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Florida: Orlando, Kids are VIPs with SeaWorld Close Encounters. At SeaWorld Orlando, the line between fun and learning is washed away with unforgettable VIP experiences that seamlessly blend adventure and education. Kids of all ages (and the grown-up kids who bring them) can choose from an adventurous assortment of behind-the-scenes, head-of-the-line, front row, backstage, VIP encounters.

SeaWorld has packaged a series of diverse experiences that give guests a variety of opportunities to interact with amazing animals through up-close tours and educational programs. Available year round, these wild adventures offer a one-of-a-kind chance to create lifelong memories. Reservations for each program can be made by calling (800) 327-2424 or visiting www.SeaWorldOrlando.com. Most program prices are in addition to park admission. Note: Families looking for an excellent vacation base outside of the hustle-and-bustle of Orlando, but within easy reach of attractions such as SeaWorld, should check out beautiful nearby Kissimmee.

Up Close & Personal Experiences

Beluga Interaction Program. The Beluga Interaction Program is one of the few programs in the world where guests can experience up-close, hands-on interactions with majestic beluga whales. Participants suit up and enter the chilly 55 degree water for a shallow-water encounter in the whales’ habitat at Wild Arctic. This incredible program is limited to four guests per session and includes an educational booklet on whales. Participants must be at least 10 years of age older.

Sharks Deep Dive. SeaWorld plunges guests into the realm of the shark as part of the park’s most daring animal interaction program, Sharks Deep Dive. Participants don wetsuits and a Sea Trek helmet – which allows participants to breathe and communicate underwater without scuba equipment- during their close encounter with more than 30 sharks and an array of fish. This two-hour adventure is limited to two guests and includes a “Sharks Deep Dive” T-shirt and a shark information booklet. Participants must be 10 or older.

Marine Mammal Keeper Experience. Marine Mammal Keeper Experience is an eight-hour program where guests experience the thrill of working alongside marine mammal experts. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of mammals at SeaWorld, including manatees, dolphins and beluga whales. From preparing daily diets to helping rescued manatees, participants learn firsthand how SeaWorld animal care specialists work with marine animals. Up to three guests per day can participate in the program that begins at 6:30 a.m. Participants must be 13 or older. This interactive experience includes lunch, a T-shirt, a career book and a seven-day pass to SeaWorld.

Educational Tours & Programs
 
Elite VIP Tour. SeaWorld rolls out the red carpet in a first-class experience that takes guests below the surface, above the waves, and beyond expectations with the personalized six-hour Elite VIP Tour. A team of planning experts customizes each celebrity experience, creating the ideal itinerary – including the best seats in the house for two live shows, front-of-the-line access at main attractions, and one-on-one close encounters with some of SeaWorld’s most loveable creatures. The day is topped off at Sharks Underwater Grill, the park’s gourmet steak and seafood restaurant, where VIP guests dine under the toothsome gaze of eels, barracuda, venomous fish, and sharks in the 700,000-gallon aquarium. Gulp!

VIP Tour. The VIP Tour is an exclusive, seven-hour guided tour with front-of-the-line access to rides, reserved seating at shows, fish to feed dolphins and sea lions, the opportunity to touch a penguin and lunch at Backstage at Believe. Tour guests will have a knowledgeable guide to escort them through various park attractions and answer questions.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Join SeaWorld’s most knowledgeable tour guides for a 90-minute tour that for a behind-the-scenes look at SeaWorld’s animal caretaking techniques. Guests have the rare opportunity to visit the park’s rehabilitation facilities where rescued manatees and sea turtles receive specialized care. The adventure continues as guests are challenged to separate shark fact from fiction before interacting with a small shark, exploring a hidden polar bear den and touching a penguin. Ten percent of this tour admission will be donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund to support research, conservation and education projects around the world.

Dolphin Spotlight. The Dolphin Spotlight gives SeaWorld guests a chance to interact with one of the world’s most loveable mammals, the bottlenose dolphin. Giving new meaning to “family vacation,” this 60-minute walking tour reveals the inner workings of the park’s successful breeding program. Beginning with an interactive orientation, the tour covers the history of the bottlenose, fun facts, animal training techniques and wildlife conservation – and combines elements of hands-on contact, education, unforgettable fun and adventure. Participants must be at least 10 years of age.
 
Penguin Spotlight. This 60-minute walking tour enables SeaWorld’s penguin and puffin enthusiasts to venture behind-the-scenes of Penguin Encounter. Guests learn firsthand from animal care experts about what it takes to nurture these unique birds. Then, participants put their knowledge to the test as they interact with curious puffins and waddling penguins. Please note this tour involves a set of stairs and may involve walking on ice or wet surfaces.

SeaWorld Adventure Camps.
SeaWorld's education department offers more than 200 summer camp classes, including sleepover programs and adventures for kids -- as well as the whole family. For information, call (866) 4SW-CAMP or swbg-adventurecamps.com.
*Park admission is required and is not included in cost of V.I.P. programs.

For reservations, prices and additional information on SeaWorld’s V.I.P. programs, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.
 
Make it happen in the area. Adjacent to Orlando proper and not far from theme park action, Kissimmee offers oodles of family vacation possibilities often with savings. The special family vacation offers change frequently, so to stay in the information loop sign up for the free e-newsletter, checkout Kissimmee on Facebook or follow the latest news on Twitter. See what others are saying about Kissimmee at Kissimmee's blog, i.SeeKissimmee.com and to explore all of the options log on to www.VisitKissimmee.com.
 
Images and information provided by SeaWorld Orlando. Copyright 2010.
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