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Hersheypark Open Daily For Summer Operations During 115th Season

5/28/2021

 
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New Offerings Open Tomorrow in Hershey’s Chocolatetown, Historic Expansion
LARGEST EXPANSION IN PARK HISTORY
Hersheypark amusement park, a 121-acre theme park with more than 70 attractions, a full water park and zoo, is now open for the unofficial start to summer with daily operations through September 6.

Guests can experience the newest region of Hersheypark - Hershey’s Chocolatetown - home to the Park’s biggest coaster, Candymonium, three all-new dining experiences, premier shopping, and more. The region celebrates the life and legacy of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by continuing to bring people together for happiness, fun, and of course, chocolate. 

NEW THIS SUMMER
Opening May 29, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is a full-service restaurant, bar, and patio open year-round in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The space features nods to past and present elements from the Hersheypark ride collection, one-of-a-kind views of neighboring attractions, and a second story patio with a bar that provides panoramic, never-before-seen views of Hersheypark.

The largest restaurant in Hershey offers a Fun to Table menu showcasing classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate served from an open kitchen. Guests do not need a Hersheypark ticket to visit The Chocolatier, open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. this summer. For the full menu and more information, visit www.Hersheypark.com/chocolatier.

THREE PARKS IN ONE
Hersheypark is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day followed by September weekends. Guests of all ages can also enjoy three parks in one this summer with more than 70 rides and attractions, weather permitting; The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open May 29-Sept. 6) with one million gallons of water; and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park when accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours. 

2021 is a special year for coaster lovers as the Comet coaster, the oldest at Hersheypark, turns 75 and Candymonium coaster, the newest, tallest, fastest and longest coaster, delights thrill-seekers for its first full year. 

For a limited time, Everyone Pays Kids’ Price at Hersheypark. Guests who purchase tickets on Hersheypark.com can save on tickets and enjoy the sweetest thrills of the season for $52.95. ​

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT BECOMES FIRST MAJOR ORLANDO THEME PARK TO INCREASE STARTING BASE RATE TO $15 PER HOUR

5/27/2021

 
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT BECOMES FIRST MAJOR ORLANDO THEME PARK
TO INCREASE STARTING BASE RATE TO $15 PER HOUR
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Orlando, Fla. (May 27, 2021) – Universal Orlando Resort today announced it is increasing its starting base rate to $15 per hour – up from $13 – and giving more than 18,000 current team members a raise based on the new rates and their time with the company.

Today’s announcement represents the single-largest wage increase in Universal Orlando history.  And while $15 is Universal’s new starting base rate, the company is increasing start rates for many other positions based on job requirements.  The new rates will become effective June 27 and will impact full-time and part-time hourly positions as well as entry-level salaried roles.

“We are excited about our future and we want team members who will be excited to be part of that journey,” said John Sprouls, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts.  “This is about taking care of both our current team members and those who will be joining our team.  We know a great guest experience begins with our team members – and we will continue to provide the best work experience we can.”

Universal Orlando currently is hiring thousands of full-time and part-time team members for the summer – all of whom can be hired now and have their start rates automatically increased to the new rate when it becomes effective. Jobs are available in all areas, including Attractions, Aquatics, Food Services, Culinary, Merchandise, Custodial, Warehouse, Entrance Operations, Call Center Sales - and more.
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Universal Orlando provides a fun, fast-paced work environment for Team Members with a culture of inclusion and great benefits including health insurance plans for both full-time and part-time workers, educational benefits, complimentary guest passes, exclusive discounts – and more.
Interested candidates can apply online by visiting UniversalOrlandoJobs.com.

DOLLYWOOD NOMINATED FOR SIX USA TODAY 10 BEST AWARDS

5/24/2021

 
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Dollywood fans encouraged to vote early and often for Pigeon Forge theme park
​PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, May 24, 2021) — A leader in the theme park industry, Dollywood once again has been selected as a nominee in a variety of categories in USA Today’s 2021 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.
 
A panel of experts and USA Today 10Best editors selected Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties and attractions in six categories. The nominations include:
 
  • Best Amusement Park- Dollywood
  • Best Amusement Park Roller Coaster- Lightning Rod
  • Best Amusement Park Entertainment- Dreamland Drive-In
  • Best Amusement Park Hotel- Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; Dollywood Cabins
  • Best Amusement Park Restaurant- Aunt Granny’s Restaurant
  • Best Outdoor Water Park- Dollywood’s Splash Country
 
Voting opened today at noon and runs through Monday, June 21. A page with links to each voting page can be found at www.dollywood.com/vote. Results will be revealed on Friday, June 25. Anyone is eligible to vote and may do so once per day, per device. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and more.
 
For more information about Dollywood’s 2021 season, operating calendars and more, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
 
-Dollywood2021-
 
About The Dollywood Company:   A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 160-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of more than 40 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 27 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has been named a top-three US theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open mid-March through early January and offers rides and attractions, shows, and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Begins May 28th

5/20/2021

 
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BUSCH GARDENS’ NEW BIGGEST & BRIGHTEST FIREWORKS SHOW EVER, ELECTRIFYING ENTERTAINMENT, EXTENDED HOURS AND MORE BEGIN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FOR SUMMER NIGHTS
Amidst an open-air block party atmosphere, park guests will also enjoy the safe return of live indoor shows, including the award-winning “Turn It Up!” Ice skating show and all-new “Cirque Electric.”
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​TAMPA, Fla. (May 20, 2021): For over 100 nights, guests can stay late and safely enjoy world-class coasters, electrifying entertainment throughout the park and more during extended hours at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay beginning May 28. On weekends and select dates, guests can look to the sky for the NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular” featuring an explosive NEW firework and special effects production, the biggest, brightest show ever!

Sizzling NEW Event Experiences!
ALL NEW! Ignite the night with NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”: For an epic finale to a coaster-filled day of adventure, guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy radiating from a unique new production on the Festival Field. As the most stunning show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” will feature an explosive array of fireworks and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to graceful water elements and dramatic pyrotechnics.  “Spark!” is offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9:15 P.M. from May 28 to September 6, including extra presentations on May 31 for Memorial Day, July 1-4 for Independence Day, and September 6 for Labor Day.
Long before the first burst of “Spark!” covers the night sky, guests can join in the evening excitement with NEW entertainment, music, food and drinks for the park’s biggest and brightest summer celebration:
NEW! Pre-Party on the Festival Pathway: Greeted by glowing lights strung among the trees, live music and more, the stunning visual journey on the Festival Pathway will spark the spirit of summer in everyone.
NEW! Seasonal Summer Menu: Senses will ignite with delicious bursts of flavor from a special menu inspired by backyard summer cookouts with a Busch Gardens twist. Guests will discover a walkable take on grilled classics, decadent sweet treats and more along the festival pathway and new locations throughout the park. Adults 21+ can indulge in NEW glow-in-the-dark summer cocktails or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks that are equally beautiful and satisfying for the perfect end to a summer night.
NEW! DJ Block Parties: As the sun goes down, electric summer vibes amp up on the Festival Field. It’s an open-air dance party with DJs, dancing, and endless energy to build the excitement before “Spark!” ignites the sky.
NEW! Giraffe Bar: Combining a perfect Serengeti sunset, delicious cocktails and savory snacks is the best way to fuel a night of summer fun at the NEW Giraffe Bar located on the second floor of Serengeti Overlook.
ALL NEW! “Cirque Electric” show opens: For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric”, an ALL-NEW acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, opening May 28 at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers during select dates for Summer Nights.

MORE Fan-favorite summer experiences return this season!
Award-winning “Turn It Up!” ice skating show returns: Starting May 28, the Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to “Turn It Up!” the award-winning ice-skating show, including late shows on select dates for Summer Nights.  
Back by popular demand! Open-air block parties throughout the park: Complete with seasonal eats and electric beats, guests will encounter sizzling summer entertainment throughout the spacious 300-acre park, including:
Cheetah Hunt Plaza: Between dashing through the night sky on Cheetah Hunt and Cobra’s Curse, guests can dance to DJ beats throughout the evening.
Stanleyville Plaza: After taking on the daring launches of Tigris, guests will find refreshing tunes and classic summer flavors with a twist in the shadow of SheiKra.

Party All Summer with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card!
Celebrate all summer long and visit again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and experience great events like Summer Nights, Bier Fest, Christmas Town,  and more! For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
For a limited time, guests can take advantage of Busch Gardens’ Memorial Sale and save up to 50% on tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. The deal ends May 31.
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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SAFETY:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care.  We have enhanced our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards to keep our guests safe. To learn more about our health and safety guidelines visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety.
 
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, AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.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.
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*Some restrictions apply

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S AWARD-WINNING ELECTRIC OCEAN RETURNS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

5/19/2021

 
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SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S AWARD-WINNING ELECTRIC OCEAN RETURNS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FOR A SUMMER OF DAZZLING DAYS AND ELECTRIFYING NIGHTS
Fan-favorite, family-friendly event returns with all-new experiences to ignite the senses all summer long with longer hours than ever before!  Electric Ocean boasts the brightest nights in central Florida featuring the only full-length theme park nighttime firework presentation!
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 19, 2021) – SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning summer event, Electric Ocean returns May 28 with more hours of fun featuring new daytime experiences and nighttime favorites.  Electric Ocean brings longer park hours and allows guests to voyage into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music and a brilliant evening energy that sparks as the sun sets. Electric Ocean is included with park admission and takes place select days and nights May 28 – September 6.
 
Throughout the day and night, guests can experience exciting new shows and then stay late all summer and be immersed in exotic worlds of light and music while experiencing their favorite SeaWorld attractions like never before. Join playful, glowing sea creatures and world-class DJ’s for a family-friendly dance party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above.
 
ELECTRIFYING ENTERTAIMENT:

  • New for 2021! Electric Current: For guests that love to move and groove and don’t want to wait for Club Sea Glow’s nightly dance party, guests can get the party started early with hot music at The Waterfront as our DJ transforms the night into an all-ages dance party beneath the waves. Only during Electric Ocean evenings. See park schedule for more event show times.
  • New for 2021! Rescue Tails:  Rescue Tails is an educational presentation that teaches guests about SeaWorld’s commitment to animal care and rescue. Guests will meet many of the park’s rescued animals, such as birds of prey, primates, and reptiles, and learn about their unique stories! Show performs at Seaport Theater on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during Electric Ocean dates. See park schedule for more event show time.
  • Back by Popular Demand! Ignite: The only full-length theme park nighttime fireworks presentation in central Florida.  Surf the wave to a whole new level with Ignite, a firework and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park.  Guests may view the fireworks from all around SeaWorld’s large central lake, including from Bayside Stadium, The Waterfront, and the Orca Encounter Pathway. Showtime is at 10:00 p.m. during Electric Ocean evenings.
  • Back by Popular Demand! Club Sea Glow:  As the sun goes down, the party amps up at Bayside Stadium, where a DJ will be mixing dance music for those waiting for fireworks to begin. Featuring dancers and high energy atmosphere acts, they are there to get the party started! Starting at 8:00 p.m. during Electric Ocean evenings.
  • Back by Popular Demand! Elmo Rocks: Elmo and his friends save the day by forming their own rock n’ roll band after their favorite band cancelled their concert appearance! Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Bert, and Ernie go through the process of auditioning and rehearsals to transform into The Rockin’ Elmo Band. Awesome music, fun dancing, and audience participation are all included in this gnarly journey to put on the greatest rock concert ever! Show performs at Nautilus Theater during Electric Ocean dates.
 
SUMMER EATS AND TREATS:
Discover new restaurants, new cuisine, new signature drinks and new flavors for guests to enjoy all summer long!

  • All-New! Altitude Burgers:   Calling all Arctic adventurers! Explore new flavors at SeaWorld Orlando’s brand-new burger bar, “Altitude Burgers”. Check the menu out here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/dining/altitude-burgers/. 
  • All-New! Edy's Ice Cream Parlor: Scream for ice cream! Cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth at SeaWorld Orlando’s brand-new Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor. You can check the menu out here https://seaworld.com/orlando/dining/edys-ice-cream-parlor/. 
  • All-New! Lakeside Grill:  Fresh flavors and panoramic views await! The all-new Lakeside Grill offers guests a modern spin on Mediterranean cuisine. You can check the menu out here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/dining/lakeside-grill/
  • All New! Glacier Bar:  Since its debut at SeaWorld Orlando in October, Glacier Bar has quickly become the ultimate place for guests to chill during and after a day of thrills! Catch sports action on multiple big screens in shaded comfort at this spacious outdoor bar while enjoying ice cold beer, frozen drinks and signature cocktails. You can check the menu out here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/dining/glacier-bar/
 
Best Way to Play
The best way to experience Electric Ocean at SeaWorld Orlando and all the other great events throughout the year is with an Annual Pass, with great benefit options including free parking, free guest tickets and more.
 
Guests can take advantage of SeaWorld’s Memorial Sale and save up to 50% on tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. The deep discounts and limited-time prices are only available May 20 through May 31.
 
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook, Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
 
SAFETY:
SeaWorld Orlando is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care.  We have enhanced our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards to keep our guests safe. Learn more about our enhanced health and safety guidelines visit Seaworld.com/orlando/park-info/park-safety.
 
About SeaWorld Parks & 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 what it believes is 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 38,000 animals in need over the Company’s history.  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 60-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.

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