Orlando, Fla. (April 19, 2019) – Today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed a never-before-seen magical creature that guests will encounter in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opening June 13. 

Known as the “Blast-Ended Skrewt,” this unique creature will be one of the most life-like animated figures Universal Orlando has ever created and was brought to life for the first time ever for this new adventure. Described as a cross between a giant scorpion and an elongated crab, this creature was created by Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter films and the guide of this new experience. During their journey, guests will come face-to-face (or face-to-rear) for the first time ever with the “Blast-Ended Skrewt” and its dangerous ‘blasting end.’ Here’s some fast facts about what you can expect from this rare magical creature:

• Fire ignites from its ‘blasting-end’ – so be cautious
• Measures eight ft. long, features a ten-foot tall tail with a massive stinger and weighs more than 6,000 pounds
• Produces a very powerful and signature odor created specifically for this distinctive creature
• Blast-Ended Skrewts were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and were also mentioned in Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Guests will also encounter other rare magical creatures along their journey, including a majestic Centaur, a swarm of mischievous Cornish pixies, Fluffy, the three-headed dog and more. For more information on the Blast-Ended Skrewt and other creatures guests will meet on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, visit the Universal Orlando Blog. ​

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. April 18, 2019 — Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating Earth Day with the unveiling of a massive new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility, built in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and solar developer Origis Energy USA, harnessing power from the sun to bring the magic to life for guests visiting from around the globe.

Located adjacent to State Road 429, the facility is expected to generate enough renewable clean energy to operate two of Disney’s four theme parks in Central Florida annually. It will also significantly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by tens of thousands of tons per year, joining the numerous efforts The Walt Disney Company has launched to deliver its 2020 goal of reducing emissions by 50% compared to 2012.

“At Disney, every day is Earth Day, and we hope our guests and cast members will be as inspired and amazed as we are at what this new solar facility means for our community and planet,” said Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This is an ambitious step forward for our renewable energy efforts.”

The solar facility is also providing an important habitat for native wildlife in Central Florida. A team of environmental and horticulture experts from Disney collaborated to help make more than two-thirds of the  facility pollinator friendly, with the goal of creating a nurturing and welcoming habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects, including endangered and at-risk species. This team is also managing and monitoring an experimental test garden at the facility to conduct research and further enhance the habitat. The effort to safeguard endangered pollinators aligns with the Disney Conservation Fund’s ongoing focus on saving wildlife, including butterflies.

The solar facility represents the largest endeavor in solar energy to date for Disney’s global theme park operations. In 2016, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled a 22-acre, 5-megawatt solar facility shaped like Mickey Mouse, as part of a collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. Both facilities are contributing to Disney’s long-term sustainability goals, which include reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions, reaching zero waste, reducing single-use plastics and conserving water resources.

These conservation efforts build on the longtime commitment to environmental stewardship by The Walt Disney Company, a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself, and has grown through the creativity and passion of its cast members.

KEY FACTS:

• The facility features over half a million solar panels, spans 270 acres and is capable of reaching 50 megawatts of power.
• During peak sun hours, up to 25% of Walt Disney World’s power needs will be met through solar energy.
• The facility will generate enough renewable clean energy to power two of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks annually.
• This is the largest solar facility in Orange County at 50 megawatts.
• This solar facility will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 tons per year, the equivalent of removing about 10,000 cars from the roads annually.
• Disney environmental and horticulture experts helped make more than two-thirds of the facility pollinator friendly with plant species that attract insects like butterflies and bees.
• This solar facility provides power to Walt Disney World Resort, the largest single-site employer in the country.

About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and live shows and events, providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.

VIVA LA MÚSICA RETURNS TO SEAWORLD
WITH FESTIVE MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN FOR WHOLE FAMILY
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​SAN DIEGO (April 17, 2019) – SeaWorld guests can spice it up this spring during the return of Viva La Música presented by Coca-Cola. The popular Latin music series will feature four weekends of live performances from award-winning regional Mexican musical artists, plus special culinary offerings, a live DJ and community dancers, all in a family-friendly atmosphere flavored with the fiery flair of Hispanic culture. Viva La Música, included with park admission,* will take place weekends May 4–5, May 11–12 and May 18–19 and June1–2, 2019.

Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Rieleros del Norte and Lupillo Rivera are among the headliners performing two shows a day at the park’s newly renovated Nautilus Amphitheater. In addition to the headlining concerts at Nautilus Amphitheater, Viva La Música will also include a festival area called the Zócalo (located between Wild Arctic and Penguin Encounter). The Zócalo will feature performances by community dance groups and a live DJ to pump up the party atmosphere. Fish tacos, street tacos, nachos and pupusas (thick cornmeal flatbread typically stuffed with beans, cheese, chicharrón and squash) will be available to purchase in this area.
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Viva La Música concert schedule**
Saturday, May 4            Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Sunday, May 5               Pancho Barraza
 
Saturday, May 11         Lupillo Rivera
Sunday, May 12            Pesado
 
Saturday, May 18         Chiquis with special guest Luis Coronel 
Sunday, May 19            La Séptima Banda with special guest El Dasa con Mariachi
 
Saturday, June 1           Régulo Caro
Sunday, June 2              Los Rieleros del Norte with special guest Kevin Ortiz
**Performance schedule and talent lineup are subject to change
 
Need-to-know info:

• Concerts are at 3:30 and 6 p.m. at Nautilus Amphitheater.
• Concerts are included with park admission, but a wristband is required to attend.
  • Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the plaza near Explorer’s Café when the park opens. 
• During Viva La Música, SeaWorld is open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
• *Park admission does not guarantee a concert seat. 

 
SeaWorld admission is $91.99 for ages 10 and older; $86.99 for ages 3–9.  The best way to enjoy all four weekends of Viva La Música is with a 2019 SeaWorld Fun Card, which allows repeat admission to SeaWorld through Dec. 31, 2019 all for the price of a single-day admission. With a Fun Card in hand, guests can also come back again and again to enjoy all of SeaWorld’s seasonal events in 2019 and the park’s all-new, dueling coaster Tidal Twister, slated to open May 24.
 
About SeaWorld:
SeaWorld San Diego is one of the most popular marine parks in the world and is a global leader in marine animal care and welfare, education, conservation, research and rescue. Through exciting and educational attractions, shows and exhibits, SeaWorld creates fun and meaningful experiences—experiences that matter—where guests can explore, become inspired to care about animals and wild wonders of the world and to act to help protect them. SeaWorld San Diego, which opened in March of 1964, is one of 12 parks operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.