Month: January 2023
Mardi Gras Returns To Sea World San Diego!
SeaWorld San Diego is bringing back New Orleans flare, food, and festivities with the return of Mardi Gras. The excitement of Mardi Gras comes to life with a party vibe full of ALL-NEW live music and performances including a New Orleans Jazz band, Mardi-Gras processional, Louisiana-inspired laser show, plus multiple performers, colorful costumes, and festive decor. Guests can indulge in new and returning authentic menu items including king cake, beignets, and gumbo. The event runs every weekend from January 21 to February 26, plus select dates. To get the most out of Mardi Gras and all SeaWorld has to offer, guests can enjoy unlimited visits throughout 2023* for the price of a single day ticket with a 2023 Fun Card.
“We’re excited to bring an even bigger and better Mardi Gras experience to SeaWorld San Diego this year,” said Tim Hamilton, Vice President of Entertainment at SeaWorld San Diego. “Guests are invited to join the soiree because we’re offering a true New Orleans-style party. Just like dancing in the streets, our guests will be dancing through the park and immersed by the sights, sounds, and tastes of a San Diego-style Mardi Gras. Laissez le bon temps rouler!”
Mardi Gras is included with park admission. Event times are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please see seaworld.com/san-diego/park-info/theme-park-hours for the daily schedule.
ALL-NEW Bourbon Street-Style Entertainment
Guests are cordially invited to join the park’s colorful cast of performers to let the good times roll. SeaWorld will be jumping with upbeat, musical fun during Mardi Gras with the ALL-NEW Mardi Gras-inspired lively processional led by Mardi Gras Madame, Mama, and full of festive Mardi Gras performers, including stilt walkers, dancers, and jugglers. The processional will move around the park, encouraging park partygoers to join along the way and culminate at the Mardi Gras stage. The processional will end, yet the party continues as the crowd will be treated to a rousing song and dance number, “No Bad News.”
The Mardi Gras stage will also showcase performances by an ALL-NEW New Orleans Good Time Jazz Band, performers from the San Diego Circus Center, and a DJ for non-stop rockin’ fun every event day. During the evening hours, guests can walk through the SeaWorld Tunnel of Lights and enjoy an ALL-NEW special laser Louisiana-inspired light show, both filled with traditional Mardi Gras colors. The festival area will also include a face painting booth, ribbons, lights, masks, and more!
Tastes of New Orleans
Mardi Gras isn’t complete without delicious New Orleans-style food and drinks! Guests will be able to enjoy the tastes of the South with new and retuning specialty menu items created for the event.
Guests can indulge in classic food dishes including a choice of Shrimp or Roast Beef Po’Boys, plus Muffulettas and Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya. Vegetarians can choose from ALL-NEW menu items including a plant-based Dirty Rice, Seafood Jambalaya, and Hush Puppies. A sweet side of Mardi Gras returns with Beignets or guests can opt for the NEW Pecan Praline King Cake, both pair perfectly with a tasty Chicory Coffee. Drink options will also be aplenty, with a beer trailer and mimosa bar serving Mint Juleps, Hurricanes, and Abita New Orleans Beer.
A Year of Fun at SeaWorld
Mardi Gras is just one part of an exciting 2023 event lineup at SeaWorld San Diego. Other upcoming events include:
- Seven Seas Food Festival: March 3-April 30 (Select Dates)
SeaWorld is bringing back international flavors, amazing beverage tastings and live music performances with the return of Southern California’s fan favorite Seven Seas Food Festival. In addition to hundreds of tasty bites and delicious drinks, guests can enjoy live music and their favorite animal exhibits, including dolphins, sea lions, bat rays, flamingos, sea otters, and more. - Viva La Música: May 5 – May 14 (Select Dates)
Experience this festive, family-friendly Latin celebration in a new way as you dance to the hottest music, sample fiery flavors, and much more.
- Arctic Rescue Coaster: Opening in Spring
The newest addition to SeaWorld San Diego, Arctic Rescue will be the fastest and longest straddle coaster on the West Coast! This family-friendly multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch at up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger.
Pay Less than a Day and Play All Year Long
The best way to play all year round is with a 2023 Fun Card! For the price of a single day ticket at $99.99, guests can enjoy unlimited visits* throughout 2023. With a Fun Card, guests can roam and explore the park as many times as they want to visit amazing animals, enjoy family and thrill rides including upcoming family-friendly coaster Arctic Rescue, the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast, opening in Spring 2023. Plus, guests can take advantage of events including Mardi Gras, Seven Seas Food Festival, and Spooktacular all year long – all included in park admission.
*Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. 2023 Fun Card valid through December 31, 2023.
For more information on events, park hours and to purchase tickets and/or Fun Cards, visitSeaWorldSanDiego.com. Be sure to follow SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
About SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The Company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 40,000 animals in need over the last 55 years. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens®, Aquatica®, Sesame Place® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 55-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
Level Up with A Power-Up Band at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!
Open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023!
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, so let’s take a closer look at the land’s exciting Power-Up Band™, a fun interactive component designed to help guests level up their experience during their visits within the land.
With the grand opening date quickly approaching, here’s a topline overview of the Power-Up Band and its functionality.
These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.
With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land.
When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores.
The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Checkpoints positioned within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will enable guests to track their status against others. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.
While meet and greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and guests are welcome to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app prior to visiting so the fun can start from the moment they warp into the land via the giant green pipe. The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase, beginning February 17, at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk.
The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new, innovative, immersive and highly-themed land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Popular Inside Look Event Returns to Inspire and Educates Guests with Exclusive and Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities!
- Behind-the-scenes experiences for guests, giving them access to animal care experts and areas of the park not generally available to the public
- Opportunity to tour the SeaWorld Rescue Center and learn more about their lifesaving work
- Annual “Inside Look” event is one weekend only, January 14 – 16
- Guests can visit all year long for the price of a single day ticket with a 2023 Fun Card for only $99.99
Inside Look returns to SeaWorld San Diego from Saturday, January 14 to Monday, January 16 to give guests an inside look at what goes into providing world-class animal care. Through engaging educational opportunities during the three-day event, guests will connect with SeaWorld animal care specialists and hear their personal stories about caring for our animals. Park visitors will also have special access to areas of the park normally not open to the public, including the Rescue Center.
“Our education and zoological teams look forward to Inside Look each year, as they love sharing their passion for taking care of the park’s animals and their wealth of zoological knowledge with our guests,” said Eric Otjen, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld San Diego. “They will also be able to see our animals in new, special ways and experience parts of the park that they are not able to during the rest of the year. For more than 50 years, education has been a critical core part of SeaWorld’s mission as we aim to inspire and inform all guests about wildlife and conservation.”
Inside Look is included with park admission. Event times are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please see seaworld.com/san-diego/park-info/theme-park-hours for the daily schedule. There will be many incredible exclusive experiences returning to SeaWorld San Diego’s “Inside Look” program this year, including:
Inside the SeaWorld Rescue Center: Guests will also have the very special opportunity to tour areas of SeaWorld Rescue Center, a back area of the park where the Rescue Team brings hundreds of rescued animals each year for rehabilitation. During this coveted experience, members of the SeaWorld Rescue team will share stories about recent rescues and tour guests through the Rescue Center showing the animal care hospital and rehabilitation areas. In addition, guests will get an up-close look at the rescue truck and inflatable boat used in rescues.
During the tour, guests will see Freeway, the sea lion rescued in January 2021 from the 94 freeway. Guests will get an “inside look” into Freeway’s everyday care and hear about his rescue and rehabilitation journey.
Inside Orca Encounter: Guests will meet and hear from the dedicated animal care specialists who safeguard the health and well-being of our killer whales. Park guests will view a learning and training session between the orcas and their animal care team to better understand the dynamics of caring for SeaWorld’s largest residents.
Inside and Underwater at Turtle Reef: At the Turtle Reef exhibit, guests will be able to watch zoological scuba divers interact with the turtles in the reef while educators share information and answer questions.
Inside Animal Care: In addition to the beloved daily animal presentations, SeaWorld Animal Care Specialists will be hosting special Trainer Talks where guests can learn about animal behaviors, feeding, and husbandry. These 10-minute presentations will be offered daily following Orca Encounter, Dolphin Adventures, and Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight presentations.
Meet Animal Conservation Ambassadors: Guests can learn and see a variety of unique rescued animals during the Feathers, Scales, and Furry Rescue Tails presentation located at Nautilus Amphitheater. This fun and educational presentation shares the story of Conservation Ambassadors, animal care, and rescue. Guests will meet many incredible rescued animals, such as marsupials, primates, and reptiles, and learn about their unique stories.
Connections with Conservation Partners: Inside Look will spotlight conservation organizations in the local community that SeaWorld partners with as a part of “Inside Look Connections” on Skytower Lawn. Organizations such as Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Living Coast Discovery Center, Project Wildlife, as well as SeaWorld Rescue, will have booths where guests can ask questions and learn about their important work.
To further enhance their Inside Look experience, guests can pick up an Inside Look passport and visit certain Inside Look locations for a special stamp. Guests can also choose to purchase an Inside Look Scavenger Hunt map that encourages people of all ages to learn new animal and park facts and stats by matching stickers with points of interest around the park and redeem completed maps for a very special SeaWorld prize.
Pay for a Day and Play All Year Long
The best way to play all year round is with a 2023 Fun Card! For the price of a single day ticket at $99.99, guests can enjoy unlimited visits* throughout 2023. With a Fun Card guests can roam and explore the park as many times as they want to visit amazing animals, enjoy family and thrill rides including upcoming family-friendly coaster Arctic Rescue, the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast, opening in Spring 2023. Plus, guests can take advantage of events including Mardi Gras, Seven Seas Food Festival, and Spooktacular all year long – all included in park admission.
*Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. 2023 Fun Card valid through December 31, 2023.
World Class Animal Care, Accredited and Regulated by Experts
SeaWorld Inside Look offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations. Its team of more than 1,000 animal specialists maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and veterinary care for one the largest zoological collections in the world.
SeaWorld is regulated by various government authorities focused on animal welfare. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service performs routine, unannounced visits to SeaWorld to ensure adherence to federal standards and regulations. The visits include a review of the physical premises, records, husbandry practices, program of veterinary care, and animal handling procedures, to ensure that SeaWorld meets and/or exceeds the required standard of care. SeaWorld is also regulated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries, the primary federal agency responsible for the stewardship of living ocean resources and the marine habitats on which they rely. NOAA enforces guidelines set out in laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
SeaWorld is also accredited by third party organizations including the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). Achieving and maintaining accreditation from these groups is a rigorous evaluation process in areas that extend beyond the scope of government regulatory agencies. For example, reviews of social settings, team training, habitat enrichment, medical facility, food and water preparation, guest interactions, education programs and more. SeaWorld has also earned the Humane Certified™ seal from American Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. Reviews and accreditations by these organizations represent the highest standards of care and welfare for specific species.
Dedicated to Marine Animal and Ecosystem Conservation
The commitment of SeaWorld extends beyond the animals in residence. The SeaWorld Rescue team is on call 24×7 to help animals anywhere they are needed. The team has helped more than 40,000 animals, making it one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world.
SeaWorld also advances the science of marine animal health through the study of animals in its care, partnerships with leading academic institutions, and withSeaWorld Conservation Fund grants to organizations focused on marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. Since 2003, Fund grants have been made to support 541 different marine-specific conservation projects on all seven continents.
For more information on events, Teacher and Preschool Fun Cards, park hours and to purchase tickets and/or Fun Cards, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com. Be sure to follow SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
KNOTT’S PEANUTS CELEBRATION FOOD & ENTERTAMENT
Daily January 28 – February 26, 2023
Peanuts Celebration Savory Selects
Peanuts Celebration Sweet Selects
Peanuts Celebration Entertainment
Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration invites guests to join the PEANUTS gang as it takes over the park January 28 through February 26!
The Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration welcomes fans of all ages to join the PEANUTS gang as it takes over the park for plenty of excitement and family-friendly fun starting January 28 through February 26. The celebration features a new game show at the Birdcage Theatre, plenty of new PEANUTS-inspired cuisine, a new space-themed exhibit and photo ops that allow guests to step into the iconic Charles M. Schulz comic strips. And many of the PEANUTS characters will be hanging out throughout the park to add to the fun.
At the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will perform the musical game show It’s Your Life, Charlie Brown, with the loveable title character getting the surprise of his life. There will be music, fun and surprise guests, including the world’s most famous beagle, Snoopy. The stage will transform at nightfall as the park hosts Snoopy’s Legendary Rooftop Concert. The Peanuts Gang has teamed up with the family-friendly indie band, The Jelly of the Month Club, for a high-energy spectacle sure to have everyone dancing.
The PEANUTS-inspired festivities will continue at the Bird Cage Theatre as the park offers an experience that teaches the young and the young at heart how to draw their favorite PEANUTS characters. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include our resident art teacher, providing step-by-step instructions on creating the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece. Also in Bird Cage Theatre is Charlie Brown’s Trivia Challenge, where guests test their knowledge with PEANUTS universe questions and eye-popping visual challenges.
At Calico’s Town Hall, guests will see stars with the exhibit To The Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA, featuring the world’s most famous beagle and his long relationship with our nation’s space administration. Plus, visitors have the chance to meet Snoopy himself and snap an out-of-this-world picture!
A western escapade occurs at Calico Park with Franklin and Linus as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of Calico’s root-toot- tooniest games. Also in Ghost Town is Pigpen’s Pig Pen, where everyone’s favorite messy pal will be joining the rest of the PEANUTS Gang as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some of his animal friends.
The fun continues at Camp Snoopy, where the Camp Snoopy Theater features Music Goes ‘Round and Around during the day. Sally and Schroeder will host a retrospect of melodies sure to make the audience dance in the aisles. Those who hop aboard the Grand Sierra Railroad can experience a one-of-a-kind adventure as riders travel with the PEANUTS Gang to the Beagle Bonanza in this fun ride overlay.
More musical enjoyment can be found at Boardwalk BBQ, where guests can grab a seat (and a plate!) to enjoy the smooth sounds of The James Street Trio that will transport them to the hometown of the PEANUTS Gang with this tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi.
The best way to enjoy the expanded Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration plus all of the other Seasons of Fun in 2023 is with a Season Pass! A 2023 Season Pass includes unlimited visits all of 2023, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. For tickets and more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the conversation using the hashtag #KnottsPeanutsCelebration
Knott's Network 