The Polar Express Experience rolls into SeaWorld

[ALIASd]

All Aboard!
The Polar Express Experience Rolls Into SeaWorld

Believe in the magic of the season aboard
this one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole. Debuting Nov. 23 and continuing through Jan. 1, 2008, SeaWorld's Wild Arctic transforms into a thrilling, never-before-experienced expedition to the fabled Santa Town.

The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. "SeaWorld Orlando, Warner Bros. and Iwerks have created a one-of-a-kind motion simulation experience that combines one of the holiday's most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland," said Michael Fletcher, Vice President of Entertainment for SeaWorld. "The result will completely immerse guests into a thrilling combination of fantasy and reality."

This heartwarming adventure begins with a three-minute preshow telling the story of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve, just before midnight. Straining to listen for the elusive sound of ringing bells aboard Santa's sleigh, the boy is jolted out of bed from the thunderous roar of The Polar Express arriving to take him on a fascinating adventure to the North Pole. Guests then embark upon that same adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience. Recreating classic scenes from the movie in a multi-sensory experience, The Polar Express Experience immerses guests with lighting, scent, sound and motion to transport them to the North Pole ... and into the spirit of the season.

When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village decor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole -- the animals themselves -- including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.

In addition to this stellar holiday attraction, SeaWorld also offers an array of festive shows and seasonal additions. Guests can join Shamu for the holidays during "Shamu Christmas ... Miracles." This captivating show helps guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and just possibly, miracles. The 22-minute production comes to life daily through Dec. 25 at Shamu Stadium.

Guests may also witness a winter wonder as snow flurries descend from up above, and jewels of water and light adorn the night during the "Christmastide" holiday fountain show -- a seasonal spectacular where water seemingly dances to the beat of Christmas music through Dec. 25.

"Mistify," a nighttime finale Dec. 26 - 30, takes place on SeaWorld's center lake and features larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks.

Families will enjoy strolling through the Waterfront's array of gift shops and restaurants all while listening to the joyful tunes of singers, musical quartets and the "Sizzlin' Pianos" show that ignite the spirit of the season. Through Christmas, stores and restaurants will remain open until 7 p.m. during weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 26 - 30.

Additional Festivities:

http://sev.prnewswire.com/entertainm...7112007-1.html

[Ride Warrior]

i just love the Polar Express book - and the movie. what a wonderful experience this promises to be at Sea World. If it's a big enough successs, perhaps they will have it at Sea world San diego next year.

[Coheteboy]

I. Hate. Polar. Express. the. Movie.

But this attraction actually sounds like it could work.

[kcnole]

There are pictures on the Slantinel blog of the attraction and it looks like they did a good job.

[GhostHost2]

Has anybody been and have any opinions on it?

[MickeyMoose]

Well if you can't make it out to Sea World. The Cincinnati Zoo is also showing The Polar Express Experience.

[aimster]

My mom would love this. She loved the book and the movie. She actually knows the author, Chris Van Allsburg. He's from our hometown. She went to high school and was friends with his cousin, so he hung out with them sometimes.

[Alice's Wonderland]

Originally Posted by aimster

My mom would love this. She loved the book and the movie. She actually knows the author, Chris Van Allsburg. He's from our hometown. She went to high school and was friends with his cousin, so he hung out with them sometimes.

That's really awesome. I love Chris Van Allsburg. harris burdick is my favorite, although I'm really partial to Jumanji. I really like the book and the movie. Although the people in the movie do creep me out a bit. I think it sounds like a neat idea.

[Xharryb]

I haven't been over to check it out, but based on the description it sounds like they just reworked their existing arctic exhibit. If I recall you used to take a simulated helicopter ride which let out into the habit area where the polar bears, whales and walrus were viewable. Can anyone confirm that this is what has been done? If so, I say kudos. Sounds like fun and I might actually have to go check it out (I usually skip the simulator and go straight to the animals).

[kcnole]

yes, the entrance now looks like the train and the employees are now wearing conductor outfits. Once you get on the simulator its now the polar express ride. It then exits into the arctic area which has been redecorated as the North Pole. I haven't seen it in person, but from all reports its actually quite good.

[sir clinksalot]

This sounds really cool.

I wonder why they didn't do this at the other parks though. I know SD has a Wild Arctic attraction, but does San Antonio?

[Ride Warrior]

Fast tracking a new ride in a matter of weeks is unheard of in the industry. Yet, Sea World orlando accomplished just that when the park converted it's Wild Arctic simulator ride into a reounding seasonal holiday hit among themepark goers and critics alike. The Polar Express Experience is a high tech simulated train ride that takes guests on a roller coaster ride over hill and Dale to Santa Town at the North Pole.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busin...,5046591.story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http:...?v=gGU3WerMRB8

Above is a link the Orlando Seninel.com, which gave it top marks. Also, included is a link to a video. There's just a little actual ride footage toward the end. there is another video contained within the Orlando Sentinel's online article.

[BFJen]

We were watching this movie the other night - and I told my hubby, that somebody could do a really cool motion simulator ride based on The Polar Express - looks like somebody did!

I just wish I could go experience it.

[OFTEric]

Hey I went on Polar Express and LOVED IT! Ok well I didn't love the ride! But I loved the overlay!

I am was really impressed with the themeing and the overlay! KUDOS Sea World!

Keep this up!



the poasters get you ready!



Lines were nuts! But popular = it has a future!



The themeing was top notch! KUDOS!



The themeing inside the Pavillion was just great! I was just over the moon!

[OFTEric]

Just love the Seals and Sea Lions.

One day I will realize my dream and have a pet Sea Lion!





I love the Animals at Sea World