SeaWorld Orlando shows you some ‘Wild Days’ on weekends in January

in Events, SeaWorld, Theme Parks

For three weekends in January, SeaWorld goes wild.

We were invited to check out some of the limited, event exclusive offerings for the kickoff of this year’s ‘Wild Days Weekends’ in Orlando. Each Saturday and Sunday, the park hosts a celebration of nature, wild animals and inspiring stories from all around our planet. Showcased around the park, guests will encounter animal experts presenting the opportunities to get up close and personal with animal ambassadors. These experiences are listed in a separate event guide that not only describes the where and when of all the scheduled encounters available, but also act as a passport around the park for kids to become Junior Animal Ambassadors.

Children are encouraged to visit at least six of the interactive stations located throughout the Explore Zones where they’ll be treated to an educational encounter with one of SeaWorld’s animal expert ambassadors. When referencing the event guide, kids can take the guide up to one of the ambassadors to receive a punch on their card. Once six punches are collected, they can then visit the SeaWorld Rescue gift shop (located at the front of the park) to receive their free Junior Animal Ambassador gift.


When they receive their gift, another opportunity is opened up for guests to visit the SeaWorld Rescue Center and take a glance at some of the equipment used in real life wildlife rescues.

  

Below you’ll see one of the manatee rescue boats. Note the engine is located in the front of the board allowing injured manatees to be brought aboard safely and without adding additional injury.

Moving beyond the Explore Zones, there’s a new “Ocean Discovery” killer whale educational experience that’s in addition to the regular “One Ocean” presentations. Visitors arriving to Shamu Stadium will get a more in-depth understanding about killer whales in this 30-minute showcase that highlights the animal’s characteristics in the wild, their habits, and their behaviors.

WATCH:

The show takes a new look from what guests are accustomed to by shedding light and offering insights direct from whale trainers and experts of marine zoological care.

The biggest draw for these special weekends would have to be the animal interaction shows that take place twice daily during the event. With shows at 1:00pm and 3:00pm in the Nautilus theater, you’ll be able to learn and enjoy stories from well known personalities Jungle Jack Hanna and SeaWorld’s own Julie Scardina.

This first weekend, Jungle Jack offers up exclusive breakfast and dinner packages that includes meet-and-greet opportunities along with your meal that are reservation only.  You’ll also be able to enjoy the two daily presentations where he shares his love of the animal kingdom with the audience through his humor-filled storytelling. But it’s not just Jack up there on stage, he’s made sure to bring along a wide assortment of furry and feathered friends to the stage to help him educate everyone about animals we know and a few that most have never seen before.


  
You’ll be able to view the entire schedule for the upcoming weekends below, with all the opportunities being included in regular park admission and available to pass holders as well.

Three Wild Days Weekends Themes:
January 16-17:  “Wild Weekend with Jack Hanna”
World-renowned animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna hosts the first weekend. Guests can meet and learn about amazing animals from Jack, and hear about his unique travels and personal experiences.
Add-on packages:
·         Breakfast with Jack Hanna at Sharks Underwater Grill — Package includes breakfast and a personal meet-and-greet with Jack Hanna starting at $49 (available Saturday and Sunday).
·         Dinner with Jack Hanna at Sharks Underwater Grill — Package includes dinner and a personal meet-and-greet with Jack Hanna starting at $59 (only available Saturday).
January 23-24: “Penguin Lovers’ Weekend
Nationally recognized SeaWorld Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina hosts a cool weekend of wildlife surprises with a special focus on penguins.  Guests can get up-close to these amazing feathered friends and hear from Julie about her lifelong love of animals and the parks’ commitment to wildlife conservation.
January 30-31: “Sea Rescue” Weekend
SeaWorld has rescued more than 27,000 animals over 50 years, and these amazing animal stories are featured weekly on the popular Saturday-morning ABC TV series “Sea Rescue.” Hear first-hand accounts of marine animal rescues, rehabilitations and returns by SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team, heroes and partners featured on the show.
Every Weekend During Wild Days Includes:
 
New “Ocean Discovery” killer whale presentation – Guests can learn more about killer whales and other species of whales during a special educational show. This interactive 30-minute presentation teaches guests about the animals’ adaptations, habitats, and behavior. (Note: This special presentation is an addition to the popular “One Ocean” shows scheduled throughout the day.)
 
New “Inspiring Stories” pre-shows – The SeaWorld Animal Training Team has some of the most fascinating jobs in the world. Guests can learn what it takes to care for animals that call SeaWorld home and how caring for them has helped with the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals.  “Inspiring Stories” will take place at the beginning of three of the park’s popular shows: Blue Horizons, Pets Ahoy, and Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High. Check park maps for times.
 
Meet our Animals – Throughout the park, trainers, educators, and animal care staff are stationed to share information and stories about the animals in SeaWorld’s care and provide up-close meet and greets, scheduled feedings, and fun surprises. Check park maps for times and locations.
 
Explore Zones – More than 14 fun and interactive education stations can be discovered throughout the park! This features games and hands-on experiences that teach guests about animals and what they can do to protect the wild world in their own lives. Check event guide for exclusive in-park experiences.
Wild Days takes place every Saturday and Sunday, January 16 through January 31. All feature shows take place at Nautilus Theater at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

in Events, SeaWorld, Theme Parks

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