Howdy folks, today we are traveling to the Lone Star State as we look at the brand new attraction added at SeaWorld San Antonio’s Aquatica. We’ll also show you the brand new Aquatica Suite at the Omni Hotel Colennade.
Aquatica at SeaWorld San Antonio
Before we dive into the new Roa’s Aviary at Aquatica, it is important to note that Aquatica in San Antonio is much different than its Orlando and San Diego counterparts that share the same name. The first big difference is that this park is located inside SeaWorld San Antonio, and while it is a second gate, a ticket to SeaWorld is required for entry to Aquatica. An annual pass is a big advantage here.
While all 3 Aquatica’s share the the same bright New Zealand look and atmosphere, San Anotonio’s park is quite unique. With wide vistas, as well as pocketed areas, it is a park that feels relaxed . . . as though you can hideaway, nap and let the day pass by.
Roas Aviary
Our first look at the Aviary was the day before it was slated to open to the public. Crews were busy putting the finishing touches on this new 13,000 square foot free flight Aviary where Aquatica guests are able to get close to over 300 birds and learn about endangered species and their plight in the wild. Over the past 50 years SeaWorld parks have built sustainable breeding populations of many different types of birds with other AZA accredited facilities that will inhabit this new aviary.
Some SeaWorld Orlando visitors may recognize this aviary’s layout as it is very similar to the aviary that guests get to visit at Discovery Cove in Orlando.
It was decided that instead of trying to compete for the tallest, biggest, fastest slides in Texas, Aquatica at San Antonio would offer a resort-like experience with amazing animal interactions that only SeaWorld can bring you.
Standing on the beach, watching workers toil away, Chris Bellows (the VP of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld San Antonio) cautioned that the birds would be introduced later that same day. It will take the birds some time to get accustomed to their new habitat.
With the new Aviary they also constructed a new beach, which offers lots of shade, soft white sand and places to relax.
Crews were cleaning up and using a metal detector to make sure they left nothing behind. Once the final sweep was completed, Chris Bellows made his last inspection, and gave the thumbs up to bring in the new residents. The first 50 residents instantly began exploring their new space.
Shortly after the birds got settled, we took another trip through the aviary to watch the birds explore their brand new habitat. While we were warned that we probably wouldn’t have any interaction with the birds, we found them eager to get to know us.
Later that night we returned back to explore the new Aviary in the dark. The lighting package was beautiful and creates a magical atmosphere.
Guests packed the park on opening day and by mid afternoon the park had to close the front gates because they had reached capacity. Wtih exclusive attractions and interactions, Aquatica at SeaWorld San Antonio is setting itself apart from other attractions in the Texas market.
Aquatica Suite at the Omni Colonnade
Just a few minutes from the SeaWorld San Antonio resort, the Omni Colonnade just opened a new Aquatica family suite that features an amazing design that invites kids to dive into the world of the Sea from check-in to check-out.
With wonderful design elements that take cues from Aquatica, adults and kids will appreciate all the details. From the bubbles in the wall, to the fish tanks in the bedroom and bathroom, the experience is fantastic. Parents will especially love the park map and height chart so that they can let the kids know right off the bat what slides they are tall enough for.
With only one Aquatica Suite at the Omni Colonnade it is sure to be a hit with families, you will have to book this suite in advance to make sure you secure it for your next trip or staycation to SeaWorld San Antonio.
Now we invite you to listen to the latest Unofficial SeaWorld Podcast as Eric, Mike and Erin talk about the latest SeaWorld news and talk about the people and animals that make the 3 SeaWorld parks so special.
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