Planet Smoothie Makes a Splash with the Opening of Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark

Business Wire, Feb 28, 2008

Three Exclusive, Limited-Time Smoothie Offerings Are Inspired by Park's Animal Icons

ATLANTA -- Planet Smoothie announced today a partnership with Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark. Opening March 1, located across the street from SeaWorld Orlando is Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that blends up-close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide sandy beaches.

To commemorate the opening of Aquatica, Planet Smoothie's culinary team created three customized flavored smoothies to celebrate the park's South Seas inspiration. "Papa" the spoonbill, "Roa" the Kiwi bird, and "Ihu" the gecko symbolize the playful, carefree nature of Aquatica. These animal characters - derivative patterns from New Zealand's Maori culture - adorn carved totem poles and interactive fountains throughout Aquatica.

Smoothie Creations

* Papa's Peach Beach Delight is a mouth-watering combination of peach, strawberry, yogurt and sherbet. Distinctive for its smooth blend of sherbet and yogurt, Papa's Peach Beach Delight embodies a leisurely beach-combing attitude, represented by Aquatica's Spoonbill icon "Papa."

* Roa's Refreshing Pineapple Breeze is a tangy pineapple, orange juice and strawberry mixture. This smoothie exudes a go-with-the-flow appeal, symbolized by Aquatica's Kiwi bird character "Roa."

* Ihu's Invigorating Strawberry Splash combines the sweet flavor of strawberries with the tart taste of lemons. The Invigorating Strawberry Splash is a tribute to "Ihu," Aquatica's gecko icon and an adventure-filled spirit.

All three new creations are available for a limited time only from March 15 - May 15, 2008 at Planet Smoothie's participating Florida stores only. They include the same fresh, healthy ingredients that have made Planet Smoothie a success for more than 10 years.

"Upon learning of SeaWorld's intention to build a waterpark, we knew it would be an ideal partner for Planet Smoothie," notes Jason Mann, Planet Smoothie Orlando master franchisee. "Aquatica's focus on playful, carefree fun aligns perfectly with Planet Smoothie's emphasis on high-energy, natural and healthy meal alternatives."

"What better way to kick-off spring 2008 than with the opening of Aquatica and Planet Smoothie's commemorative-flavored drinks to honor the event," says Toni Caracciolo, senior director of waterpark marketing. "Whether guests are relaxing at Aquatica on Loggerhead Lane or enjoying the new south sea inspired flavors of a Planet Smoothie drink, both offer a fun and relaxing retreat."

For a limited time, guests to Aquatica will be able to enjoy in-park samples of the three tribute smoothie flavors.

About Planet Smoothie

Planet Smoothie is among the top three smoothie concepts in the country, serving real fruit smoothies infused with vitamins and nutrients for active, occasion-driven consumers. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, Planet Smoothie is the original concept in the Raving Brands portfolio. In 2007, it was recognized by Restaurant Business as a "Future 50" concept, one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country. Its sister concept, Planet Smoothie Cafe, expands the smoothie concept to a more food-oriented experience and features healthy breakfast and lunch menu choices including acai bowls, wraps and salads. For more information, visit www.planetsmoothie.com.

About Aquatica

Aquatica is a one-of-a-kind waterpark that only SeaWorld could create. Blending up-close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches, Aquatica features 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, hidden grottos and refreshing waterfalls. Aquatica's signature attraction sends riders down clear tubes through a crystal-blue lagoon with black-and-white Commerson's dolphins. Aquatica -- a place where the fun is as endless as the sea itself. For more information, visit www.aquaticabyseaworld.com.