We’re just weeks away from the debut of SeaWorld Orlando’s highly-anticipated attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin set to open May 24. And to gives guests a taste of what’s to come, the Orlando theme park has brought the icy world of Antarctica to you with the Epic Voyage Tour.

Since January, the tour has made stops in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte and most recently Miami where guests have been treated to a virtual sneak peek inside the chilly ride. On its last stop in Miami, Best of Orlando was invited to don a parka and mingle with the penguins. Here’s a quick recap of our journey:



The Epic Voyage Tour was set up in Aventura Mall and included a massive ice dome, games, shareable photo opportunities, chances to win prizes by playing Antarctica-themed games, and even live penguins! As we entered the tour we were handed a SeaWorld Passport. Each station in the tour gave out stamps to collect for the passport and, like the true travelers that we are we collected every stamp from every station.

Starting at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, we quenched our thirst with complimentary drinks and met SeaWorld’s street teams, who tested guests on trivia, handed out prizes and let us escape to Antarctica through augmented virtual reality videos. Then it was off to test our hand at the games the tour offered like IceQuest where guests were trying to win a free trip to SeaWorld Orlando for the ride’s opening. After, we decided we might have better luck making our own video via the Antarctica App.  Here we braved the fierce winds and freezing snow flurries, or so Alex acted like he did as we walked alongside images of penguins.

After we filled up our passports with a stamp at each station we explored the rest of the tour, which included more penguins, both real and stuffed. We first met the real penguins, which we learned were Magellanic penguins found in South America. We were then introduced to Puck, the penguin who is the star in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, as kids got in line to take photos with Puck.

 

SeaWorld Orlando’s new attraction is a family-friendly voyage that will take guests into a rarely seen, icy world. They’ll experience the South Pole all through the eyes of a Penguin (Puck) on a first-of-its kinds ride. Riders will also explore penguins first-hand in the penguin colony that will take you above and below the water for incredible views of the penguin’s icy world. Stay tuned for more details about Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin’s grand debut May 24th and as always you can find discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets right here on Best of Orlando.



Orlando, FL – 05/06/13