On February 19, 2013, SeaWorld Orlando creative director Brian Morrow led a behind-the-walls construction tour of Antarctica, announcing its opening date as May 24, 2013. Included in the tour was a look at forming rock work, information about the Empire of the Penguin ride, enhanced penguin encounter, restaurant, and gift shop that will be in the new realm, and a glimpse at the on site models used to build it all.