THE TENNESSEE TRIBUNE
August 14 -August 20, 2008
Travel
www.thetennesseetribune.com
Get Splashed!
B
SeaWorld and Aquatica deliver waves of fun
Universal offers theme parks and convenient on-site stay
The Peabody on International Drive offers luxury and convenience to guests
Renuka Christoph Get ready to splash and be splashed! SeaWorld, home to America’s favorite killer whale, Shamu, entertains visitors with a phenomenal show called “Believe.” It is an awe inspiring show with breathtaking jumps taken by the massive predator. But there is much more to SeaWorld than just Shamu. See penguins, sharks, sea lions, dolphins and otters in humorous and innovative shows. The park has done an amazing job in incorporating a couple of newer rides with entertaining shows that the entire family will enjoy. Get ready to endure high speed coaster called Kraken. It will take its adventurous riders on twists, turns and loops at topspeed. Journey to Atlantis is a magical journey into the Lost World which combines --exhilarating drops. Beer anyone? The Brewmaster’s Club provides each visitor one complimentary beer of choice
Choose from a classic BudLight with lime or go for something more daring as Beachbum. Clyde and Seamore is a hilarious live performance that is just as humorous to kids as adults. Enjoy Odyssea, an indoor circus with an ocean theme. SeaWorld provides a full day of fun with many shows to choose from, whether a stunt water ski show or Pets Ahoy! which is a humorous act utilizing house pets rescued by SeaWorld’s own vet. Reserve a day for Aquatica, SeaWorld’s very own waterpark filled with water thrills. This is where water lovers will find every type of water slide, from plunges to intricate winding slides. The dolphin plunge includes just what the name says, a plunge with dolphins swimming around the enclosed part of the slide. The lazy river will give onlookers a better view of the dolphins since it isn’t speeding down an incline.
Visitors can double and sometimes triple up on some of the water thrills. Each tube holds two to three people. Giant inner tubes will take guests down all kinds of winding tubes, some are fully open, some partially enclosed. Kids have plenty of areas to enjoy. When visiting Orlando, choosing a hotel can be tough. The abundance of accommodations can make it difficult to narrow down what to pick. I chose the Peabody on International Drive. It is home to the classic duck march and is just as humorous as it is impressive. Duckmaster Dave selects an honorary master to accompany him to the rooftop where the ducks are housed. The red carpet helps the ducks get to the elevator and down the aisle where a group of spectators await the waddling performers. Wanting to swim laps or just wade? A luxurious outdoor lap pool is inviting any
time of day. The room I stayed in was a suite which combined three hotel rooms. It had its own private balcony At night, I could see fireworks from the major parks, east and west. It was a spectacular display. “The Peabody Orlando’s continuing success is due to our consistent, hotel wide commitment to providing our guests an unprecedented level of service and comfort, a blend of meticulous attention to all aspects of operations, and the extraordinary level of Peabody Service Excellence® provided by our associates,” said Alan C. Villaverde, executive vice president, Peabody Hotels, and general manager of the luxury, landmark hotel on International Drive. If you are looking for aquatic fun, then head to SeaWorld and Aquatica. It will entertain the whole family. Stay at the Peabody and experience comfort and quality.
One of the trainers receives a kiss from Shamu
A young visitor emerges from the pool after daring to dive down an Aquatica slide