Catch the Manta Wave

Ever since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to see SeaWorld in Orlando. I did SO want to go when I visited Orlando, years ago. Still haven’t been there (yet). I love aquatic-oriented vacations– my favorite place to visit are aquariums and other such oceanic places. There’s just something about the oceans that fascinate me, always has– shipwrecks, deep sea creatures, underwater exploration– it is all just marvelous to me. So to read and hear about SeaWorld’s latest feature– Manta– is very exciting! Take it from Ted– it’s exciting!

(Just for the record, I think I’d be barfing by the end of it– I’m looking forward to the aquarium!!)

So obviously, SeaWorld is promoting their new attraction in a big way– win front-of-the-line tickets! It’s really easy to enter. There are six activities to particpate in, all very easy to do. They include: a Manta quiz (it’s easy– if I can do it, you can do it); submit a creative photo of you displaying “I Heart Manta”; email three friends to sign up and try the activities to win; create a short video of how excited you are about Manta and upload it to YouTube; download the Manta mask and snap a photo of you wearing it; send a short tweet to SeaWorld @RealShamu. Go through all six steps and you could win a free “Front-of-the-line” pass! What have you got to lose?!

May Manta Mania at SeaWorld

If this does not look like the most incredible thing, I don’t know what does– SeaWorld Orlando is opening up a new attraction– Manta– in May. This new attraction includes a FLYING rollercoaster in the shape of a Manta Ray, and it looks amazing! The Manta at SeaWorld seamlessly blends high-technology, science, and, uh, gravity!

Manta is an underwater, floor-to-ceiling, massive aquarium– except that it’s much, much more than an aquarium– of tropical rays and other fish, where you are so close to the underwater world that you feel you are right there. And you practically are! The star of the show is an enormous “manta ray” on steel rails. People are strapped to its belly, ready for the ride of their lives. TOTALLY cool!

The website has more information including some very stunning theatrical video shorts that show what Manta is all about. It left me speechless; it’s so beautiful. When I take the kids to Florida, we are GOING, no doubt about it. It’s just so beautiful.

Manta opens May 22, 2009, and a heavy turnout is expected (yeah, no kidding). SeaWorld is offering a promotion for the new attraction– go to the Manta website and look for the button that says “Participate & Win.” You can get some great prizes and, if you finish all six activities on the website, get a “front of the line” pass for SeaWorld Manta. SeaWorld has made it easy to particpate, too– check out and follow SeaWorld on Twitter (@RealShamu) for tips and hints, and/or find answers for the Manta quiz on the Manta website. This is definitely an attraction you will not want to miss!

SeaWorld Dolphin Blog

Ever been to SeaWorld? I have always so wanted to go! Never been, though, even when I had the chance when I went to Florida. Some time, I hope to take the kids. We love aquatic places– we have seen seals at the zoos, and go to aquariums in the cities we visit. SeaWorld would be the zenith of a trip!

SeaWorld has started up a blog, specifically, a blog devoted to the many amazing things dolphins can do. It’s called Dolphin Bubbles, and it’s very cute, with lots of photos and stories. There’s a neat video showcasing the latest trick that SeaWorld has taught the dolphins to do- blow bubbles. Amazing! You have to see the video. I cannot BELIEVE they taught these dolphins to do it– I can barely get my dog to “sit.” :-p Maybe I should just get a dolphin for a pet, eh?

The dolphins are so elegant. I think they’ve done a really great job with it– and with those amazing dolphins! Check out the blog for more stuff. There are articles, photos, videos, information about aquatic training and SeaWorld, and some testimonies from SeaWorld visitors. It’s a great place to send the kids to learn about these amazing creatures! (uh, the dolphins, not the trainers!).