2014 is the year of celebration and new heights at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment with a world first face-down drop tower - Falcon’s Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa, and SeaWorld’s 50th Anniversary celebration – Sea of Surprises.

 

FALCON’S FURY RISES AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA IN 2014

In spring 2014 Busch Gardens Tampa is taking guests’ experiences to new heights with Falcon’s Fury, the first drop tower of its kind in the world, mimicking the dive speeds of the fastest animal on earth*.

 

Falcon’s Fury will stand at 335 feet (102metres) and take riders plunging 60 mph straight down.  At the ride’s highest point Busch Gardens has added an element of surprise.  Like its bird of prey namesake, riders will pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position. An instant later they'll plunge 60 mph at 3.5 Gs straight down with speed and power like they’ve never experienced before.

 

Located in the Timbuktu area of Busch Gardens, Falcon’s Fury will be visible from any location in the park and even across the Tampa Bay area. 

 

With no connecting structures, it will be the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America. 

 

50 year celebration at seaworld

 

The original SeaWorld park opened its gates for the first time in March 1964 on Mission Bay in San Diego. To commemorate a key event in the company’s history, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will launch a multi-park 50th celebration in 2014 – Sea of Surprises.

 

From 21st March 2014 SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio will share the excitement through celebrations that will highlight some of the most memorable SeaWorld experiences. 

 

For nearly five decades, SeaWorld has surprised and amazed guests with unique entertainment, thrilling rides and up-close encounters with marine animals. During SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration, visitors will be invited to take part in the celebration through new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the park and the SeaWorld Surprise Squad treating guests with prizes every day.

 

Highlights include:

Even more surprise encounters with roaming animal ambassadors throughout the day such as Magellanic penguins, lemurs or even a flamingo parade.

 

Celebration giveaways in park…. The SeaWorld Surprise Squad will be offering spot prizes including exclusive access to rides, behind-the-scenes experiences, celebration t-shirts, Shamu-themed merchandise, reserved show seating and more.

 

On the spot entertainment…..SeaWorld park pathways will come to life with spontaneous entertainment at unexpected moments, including performers with sea-inspired costumes and props, a bubble brigade and splash mob.

 

Art for animals….. to highlight SeaWorld’s commitment to the environment and passion for protecting the ocean, a series of giant sea life sculptures will be displayed throughout the parks. SeaWorld has commissioned environmental art group Washed Ashore to make the large-scale art created from ocean debris.

 

For more information and to book tickets visit www.seaworldparks.co.uk.

 

-Ends-

 

Media Enquiries
Lucy Quilliam, PR Manager, 020 7612 1199 / lucy@cubo.com  

Clare Leckie, Junior Account Executive, 0207 612 1168 / clare.leckie@themediafoundry.com

For the latest press releases, conservation stories and downloadable high-res images, please visit our new media centre: www.seaworldparks.co.uk/media-centre 

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable its customers to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share. Over its more than 50 year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind collection of approximately 67,000 marine and terrestrial animals.

 

The Company’s theme parks in Florida include Discovery Cove, a tropical oasis in the heart of Orlando where you can swim with a dolphin; SeaWorld, the world's most popular marine life park; Busch Gardens, full of wild animals and even wilder rides and Aquatica, SeaWorld's waterpark.

 

The best value ticket for visiting SeaWorld Parks is the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package and the 3-Park Ticket.

 

The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package includes one day reservation at Discovery Cove (with 30 minute dolphin swim experience, all meals, snacks and beverages) plus 14 day unlimited entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens AND Aquatica – offering customers more savings and flexibility for their Florida holiday. Prices start from just £169 per person.

 

The 3-Park Ticket offers 14 days unlimited entry to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica AND Busch Gardens Tampa. Prices start from £93 per person

www.seaworldparks.co.uk

* The falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of 200 mph