The Interpreter Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 Sometime around twilight tonight, SeaWorld Orlando will flip the switch on the theme park's newest addition: a forest of Christmas trees, some three stories tall, floating in a lagoon and trimmed with more than 159,000 blinking lights synchronized to holiday music. SeaWorld's "Sea of Trees," which has been 18 months in the making, is the latest project to emerge from the marine park's multiyear campaign to carve itself a new niche during one of the most important — but competitive — periods of the year.... Park executives are banking on a big yuletide to help salvage what has been a difficult year for SeaWorld Orlando, where attendance has slumped amid a soft economy, tougher competition and negative publicity from the February death of a killer-whale trainer. An Orlando rebound is crucial for corporate parent SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; though the company runs 10 theme parks across the country, its three Orlando parks — SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica — account for approximately 43 percent of its operating income, according to credit analysts at Standard & Poor's. The end-of-year holidays, when schools are out and families are traveling, have always been an important period for Orlando's theme parks. More importantly, though, seasonal events help draw locals out for extra visits in November and early December — a period that can be as dismal for the parks as late December is robust.... http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-11-25/business/os-seaworld-holidays-competition-20101125_1_world-and-universal-orlando-discovery-cove-and-aquatica-theme-parks The full article is well worth the read... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I`m a little surprised by the revenue number. Three of its ten properties account for nearly 50% of their operating income? That seems a little high to me. It still amazes me that these year round parks continue to enhance and extend their Christmas celebrations, while it remains a relatively untapped market in the seasonal park market, save for a few Six Flags parks and the Herschend Family Entertainment properties. Yes, the weather this time of year is not the greatest, but it sure seems like some of these parks could earn additional income during these two months. Although, I think it is safe to say we will not see Winterfest returning to KI anytime soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TylerRider Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 This made me think of a good idea for Winterfest: Santa and Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 I'd bet that BGT adds even more to that percentage than most would think. Seasonal parks are at a disadvantage from the beginning...BGW will never bring in as much as a full year park of its size and quality would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 Keep in mind CoastersRZ that the rest of the other parks are seasonal including 2 of them being stand alone water parks, except BGT which seems to do OK. I am sure with BGT new coaster addition next they will see a big increase with their numbers. Thanks Interpreter for the article, it looks like I will be able to go down on a solo trip in two weeks from today for the weekend. A night at Sea World is on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I wish I could break away for a trip down there. I have never been to a Busch or Sea World park yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I'd bet that BGT adds even more to that percentage than most would think. Seasonal parks are at a disadvantage from the beginning...BGW will never bring in as much as a full year park of its size and quality would. While it certainly adds more than the other two SeaWorld properties, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the others.....it still is far, far away from Orlando. Lets phrase it this way, if Orlando sneezes then the rest of the parks catch a cold. The revenue number in the article is very much accurate. We had the Team Member preview on Wednesday night, its absolutely WONDERFUL! I believe that the holiday season at SeaWorld is going to be very successful. Having a completely different line-up of Christmas shows for the night time hours proved to be very successful last season in keeping a high number of guests in Park until the later hours right up until Park closing.....thus the major investment in this year's event. Sea of Trees is beautiful, it really is. It also provides a gorgeous backdrop for Winter Wonderland on Ice. One of the best surprises of the event.....the Christmas Market along the Bayside pathway. Taking que from Christmas Town last year, various huts have been set up to comprise the village....each selling a unique assortment of holiday merchandise, food and games. The entire pathway is lined with lights in the trees, the bushes, various animal displays including Polar Bears and Penguins. I took a few pictures the other night, I'm going to take more this weekend and do a review at some point. SeaWorld will be open until 11PM on all nights of Christmas Celebration, beginning tonight......lots of night time Manta rides whoo hoo! Holiday Reflections....viewed from Bayside Stadium which is home to Winter Wonderland on Ice! Polar Express - the train was added for this season. Waterfront snow flurries..... Winter Wonderland on Ice One of the displays in the Christmas Market Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I wish I could break away for a trip down there. I have never been to a Busch or Sea World park yet! Hey buddy, I do not know if you can get away on Friday Dec 10th through Sunday 12th, but if you can you are welcome to join me to go to Sea World, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens Tampa and possible visit to Universal Studios. My brother lives close by so we can stay there and he will be going with me to the parks so he will do all the driving. before you say no consider this fantastic opportunity; Everything except Universal and air fare will cost you only $175.00. keep in mind if you book DC right now it would cost you $199, so for $175 you get a full day at DC including a swim with the dolphins and all your food and snacks that day, a night at Sea World and a day at Busch Gardens. Come on buddy take the plunge and go, I just decided a few days ago to do this and love these kind of spontaneous trips. Todd thanks for the update hopefully you may be available during that weekend, if so I would love to meet up with you for part or all of that weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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