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Attraction Rehabs - The following information is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
Penguin Encounter – CLOSED FOREVER

Park News - (4/18/12) Florida Thrills checked into SeaWorld over the weekend for a look at the latest construction going on as well as to check out the park’s Viva La Musica event, which almost looks more like a latin flavored version of Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest with lots of food booths set up everywhere.
    (4/11/12) Orlando Parks News has posted a new update from SeaWorld Orlando where they take a look at the refurbishments going on at Dine with Shamu and take a peek at the new raising floor system installed into the bottom of the empty Dine with Shamu pool.
   (2/15/12) Just in case anyone is curious about just where the Penguins are while their home is being introduced to a bulldozer, Behind the Thrills got to take a tour of their temporary home away from home this week. Check it out.
    (1/16/12) I’ve got a little good news for everyone else as the park’s website reports that as of January 12th rides on the Skytower are now free to all guests. Certainly this has been a move that was a long time coming, as it hasn’t made sense to charge extra for the Skytower once the park started to add real rides to the park.
    (12/19/11) Starting January 1st, your beverage options at the 10 SeaWorld Entertainment parks across the country will take a sudden shift, as a new 10-year sponsor deal with Coca-Cola Co. will kick into effect, removing Pepsi products from the park. Coke and SeaWorld do have a long history together, as Coke was the official drink sponsor for the SeaWorld parks (or Sea World parks as they were spelled back then, long before they were purchased and merged with the Busch parks).
    Coke was dropped in favor of Pepsi back on Jan. 1st, 1988 by SeaWorld’s then owners, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and the partnership was continued under the ownership of Anheuser-Busch. Pepsi was long rumored to have an edge over Coke under the Busch era because Pepsi was a major client of the Busch owned Metal Container Corporation who supplier Pepsi with a large percentage of their aluminum cans. So after a 24 year run… Coke will return at last.
    (10/21/11) For a few weeks now, random readers have tried to send in pictures of what was described as scenic prop “ice walls” set in a dirt lot near SeaWorld Florida, somewhere off Westwood. Most of what I saw then was, to coin a phrase, the ‘tip’ of the iceberg… just the top poking out over a fence in the distance. Early sources suggested that these were likely props for the park’s Christmas decoration plans, but after seeing some full scale pictures of the ice walls… they are indeed massive looking. A bit too big to just be a te mporary Christmas decoration in my opinion, which does make me wonder… just what are these for? They appear to be extremely detailed and very well done and a rumored to be the work of Nassal. It seems early to be bringing in items for the rumored Penguin Encounter replacement… but you never know, as large scene props (also from Nassal) for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter were already created well over a year in advance of the opening. Anyone know more?

2012 - Turtle Trek - (5/3/12) Opinions and quick reviews of the newly opened TurtleTrek attraction at SeaWorld Orlando can be found at Orlando Park News and MouseSteps.
    (4/16/12) Orlando Parks News has posted a new photo update from SeaWorld where they check in on the progress at Turtle Trek as well as the other ongoing projects in the park.
    (2/27/12) I’ve been informed that we can expect to see Turtle Trek open at SeaWorld on April 27th.
    (2/8/12) A new video preview of Turtle Trek showing off the inside of the dome has been posted by SeaWorld.

    (1/23/12) A reader snaps a few interesting shots from SeaWorld’s new Turt leTrek attraction under construction. I’m not sure why, but looks like a worker was ripping out a section of the carved foam wall. The SeaWorld Blog has also posted the first webisode to introduce us to TurtleTrek this week. This includes a quick look into the domed theater itself while under construction.

    (11/16/11) Orlando Parks News has posted a photo report from SeaWorld Orlando, taking a stroll around the park and over to the Turtle Trek construction site.
    (11/11/11) SeaWorld Orlando will open Turtle Trek in Spring 2012, replacing the former Manatee attraction. “Using new technology, TurtleTrek gets guests closer than ever before to the lives of one of the worlds’ best loved and most vulnerable reptiles – the sea turtle.
    This visual conservation experience allows guests to learn more about the plight of the sea turtle and the incredible life journey they take from hatching on a beach and making the mad dash to open waters, to the dangers and hazards they face as they mature and return to the very same beach to lay their own eggs, their tales of life underwater have in the past been impossible to show – until now.
    Coming to life in front of the guests is a first-of-its-kind 3-D and 360-degree dome theatre that is completely immersive. Guests will experience a 360º view of the film, from above and all around, where they will be given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.
    Back in the real world, visitors can get up-close to the sea turtle at two extensive habitats next to the dome, one saltwater area which will also house more than 1,500 fish and over a dozen sea turtles, and the other a freshwater habitat where guests can discover hundreds of freshwater fish and gentle manatees. ”
    (10/10/11) According to the Orlando Sentinel SeaWorld has filed for a trademark to use the name “Turtlesphere 360”, most likely for the parks yet to be announced Turtle themed renovation to former Manatee exhibit, which is expected to feature a circular 3D/4D Theater attraction.
    (9/28/11) Orlando Parks News takes a look at the construction wall now up in front of the old Manatee attraction, which drops hints about what is on the way. As rumored previously, all signs seem to indicate that a turtle themed 3D/4D theater experience will be added to the renovated attraction area.
    (9/9/11) As expected, I’m told that the Manatee attraction is now closed for construction for the new 2012 attraction.
    (7/20/11) I’ve heard from a sharp eyed guest that construction has begun behind the current Manatee attraction area for the park’s 2012 attraction, which is said to be Turtles 4D, a edited down in-ark 4D theater version of this summer’s “Turtle: The Incredible Journey” film.
    From what I’ve been led to understand the current Manatee attraction area will be revamped into a Florida wilflife themed area and serve as home to alligators, turtles, manatees and other local species, but allow for the tie-in with the new Turtles 4D attraction as well.
    I’ve also been told we can look for some other improvements to come to Happy Harbor this year as well, as the large fake ship will be removed and replaced with a new Water Fortress style attraction. (No word on if they will have a huge dumping bucket of water or not…)

2012 - Discovery Cove: Freshwater Oasis - (2/8/12) SeaWorld Orlando has posted a sneak peek at their new Freshwater Oasis coming to Discovery Cove in late Spring 2012. As you can see in the video embedded below they’ve made some extensive changes here already.

    (11/11/11) Discovery Cove will open Freshwater Oasis in Spring 2012: “an all-new attraction featuring swimming and wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.
    Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical vibe.
    All of the family can experience this tropical setting, with most of the water at waist height and various levels of exploration where they can wade, swim and float in the water-filled trails and discover marmosets and Asian otters.
    For a spot of après-animal exploration guests can soak up the Orlando sunshine in the warm waters in the In-Water Relaxation Station, a secluded pool including comfy in-water chairs. ”
    (10/10/11) At the end of this article in the Orlando Sentinel, the paper mentions that the former saltwater reef attraction near the front of Discovery Cove that was replaced by the park’s last addition, will be transformed into a freshwater attraction called either Flooded Rainforest Trail or Flooded Forest River Trail, that may feature a “primate island” and a new otter viewing area.

2013 - Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin - (5/9/12) A new Antarctica construction update has been posted to Orlando Park News.
    (4/25/12) SeaWorld Orlando has released new concept artwork and details for the 2013 attraction: Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, which now clearly shows off that rumored trackless dark ride style car.
    They report that the attraction will be a first-of-its-kind family adve nture ride that will include technology allowing for the experience to change from visit to visit. Guests will also be able to choose the “level of thrill” that they wish to experience inside the 8-passenger car.  The attraction will introduce guests to a new SeaWorld character… a young gentoo penguin who will become your guide and lead you through a journey into the dangerous and wondrous beauty of the Antarctic.
    They’ll experience the mystery and wonder of life on the ice through the eyes of a penguin, sensing the beauty and drama of their often-dangerous habitat. Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin combines closer-then-ever animal connections with state-of-the-art interactive ride technologies for adventures that are different each time.
    So what will you see? Well… they’re still pretty mum on that subject, though they claim you will get closer than ever – and out among – their colony of penguins. This also means that this will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world, where the penguin’s habitat must stay in the low 30’s for their comfort. That said… I hope they find a way to keep guests warm if need be, because riding this after getting a soaking on Journey To Atlantis is not going to be a fun experience.
    (4/10/12) Today we get a look at the work taking place behind the old Penguin Encounter building, as seen from Kraken’s brake run.
    (3/30/12) AmusementPics has sent in new pictures from SeaWorld Orlando as a large area around the former Penguin Encounter building is being excavated for the new attraction building.
    (3/14/12) ParkRumors has scored a new look at plans for the new Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin area this week. From the look of things, the gift shop and restaurant buildings will be essentially kept… but modified and expanded upon. The biggest change will take place on the old exhibit building itself, as it looks like they will keep the old backstage area of the building, but greatly expand upon it for the new attraction building.
    Speaking of which, ParkRumors has spied what looks like five pre-show rooms with room for 8 riders… all waiting for little strange disc shaped cars. There is no clearly defined track or even a series of hallways to set up a track path through the building, so either it was omitted, or they speculate that we could be looking at a trackless ride system.
    Meanwhile head over to AmusementPics to see the current status of the entire site, where it looks like they’ve demolished most of the old Penguin Encounter building, including the old exhibit area. (You can see the blue paint from where the water was just in front of the glass window along the moving walkway path.)
    (12/27/11) According to the official SeaWorld Orlando website (scroll down) the Penguin Encounter, Friends of the Wild gift shop and Antarctic Market Restaurant will all close down for good starting January 3rd.
    (11/11/11) In 2013 SeaWorld will open one of their biggest projects to date, Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin. This huge new highly themed area will take the place of the current Penguin Encounter plaza and allow guests to “Explore the frozen wildernesses of the Antarctica through the eyes of the world’s most loved bird - the penguin.
    Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin will take guests on a journey like no other to the coldest and most barren place on earth with a state-of-the-art interactive ride combined with an animal attraction. More details to follow.... for now it’s on ice.”
    (10/10/11) The Orlando Sentinel has posted their own report on the various new projects SeaWorld has in the works right now. The park has now filed the necessary paperwork with the county confirming plans to replace the current Penguin Encounter attraction area with something new for 2013. The current exhibit will close in December to begin the 18 month long construction project, starting with the demolition of the existing structure. The park has also trademarked the names ‘Antarctica” and “Empire of the Penguins”, possibly for use here.
    (9/2/11) Screamscape sources have reconfirmed that plans are still in the works to bring a dark ride to the new Penguin Encounter revamp project area, in addition to a new Penguin attraction and a restaurant. No word on what kind of ride it will be, but we can expect to see demolition begin on the current area buildings in early 2012.
    (8/29/11) While the rumors of a total redevelopment of the Penguin Plaza area are still alive, I have not heard a peep about that rumored dark ride concept in some time, which is unfortunate for Dark Ride and attraction fans in general. In addition, the rumor of somehow connecting the new Penguin replacement exhibit to a large new restaurant has also come to light. However… anyone who has visited any Penguin exhibit at any park or zoo anywhere can attest the cute buggers rank a bit towards the top on the Stink-O-Meter… maybe a level or two below Skunks and Roadkill. So I’ve got to question to wisdom of attaching a Penguin exhibit of any kind with any kind of establishment meant to serve food… unless they’re going to go the extra mile to make the exhibit run as it’s own air-tight eco-system to keep the noxious fumes in place.
    In related news, SeaWorld Parks has filed for a couple of interesting trademarks this month:  “Snowworld” and “Antarctica”, both of which could possibly be connected to the rumored Penguin replacement project.
    (7/20/11) A old rumor has returned once again with a full head of steam, as I’m told that the entire Penguin Plaza area is slated to be removed sometime in the early 2012 to make way for a major dark ride attraction for 2013. Don’t cry for the penguins however, as I’m told that a brand new and improved home for them will be built as part of the massive 2013 project. Going along with that, I can only assume that the dark ride may have some kind of Antarctica theme as well.
    As for the dark ride itself… it’s been said that SeaWorld Orlando was eyeballed for a ton of different dark ride concept ideas following the introduction of Curse of DarKastle at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. If you’ve never been on DarKastle, it’s basicly a copy of the Spiderman style ride experience, themed within a haunted European castle full of ghosts, werewolves and other creatures of the night. In short… it’s an awesome alternative to Spiderman, and outside of the Orlando area, it really stands out in Williamsburg as a top notch E-Ticket attraction.
    Curse of DarKastle opened way back in 2005 however, based on Spiderman’s basic concept from 1999. So by the time any new ride opens in 2013, one would expect to see some leaps forward in the technology department or even some changes in the overall concept as well. So while I can’t say that this will or wont be a copy of the same basic idea for sure, I have also heard a hint about ‘trackless cars’ being looked into for it as well. My only request is this… please do not make this themed to Happy Feet… ok?

The Future - Wild Arctic Replacement - Rumor - (7/20/11) We’ve talked a bit about rumored future projects said to be on the way for SeaWorld Orlando over the next couple of years, but what else may be on deck long term?  Apparently the new management has come to terms with the fact that Wild Arctic just isn’t a big draw anymore and said to be pondering possible solutions to the problem.
    Unlike any other simulator ride, it just isn’t as easy as reprogramming the ride itself to use a new movie because the ride exits into the massive Wild Arctic themed animal habitat area, so a new Arctic themed ride may be the only item to fit the bill. While I’m sure they could rework the flow of traffic through the building if necessary with some structural modifications to turn the structure into two separate attractions (New Ride and Animal Habitat) I’m not sure if they area ready to take the easy way out just yet. They also have to consider that whatever they do in Orlando, they will likely end up doing in California as well to the Wild Arctic attraction there, and find a way to make it work for both.
    The one item still keeping Arctic the same for the next few years is the special deal the park signed to convert the ride into a Polar Express ride for the holiday season, which has been quiet a popular attraction with the guests, and likely a big reason behind the reason they are looking into new ideas for the future. I’m told that this winter is actually the last year for the Polar Express contract, though the holiday attraction is so popular, an extension is likely to be signed for keep it going for a few more years.