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Chill out at SeaWorld

Southern Living, Aug 2003 by McKinney, Wanda

Have a whale of a time at this Orlando theme park, where fun in the sun includes several cool surprises.

This is the time of year we yearn for all things cool. High on the list are frosty beverages, blasts of arctic air, and something fun to do that won't make us collapse from heat exhaustion. You'll find all these cold comforts at a very unlikely place-in the midst of steamy SeaWorld Orlando.

Tuxedo Junction

Elvis, the penguin, used to live here, but things got too crowded, so he left the building. But Jaws still hangs out, as do another 200 or so penguins in SeaWorld's Penguin Encounter, just one way this adventure park promises to refresh you.

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You'll love watching the black-tie, beaked birds as they waddle about their bracing habitat with great dignity. Check out the four different types that reside here-the rockhopper, chinstrap, gentoo, and the tall king penguin. All enjoy diving and swimming in their 45-degree pool, looking like graceful bowling pins. Don't miss the 2 p.m. session, when staffers answer questions about these adorable Arctic types. Most of all, you'll thrill to the chill of the 32-degree air, sure to invigorate whenever you duck in to get a gander at these birds.

Polar Opposites

Still looking for a place to chill? Breathe more frigid air in the Wild Arctic area, where you'll see polar bears, walruses, and seals. Giant white bears, with the appropriate names of Klondike and Snow, sport massive fur coats and very long claws. You're bound to fall for Garfield, the 3,000-pound walrus cavorting in the 36-degree water. He lumbers awkwardly on land, but in the water he's an agile mermaid in lumpy clothing. Climb aboard the action ride here, Wild Arctic, which takes you on a simulated helicopter jaunt over the frozen tundra.

The Killers and the Cuties

There are two ultimately cool shows that you don't want to miss at SeaWorld. First is the popular "Shamu Adventure," which features killer whales that dive and jump on command. Go early, and be sure to pick a seat on the second level unless you want a thorough soaking. If you are in a splish-splashy mood, sit in the first 14 rows. You're pretty much guaranteed a good drenching brought on by a well-aimed whale tail.

Then go see "Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island." The jokes are so bad, they're funny. The mime who entertains (and taunts) the crowd before the show is priceless. But once again, the creatures-sea lions, walrus, and otters-are the stars.

Must-see at SeaWorld

Don't miss the two big rides the theme park offers. Kraken, the large multiloop roller coaster, promises to scare your socks off. The last ride of the day should be Journey to Atlantis, with two big drops that will cool you off with a splashdown of Orlando-size proportions.

You'll also find food in good proportions at SeaWorld, with a couple of really cool options available. Try Dine With Shamu, where you eat a poolside buffet while watching the trainers hard at work with the killer whales. Sharks Underwater Grill, a full-service restaurant, features a pseudo-undersea dining experience. Feast on salmon as sharks swim grimly in a huge aquarium/picture window. Chilling indeed.

As far as lodging goes, you can't miss with the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld, just across the street from the park. Once you check in, you don't have to get back in your car until you're ready to leave. You can also see the nightly fireworks display throughout the summer from the comfort of your SeaWorld View guestroom.

There are many more cool critters to see if you have time-dolphins, stingrays, manatees, and the furry-footed Clydesdales. So step out of the heat and into some big-time fun at SeaWorld.

Chill out at SeaWorld

Southern Living, Aug 2003 by McKinney, Wanda

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