SeaWorld Debuts 'Sea of Surprises' Float In 125th Rose Parade

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- "Sea of Surprises" will be the theme of the SeaWorld float in the 125th Rose^® Parade presented by Honda on Jan. 1, 2014 in Pasadena, Calif.  The marine park's most popular animals—including killer whales, penguins, dolphins and sea turtles—will be depicted on the float, designed to highlight the fun, inspiration and surprises that guests will find at the park during SeaWorld's 50th Celebration kicking off next year.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131015/FL97368)

For nearly five decades, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ has surprised and amazed guests with up-close encounters with animals, unique entertainment and thrilling rides. Millions have been inspired through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. On New Year's Day, the beauty and majesty of the sea will come to life in Pasadena, as SeaWorld's "Sea of Surprises" float appears in the Rose Parade^®. 

"We're delighted to be part of the 125th Rose Parade with our 'Sea of Surprises' float," said Jim Atchison, President and CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "SeaWorld has been creating entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for almost 50 years, and this float will help bring that celebration to life."

Built by Fiesta Parade Floats and designed by Stanley A. Meyer Design LLC, the SeaWorld float features a little boy, wide-eyed with wonder, who dives beneath a swirling, cresting wave. Through his ocean exploration, the boy's fantasy comes to life, in perfect fitting with the Rose Parade's theme this year, "Dreams Come True."

"We could not be more excited to have the opportunity to be a part of SeaWorld's 50th celebration, and what better way to celebrate than on the world's largest New Year's Day stage," said Tim Estes, president of Fiesta Parade Floats. "An absolutely perfect complement to the theme, 'Dreams Come True,' the 'Sea of Surprises' float melds the power of connecting to the natural world with the inspiration, fun, and imagination that millions experience when visiting SeaWorld parks."  

SeaWorld's float features many of the parks' most popular animals, including killer whales, dolphins, penguins and sea turtles. A 55-foot floral foaming wave of more than 20,000 cascading iris and roses "crash" over a colorful reef, designed with more than 15,000 florescent orange roses. The bright, whimsical coral reef is teeming with marine animals including starfish, sea horses, turtles, manta rays, crabs and fanciful fish.

SeaWorld will celebrate its 50th year with a sea of surprises at all three parks that will include new interactive experiences and shows, even more up-close animal encounters throughout the parks and the SeaWorld "Surprise Squad" treating park guests with prizes and special experiences every day. For more information about the Celebration, visit www.SeaWorld.com/Celebration.          

The 125th Rose Parade takes place along a 5½-mile route beginning on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2014. For more information, visit www.TournamentofRoses.com.

--SeaWorld--

About SeaWorld:
SeaWorld^® is one of the world's foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. It operates one of the world's most respected programs to rescue and rehabilitate ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld^® rescue team has helped more than 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has granted more than $10 million to wildlife research and conservation projects that protect wildlife and wild places. The Fund commits 100% of donations to on-the-ground wildlife conservation efforts.
Learn more at www.SeaWorld.com.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment:
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable its customers to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share. The Company owns or licenses a portfolio of globally recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Shamu® and Busch Gardens®. Over its more than 50 year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind collection of approximately 67,000 marine and terrestrial animals. The Company's theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests. In addition to its theme parks, the company has recently begun to leverage its brands into media, entertainment and consumer products. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: SEAS). Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. can be obtained online at www.seaworldentertainment.com. Shareholders and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive the Company's press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses:
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO and a variety of associated events. The Tournament's 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game. Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 125th Rose Parade presented by Honda, themed "Dreams Come True," will take place Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, followed by the 100th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO. On Jan. 6, 2014, the Tournament also will host the 2014 VIZIO BCS National Championship at the Rose Bowl Stadium. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment