Imperial Valley News

San Diego, California - Rhythmic drum beats punctuate the night air.  Red, white and blue lights shine down from atop a 320-foot tower.  Laughter can be heard as silly sea lions and mischievous otters wreak havoc on stage.  Killer whales star in their own rock ’n’ roll concert featuring hot lights and cool tunes.

Here’s a look at the 2008 lineup:

New this year for Summer Nights!

“Ignight”:  SeaWorld’s energetic nighttime dolphin show “Ignight” will light up Dolphin Stadium, with bottlenose dolphins performing high-flyin’ behaviors, punctuated by rock ’n’ roll music, lighting effects and pyrotechnics.

Sesame Street Bay of Play at SeaWorld:  On May 24, 2008, SeaWorld will unveil a brand new, whimsical play area for kids called Sesame Street Bay of Play at SeaWorld.  The two-acre area will feature Sesame Street-themed family-friendly rides, character meet-and-greets and boatloads of laughter and fun.  Bay of Play will remain open through the evening during Summer Nights.  (Other new Sesame attractions to enjoy this summer include Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination! in 4-D and Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, which both debuted in March).

Summer Nights Favorites

“Shamu Rocks”: The world-famous killer whale takes center stage during Summer Nights in this 20-minute musical journey that transports Shamu around the globe, through awesome natural settings.  Shamu’s visual journey is enhanced by images on four LED screens that move and rotate to dazzle the audience with a memorable, rockin’ show.

“Sea Lions Tonite”:  Summer Nights guests won’t want to miss “Sea Lions Tonite,” a hilarious adventure featuring famous California sea lions Clyde and Seamore.  The prankster-loving pinnipeds poke fun at the stars of classic daytime SeaWorld shows, including “Dolphin Discovery,” “Believe,” “Pets Rule!” and “Cirque de la Mer.”

“Riptide”:  Over at the main stage in the park’s entrance plaza, amazing hip-hop dancers, gymnasts, drummers and rhythmic artists entertain audiences with their incredible talents on a multi-level stage in this award-winning show.  The talented ensemble of 20 cast members combines artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, percussion and hip-hop dancing, all set to a soundtrack of rock, Latin, jazz and Broadway theater music.

Fireworks:  “Shamu’s SkySplash” fireworks will take place every evening during Summer Nights (check Web site for schedule).  Note: On July 4, SeaWorld will present an extended fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m.

Attractions, rides and more:  In addition to the special summer shows and activities, nearly all of SeaWorld’s other attractions remain open every evening during Summer Nights, including Shipwreck Rapids, Journey To Atlantis,  Wild Arctic, the Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter and more.

Sleepy Time with O.P. Otter:  End your experience at SeaWorld by saying goodnight to O.P. Otter at the park’s exit plaza.  During Sleepy Time as the park closes, the beloved SeaWorld character - clad in pajamas and nightcap - poses for photos as guests exit.

Summer Daytime Fun!

“Cirque de la Mer”:  Returning for its eighth summer, this acrobatic odyssey is performed on land, water, and in the air at SeaWorld’s bayside lagoon venue, the Amphibitheater.  The popular summer daytime show features acrobats, hand balancers, aerialists, trapeze artists and comic performers.

Daytime animal shows:  All of SeaWorld’s favorite year-round shows can be seen during the summer, including the magnificent “Believe” killer whale show, the hilarious “Clyde and Seamore’s Risky Rescue” and the always-adorable “Pets Rule!”

Tips for making the most of your Summer Nights at SeaWorld
Log on to the park’s Web site at www.seaworld.com and purchase tickets online using the Print Your Ticket at home option.  Guests also can learn about park discounts and current operating hours online.

During projected days of peak attendance, SeaWorld allows guests to enter the front of the park 45 minutes prior to full-park opening.  Early birds can use this time to pick up a park map and check the show schedule, grab a light breakfast and plan their day.

Arrive at animal shows at least 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled show time to secure a good seat and enjoy interactive, crowd-pleasing, pre-show activities.

Visit SeaWorld attractions while animal shows in the area are occurring:  while thousands of guests are watching the “Dolphin Discovery” show, visit the Shark Encounter located just north of Dolphin Stadium.

This summer, guests can take advantage of an added dining option:  SeaWorld’s All-You-Care-to-Eat Picnic, Memorial Day weekend, and most Saturdays in June, July and August at the park’s Nautilus Pavilion.  The menu includes barbecued chicken, corn-on-the-cob, ranch-style beans, hot dogs and more.

Summer Nights Dates, Hours, General Information

Summer Nights at SeaWorld, Saturdays and Sundays May 24–June 8; nightly June 14–Sept. 1

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 26; Aug. 18–22; Aug. 25–29; Sept. 1

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 1; June 8; June 15–19; June 23–26

9 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 24–25; May 31; June 7; June 14; June 20–22; June 27–30;

July 1–31; Aug 1–17; Aug. 23–24; Aug. 30–31

For more information call (800) 25-SHAMU or visit www.seaworld.com

Admission to SeaWorld

Single-day SeaWorld admission:  $59 for ages 10 and older; $49 for ages 3–9.  Parking is $10 for cars and $15 for RVs and campers.

2008 SeaWorld Fun Card:  Allows visitors to come back to the park again and again for the rest of 2008 for one great price (black-out dates:  May 25, July 4–5 and Aug. 31).

“Here’s to the Heroes”: Allows active duty military, active reservists, U.S. Coast Guard, National Guardsmen and up to three of their direct dependents one free single-day admission to SeaWorld through the end of 2008.

AAA:  Members can purchase adult admission at kid’s price and kids at half price (some restrictions apply; offer good May 24–Sept. 1).

Southern California CityPass:   Admission to SeaWorld San Diego, Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Knott’s Berry Farm and the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park for $247 adults and $199 for children 3–9.

Southern California 2-Park Flex Ticket:  Entry to SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood for up to 14 consecutive days for $99 adults and $89 for children 3–9.

San Diego 3 for 1 Pass:  Admission to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park for $109 for ages 10 and older; $86 for ages 3–9.