SeaWorld San Antonio recently reopened its doors for another year and the local attraction has scheduled many events celebrating the theme park’s 20th anniversary.
Owned by Busch Entertainment Corporation, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch, SeaWorld San Antonio – a 250-acre marine-life theme park set in the Westover Hills area of the city – is the world’s largest marine-life theme park.
Formerly known as SeaWorld of Texas, the theme park was originally built at a cost of $170 million and first opened in 1988, according to information on its Web site, www.seaworld.com.
In 1993, the park opened its Lost Lagoon water park, and in 1997 the park released upon the public its first roller coaster, The Great White inverted coaster, along with Rio Loco, a water rapids ride.
In May 2007, SeaWorld debuted its newest thrill ride, Journey to Atlantis. However children’s rides, such as the “Jumpin’ Jungle,” which lifts riders two stories up in the air, also remain perennial favorites.
Several stage shows continue to be fan-favorites including “Believe,” which is Shamu Stadium’s new show featuring lots of interaction with whale trainers. Believe is much more visual than previous shows, concentrating on acrobatics, dramatic original scores and live underwater video projection.
Currently, SeaWorld San Antonio is home to five orca killer whales: Kyuquot, Keet, Unna, Tuar and Halyn.
Another popular show is “The Cannery Row Caper,” a comical who-done-it featuring sea lions Clyde and Seamore. In the 25-minute show, the two sea lion sleuths attempt to unravel the mystery of disappearing fish in a nearby cannery.
Directions:
• From the New Braunfels area, take Interstate 35 south to Loop 410 west. Then take Highway 151 west to Westover Hills Boulevard. Turn left and Westover Hills leads directly to SeaWorld’s entrance.
• Official address is 10500 SeaWorld Drive in San Antonio.
Tickets:
• Gate price for a single-day ticket is $50.99 per adult and $42.99 per child. However, several better pricing options do exist online.
Opening Hours:
• SeaWorld San Antonio is open now through late December with varying operating hours and days.
• For general information, visit www.seaworld.com/sanantonio