WHAT:                    
Construction on Emperor – SeaWorld’s NEW dive coaster, the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in California – reached two significant and exciting milestones with the installation of the last section of track and the loading of the first ride onto the track. Each of the floorless trains holds 18 riders in three, six-person rows. This is the first seating configuration of its kind in North America.
​
When Emperor opens this summer, it will join Tidal Twister, Electric Eel and Manta as the park’s newest roller coaster thrill-ride experience. 
 
WHEN:                     
Feb. 4, 2019      

WHERE:                  
SeaWorld San Diego

DETAILS:               
Named for the world’s largest penguin, Emperor will be tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in California, as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state. Climbing to 153 feet with feet dangling in the air, riders on Emperor will be suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride before plunging down a 143-foot facedown vertical drop accelerating to more than 60 miles per hour!
​
This exciting new attraction will also highlight an important new animal-conservation partnership between SeaWorld and Penguins International, an organization dedicated to penguin conservation and research, that will focus on penguin awareness and the conservation needs of this special aquatic bird. The partnership will include collaboration on educational elements that will be integrated into the attraction experience to educate guests on everything from penguin behavior and the effects of climate change on their habitats, to the work that SeaWorld and Penguins International are doing to help the species.

The partnership with SeaWorld will help advance Penguin International’s conservation programs at several high-priority sites and their public awareness campaigns. A portion of the proceeds from sales of penguin merchandise at the Emperor retail store will also be donated to Penguins International to support their important conservation, education and research efforts.
Emperor is being built by Bolliger & Mabillard, based in Switzerland.

Today we continue our coverage of Holiday events from Coast to Coast at SeaWorld Orlando.

Lots of holiday fun to be had all around the park including snow, food, carolers, Sesame Street and floating trees!

Let's check it out!! 

​Getting into the holiday spirit this evening at SeaWorld Orlando. Originally went for a shopping trip but stayed for the food and lights! 

The Waterfront is where it’s at for lights, music and lots of SNOW! 

The holiday food and drink booths are no joke. The sampling lanyard, especially with a discount, is an awesome value. My previous visit I had totchos, bread pudding cone, and a few craft beers, which were all delicious! 

Had some Mac and Cheese and S’mores in a cone. And beer. All good! 

It’s a bit warm in Orlando right now (70 degrees) but that doesn’t stop us from gathering around the fire for some Christmas carols.

The Sea of Trees light up and dance to the music a few times throughout the evening.

​I didn’t get a chance to attend the shows tonight, but Winter Wonderland on Ice is always a crowd favorite.

​Rudolph’s Christmastown has returned, and there was quite a line to meet the famous reindeer and his pals. 

​Happy to see so many holiday decorations at Sesame Street. Love the rubber ducky in Ernie’s hat! They also have a Christmas parade usually running twice daily as well.

As always, SeaWorld Orlando has put together another wonderful Christmas event. Hopefully I can make it back there once or twice before it ends on December 31!

Over the weekend we were invited out to Busch Gardens Tampa to experience this years Christmas Town.

Lots of food and fun was in store and we can't wait to visit more this season.

Chicken and Waffles go with Beer Cheese Soup right? Because both were amazing. 

A Christmas Town Tradition 

Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Turkey and Gravy, shredded cheese, bacon and sour cream. No diets during the holidays!! 

It's the Christmas Turkey!! 

Sing Along Train!! 

Lots of lights to see everywhere 

Oh, we had to take a look at Iron Gwazi construction. 

Don't forget, train reveal tomorrow at IAAPA!! 

The cracker of nuts 

You had us at Penguins!! 

Model trains are the best 

Saturday night was pretty busy, so we came back on Monday night and as you can see, the crowds were nice and light. 

No melt snow people. Snow Persons?  

SANTA! I KNOW HIM. 

Lots of pretty lights to see as the sun goes down 

Welcome to K758U QXAZ!

​Or could it be the North Pole? 

Yeah, you're gonna have a lot to eat. 

Thanks Busch Gardens for having us out to enjoy the event. We love it!!