando adventures, shows and adventures, welcomes guests to swim with
Orlando, Central Florida is the undisputed animal encounters. both dolphins and sharks. The dolphin
king of theme parks. So put on your fun hat Located next to Shamu Stadium, Sesame swim experience offers the opportunity to
and be prepared to be thrilled. Street opened within the SeaWorld Orlando interact with a dolphin including an
complex. Walk around this new six-acre unforgettable swim and a dorsal fin tow.
SEAWORLD ORLANDO neighborhood and visit Big Bird’s Nest, The awe-inspiring shark swim allows
Introduced in 2018, SeaWorld Orlando’s Hooper’s Store and all the famous characters. guests to enjoy closer-than-ever encounters
Infinity Falls is a twisting and turning river Rides include Big Bird’s Twirl ‘n’ Whirl and with several species of these legendary
rapid ride that showcases a lush South Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, among others. predators.
American jungle environment and native The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour gives The shark program teaches kids how
animals that call this habitat home. Wind guests the opportunity to learn about the shark finning and overfishing threaten
your way around soaking fountains and park’s majestic killer whales in brand new many shark species. SeaWorld Orlando
waterfalls as you pass the remains of an ways. And the popular Dolphin Nursery is donates five percent of the proceeds from
ancient civilization. The 1,520-linear-foot, interactive and includes large windows, this attraction to the Guy Harvey Ocean
four-minute adventure features a vertical giving guests the chance to see mothers and Foundation (GHOF) in support of shark
elevator that lifts rafts in preparation for a young dolphins up close. Throughout the conservation and research. The Shark Swim
40-foot drop—the tallest drop of its kind— animal-themed exhibits at SeaWorld Orlando, experience is available to Discovery Cove
into churning and exhilarating waters. The you’ll learn about the park’s ongoing work in guests 10 years and older.

26 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA